Douglas Shire community unites to address Great Barrier Reef and climate concerns

REEF FORUM

Jamie Jansen

Journalist

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Douglas Shire residents show strong commitment to addressing Great Barrier Reef challenges at Reef & Climate forum. Picture: Newsport

Last Tuesday, a significant number of Douglas Shire locals attended the Reef & Climate forum, underscoring the community’s dedication to tackling the pressing issues facing the Great Barrier Reef. 

For those unable to attend, here’s a summary of the vital information shared regarding the current status of our precious Reef, necessary actions, and ways you can contribute personally.

Organised by Fight for our Reef, a campaign under the Australian Marine Conservation Society, the event featured a panel of experts addressing critical environmental concerns.

Among the speakers was Dr Scott F. Heron from James Cook University in Townsville, renowned for his expertise in oceanic physics.

Dr Scott F. Heron, an expert in oceanic physics from James Cook University in Townsville, stressed the urgency of the situation. Picture: Newsport

Dr Heron shed light on the phenomenon of coral bleaching, explaining how rising sea temperatures trigger stress in coral ecosystems, leading to the expulsion of vital algae and subsequent discoloration of corals.

Highlighting the urgency of the situation, Dr Heron emphasised that ocean temperatures currently surpass normal levels by three degrees, which exacerbates the frequency and severity of marine heatwaves. 

Parts of the reef are experiencing higher temperatures than expected during peak summer months, with summers extending in duration. Since 2016, the Great Barrier Reef has faced unprecedented bleaching events, endangering its biodiversity and economic importance.

He also explained that, while bleached corals aren’t dead, they face increased risks of starvation, disease, and death. Recovery demands time and optimal conditions, yet climate change is causing more frequent, intense, and longer marine heatwaves, giving corals less time to recover. 

Scientists tell us that if we don’t stop burning fossil fuels, coral bleaching will become an annual occurrence by the 2040s, or even sooner, meaning corals won’t have any time to recover. 

Tanya Murphy, GBR Community Campaigner at the Australian Marine Conservation Society, drew attention to the fact that Australia is the world’s third largest fossil fuel exporter (behind Russia and Saudi Arabia) and in the top 15 per capita emitters of carbon pollution globally.

She emphasised the need for Queensland to maintain strong emissions reductions targets and transition rapidly to renewable energy to protect the Reef, its $6 billion tourism industry, and the 64,000 jobs that depend on it.

“In the coming months the Queensland Parliament will vote on Queensland’s 80 per cent renewable energy target and 75 per cent emissions reduction target by 2035," she said.

“Right now the Queensland LNP opposition is deciding how it will vote. We’re calling on the party to support the legislation and show Queenslanders its plan on how to reach those targets. This mass bleaching event shows the urgent need for bipartisan support for climate action.”

Yolanda Waters, environmental and marine social scientist and founder of Divers for Climate, shared her personal journey working in reef tourism, stressing the importance of informed conversations about the reef’s challenges. 

This led her to starting the initiative Divers for Climate, which empowers individuals to advocate for reef conservation within the tourism sector, recognising the positive impact of tourism in raising awareness and care for the Great Barrier Reef.

In light of the challenges facing the Great Barrier Reef, community members were urged to take proactive steps, including volunteering, signing petitions and advocating for environmentally conscious policies. 

A great turnout at the CourtHouse hotel highlighted the community’s dedication to tackling the pressing issues. Picture: Newsport