Three-tenths of the coral in certain sections of the Barrier Reef have either perished or are in a deteriorating state.

The Great Barrier Reef, one of the world's natural wonders, is currently grappling with a mass bleaching event due to global warming. This alarming development has been confirmed by months of aerial and underwater surveys.

Activists have accused the Australian government of downplaying the serious threats to the future of the Great Barrier Reef. Reports suggest that negative commentary about its condition has been removed from official reports, leading to concerns about transparency and accountability.

The Great Barrier Reef, stretching over 2,300 kilometers, is under immense pressure. Factors such as farming run-off, development, the coral-eating crown-of-thorns starfish, and climate change impacts are all contributing to its deterioration.

The bleaching phenomenon occurs when abnormal environmental conditions, such as warmer sea temperatures, cause corals to expel tiny photosynthetic algae, draining them of their color. In the Kimberley coast, at least 15% of the corals have already died, with up to 80% severely bleached. The current bleaching event is the third in 18 years and is more extreme than previous ones.

The impact was less severe in the southern parts of the reef due to water temperatures being closer to normal summer conditions. However, fewer corals have died in the south, but the stress from bleaching is likely to temporarily slow down their reproduction and growth rates.

The Australian government insists it is doing "more than ever before" to protect the Great Barrier Reef, having invested Aus$460 million in efforts since 2013. Environment Minister Greg Hunt claims the government has been recognized by the World Heritage committee as a "global role model" in protecting the Great Barrier Reef.

However, the federal government's climate policy is under scrutiny for not making a credible contribution to a healthy future for the Great Barrier Reef. The Australian Marine Conservation Society has urged the federal government to do more to save the Great Barrier Reef.

The Great Barrier Reef supports a tourism industry worth Aus$6 billion and provides 69,000 jobs. Its preservation is not just an environmental issue, but also a matter of economic importance for Australia.

The coral may take at least a decade to recover, but the largest and oldest corals may take longer. As the world watches, the future of the Great Barrier Reef hangs in the balance.