06 November 2009

A lonely hermit crab and a colourful collection of coral polyps join a cast of characters featured in a series of animations released today to teach children about the impacts climate change will have on the Great Barrier Reef.

The short animations, developed by the Great Barrier Reef Marine Park Authority (GBRMPA), will make their worldwide debut on You Tube today.

Great Barrier Reef Marine Park Authority Chairman Dr Russell Reichelt said while climate change is widely acknowledged as the single greatest threat to the Great Barrier Reef, it is important that students and children around Australia and the world understand they can play a part in protecting the Reef for future generations.

"We want to ensure students understand the risk climate change poses to the plants and animals that make up the incredible Great Barrier Reef ecosystem, while understanding that our every day actions can help keep the Reef healthy and resilient for future generations to enjoy.

"This suite of animations presents some of the complex issues the Reef faces due to the impacts of climate change in a simple and easy to understand way.

"The animations also outline simple actions that can be taken around the home or school to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and ensure our daily activities do not have a negative impact on the Reef."

Dr Reichelt said everyone has a part to play in mitigating the affects of climate change and ensuring the future of the Great Barrier Reef.

"It is important to remember that the children of today will be the leaders of tomorrow."

"What is so heartening is that through programs like our Reef Guardian Schools initiative we are already seeing students of all ages take an active role in protecting and guarding the Reef.

"Hopefully these animations will inspire more people to follow in their footsteps."

The animations were produced as part of the GBRMPA's suite of educational resources about the Reef and climate change to support the GBRMPA's Climate Change Action Plan.

The animations will also be distributed to zoos, aquariums, wildlife parks, museums, education and visitor centres to help educate the broader public about the impacts of climate change on the Great Barrier Reef.