Jason Momoa, Adrian Grenier and Cody Simpson are calling for the Great Barrier Reef to be listed as “in danger.”
The Hollywood stars and musician, along with actress Joanna Lumley, The Prince of Monaco HSH Prince Albert II, journalist Philippe Cousteau and a group of scientists and conservationists, have signed their names on a statement backing UNESCO’s recommendation to the World Heritage Committee “to inscribe the Great Barrier Reef on the List of World Heritage in Danger.”
Advertisement
“The Great Barrier Reef is an iconic World Heritage site, a treasured place of Outstanding Universal Value to all humanity,” the statement published by the Australian Marian Conservation Society reads.
“Its immense beauty and biodiversity have inspired millions around the world. But its future is at stake. The climate emergency is already evident in the Great Barrier Reef. Over the past five years, three severe coral bleaching events fuelled by global warming have caused mass coral mortality. The scientific evidence is beyond doubt: the Great Barrier Reef is in danger and it is time to act.”
The group is also urging the “world’s major emitters to undertake the most ambitious climate action under the Paris Agreement.”
Advertisement
“There is still time to save the Great Barrier Reef, but Australia and the world must act now,” the statement ends.
Other signatories include ocean explorer Sylvia Earle, ocean advocate Lewis Pugh, National Geographic’s explorer-in-residence Enric Sala and Mohamed Nasheed, the former President of the Maldives.
An “in danger” classification would mean more protective measures to ensure of the reef’s survival however, the Australian government has been lobbying against the move since UNESCO made the recommendation last month.
Why could that possibly be, you may be wondering?
Well, according to the government, the decision was made based on politics. They’re arguing a monitoring mission should’ve been carried out before the recommendation was made.
You can learn more about the situation HERE and consider signing a petition urging the Australian government to act now.
A decision will be made by the 21-country World Heritage Committee when it meets this week – and if they agree, it’ll be the first time a World Heritage site has been listed as “in danger” due to the effects of the climate emergency.
(Feature Image Credit: Tinseltown/Shutterstock; Featureflash Photo Agency/Shutterstock; DFree/Shutterstock)