Global Hunger for Coal Endangers the Great Barrier Reef

The Great Barrier Reef has lost more than half of its coral cover over the last 40 years, driven largely by climate change. The author asserts that Australia's commitment to increase coal production, specifically through new mega-mines in the Galilee Basin, exacerbates this threat by contributing to global carbon emissions and requiring harmful dredging and increased shipping in the World Heritage Area. Earthjustice and Environmental Justice Australia claim the reef meets up to six of the eight World Heritage Convention criteria for being 'in danger,' urging the World Heritage Committee to reverse its draft decision and list the site to enhance its protection.

• The Great Barrier Reef has experienced a significant loss of coral cover, with more than 50% vanishing over the previous 40 years.
• Climate change causes ocean warming and acidification, which limit coral growth, increase mass bleaching risks, and amplify other threats like coastal development and water pollution.
• Australia's planned coal expansion in the Galilee Basin includes mega-mines that could produce 60 million tons of coal annually for 60 years, potentially accounting for 4% or more of global carbon emissions by mid-century.
• Coal export proposals threaten the reef through industrial shipping risks and the need for harmful dredging within the Great Barrier Reef World Heritage Area to expand terminals.
• Analysis by Earthjustice and Environmental Justice Australia indicates the reef meets up to six of the eight World Heritage Convention criteria for an 'in danger' listing, specifically citing planned development projects as a threat to its integrity.

APA

Earthjustice (2015). Global Hunger for Coal Endangers the Great Barrier Reef. https://earthjustice.org/article/global-hunger-for-coal-endangers-the-great-barrier-reef

Chicago

Earthjustice. Global Hunger for Coal Endangers the Great Barrier Reef. 2015. https://earthjustice.org/article/global-hunger-for-coal-endangers-the-great-barrier-reef.

Wikipedia

{{cite press release |author=Earthjustice |title=Global Hunger for Coal Endangers the Great Barrier Reef |date=15 June 2015 |url=https://earthjustice.org/article/global-hunger-for-coal-endangers-the-great-barrier-reef |access-date=17 August 2026 |via=Climate Insights Directory}}

BibTeX

@misc{earthjustice2015global, author = {{Earthjustice}}, title = {{Global Hunger for Coal Endangers the Great Barrier Reef}}, publisher = {Earthjustice}, year = {2015}, month = jun, url = {https://earthjustice.org/article/global-hunger-for-coal-endangers-the-great-barrier-reef}, urldate = {2026-08-17}, note = {Indexed by Climate Insights Directory} }