Great Barrier Reef Faces Severe Threats from Climate Change, Pollution

Coral reefs are vital ecosystems that provide natural filtration and nutrient recycling, support marine biodiversity, and protect coastal areas from storms, but they are increasingly threatened by pollution, global warming, and overfishing. The Great Barrier Reef, the world's largest coral ecosystem, faces severe risks from rising sea temperatures and coral bleaching, with scientists warning of its potential disappearance within decades if current trends continue. Restoration initiatives, such as the Super Coral Program in the Bahamas and the Sheba Hope Grows Program featured in the documentary 'Reef Builders,' are actively cultivating resilient coral species and raising public awareness to regenerate damaged reefs. Advances in laboratory research and numerical modeling, such as those used in Australia's eReefs, now enable more accurate prediction and management of coral bleaching events—essential for developing effective intervention strategies. These combined scientific, conservation, and public engagement efforts highlight both the fragility of coral ecosystems and the urgent need for coordinated global action to ensure their survival.