The Great Barrier Reef

Anyone who has really seen the Great Barrier Reef in Australia would tell you that it is without a doubt one of the natural world's wonders. The largest coral reef system in the world is located off the coast of Queensland and spans an area of more than 133,000 square miles. In addition to being a popular diving destination, coral reefs are vital for the health of the marine ecosystem since they are the home to around one-fourth of all marine species.

That's why it would be disastrous on many levels if we lost all the coral in the globe overnight. Sadly, that might already be taking place. Increasing temperatures have caused the Great Barrier Reef to lose a significant portion of its coral population over time, a problem that has only gotten worse. A major maritime heat wave worsened the situation by wiping out approximately 50% of the population's diversified and vibrant coral.

In 2019, the United Nations released a report that predicted that if global temperatures rise by just 0.9 degrees Celsius, we could lose between 70% and 90% of all coral reefs (33.62 degrees Fahrenheit). At such rate, experts predict that the Great Barrier Reef might fully disappear by 2050.

• Country: Australia