Australia's Great Barrier Reef, a UNESCO World Heritage Site spanning 2,300 kilometers, is experiencing unprecedented stress as climate change drives repeated mass coral bleaching events. Marine biologists report the reef's natural recovery mechanisms are being overwhelmed by rising ocean temperatures – a phenomenon directly linked to global carbon emissions.
"We're witnessing a race against time," said Dr. Lina Watanabe, a coral restoration specialist interviewed by CGTN. "While coral can recover from occasional bleaching, back-to-back events since 2016 have reduced recovery windows by 60%."
The reef's struggle carries global implications: it supports 64,000 jobs in tourism and contributes $6.4 billion annually to Australia's economy. Investors are monitoring how coastal businesses adapt, while scientists pioneer innovative solutions like heat-resistant coral cultivation.
For Asia's coastal nations facing similar challenges, the reef's fate serves as both warning and testing ground. Researchers emphasize that while local conservation helps, global emission reductions remain critical to preserving marine ecosystems.
