The Great Barrier Reef Rated “Very Poor”

Global warming has once again claimed one of the world's most beautiful reefs. The Great Barrier Reef in Australia is one of the world's largest reefs and it has recently been given the evaluation of "very poor". A state agency released this evaluation downgrading the status of the reef to the lowest level, which in turn could jeopardize its World Heritage Status. 

According to the report submitted by the Great Barrier Reef Marine Park Authority (GBRMPA), the overall health condition of the coral system, particularly off the northeast coast of the state of Queensland, has deteriorated since it was last reviewed in 2014. The problems that the reef is facing has been identified and experts say that these problems are not insurmountable. 

"This report wants to draw people's attention to the outlook of the Great Barrier Reef. the long-term plan to save the reef is not looking very good. The poor condition of the reef is largely driven by the impact of climate change to the corals," said David Wachenfeld, Chief Scientist of GBRMPA. 

And yet despite the damage that has been done in the reef, experts from the GBRMPA believe that with collective action, the reef can still be saved. 

"Despite the low rating it has received in the last evaluation conducted, there are still a lot of things that can be done. The local efforts to improve the resilience of the reef coupled with the global action to reduce the effects of global warming, people can turn around the reef and bring back its former glory."

The strongest and the fastest way to reverse the effects of climate change is to bring together a collective effort to save the planet. Whether it is to reduce the production of single-use plastics, or plant more trees, or do a coastal clean-up, everyone is encouraged to do their share to save the planet. 

The report that is submitted every five years currently paints a deteriorated picture of the massive coral bleaching in the Great Barrier Reef. Overfishing, habitat loss, heating of the ocean waters and well as coastal land clean-up has all led to the reef that it is today. The reef that stretches to more than 2,300 km has been the home to 400 types of corals and 1,500 types of species. 

The reef may not be in a good condition at the moment, but it doesn't have to be that way all the time. It can be saved and people need to know how it can be done.