In recent years, the reef has been struggling with bleaching and coral death due to high temperatures. Australian researchers have calculated that 70 to 90 percent of the reef will die if the water temperature rises by another 1.5 degrees.
Clearly
According to a recent scientific report from UNESCO, it is abundantly clear that the reef is under threat. The organization believes that Australia is doing too little too little to improve water quality and achieve climate goals in order to protect the coral.
Australia fears the tourists will stay away if the coral reef is placed on the list. That would have major economic consequences. Immediately after UNESCO announced the intention last month, Australia started a huge lobby:
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Dozens of ambassadors were flown in to snorkel the reef and see for themselves how well Australia is managing it.
‘Biased and political’
The Australian environment minister, meanwhile, visited most of the 21 countries that manage the list. She said UNESCO’s decision was “biased and political.” China, currently chairman of those 21 countries, is said to be behind the proposal in order to put a foot on Australia. The two countries are embroiled in some heated conflicts.
The director of Greenpeace in Australia calls it a victory for the ‘most cynical lobby’ in recent history. “This is not an achievement, this is a black day for Australia.”
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