Climate change is threatening the Great Barrier Reef. Coral bleaching and ocean acidification are two direct manifestations of climate change on coral reefs. By 2020, if we do nothing, 60% of the Reef will bleach every second year. By 2040 there may not be a Great Barrier Reef. (IPCC 2007)
The Great Barrier Reef contributes over $6 billion to the Australian economy each year mostly through tourism, which would be lost if we do not act.
Knowledge – from research – is the key to maximising the resilience of the Great Barrier Reef.
The Foundation has a Research Vision to understand and maximise the resilience of reefs in the face of climate change, which underpins its Research Framework. The Framework will direct investments to:
assess the threats, from climate change and other compounding threats;- determine the attributes of a sustainable reef;
- develop solutions and adaptations to the threats; and
- develop a robust and effective monitoring, evaluation and reporting system,
in order to achieve the Vision.
We need to know a lot more and act quickly, if the Reef is going to survive.