Tuesday, October 30, 2007

Great Barrier Reef

My husband and I visited Australia back in the 80s and swam the Great Barrier Reef.

We went out on a daily boat that took about 2 hours to get out to the reef in what felt like the middle of the ocean. We were 2 of the over 2 million visitors a year. We snorkeled from the large platform and many others went scuba diving. We could see them below us because the water was crystal clear.

Apparently the reef is in trouble (due to climate change) and is being discussed in the Australian elections these days.

The BBC is saying
An extensive plan to save Australia's Great Barrier Reef has been announced by Prime Minister John Howard's main rival in the forthcoming elections. The move by Labor leader Kevin Rudd has brought environmental issues to the centre of the campaign stage.

Mr Howard has been criticised within his own party for his lack of action on the environment and climate change. His refusal to sign the Kyoto Protocol is believed to be one factor in his increasing unpopularity among voters.

The Great Barrier Reef, Australia's leading tourist destination, is being damaged by water pollution and rising sea temperatures, which are killing off the millions of coral that make up its 2300km (1429 mile) length.

"The Great Barrier Reef is Australia's greatest natural asset," Mr Rudd said.

Read more.

theteach

1 comment:

BNS said...

Hi Mary - Thanks for stopping by and telling us about this interesting post on the Great Barrier reef. Well done.

Bobbie & Jerry