Plibersek’s ‘determination’ alone won’t save the Great Barrier Reef – here’s what needs to happen

The Great Barrier Reef in Queensland. Experts say corals generally grow faster in warmer water but that’s only true up to the average summer temperatures – ‘after that they decline’. Photograph: Matt Curnock/James Cook University/AFP/Getty Images

Keeping global heating as close to 1.5C as possible is critical for all ecosystems and societies, including the viability of Australia’s ocean jewel, the Great Barrier Reef.

The federal environment minister, Tanya Plibersek, this week launched a strong defence of the government’s climate targets after UN-backed scientists outlined the steps they said were needed to give the reef the best chance of retaining its status as a world heritage area.