The #Great #Barrier #Reef will #die if we #choose to do #nothing

The Great Barrier Reef Is Already Struggling to Survive. Don't Let Australia Make it a Dumping Ground for Port Waste! Sign Now Dear friends, The Great Barrier Reef is rightfully considered one of the Seven Natural Wonders of the World. Nine thousand species span across the reef's 1600 miles, and it's one of the most biodiverse ecosystems on Earth. But the reef's health is in immediate danger. Pollution, coastal development, and climate change have each had a hand in causing the loss of half the reef's coral cover, as well as irreparable coral bleaching. As if humans haven't already done enough damage to the reef, Australia's Great Barrier Reef Marine Park Authority recently approved plans to dump port waste within the reef's protected marine park. Australia already has legal protections against dumping within the marine park. Yet officials found a loophole that permits dumping if it's part of "maintenance" on existing port structures. Scientists warn that the reef could choke to death if the waste is poured directly onto it. But even if the sludge were poured further away, heavy metals could still float back and poison the reef. This precious ecosystem needs our protection & mdash; and fast. Sign this petition today to urge Australia's Great Barrier Reef Marine Park Authority to immediately revoke its dumping permit, and to save the reef from further destruction. Thank you,   Nora K. The Care2 Petitions Team P.S. The Great Barrier Reef is the largest coral reef ecosystem on the entire planet. There is too much at stake for us to do nothing. Urge Australian officials to withdraw permission to dump on the reef.