UNESCO decision on endangered listing is not a leave pass to duck strong action on climate

The decision today by the World Heritage Committee not to list the Great Barrier Reef as endangered should not be taken as an excuse to delay strong action to reduce emissions.

Warmer water temperature due to global heating is the key driver of the mass bleaching events that are endangering the Great Barrier Reef.

Dave Copeman, Director of Queensland Conservation Council said:

The world is watching and judging how we act to protect the incredible wonder that is the Great Barrier Reef. Every Queenslander loves our Reef but we are still not doing enough to protect it for our children and grandchildren.

The UNESCO committee will have considered the recent increase in climate ambition at a Federal and Queensland level, as part of their decision making on an endangered listing.

We’ve seen positive steps in the right direction, like bi-partisan support for Queensland’s new 75 per cent emission reduction targets, but there is still lots of room for improvement to take adequate action on climate and curb rampant deforestation.

The policies that are taken to the upcoming Queensland Election will be another key moment before the World Heritage Committee next considers a report on progress by the Australian Government.”

There are three key tests for Queensland:

1. Is there bipartisan support for maintaining the 75 per cent emission reduction target, and the transition to renewables that underpins that target.
2. Action on continued out of control deforestation, particularly in Reef catchments, and any proposal for new agricultural dams.
3. The approval of new coal mines, and what actions are taken to reduce the fugitive methane emissions they release.

We are calling on both the Queensland Government and the LNP opposition to make it clear to Queenslanders how their policy platforms will help protect the Reef. The world is watching.

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