Protecting the Reef: Why Australia’s Climate Policy Is Key to Preserving World Heritage Status

The Great Barrier Reef is facing a crucial moment. It might be labeled a World Heritage site in danger next year, hinging on Australia’s climate policies.

Recently, the World Heritage Committee met in Paris and urged Australia to set ambitious climate goals. Specifically, they want targets that align with keeping global warming below 1.5°C. If Australia doesn’t step up, the Reef could be at risk of being placed on the “in Danger” list by mid-2026.

Climate experts indicate that Australia needs to cut emissions by at least 90% by 2035, aiming for net-zero emissions before 2040 to help stabilize the planet’s temperatures. The government is expected to announce its 2035 targets this September.

The situation for the Great Barrier Reef is not new. The Reef has already experienced multiple mass coral bleaching events since 1998, with recent incidents in 2020, 2022, and 2024. The World Heritage Committee has voiced concern that the Reef’s condition continues to decline due primarily to climate change.

Dermot O’Gorman, CEO of WWF Australia, emphasized the importance of this moment for Prime Minister Albanese. “Setting a strong 2035 climate target would protect the Reef and its rich cultural heritage,” he said. He believes this would also safeguard industries reliant on the Reef and minimize the impacts of climate change across Australia.

Statistics paint a worrying picture: UNESCO’s past predictions for coral bleaching were overly optimistic. In 2017, they indicated severe bleaching might only happen twice a decade but the Reef has already suffered six mass bleaching events in just the last ten years. This increase in severity highlights urgent action is needed.

The World Heritage Committee has requested several measures beyond a climate target, such as updated laws to protect vegetation, making the Reef gillnet-free by mid-2027, and supporting the Great Barrier Reef Traditional Owner Taskforce.

Australia must submit a detailed report on these actions and the Reef’s health by February 1, 2026, ahead of the Committee’s 48th session. The stakes couldn’t be higher for this iconic natural wonder.



Source link