More than a dozen coral islands within Australia’s ocean boundaries are at risk of disappearing, according to one study.
full screen Two divers swim over Australian coral reefs off Queensland. Photo: AP/Sam McNeil
The study assessed the islands’ resilience to heat waves and floods on 56 islands. But also the risk of their disappearance. The risk assessment was based on the islands’ current vulnerability and future consequences of marine heat waves and rising water levels.
The researchers assessed the risk for three islands on the north-west coast as “very high”. The risk of a further eleven on the north-east coast was considered “high”.
None of the 56 surveyed islands were at “zero risk” of disappearing.