Protecting Great Barrier Reef: Stopping Pollution

The Great Barrier Reef is the world's largest living reef system, and it is clear that we must all take responsibility to prevent further damage. The need to take action is urgent, as pollution has already led to the destruction of large portions of the reef's coral systems. Water pollution is considered one of the highest risks to the Great Barrier Reef's health, impacting critical habitats for threatened dugongs, turtles and fish. While climate change remains the biggest threat to the reef, we must also clean up the water that flows from the land to reduce further pressure and help it recover.

Reducing carbon emissions

Another way to reduce carbon emissions is to limit water pollution, which is considered one of the highest risks to the Great Barrier Reef's health. This can be done by using environmentally friendly cleaners and fertilisers, as well as washing your car on the lawn to prevent detergent runoff into drains. Water pollution from urban runoff, agricultural practices, and improper waste management is harming the marine ecosystem, and it is important to clean up the water that flows from the land to reduce further pressure and help the reef recover.

The Great Barrier Reef is the world's largest living reef system, and it is clear that we must all take responsibility to prevent further damage. Every action counts in the fight against water pollution, and by reducing our carbon emissions, we can help preserve this natural wonder for future generations.

Using environmentally friendly products

While global efforts are needed to lower carbon emissions, individuals can contribute by making sustainable choices in their daily lives. Using environmentally friendly products is one way to do this.

One way to reduce water pollution is to use environmentally friendly cleaning products and fertilisers. This will prevent harmful chemicals from entering the water system and damaging the reef. Another way to reduce water pollution is to wash your car on the lawn, which prevents detergent from running into drains.

Plastic pollution is also a serious threat to the reef. One simple way to reduce plastic pollution is to switch from bottled water to reusable water mugs or containers. This will help to reduce the amount of plastic in our oceans, which could outweigh the number of fish in just a few years.

By using environmentally friendly products, we can help to reduce water pollution and plastic pollution, which are two of the highest risks to the Great Barrier Reef's health. These small, individual actions can help to preserve this natural wonder for future generations.

Reducing plastic pollution

While climate change remains the biggest threat to the Great Barrier Reef, water pollution is considered one of the highest risks to its health. Water pollution impacts critical habitats for threatened dugongs, turtles and fish.

Water pollution is caused by pollutants from urban runoff, agricultural practices, and improper waste management. To reduce water pollution, individuals can make sustainable choices in their daily lives, such as using environmentally friendly cleaners and fertilisers, minimising the use of fossil fuels, and washing their car on the lawn to prevent detergent runoff into drains.

One simple yet impactful way to reduce plastic pollution is by switching from bottled water to reusable water mugs or containers. Over a million plastic bottles are bought worldwide every minute, and this figure is expected to rise by 20% by 2021, which will exacerbate the plastic pollution crisis in our oceans. In just a few years, the amount of plastic in our oceans could outweigh the number of fish.

Improving water quality

Water pollution is considered one of the highest risks to the Great Barrier Reef's health, impacting critical habitats for threatened dugongs, turtles and fish. After decades of inaction by the agricultural sector to stop pollution, the water quality of the inshore reef has remained in poor condition.

Pollutants from urban runoff, agricultural practices, and improper waste management are harming the marine ecosystem. Fortunately, there are several steps we can take to reduce water pollution and help protect the reef.

One simple yet impactful way to reduce plastic pollution is by switching from bottled water to reusable water mugs or containers. Over a million plastic bottles are bought worldwide every minute, and this figure is expected to rise by 20% by 2021, exacerbating the plastic pollution crisis in our oceans. In just a few years, the amount of plastic in our oceans could outweigh the number of fish.

Individuals can also contribute by making sustainable choices in their daily lives, such as minimising the use of fossil fuels. This includes using environmentally friendly cleaners and fertilisers, and washing your car on the lawn to prevent detergent runoff into drains.

Reducing carbon emissions is critical to the long-term survival of the Great Barrier Reef. While global efforts are needed to lower emissions, individuals can play their part by reducing their plastic consumption and making sustainable choices.

Reducing agricultural pollution

Water pollution is considered one of the highest risks to the Great Barrier Reef's health, and it is entirely preventable. The agricultural sector has long been accused of inaction when it comes to stopping pollution, and the water quality of the inshore reef has remained in poor condition.

To reduce agricultural pollution, individuals can make sustainable choices in their daily lives. This includes using environmentally friendly cleaners and fertilisers. For example, washing your car on the lawn prevents detergent runoff into drains.

Another way to reduce water pollution is to switch from bottled water to reusable water mugs or containers. Over a million plastic bottles are bought worldwide every minute, and this figure is expected to rise by 20% by 2021. This will exacerbate the plastic pollution crisis in our oceans, and in just a few years, the amount of plastic in our oceans could outweigh the number of fish.

Reducing carbon emissions is also critical to the long-term survival of the Great Barrier Reef. While global efforts are needed to lower emissions, individuals can contribute by minimising the use of fossil fuels.

Frequently asked questions