According to the latest research conducted by a team of scientists from various universities in Australia, the sea surface temperature in the Great Barrier Reef area (Queensland) has reached its highest level in four centuries. This situation poses a severe threat to the ecosystem of the world’s largest coral reef.
Scientists across Australia have conducted core drilling on coral samples for analysis. This method allows them to measure ocean temperatures during the summer since 1618. Combined with satellite data, the research team found that sea temperatures have shown a gradual increase since the early 20th century.
Great Barrier Reef (Queensland, Australia). (Photo: Reuters).
Specifically, during the period from 1960 to 2024, the average annual sea temperature from January to March has increased by an average of 0.12 degrees Celsius per decade. Notably, the temperature data also indicates that during the first three months of 2024, the sea temperature off the coast of Queensland was at its highest level in 400 years. This has negatively impacted the Great Barrier ecosystem, causing most of the corals to turn white due to “thermal stress” and facing the risk of mass mortality.
Dr. Benjamin Henley (University of Melbourne, co-author of the study) stated: “The phenomenon of coral bleaching may occur more frequently in the future. The future of the world’s largest coral reef will undoubtedly be at risk unless we stabilize temperatures to rise below 1.5 degrees Celsius in the coming decades.”
Meanwhile, another study by the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) also revealed that since February 2023, at least 54 countries and regions have been experiencing similar phenomena.
Professor Helen McGregor (University of Wollongong) remarked: “The increasing occurrence of coral bleaching demonstrates that all coral reefs around the world are in danger.”
“This also serves as a wake-up call for the entire world to reduce greenhouse gas emissions immediately,” Professor Helen emphasized.
The Great Barrier Reef of Australia is the largest coral reef system in the world, consisting of approximately 3,000 individual reefs stretching nearly 2,300 km along the coast of Queensland. Considered one of the largest and most diverse coral systems on the planet, the Great Barrier Reef attracts millions of tourists and researchers each year. It is also the largest living structure in the world, visible from space, and was designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1981. |
