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GREAT BARRIER REEF: IPCC BEST IAS ACADEMY IN COIMBATORE
Why in News?
A report published by the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) states that the Great Barrier Reef is in crisis.
Great Barrier Reef
- It is the world’s most extensive and spectacular Coral Reef ecosystem.
- The reef is located in the Coral Sea (North-East Coast), off the coast of Queensland, Australia.
- It can be seen from outer space and is the world’s biggest single structure made by living organisms.
- This reef structure is composed of and built by billions of tiny organisms, known as coral polyps.
- These polyps have microscopic algae called zooxanthellae living within their tissues. The corals and algae have a mutualistic (symbiotic) relationship.
- It is a part of world Heritage site.
Findings of the Report
- Increase in the ocean temperature is resulting in coral bleaching.
- The ocean warming and marine heatwaves will cause the loss and degradation of tropical shallow coral reefs, leading to “widespread destruction” of coral reef ecosystems.
- It will lead to impact the employment opportunities.
- It will reduce the revenue generation in the economy.
- It will result in degradation of the speices.
- It results in rising of sea levels.
- Increase in ocean acidification.
Initiatives to Protect Corals
- The Ministry of Environment and Forests and Climate Change (MoEF&CC), India has included the studies on coral reefs under the Coastal Zone Studies (CZS).
- In India, the Zoological Survey of India (ZSI), with help from Gujarat’s forest department, is attempting a process to restore coral reefs using “biorock” or mineral accretion technology.
- National Coastal Mission Programme, to protect and sustain coral reefs in the country.
- Reducing the pollution limit.
- Using eco – friendly methods.
- Bringing up global initiatives to protect the corals.
BEST IAS ACADEMY IN COIMBATORE