Australia must do more to save the Great Barrier Reef, the country’s Climate Council warned on Tuesday.
The Australian government on Tuesday announced a draft report from the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) as evidence of its action to protect the reef.
“The decision recognizes the increased action Australia is taking to protect the reef and that we are meeting our obligations,” the Australian Department of Environment said.
UNESCO has asked Australia to report back in 2025 with an update on its actions, the government said.
Environment and Water Minister Tanya Plibersek said the reef is part of Australia’s national heritage.
“We have a duty to protect it, care for it and pass it on so that our children and grandchildren can enjoy it as much as we do,” Plibersek said.
The government acted on climate change, improved local water quality, protected marine life, tackled invasive species and invested a record amount of money in reef programs, she said.
“We need to take action on climate change. We need to protect our special places and the animals that call them home. And that’s exactly what we’re doing.”
However, the Climate Council said UNESCO has effectively warned Australia to urgently step up its climate change targets to save the reef from imminent danger.
“Let’s be clear: this announcement is a warning sign and federal Environment Minister Tanya Plibersek’s claim that this warning will result in a victory is misleading,” said Climate Council chief executive Amanda McKenzie.
“The Great Barrier Reef has suffered five bleaching events in the last nine years and suffered its worst ever heat stress earlier this year, when more than 80% of the system’s reefs experienced dangerous levels of unnatural heating,” she said .
“Every new coal and gas project adds harmful climate pollution to the atmosphere and further endangers the Reef. The government must build on their clean energy plans by also making plans to phase out fossil fuels.”
Described by UNESCO as a ‘place of remarkable diversity and beauty’, the reef features around 400 species of coral, around 1,500 species of fish and 4,000 species of molluscs.
One of the world’s best-known tourist attractions, the reef is popular with snorkelers and divers and attracts around 2 million visitors annually.
