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8th August 2025 (12 Topics)

Great Barrier Reef Records Worst Coral Loss in Four Decades

Context:

The Australian Institute of Marine Science reported that the Great Barrier Reef has suffered its largest annual coral loss in 39 years, mainly due to climate change-induced coral bleaching.

Background of the Great Barrier Reef (GBR):

  • It is the world’s largest coral reef system, spanning approximately 344,000 sq. km off the northeast coast of Australia.
  • It is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and a biodiversity hotspot.

Recent Report Highlights (2025):

  • The 2024 coral cover was the highest recorded in 39 years, but the annual loss was also the highest ever.
  • Coral bleaching caused by record ocean temperatures in 2023–2024 led to significant damage.
  • Coral loss by region:
    • Southern GBR: ~33% loss
    • Northern GBR: ~25% loss
    • Central GBR: ~14% loss

Cause of Bleaching:

  • Coral bleaching occurs when corals expel zooxanthellae algae under prolonged thermal stress, turning them white and weakening them.
  • The current bleaching event is the largest ever, affecting 84% of global reef areas.
  • Initiated in Jan 2023 and declared a global crisis in April 2024.

Climate Thresholds (IPCC, 2018):

  • Coral reefs are extremely sensitive to warming beyond 2–1.5°C above pre-industrial levels.
  • At 2°C warming, coral-dominated ecosystems are projected to become nearly non-existent.
  • The current warming is ~1.3°C since pre-industrial times.

Ecological and Global Impact:

  • Coral reefs support 25% of all marine species.
  • Serve as natural barriers against coastal erosion and storms.
  • Crucial for fisheries, biodiversity, and tourism economies
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