Charlie Veron, former chief scientist of the Australian Institute of Marine Science, told The Times: “There is no way out, no loopholes. The Great Barrier Reef will be over within 20 years or so.”

Once carbon dioxide had hit the levels predicted for between 2030 and 2060, all coral reefs were doomed to extinction, he said. “They would be the world’s first global ecosystem to collapse. I have the backing of every coral reef scientist, every research organisation. I’ve spoken to them all. This is critical. This is reality.”

Frank Pope of The Times Online has the interview: Link

Everything’s going extinct like it’s going out of style! What’s (or who’s) next? Miley Cyrus?

From the Neatoshop: Having Great Vocab Didn’t Save the Thesaurus From Extinction

There’s so much to see and do, so you’ll have plenty to write about in your weekly blog. And with so much life above and below the water, you’re sure to capture some entertaining moments for your video diary and photo gallery. To keep you busy, Tourism Queensland will organise a schedule of travel and events on the Islands of the Great Barrier Reef. Your schedule could include sampling a new luxury spa treatment at qualia on Hamilton Island, trying out new snorkelling gear on Heron Island, or bushwalking on Hinchinbrook Island.

The job includes use of a three-bedroom home near the beach with a pool, and pays $150,000 Australian. You must send a video to apply for the position. Watch videos of other applicants at the website. Link -via Metafilter