Australia’s major environment groups have written to the UN’s world heritage committee, urging it to put the Great Barrier Reef on its “in danger” list as the Morrison government ramps up its lobbying against the change. The environment minister, Sussan Ley, was due to land in Europe on Monday evening for a week-long campaign against the in-danger recommendation for the ocean jewel. Also on Monday, results from two separate polls of Australians say there is overwhelming agreement the reef is in danger, with strong support for the in-danger recommendation. Unesco has recommended the Great Barrier Reef be placed on the list after three mass bleaching events since the last time the site was considered in 2015. Unesco is recommending the world heritage city of Budapest be placed on the in-danger list at the upcoming meeting.

Source: The Guardian July 12, 2021 17:26 UTC