The report of this project has been published. The report explores possible futures for the Great Barrier Reef under different emissions scenarios. It also identifies evidence-based strategies and areas of opportunity to manage the Reef ecosystem in the face of unrelenting climate change.
The Department of Climate Change, Energy, the Environment and Water has engaged the Australian Academy of Science (the Academy) to convene a series of roundtables that will support the Reef 2050 Independent Expert Panel in its role of advising government.
Throughout three roundtables this year, cross-disciplinary scientists, specialists and Traditional Owners will discuss the latest evidence around pressures on reef species, habitats and ecosystems (both terrestrial and marine), key gaps in knowledge, and potential responses—including new and emerging technologies—in the context of future climate storylines.
The Academy will provide a final report which will be a robust evidence-based synthesis of the science. The report will present the most likely impacts of climate change on the ecosystems that make up the Great Barrier Reef.
Reef Futures Roundtables terms of reference (PDF, 135KB).
The members of the advisory group guiding the project are:
For more information regarding this project, please contact Dr Hayley Teasdale (hayley.teasdale@science.org.au).
For media enquiries, please contact media@science.org.au.
Climate change impacts on the Great Barrier Reef could become irreversible – 3 August 2023
Reef Futures Roundtables conclude – 4 May 2023
Discussions continue on the future of the Great Barrier Reef – 14 April 2023
Discussions begin on the future of the Great Barrier Reef – 20 March 2023
Academy to advise on future of the Great Barrier Reef – 8 February 2023
© 2025 Australian Academy of Science
