Question

What is the main reason for the Great Barrier Reef facing threats today?

Answer 1

The Great Barrier Reef faces threats primarily from human activities, including:

• Climate Change: Rising ocean temperatures cause coral bleaching, which happens when corals lose the algae living inside them. This turns the corals white and can eventually cause them to die.
• Pollution: Chemicals from farms, industrial waste, and plastic pollution can damage coral reefs and reduce their overall health.
• Overfishing: Excessive and unsustainable fishing disrupts the natural food chain and can negatively affect the balance of the reef ecosystem.
• Ocean Acidification: Higher levels of CO₂ are absorbed by the ocean, making the water more acidic. This makes it harder for corals and other marine organisms to build and maintain their shells and skeletons.