Scientists at the James Cook University Coral Research Institute in Queensland found that only two percent of the Great Barrier Reef had not been affected by coral bleaching since the phenomenon first appeared in 1998.
However, at least 80 percent of coral reefs have been severely affected by bleaching at least once since 2016. According to experts, this is mainly due to climate change and the associated warming of the oceans. Bleaching is a stress response for hyperthermic corals because sensitive organisms can only exist at certain temperatures.
If the average global rate of global warming stays below 1.5 degrees Celsius, the Great Barrier Reef’s corals may change, but they will survive, said study lead author Terry Hughes of the Australian Coral Reef Research Authority.
According to the expert, the intensity and extent of heat waves caused by climate change are increasing; Since 1998, there have been five massive coral bleachers that have caused varying degrees of coral extinction.
In 2020, for the first time, we found strong bleaching along the entire length of the reef, including the northern and central regions, but mostly in the southern regions.
Hughes said.
According to the study, corals that survive bleaching may have higher levels of heat tolerance, but as the time between bleaching events shortens, corals have less time to regenerate.
The study’s authors call for urgent action to mitigate climate change.
Ironically, it was time for the COP26 summit in Glasgow to present our study. It is critical to the future of hundreds of millions of corals and humans that all countries significantly reduce greenhouse gas emissions.
world noted.
UNESCO threatened in July to designate the reef as a world heritage site in danger of extinction, but under pressure from the Australian government, the Great Barrier Reef has so far escaped a demotion. Next time in 2023, the future of natural treasure will be discussed again.
The unique coral reef, off the east coast of Australia, covers an area of more than 340,000 square kilometers and can be seen with the naked eye from outer space.
Although coral reefs cover only 0.2 percent of the ocean floor, they are home to at least a quarter of marine species. It is a vital habitat and an important source of protein, medicine, and food for people, jobs, and protection from storms and erosion for millions.
(via MTI)
