Great Barrier Reef will be 'pretty ugly' by 2050

[n2doc]

The Great Barrier Reef is in the worst state it's been in since records began and will be "pretty ugly" within 40 years, Australian scientists say.

A senate committee is investigating how the Australian and Queensland governments have managed the reef, with the UNESCO agency to decide next year whether to list it as a World Heritage site in danger.

Scientists have told the committee the reef is facing threats from coastal development, such as a massive port-related dredging project at Abbot Point, farm run-off and poor water quality.

The reef cannot rejuvenate after times of stress as it once did, the scientists say.


Read more: http://www.brisbanetimes.com.au/queensland/great-barrier-reef-will-be-pretty-ugly-by-2050-20140721-zv7yp.html

[Jim Lane]

1. The only hopeful sign is the economic angle.

Many Australians in that area earn their living from tourism. The article notes the danger that the ability to do so will be greatly diminished.

People who don't care about what we're doing to our planet may at least be brought to care about cold hard cash. I'd rather see a genuine ecological awareness but I'll take what I can get.