A new report, Lights Out for the Reef, released today as part of Earth Hour’s 2014 re-launch into a year-round campaign. The report highlights the latest scientific findings on climate change impacts on the Reef. The report, authored by University of Queensland scientist Dr Selina Ward reveals that effects of climate change on the Great Barrier Reef will be irreversible by 2030, just 16 years away, unless action is taken now.
“The Great Barrier Reef is at a turning point,” said Professor Ove Hoegh-Guldberg, one of the world’s leading experts on the Reef and a Professor of Marine Science at the University of Queensland. “If we don’t act now, the effects of climate change on the Great Barrier Reef will be irreversible in just over a decade”.
Campaign Manager Anna Rose explained that on Saturday 29 March, Earth Hour invites Australians to host friends and family at their homes or join a community gathering to watch a remarkable, world-premiere Earth Hour documentary about the Reef and climate change, before turning off their lights at 8:30pm to make a stand for its future. Rose added that 50 organisers of the most unique and inspiring events will be selected to take part in Camp Earth Hour in May this year – an opportunity to meet with leading scientists, learn about the effects of climate change on the Reef and be trained in what they can do to make a difference.
