Australia’s next government may be Great Barrier Reef’s last chance after sixth mass bleaching, conservationist says

The Great Barrier Reef has suffered consecutive years of coral bleaching for the second time. Photograph: Grumpy Turtle Films

The Great Barrier Reef was hit by a sixth widespread coral bleaching event since 2016 this summer – the second time the world’s biggest coral reef has seen the phenomenon strike in back-to-back years – according to government authorities.

Scientists and conservationists reacted with dismay that widespread bleaching – driven by global heating – was becoming normalised, with one saying Australia’s next term of government may be the natural wonder’s last shot at survival.