Bleaching could occur every two years

A new Climate Council report reveals that coral bleaching occurs on average every six years. Every 27 years in the 1980s.

According to current levels of greenhouse gases, bleaching will occur every two years by 2034.

In the report released today Fatal Consequences: Impacts of Climate Change on the Great Barrier The Climate Council states that the current rate of bleaching is not sustainable as it will continually delay the recovery of the reef.

At the same time, the reef will also have to deal with other threats caused by climate change – such as ocean acidification and tropical cyclones.

The report states that the average coral cover in the northern section of the reef is at its lowest point recorded and that coral cover in the central part of the reef is decreasing from 22 percent in 1965 to 14 percent in 2018, largely due to the bleaching event of 2017.

He stated that the damage to the reef could be irreversible and that this has already resulted in a decline in diversity "The marine heat waves s & # They are becoming more and more intense, longer lasting, and more intense than ever before, "said Lesley Hughes, climate counselor and ecologist.

According to Professor Hughes, the bleaching events of 2016 and 2017 resulted in mbadive mortality of corals, the bleaching event of 2016 being at least 175 times more likely due to intensifying changes climatic conditions

. bleaching will be the new normal in the 2030s. We will see extreme ocean temperatures, similar to those that led to these whitening phenomena every two years, which will effectively sign the death certificate of the greatest natural wonder of the world. that's the Great Barrier Reef. "

The report makes it clear that improving the quality of water is not the solution.

In his opinion, unless "greenhouse gas emissions are reduced in depth – the reef is unlikely to be successful regardless of the measures taken

In particular, global warming must be limited to 1.5 degrees above pre-industrial levels.

"An increase of 2C in global average temperature will almost certainly mean the collapse of tropical hot-water reefs in the world.", States the report.

"Decisions and Measures That we are taking today to reduce greenhouse pollution will have a critical effect on the long-term survival of the iconic Great Barrie. "Dr. Martin Rice, acting director general of the Climate Council, said that the future of coral reefs around the world depended on Australia's contribution to the fight against climate change.

"This report shows that the Great Barrier Reef may not be able to he never completely recover or return to his pre-whitening state, which should serve as a serious warning signal to governments around the world to act now, "he said." levels to protect these natural wonders. " The s the thing that opposes it is the political will. "

The report comes as former Prime Minister Tony Abbott calls on Australia to pull out of its binding international climate targets.

In a speech to the Australian Foundation for the" lorries ". environment Tuesday In the night, Mr Abbott said that he would never have signed the Paris agreement in 2015 if the United States did not agree – the country has now left the deal under the new leadership of President Donald Trump.

Deputy Chief Julie Bishop rejected Abbott's suggestion Australia was never supposed to to be bound by the emission reduction target of 26 to 28 percent from 2005 levels.

Mrs. Bishop, who was also Abbott's badistant, said that Australia intended to be responsible for the goals, which were a commitment and not an aspiration.

"Australia abides by the rules – if we sign a She said the goals had been approved by the prime minister, the cabinet and the party hall

But the Turnbull government is still divided on its national guarantee of Energy (NEG). Mr. Abbott's comments have elicited dissatisfaction with the guarantee and he says there is "no plausible evidence" that the government's energy policy can completely resolve the issue of reliability, prices and emission reductions.

However, Mr. Turnbull said that there was "almost universal support across the country" for the plan, including from the mining industry, manufacturers and unions. "19659003" Our policies work and the NEGs are a very big part of it "This will ensure Australians a reliable and more affordable power," he told the press

M. Abbott is one of a handful of Coalition MPs who advocate for new coal-fired power plants. 19659003] The opposition to the NGE exists not only among liberals, but also within the Nationals.

Some minor party MPs would circulate a list of requests to change the guarantee, including a $ 5 billion fund to support coal. gas, or traditional hydroelectric projects that could provide electricity 24 hours a day, whatever the weather.

The Australian who obtained a copy of the document, says that he is promoted as "a serious and serious policy"

Backbencher Michelle Landry says more negotiations are needed and that coal must be part of the guarantee, but National Affairs Minister David Littleproud told ABC that he was comfortable with the NEG

• About 30% of Great Barrier Reef corals died as a result of the 2016 event.

• 75% of coral mortality occurred in the northern part of the Great Barrier Reef, where 93 by c

• Fast-growing corals such as ketones and tabular species suffered "catastrophic mortality".

• Coral mortality has reduced the availability of habitat for fish, resulting in a decline in reef fish diversity. For example, juvenile fish from Lizard Island experienced a 40% decrease in population.

• Sea-surface temperatures increased more than 0.2 ° C from 1992 to 2010, increasing the risk of more frequent and prolonged sea-waves. 19659003] • The recurrence period of global bleaching events has increased from 27 years in the 1980s to only 5.9 years now

• The probability that the Great Barrier Reef will fully recover or return to its pre-state -bleaching is weak.

• There is little evidence that improved water quality can sufficiently reduce the susceptibility of corals to bleaching marine heat waves.