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Great Barrier Reef

Coral is seen bleached white against the dark blue ocean.

Australia announces $379 million funding for Great Barrier Reef

Environment

Money would go to farmers to change agricultural practices, but some say it is an extension of already-failed programs.

A man snorkels in an area called the "Coral Gardens" near Lady Elliot Island, on the Great Barrier Reef

A successful coral transplant gives scientists hope for the Great Barrier Reef

Environment
Great Barrier Reef

Scientists say the Great Barrier Reef is officially dying

Lifestyle
Pictured here is Lake McDonald in Glacier National Park.

Is ‘last-chance tourism’ good or bad for endangered places?

Science
Queensland Parks and Wildlife Service rangers inspect the Great Barrier Reef's condition in an area called the "Coral Gardens," located at Lady Elliot Island in Queensland, Australia, on June 10, 2015.

Great Barrier Reef bleaching could cost Australia a million tourists

Business
Bleached coral in the Great Barrier Reef. From Wikipedia/CC BY 3.0

How worried should we be about bleached coral reefs?

Environment

More than 90 percent of the coral in the Great Barrier Reef has been bleached by warming temperatures. Is there any future for the coral in our oceans?

Feb 18 violence in Kiev

The Ukrainian government moves to violently shut down the Kiev protest

Global Scan

Violent scenes of fires and stun grenades are playing out in Kiev as riot police attempt to dislodge those protesting Ukraine’s tilt toward Russia. Foreign governments are condemning the violence. In Saudi Arabia, women will need male chaperones to visit medical clinics. And the Great Barrier Reef is under attack — from carnivorous starfish, in today’s Global Scan.

New research points to big changes, not necessarily disappearance, for coral reefs

Environment

Scientists who study climate change and ocean environments have made several recent discoveries. Their findings have challenged the conventional wisdom that climate change could eliminate coral reefs. What they’ve found is that they probably won’t disappear, but they will see major changes.

US Navy Jettison Bombs Near the Great Barrier Reef

Conflict & Justice

A US-Australian military exercise called Talisman Saber figures in our Geo Quiz.

Booming Coal Exports Threaten the Great Barrier Reef

UNESCO is threatening to take the Great Barrier Reef off its list of World Heritage sites in the wake of Australia’s decision to build massive coal transport facilities on the Queensland coast. Tim McDonnell of Mother Jones’ magazine Climate says UNESCO is concerned an increase in shipping traffic could have dangerous consequences for the vulnerable reef.