Turning the Tide Newsletter – Spring 2023
Climate Change v Reef
Pollution from burning fossil fuels is heating our planet at unprecedented rates, causing mass coral bleaching events, endangering sea turtle populations, and risking 64,000 jobs the Reef supports.
Corals are animals that are sensitive to temperature. When the water stays too hot for too long corals get stressed and bleach. Corals can die from a bleaching event but they can also recover, if given enough time and the right conditions.
The World Meteorological Organization officially declared an El Niño this year, which is deeply concerning for our Reef as it means hotter drier conditions, which will increase the likelihood of heat waves and coral bleaching.
We need to cool down the Reef’s waters by acting on climate change and slashing our fossil fuel emissions. We must limit global warming to 1.5°C to save coral reefs.
Both the Australian and Queensland governments must urgently slash emissions to protect the Reef and the 64,000 livelihoods that depend on a healthy Reef.
Sign a letter telling them to make emissions reductions targets stronger!