Save the Reef

Australia, a country known for its unique animals, vast outback, and glistering oceans, is home to the world’s largest coral systems, known more commonly as The Great Barrier Reef. In Queensland, Australia, the the reef is located, natural miracles such as the gathering of the almighty Humpback whale, or the breeding of six different species of turtle are not uncommon. However, hundreds of species of fish, mammal and reptile are threatened to be evicted out of their homes.

It is, unfortunately true; marine life is apparently not nearly as important as filling the greedy pockets of government officials. You see, what the government plans to do is to put several new coal terminals only a couple of meters away from beach where turtles come to nest. These four coal terminals will not only pollute these beaches, and the mud that need to be dumped into the ocean will destroy the coral that makes up the great barrier reef. It has been known that in the past, Tony Abbott, Australia prime minister, has ignored other worldly issues, even saying that "the climate change argument is absolute crap”. Of course, we know that climate change is very real, as are the issues that destroying The Great Barrier Reef will cause.

These issues are not only affect the marine life, however, but will also do a significant number on tourism. Because The Great Barrier Reef is so large, it is only logical that the area would have high numbers in tourism; in fact, the reef averages 1.6 million visitors a year, because of this, local businesses are able to not only survive, but thrive. This tourism generate a whooping 5 billion Australian dollars a year. However, compare that figure to the potential 28 billion Australian dollars that can be made, it is no wonder why the government chose what would be the most beneficial to them.

The important detail that cannot be lost, however, is the many negative impacts that this coal mine will have on our environment. Firstly, the emissions from the coal burning is expected to produce around 700 tonnes of greenhouse gases, such as carbon dioxide, a year. The release of greenhouse gases is the largest contributed to global warming a year. Another greenhouse gas which the burning of coal is likely to release is carbon monoxide, this not only contributes to global warming, but also it what cause acid rain, which is a destroyer of buildings, plant life, and water life. Secondly, the waster products from the mines are mostly going to be dumped into the ocean. This will pollute the water further, and most likely lead to the mutations and deaths of much of the life here.

There are still organisations and protests that are working to save the lives of these innocent animals and the jobs of locals; I urge you to help become part of the solution, simply visit savethereef.org.au and sign the petition. It takes a mere few minutes out of your day to help the beautiful creatures of the ocean.

-Izzi Seale.