Great Barrier Reef on brink of third major coral bleaching in five years, scientists warn

The Great Barrier Reef could be heading for a third major coral bleaching outbreak in the space of five years if high ocean temperatures in the region do not drop in the next two weeks, scientists and conservationists have warned.

The Great Barrier Reef could be facing
 another major coral bleaching outbreak.

Heat stress is already building across the world’s biggest reef system, with reports of patchy bleaching already occurring. But a major widespread event is not currently taking place.

“We are down to the wire,” said Prof Terry Hughes, director of the ARC Centre of Excellence for Coral Reef Studies at James Cook University.

The Great Barrier Reef Marine Park Authority is closely monitoring conditions. Areas of heat stress are spreading, particularly across the central and southern areas that are popular with tourists.

Read the story from The Guardian by Graham Readfearn - “Great Barrier Reef on brink of third major coral bleaching in five years, scientists warn.”

Melbourne's moving in preparation for a changing climate

The City of Melbourne is taking steps to prepare for the unfolding difficulties of climate change.

A Sydney Morning Herald story headed: “Four big problems for Melbourne's $478,088 chief resilience officer” tells about those preparations.

Think back to January’s heatwave to get a taste of what they could be in for; a buckling transport network, outbreak of heat-induced illness and wilting economic productivity.

Interestingly moves are afoot to have a representative of Melbourne City Council visit Shepparton later this year and talk with the Chamber of Commerce about what it is happening in Melbourne to build resilience into the city.

The city’s Sustainability Manager, Krista Milne has agreed to visit Shepparton and explain something about what is happening in Melbourne and how those changes could help prepare the city for a changing climate.