The Majestic Great Barrier Reef & Climate Change Effects
In 2012, I moved to Australia, quickly shuffled my way to Cairns and through a series of synchronous events, had the privilege to explore and become enamored with the Great Barrier Reef.
The Reef’s primary influence was to awaken me to the truest definition of beauty I had ever witnessed: biodiversity of species.
Everything, from the neon green coral to the uniquely painted fish and turtles — we all moved in the same directions that the tides dictated in this aquatic empress.
While in Cairns, I met marine biologists from around the world who came to the Reef to conduct research, network, and most importantly, dive as much as possible.
While most of them buzzed with excitement to commune firsthand with their beloved research subject, there was more than a hint of melancholy in their voices.
It seemed that they all mourned the Reef as they knew it.
Unlearned at the time, I asked: what’s happening?
They taught me: much of the ecosystem is being bleached and degraded irreparably and rapidly due to human-induced climate change.
The Great Barrier Reef’s marine biologists’ warnings and enthusiasm continue to teach me to approach the Reef with reverence — similar to how one might feel at the Vatican — the body feels when on or near holy land.
The turtles, fish, and coral I met, taught: the Reef is a sacred shrine that lives, for with its great natural beauty is a biodiverse resiliency we should all attempt to master.
I swam and lamented in my snorkel mask for the fact that nothing lasts.
We humans have achieved so much, so great has been our discovery and ingenuity.
Yet our conquests have also bleached the beauty of Earth of Many Species, and for that, I mourn then work.
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