Water pollution has long been a threat to the Great Barrier Reef - plans to fix it aren’t up to the task

Water pollution—sediment, fertilizers, and pesticides washing off farms and cities—poses one of the largest local threats to the Great Barrier Reef, The Conversation reports. When these contaminants reach the reef, they can smother corals and seagrass meadows that serve as nurseries for marine life. Unlike climate change, water quality is a problem Australia can directly address. But the Queensland and federal governments released a revised strategy in April that, according to researchers at James Cook University, relies on vague statements without clear responsibilities, adequate funding, or realistic actions. Australia has repeatedly missed pollution reduction targets over the past two decades, with less than a quarter of the necessary funds invested to meet water quality goals. The reef's condition is now rated critical. Later this month, UNESCO's World Heritage Committee will consider the draft decision—putting the ball back in Australia's court.

Listen to this story

Hear this and more stories in a personalized audio briefing.

Open The Chonkerton