Australia prevents a new coal mine from opening 10 kilometres from the Great Barrier Reef.

(Image from Pixabay)

Climate win: The Australian government rejected a new thermal coal project right off the coast of central Queensland in February.

The project would have involved two coal mines with an open pit - and would have led to the extraction of 10 million tonnes of coal annually, causing significant environmental impacts.

It was expected to operate for 20 years.

Coral bleaching occurs as a result of global warming, causing warmer sea temperatures. Corals will eject the protective algae (zooxanthellae) dwelling in their tissues if the water is too warm, turning the coral white. The term for this is coral bleaching. Bleached coral becomes sensitive and is more susceptible to mortality. If the water conditions do not improve, the coral will turn black and never recover.

The announcement follows a public outcry over possible threats to the reef, recognised as a UNESCO World Heritage site.