Many Australians do not know what they can individually do to make a difference to the health of the World Heritage-listed Great Barrier Reef (GBR), according to a survey led by QUT researchers. The researchers found most Australians are not making a connection between climate change and reef health and say there is more individuals could do on this front, both in the home and to influence government policies. Senior Research Fellow Dr Angela Dean conducted the online survey of 4,285 Australians with Professor Kerrie Wilson, Director of QUT’s Institute for Future Environments, and Dr Robyn Gulliver from the University of Queensland.
“While there are many threats to reef health, including poor water quality stemming from land-based runoff, cyclones and crown-of-thorns starfish, climate change represents the greatest threat to our Great Barrier Reef,” said Dr Dean. “Record-breaking marine heatwaves over the past 10 years have seen an increasing frequency and severity of mass coral bleaching events. “Yet while many Australians express appreciation and concern for the GBR, they don’t necessarily know how to take the next steps to help the Reef.”
Dr Dean added because everyone can support action on climate change, everyone in Australia can help the Reef, no matter where they live. “Some people might choose to focus on actions at home, reducing electricity use or changing to renewable energy sources,” Dr Dean said. “But perhaps more important is sharing our support for protecting the Reef and encouraging Governments step up to show leadership and action on climate change.”
Source: Science Daily
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