Where is the Great Barrier Reef?

William R Laughlin is partially right that humanity is responsible for a portion of the pending deterioration of Australia's Great Barrier Reef. I spent three months in Australia in 2001 and I snorkeled on the Great Barrier Reef. It was beautiful with some of the most extraordinary fish and other sea creatures I've ever seen. I grew up by the beach in California so the ocean has always been home to me. While on a tour on the Great Barrier Reef, the guide explained that the reef was deteriorating due to equal parts human activity and a naturally occuring process that humanity cannot reverse. He said scientists were predicting its possible disappearance in 40 years, which would place it at 2041. I am a lifelong Conservative and I believe in the concept of living lightly on the land, preserving what is beautiful in nature and the environment, avoiding waste and selfishness, recycling, composting and generating the least amount of garbage, and leaving every place better than I found it. With even lukewarm effort by most of humanity, we can avert catastrophe, lengthen the time and numbers of generations who can witness and appreciate these natural wonders and know that our children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren will thank us when we are long gone for bequeathing to them an lush environment, healthy ecology and thriving conservation worthy for all to respect and enjoy. Abraham Lincoln, Teddy Roosevelt and John Muir are my heroes on the environment and the natural world. Read with your children or nieces and nephews what they had to say about the beauty and vibrancy of nature and follow their lead. While on my trip, I discovered I have a prominent ancestor in Australia named John Forrest. He was an explorer and premier of Western Australia and he was the first Aussie knighted by Queen Victoria, who had the distinction of being the world's longest-serving monarch until Elizabeth II surpassed her record in recent years. My wish for Australians would be that they would continue to be able to explore their barrier reefs, rainforests and other wild and beautiful spaces for generations to come. Every responsible human being needs to do his/her part to ensure the environment we share consists of clean air, water and soil because human beings and all living things exist and thrive in a symbiotic relationship with the natural world that surrounds them. It is the law of nature.

Climate change is real and it's the fault of humans. That's not "Fake News", but it will take the loss of such wonders before the blind and greedy open their eyes. What's wrong with preserving the planet for our children's children's children?

one of the wonders of the world.

I live a few kilometres down the coast from the reef and while some may debate the effect of global warming the state government of Queensland are ready to allow an Indian coal mining company permission to build a port coast side of the reef and take ships through the reef to save the mine some money. All in the interests of the gov making extra money on royalties. Balance the books, stuff the reef. So sad.

williamrlaughlin, climate change doesn't seem to be destroying the reef systems of the world fast enough for the chinese. they are purposely destroying theirs by ripping them apart to get to giant clams and critically endangered sea turtles. when they get done raping the reefs of what they can sell for a huge profit, the chinese government comes in and dumps sand, rocks and concrete on top of the reefs and builds "artificial island" military bases.

Never been out of your own country n still know some things on the quiz games like me! Sweet

WOW~ZA!!

Wendy Petty, coal ships have been transiting the reef for a 100 years the coal terminal has be working at Abbott Point for over 30years. I have lived in the area since 88. The environmental and navigation laws are very strict a larger facility is at Hay Point just south of Mackay neither have had impact on the reef and Hay Point transit via Hydrographers passage.

It is estimated that all such reefs will disappear in 80 years because of human wasteful ways.

William Laughlin, OH BULLSHIT TO THAT...STUDY YOUR EARTH CLIMATE HISTORY

AB, What are you, 12???? You sound like one of those little kids that are jealous of the smarter and nicer kids and so you have to pout!

Got it

Hopefully, letting Adani mine in Qld, won't affect the reef, but I have grave fears for it. I am a West Aussie, but love Qld and the Reef. The Govt needs to watch the Reef with great caution. The almighty dollar overrides all the natural wonders!!

williamrlaughlin, AMEN.

Knew that

Probably one day there will be no "humanity" and the earth will be inherited by the meek...whatever animals, birds, fish, reptiles and insects remain! After all, The dinosaurs are gone... little horses are gone...flying reptiles, gone... some primates that didn't walk erect are gone, some species of animals, birds and fish are gone...what makes you think humanity should stay? Are we truly good stewards of the earth? Do we deserve to stay? After all, we invented defoliants, weapons of war and better living through chemistry, plastic--we have taken the earth's bounty and turned it into products to not only extend humanity's "lifespan" but to decorate the earth... My view entirely, but I really think that one day an asteroid will put an end to it all. And then all the petty quarrels will be silenced. Meditate on that!

FU ignorant greenie!williamrlaughlin,

Got it ..

Got it, people Don't care about making sure it will be here in the future.

williamrlaughlin, Always love your posts. Always something intelligent to say. I sense profound wisdom in you, sir. Thank you always for you insight. And for sharing that wisdom and insight as kindly as you do. I'm a bit more scorched earth sometimes in my approach. I need to practice more of Roosevelt's approach: "Talk softly but carry a big stick."