Australia must do more to battle climate change and end fossil fuel projects if we are to save the Great Barrier Reef.
The Reef experienced its most severe bleaching event in 2024 due to record ocean temperatures. More corals died than in any other year since monitoring began four decades ago.
The Australian and Queensland governments must step up in the face of climate change and do all they can to prevent devastating Reef bleachings.
Urge our governments to implement these Reef-saving actions:
- Climate Action: Cut greenhouse gas emissions by 90% by 2035, commit to no new fossil fuel projects and invest more in renewable energy.
- Water Pollution: Stop deforestation in reef catchments, particularly along rivers and creeks; invest in wetland restoration; and develop a fully costed plan to meet water quality targets by 2030.
- Fisheries: Phase out coral harvesting in the Great Barrier Reef and Coral Sea, and support the industry to transition to aquaculture.
- Management: Develop an emergency response plan to increase resilience on reefs affected by major events like mass bleaching, cyclones and floods.
Our Reef is under immense pressure. This is the decade to focus on solutions to local threats and meaningful climate action.
Add your name to let the Federal Environment Minister know you want action taken.
Header image credit: CoralWatch and Caitlin Lawson. Coral bleaching on GBR March 2024.