Reeking with the putrid smell of rotting sea life and unsightly dead coral engulfed in algae, Australia’s beloved Great Barrier Reef is suffering. This esteemed reef is the world’s largest living structure, accommodating about 2,900 individual reefs and 900 islands. It is the largest coral reef system on the planet, and 93 percent of it is damaged due to bleaching caused by climate change. This bleaching process places the reef in serious danger of extinction.

Contrary to initial news reports, the Great Barrier Reef is not yet completely dead. It is, however, struggling and without serious efforts the reef will be extinct soon. According to GPRMPA, the bleaching process that is harming the reef occurs when coral are put under extreme stress like changes in temperature, light, or nutrients. While under this stress, they expel symbiotic algae from their tissues, causing them to turn white or bleach. There have been three bleaching events in the last 18 years, and the reef is struggling to bounce back from them, as it is not as resilient as it used to be.

A large factor in these bleaching events can be attributed to global climate change. Warmer air and ocean surface temperatures brought on by climate change prompt coral bleaching events and modifications in ocean chemistry. This happens because coral is very sensitive to shifts in temperature, making these changes extremely detrimental. Once the bleaching occurs, the coral becomes weak and unable to properly combat disease. These sickly coral reefs are the reason the Great Barrier Reef is often referred to as “sick,” putting it at risk of extinction.

These natural systems have the potential to bounce back, but it would be wishful thinking to expect the reef to repair itself after the mass amount of damage it has sustained in such a short span of time. Since the reef itself is unreliable, the Australian government is doing everything in its power to attempt saving its most popular tourist location. On September 28th, the Australian and Queensland governments released the first Reef 2050 Plan annual report, publicizing how the two billion dollar investment toward improving the reefs health for future generations is paying off. The plan has now accomplished 29 of its 151 intended actions for long-term sustainability, though acceleration is needed if the plan is to be truly successful.

Thankfully, the Great Barrier Reef is not quite dead. Humanity has a valuable shot at saving it, which none one should take lightly. Coral bleaching, fishing, mining, and the burning of fossil fuels have greatly contributed to the decline of the reef’s health over the last decade. Most, if not all, of these factors are man-made, leaving humans as the perpetrators of the reef’s health. People should be making a global effort to help save the reef by pitching in and making a conscious effort to slow climate change. This can be done by buying energy efficient products, conserving energy at home and work, planting trees, recycling, and making wise transportation choices. The Great Barrier Reef may not be dead yet, but it’s demise is inevitable without our help. Save the reef, folks!