Great Barrier Reef
Published on 29 Mar 2025
• A study found the Great Barrier Reef waters were the warmest in 400 years over the past decade.
• Stretching 1,500 miles off Queensland (Australia), the reef saw largely stable temperatures before 1900, but warming began steadily from 1960 due to human influence.
• From 2016 to 2024, the reef experienced mass coral bleaching events, where rising temperatures caused corals to expel algae, leading to loss of colour and sometimes death.
• Coral reefs protect shorelines, support marine life, and boost tourism.
• The Great Barrier Reef is not currently on UNESCO’s list of world heritage sites that are in danger.