‘Most of it was dead’: scientists discover one of Great Barrier Reef’s worst coral bleaching events
GuardianJul 04
Study: Hottest Sea in 400 Years Threatens Great Barrier Reef
Above: The Great Barrier Reef from Above. Image copyright: Unsplash
The Facts
According to a study published in Nature on Thursday, water temperatures in and around Australia's Great Barrier Reef have reached their highest levels in 400 years in the past decade, posing an existential threat to the marine ecosystem and biodiversity.
The researchers reconstructed sea surface temperature from 1618 to 2024 using coral skeleton samples and ship and satellite data and found that the sea had warmed 0.12°C (0.22°F) on average from 1960 through 2024.
The Spin
Narrative A
The scientific evidence strongly indicates that human-induced climate change is responsible for increased ocean temperatures, which threaten the world's largest reef. Australia must do more to reduce its emissions to battle climate change and protect its greatest natural asset.
Narrative B
While climate change could affect ocean temperatures, weather phenomena such as El Niño may also play a role. Chaotic weather patterns can reduce ocean cloud cover, which could lead to an increase in solar radiation and ocean warming. Further research is required to establish certainty.