“This extreme coral bleaching event is devastating news for all of us, and should be setting off alarm bells in the Turnbull government because the health of the Great Barrier Reef is already of major international concern.
“Besides agricultural run-off, the Reef is under threat from proposed dredging to expand the coal terminal at Abbot Point, and to build the massive Carmichael coal mine in the Galilee Basin. These are environmental disasters in waiting that will only serve to push the Reef over the cliff.
“With a range of practical solutions in sight to protect the Reef like stopping the ailing Carmichael mine project, it would be madness for the government to insist on further coal-related activity near this World Heritage-listed site.
“It is clear that strong and immediate action to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and tackle climate change will help preserve the health of the Reef.
“The Turnbull government has an opportunity to change the course of this environmental disaster by permanently withdrawing its approval for the Carmichael mine as a starting point.
“Coal mining is an industry that no longer makes any economic sense, and we can chart its death daily with the closure of coal mines and sliding coal prices. We urge Prime Minister Malcolm Turnbull to follow through on his support for renewable energy and preserve our environmental heritage,” said Ms Gibson.
ENDS
Sydney, 9 October 2015 - Responding to news about the massive global coral bleaching event under way that will also affect the Great Barrier Reef, Emma Gibson, Greenpeace Australia Pacific’s Head of Program said: