Climate change and the Great Barrier Reef: a vulnerability assessment

Abstract

Climate change is recognised as the greatest long-term threat to the Great Barrier Reef. Projections show sea and air temperatures will continue to increase, sea level is rising, the ocean is becoming more acidic, intense storms and rainfall will become more frequent and ocean currents will change. Climate Change and the Great Barrier Reef: A Vulnerability Assessment is a peer-reviewed publication compiled as a collaboration between the Great Barrier Reef Marine Park Authority and over 80 leading climate and tropical marine experts. It provides expert assessments of the vulnerability of Great Barrier Reef species, habitats and key processes to climate change and identifies possible ways to respond to the climate change challenge. The book has been divided into sections that deal with species groups, habitats and processes, and management of the Great Barrier Reef.