In a recent study the scientists have revealed that the climate has damaged the Great Barrier Reef to such an extent that now it is beyond repair. The warming of the oceans has caused this irreversible damage to Earth's greatest natural wonder near the coast of Queensland in northeastern Australia.
The Great Barrier Reef has been suffering from mass bleaching due to the soaring sea temperatures. This resulted in the extinction of the coral reef's the colour providing algae – zooxanthallae. According to a 2016 survey, around 95 percent of the Great Barrier Reef is suffering from bleaching.
The Telegraph revealed a report that although the ecological function of the coral reef can be maintained, but saving it is not possible any longer in its present form.
Reports said the Australian government manages a committee titled Great Barrier Reef Marine Park Authority that is looking forward to improve the condition of the coral reef. It stated that there is still some hope of maintaining the ecological function of the reef over the coming years. The committee further added that a severe long-term damage is there and it cannot be fixed unless some steps are taken now.
"The concept of 'maintaining ecological function' refers to the balance of ecological processes necessary for the reef ecosystem as a whole to persist, but perhaps in a different form, noting the composition and structure may differ from what is currently seen today," The Great Barrier Reef Marine Park Authority said.
The committee advised that in order to protect the barrier reef, the greenhouse gas emissions should be lowered. It also added that necessary steps should be taken to enhance the resilience of the coral and other ecosystems which form the Great Barrier Reef. The coral reef could be declared as a World Heritage Site "in danger" by the committee.
