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FT.com, March 13, 2023

The Great Barrier Reef's coral cover has plummeted to a record low, according to a report by the Australian Institute of Marine Science (AIMS). The devastating decline is attributed to rising sea temperatures, pollution, and climate change.

The report found that the coral cover has dropped by 14.5% since 2016, with the most significant decline occurring in the past two years. The Great Barrier Reef, one of the world's most biologically diverse ecosystems, is now at an unprecedented 10.4% coral cover.

The AIMS report highlights the alarming rate of coral bleaching, which has increased by 50% since the 2016 mass bleaching event. Coral bleaching occurs when corals expel their algal symbionts, turning white and often leading to their death.

Climate change is the primary driver of coral bleaching, with rising sea temperatures and ocean acidification placing immense pressure on the reef's delicate ecosystem. The report also notes that pollution, including agricultural runoff and excess nutrients, is exacerbating the decline.

The Australian government has been criticized for its inaction on climate change, with conservationists calling for urgent action to mitigate the crisis. The report's findings have sparked renewed calls for increased funding and international cooperation to protect the Great Barrier Reef.

The AIMS report is the latest in a series of dire warnings about the reef's condition. Last year, a report by the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) predicted that the reef would lose up to 90% of its coral cover by 2050 if global warming continues unchecked.

The Great Barrier Reef's decline has far-reaching consequences, impacting not only the ecosystem but also the local economy and global biodiversity. As the world grapples with the climate crisis, the Great Barrier Reef's plight serves as a stark reminder of the urgent need for collective action to protect our planet's most vulnerable ecosystems.