Artificial cooling 'urgent' for Great Barrier Reef after warming spike

image via New Scientist

July 11, 2025, 1:00 PM

• •Changes to shipping fuel regulations in 2020 reduced sulphur dioxide emissions but also removed aerosols that cooled the Great Barrier Reef.
• •A study found the new regulations caused an additional 0.25°C of sea surface temperature heating and increased coral bleaching likelihood.
• •Researchers are working on marine cloud brightening (MCB) as a potential cooling method for the reef.
• •Some experts are skeptical about the safety and effectiveness of MCB, while others see it as a possible solution.

New research indicates that changes in shipping fuel have inadvertently increased the risk of coral bleaching at the Great Barrier Reef. The reduction of sulphate aerosols from shipping emissions has lessened the cooling effect on the reef, leading to higher sea surface temperatures. Scientists are now urging for urgent measures such as marine cloud brightening (MCB) to mitigate the damage. While some researchers are optimistic about MCB's potential, others remain skeptical about its safety and effectiveness.

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