By Stefica Nicol Bikes

SYDNEY – An Australian university released a study on Friday that looked at numerous catastrophes to the Great Barrier Reef. The first report found that only 2% has escaped from bleaching in the area since 1998 (the hottest year recorded).

Global warming must be kept below 1.5 degrees Celsius, which is the highest temperature increase that can occur, according to Professor Terry Hughes of the Centre of Excellence for Coral Reef Studies, Australian Research Council.

He stated that if global warming is kept to 1.5 degrees, then we will still be able to have the Great Barrier Reef.

The stress reaction of corals overheated during heat waves is bleaching. This causes them to lose their colours and makes it difficult for many to survive. According to a study done by James Cook University, Australia’s Queensland state, eighty percent have been severely bleached at least once in the history of World Heritage-listed marvels.

Hughes explained that “even the most remote and most beautiful parts of Great Barrier Reef have bleached severe at least once.”

According to the study, corals have an adaptable heat threshold that increases if they’ve survived previous bleaching events. However, the time between these bleaching episodes has shrunk which means the reefs are less likely to recover.

Hughes stated that Australia has to take more steps to reduce greenhouse gas emissions after it rejected the pledge made by the United States of America and the European Union last week.

“The government continues to issue permits for coal mining and methane-gas deals, which is just irresponsible when it comes to Australia’s obligations towards the Great Barrier Reef,” said he.

There are more than 3,300 individual reefs that stretch for 2300 km (1 429 miles) of the Great Barrier Reef. It supports 65,000 jobs related to reef tourism. The survival of coral reefs is vital for the livelihoods of hundreds of millions worldwide.

Hughes stated to Reuters that if we reach 3,4 degrees global average warming, which is tragically what we’re currently on, there will be no Great Barrier Reef and other coral reefs in the tropics.”