Summary extracts from Outlook Report 2009

• Almost all Great Barrier Reef species will be affected by climate change, some seriously. Coral reef habitats and seabirds are particularly vulnerable.
  
• Climate related changes to the ecosystem are expected to seriously affect reef-based industries and communities.
  
• Climate related changes to the ecosystem could affect patterns of use in the Great Barrier Reef.

What do we know?

Relevant pages from Outlook Online include:

• Climate Change - Outlook Report 2009 supporting evidence 
  

Existing policies and management actions

• Australian Government policy on climate change 
• Queensland Government climate change policies and strategies 
• Climate Change Action Plan 2007-2012

Future management requirements

• Future management requirements in this area are being guided by ongoing assessment of emerging research outcomes and issues identified by the Great Barrier Reef Outlook Report 2009.

Defined research questions

• What long-term changes are likely to occur in coral reef systems as a result of climate change?
• What are the cumulative impacts of warming, shifting aragonite saturation state and increased storm intensity on coral reef habitats?
• What adaptation options are possible to reduce current and future predicted climate change impacts on Great Barrier Reef species and habitats?
• What transition habitats are suitable to facilitate ecosystem shifts?
• What areas of the Great Barrier Reef can act as refuges for the next 30 years? (Which sites are the most geomorphologically resilient to predicted climate change impacts?)
• What are the prevailing public attitudes toward climate change impacts on the Great Barrier Reef, and how will these attitudes change through time?
• What is the maximum threshold of atmospheric CO2e concentration that is compatible with a healthy Great Barrier Reef ecosystem?
• What are the major public motivations and constraints to participation in management actions to reduce carbon footprints?
• What are the most powerful incentives for industries and coastal communities to reduce their carbon footprints?
• What is the current, overall state of knowledge on the resilience of habitats and biota to disturbances, anthropogenic impacts and climatic pressures (i.e. synthesis of existing data & information)?
• What management strategies can be used to support or improve ecosystem resilience?
• How can reef health be defined and measured and what are the thresholds of concern that should trigger management action?
• What are the effects of cumulative climate stressor impacts (rising sea temperature, decreasing pH and sea level) and anthropogenic stressors (e.g. fisheries, by-catch, coastal development) on iconic species such as turtles, sharks, rays, dolphins and big fish?

Related information

• Current Research and Monitoring