The funding will support new climate adaptation technology, investment in water quality programs, and protect key species in the biodiverse reef, he added.
In July, UNESCO debated whether the Great Barrier Reef was “in danger” — a designation which means a site is under threat. If action wasn’t taken to address concerns, it was at risk of losing its World Heritage status, the UN agency warned.
“We urge the world’s major emitters to undertake the most ambitious climate action under the Paris Agreement,” the letter read. “There is still time to save the Great Barrier Reef, but Australia and the world must act now.”
Morrison’s announcement Friday comes ahead of a general election expected in May.
“Unless you are cutting emissions deeply this decade the situation on the Reef will only get worse,” climate scientist and Professor of Biology at Macquarie University, Professor Lesley Hughes said in the statement.
In an interview with radio station 4A Cairns Friday, Morrison said emissions were falling under policies the government has put in place, which is beneficial for the reef.
“We’re achieving those outcomes, and we’re going to keep doing it because we’re passionate about it,” he said.
Impact of the climate crisis
The Great Barrier Reef, the world’s largest coral reef, covers nearly 133,000 square miles (344,000 square kilometers) and is home to more than 1,500 types of fish, over 400 kinds of hard corals and dozens of other species.
But the Australian government has strongly objected to that conclusion. Environment Minister Sussan Ley flew to Europe last July as part of a last-ditch attempt to convince the other members of the World Heritage to vote against the measure. Australia is currently part of the 21-country rotating committee.
Morrison on Friday called the reef the “best managed” in the world.
“Today we take our commitment to a new level,” he said.