UNESCO demands Great Barrier Reef be listed as 'in danger

UNESCO recommended the Great Barrier Reef should be put on a list of World Heritage Sites that are "in danger" due to the harm caused by climate change.

Context

UNESCO recommended the Great Barrier Reef should be put on a list of World Heritage Sites that are "in danger" due to the harm caused by climate change.

• If accepted, it would be the first time a natural World Heritage Site has been placed on the "in danger" list mostly because of impacts from climate change.

About the UNESCO’s recommendation

• It is the part of the row between UNESCO and the Australian government over the status of the reef.
• It gained World Heritage ranking in 1981. 
• UNESCO is demanding it because of the rising sea temperatures as a result of global warming.
• There have been several "bleaching" eventson the reef in the past five years.
• Listing a site as "in danger" can help address threats and can unlock access to funds or publicity.
  
• The recommendation could affect a major tourism destination of Australia.
• It is said by UNESCO, that the Australian government is not doing enough to protect the greatest natural asset.