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Great Barrier Reef Faces Unprecedented Threat from Record-Breaking Heat. A new study reveals that recent temperatures in the Great Barrier Reef are the highest recorded in 400 years, posing a significant threat to its survival, BBC News reports. Extreme heat, linked to climate change, has caused five mass bleaching events in just nine years, severely impacting the reef's delicate ecosystem. Researchers used coral cores to analyze historical sea temperatures, finding that the last decade has been the warmest period for the reef in centuries. Scientists warn in Nature that rising temperatures now represent an "existential threat" to the Great Barrier Reef, calling for immediate global action. The study shows how heat-induced coral bleaching disrupts the symbiotic relationship between coral and algae, leading to potentially irreversible damage. While coral reefs have historically adapted to environmental changes, experts caution that the Great Barrier Reef may not survive in its current form without intervention. The findings may push UNESCO to classify the Great Barrier Reef as "endangered," highlighting the urgent need for protective measures. Despite the dire findings, scientists believe that limiting global warming could still offer a chance for the reef to survive in some form. The study's use of coral cores to track environmental changes provides a critical understanding of the reef's vulnerability to current and future climate conditions. Researchers emphasize that the survival of the Great Barrier Reef depends on global efforts to reduce climate change, urging governments to prioritize environmental policies.
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