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Great Writing 4 Great Essays

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Great Writing 4: Great Essays Paperback – Import, 29 January 2019

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• ISBN-10 0357020855
• ISBN-13 978-0357020852
• Edition 5th
• Publisher National Geographic/(ELT)
• Publication date 29 January 2019
• Language English
• Dimensions 21.59 x 1.91 x 27.31 cm
• Print length 198 pages
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• Publisher ‏ : ‎ National Geographic/(ELT); 5th edition (29 January 2019)
• Language ‏ : ‎ English
• Paperback ‏ : ‎ 198 pages
• ISBN-10 ‏ : ‎ 0357020855
• ISBN-13 ‏ : ‎ 978-0357020852
• Item Weight ‏ : ‎ 590 g
• Dimensions ‏ : ‎ 21.59 x 1.91 x 27.31 cm
• Country of Origin ‏ : ‎ United Kingdom

About the author

Keith s. folse.

I've always been interested in language and languages. I was born in New Orleans, Louisiana, and grew up on the Mississippi Gulf Coast, which is really a linguistic extension of New Orleans. (We speak a similar dialect of English and eat the same food; I grew up on gumbo, red beans and rice, and jambalaya.) As a kid, I knew that we talked different. Beaucoup (boocoo), the neutral ground (the median in a road), and passing by someone's house (meaning: to stop and visit someone) were all a normal part of my dialect. I grew up primed to notice language nuances.

I love teaching, and I am thankful to the many dedicated teachers I've had over the years. I am especially grateful to my high school French teacher, Mrs. Emily de Montluzin, who was my first foreign language teacher many years ago. There was something inspiring about how she taught, which made what she taught so interesting and impactful on my life -- and isn't that what all of us teachers hope to accomplish?

Learning languages comes naturally to me and have studied six. Some were in a classroom setting with a teacher, a book, and other students. Other languages were learned by hanging out with native speakers and practicing a lot. A WHOLE LOT! More recently, I have started learning another language online. In the process of all this studying and learning, I have come to know a lot more about good teaching and good learning.

My first foreign language was French. I was naturally good at languages, which led me to continue studying them. I learned Spanish, eventually doing my master's thesis in dialects of Spanish in Nicaragua, Honduras, and El Salvador. My next language was Arabic. While living in Malaysia, I studied Malay, often by watching subtitles of the TV show "Dynasty" because it was one of only two shows on TV in English with Malay subtitles. (The other was "Sesame Street.") I studied Japanese and had to use it in my daily life there. Most recently, I have been learning German through my university course, which is 100% online due to COVID. This course has no Zoom and therefore no human interaction of any kind. I've come to realize and appreciate how hard it is to learn a language by yourself. Language is perhaps one of the most human interactions we have, yet I completed German 1 with a computer, an online textbook, and youtube videos.

For more than 40 years -- a number I cannot truly believe -- in the US and abroad. I've taught English as Second/Foreign Language in the US, Saudi Arabia, Malaysia, Kuwait, and Japan. I've also taught French and Spanish. In fact, I once taught Spanish in Japan IN JAPANESE. Now think about that combination for a moment!

In addition, I've conducted teacher training workshops all over the globe, from Argentina to Uzbekistan. I'm certified secondary (English & French), and one of my favorite events is working with hundreds of K12 teachers every summer in Arkansas through an amazing program with the Arkansas Department of State. I am a frequent conference presenter at international and regional TESOL events.

At a very early age, I loved teacher worksheets. Teachers back then passed out mimeographed handouts that they had run off on a spirit master machine. The handouts were a bluish-purple color, and they smelled GREAT! Teachers often arrived in class with last-minute handouts where the paper was still wet and the chemical smells were very strong. When a teacher passed out a worksheet, everyone was smelling the sheets.... but while my classmates continued with their handout-induced highs, I -- being a nerd -- was noticing the design of the worksheet. How did the teacher set up the matching activity? Terms on the left and definitions on the right? (Very American, I know now.) Or vice-versa? And where did the blanks go? And which words did she ask? It is no exaggeration to say that I really LOVED school. I LOVED those worksheets. I LOVED our workbooks. And so it's no wonder that at the age of 25, I published my first book. So far, I have published 75 books with the University of Michigan Press, National Geographic Learning, Wayzgoose Press, Oxford University Press, and Longman.

I have a BA in English with a minor in Secondary Education and French and an MA in TESOL. I also have a PhD in Second Language Acquisition and Instructional Technology. My main research areas are vocabulary and best teaching practices. I'm especially interested in experimental, quasi-experimental, and case study research on the teaching of grammar, the teaching of vocabulary, and error correction in second language writing.

Who knew that smelling the chemicals on worksheets in the 60s and 70s would lead me to be a textbook and workbook writer today? Well, they say that everything happens for a reason...

I hope you enjoy my English language materials. I am always open to hearing your suggestions for improving my work. Please feel free to contact me -- whether it is to comment on one of my books, ask about a research question, or invite me to participate at a conference in your area.

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Great Writing #4

Great essays: great writing 4, keith s. folse , april muchmore-vokoun , elena vestri solomon.

202 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 1999

About the author

Keith S. Folse

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Essay Papers Writing Online

Master the art of great writing to craft exceptional essays that captivate readers and earn top grades.

Are you eager to become a more proficient writer? Do you strive to express your thoughts and ideas with clarity and precision? Look no further! In this article, we will explore some invaluable techniques that can help you polish your essays and take your writing to the next level. By incorporating these approaches into your writing routine, you will be able to captivate your readers, convey your message effortlessly, and ultimately become a masterful wordsmith.

Embark on a journey of self-improvement and discover the power of thorough planning. Before diving into the writing process, take a moment to outline your ideas and organize your thoughts. This crucial step will provide you with a clear roadmap and guide you along the way. A well-structured essay will not only showcase your ideas coherently but also enhance the overall flow of your writing. By creating a framework for your thoughts, you’ll be able to navigate smoothly through your essay, presenting your arguments in a logical and persuasive manner.

Another essential aspect to consider when sharpening your writing skills is the mastery of grammar and punctuation. Refine your understanding of sentence structure, verb tenses, and punctuation marks to ensure flawless execution in your essays. Pay special attention to subject-verb agreements, proper comma usage, and maintaining consistent tone throughout your piece. A well-crafted sentence not only conveys your message effectively but also demonstrates your attention to detail and professionalism.

Develop a Clear and Concise Thesis Statement

Creating a strong and effective thesis statement is an essential component of successful essay writing. A thesis statement serves as the backbone of your essay, providing a clear and concise overview of the main argument or perspective you will be presenting. It acts as a guide for both the writer and the reader, outlining the direction and focus of the essay.

To develop a clear and concise thesis statement, it is important to first identify the main topic or subject of your essay. This can be achieved by analyzing the essay prompt or question, conducting thorough research, or brainstorming ideas and concepts related to the topic. Once you have a clear understanding of the main subject, you can then formulate a thesis statement that clearly and succinctly expresses your main argument or perspective.

When crafting your thesis statement, it is crucial to ensure that it is specific and focused. Avoid vague or broad statements that lack clarity and precision. Instead, strive for a thesis statement that is concise and to the point. This will help provide a clear direction for your essay and prevent confusion for the reader.

In addition to being clear and concise, a strong thesis statement should also be arguable. It should present a position or perspective that can be debated or discussed within the essay. This allows for a more engaging and dynamic essay, as it encourages the reader to consider different viewpoints and form their own opinions.

Furthermore, it is important to remember that a thesis statement is not set in stone. As you conduct further research and develop your essay, you may find that your initial thesis statement needs to be revised or refined. This is a normal part of the writing process, as it allows for your ideas to evolve and for your essay to become more well-rounded and comprehensive.

In conclusion, developing a clear and concise thesis statement is a crucial step in the essay writing process. It provides a foundation for your essay and guides both the writer and reader. By ensuring that your thesis statement is specific, focused, and arguable, you can create a strong and effective essay that effectively conveys your main argument or perspective.

Use Strong and Versatile Vocabulary

Enhance the quality of your essays by employing a wide range of powerful and flexible vocabulary choices. By diversifying your word usage, you can effectively communicate your ideas and capture the attention of your readers. A strong vocabulary allows you to articulate your thoughts with precision and sophistication, adding depth, clarity, and impact to your writing.

One way to enrich your vocabulary is to explore synonyms and alternative expressions. Instead of relying on common words, consider using more imaginative and evocative language. For example, instead of saying “good” or “nice,” opt for words like “excellent,” “superb,” “wonderful,” or “pleasing.” Likewise, rather than using “bad” or “poor,” substitute them with “terrible,” “dreadful,” “abysmal,” or “unsatisfactory.”

In addition, experiment with adjectives and adverbs to provide depth and nuance to your descriptions and explanations. Instead of simply stating something is “big,” you can use terms like “vast,” “enormous,” or “immense.” Similarly, instead of just saying someone is “happy,” you can describe their joy as “ecstatic,” “delighted,” or “overjoyed.”

It is also important to expand your vocabulary by incorporating words from various fields and subjects. This multidisciplinary approach allows you to bring fresh and unique perspectives to your writing. For example, if you are writing an essay about technology, consider incorporating terms related to psychology, sociology, or philosophy to demonstrate a deeper understanding of the topic.

To further diversify your vocabulary, utilize a thesaurus or word list to discover new words and expressions that can add depth and sophistication to your writing. Keep a list of interesting vocabulary that you come across, and practice incorporating these words into your essays to become more comfortable using them.

Remember, a well-chosen, varied vocabulary is an invaluable tool for improving the quality and impact of your essays. By effectively utilizing a range of strong and versatile language, you can take your writing to new heights and engage your readers on a deeper level.

Structure Your Essay with a Logical Flow

When it comes to crafting a well-written essay, it’s essential to have a logical flow that seamlessly connects your ideas. Having a clear and organized structure will not only make your essay easier to read but also help your reader follow your argument more effectively.

One way to achieve a logical flow is by using transitional words and phrases that establish connections between different parts of your essay. These words and phrases act as signposts, guiding your reader through your essay and indicating the relationship between your ideas. Examples of transitional words include “however,” “therefore,” “furthermore,” and “in addition.”

Another crucial aspect of structuring your essay is having a well-defined thesis statement. Your thesis statement serves as the central argument or main point of your essay, and it should be clear and concise. The rest of your essay should then be organized around supporting and developing your thesis.

Furthermore, the paragraphs within your essay should have a logical progression. Each paragraph should focus on a single idea or topic, and the information presented should be relevant and support your thesis statement. Use topic sentences to introduce the main idea of each paragraph and use supporting evidence and examples to further strengthen your points.

In addition to having a logical flow within paragraphs, it’s also important to have a logical flow between paragraphs. Each paragraph should build upon the previous one and lead into the next, creating a smooth transition. You can achieve this by using transitional phrases and words at the beginning and end of each paragraph, as well as by reiterating key ideas from the previous paragraph.

In conclusion, structuring your essay with a logical flow is essential for effectively communicating your ideas. By using transitional words and phrases, having a clear thesis statement, organizing your paragraphs, and creating seamless transitions between paragraphs, you can ensure that your essay is well-structured and coherent. This will not only make your essay easier to read but also enhance the overall quality of your writing.

Incorporate Supporting Evidence and Examples

Adding relevant supporting evidence and examples to your essays can greatly enhance the quality and credibility of your arguments. By including specific details and concrete examples, you can provide solid evidence to support your claims and make your writing more persuasive.

One effective technique is to use statistics and research findings to support your arguments. Incorporating data and numbers from credible sources can strengthen your points and make them more convincing. For example, if you’re writing an essay on the benefits of exercise, you could cite a study that shows how regular physical activity can improve cardiovascular health.

Another way to incorporate supporting evidence is through the use of expert opinions and quotations. By referencing the opinions of experts in the field, you can create a sense of authority and expertise in your writing. For instance, if you’re discussing the impact of climate change, you could include a quote from a respected scientist or environmentalist to reinforce your argument.

Additionally, providing real-life examples and anecdotes can make your writing more relatable and engaging. By sharing stories and personal experiences, you can connect with your readers on a more emotional level and make your arguments more memorable. For instance, if you’re writing an essay on the importance of cultural diversity, you could include a personal anecdote about a time when you experienced the benefits of interacting with people from different backgrounds.

Remember to properly cite your sources and provide sufficient context for your evidence and examples. This will not only prevent plagiarism but also allow your readers to verify the information and further explore the topic if they’re interested.

• Use statistics and research findings
• Incorporate expert opinions and quotations
• Provide real-life examples and anecdotes
• Cite sources and provide context

Edit and Proofread for Grammar and Spelling Errors

Refining your writing involves more than just choosing the right words and crafting a compelling argument. It’s important to pay attention to the finer details, such as grammar and spelling errors. These small mistakes can detract from the overall quality of your essay and undermine your credibility as a writer. To ensure that your work is polished and error-free, follow these essential editing and proofreading techniques.

1. Conduct a Thorough Grammar Check

• Review your essay sentence by sentence, paying close attention to grammar rules.
• Check for subject-verb agreement, proper verb tenses, and consistent use of pronouns.
• Identify any run-on sentences or fragments and revise them accordingly.
• Ensure that your writing is clear and concise, avoiding unnecessary wordiness.

2. Verify Spelling and Punctuation

• Double-check the spelling of every word in your essay.
• Use a reliable dictionary or spell-check tool for words you are unsure about.
• Pay attention to punctuation marks such as commas, periods, and quotation marks.
• Make sure that your use of capitalization is consistent and appropriate.

3. Proofread for Clarity and Consistency

• Read your essay aloud to catch any awkward or unclear sentences.
• Ensure that your ideas flow logically and smoothly from one paragraph to the next.
• Check for consistency in formatting, such as font styles and paragraph indentation.
• Verify that your citations and references are correctly formatted according to the required style guide.

By dedicating time to edit and proofread your essay for grammar and spelling errors, you can significantly enhance the quality and effectiveness of your writing. Remember, even the most brilliant ideas can be diminished by careless mistakes. So take the time to polish your work and present it in its best possible form.

Conclude with a Thought-Provoking Ending

Wrap up your essays with a compelling and thought-provoking ending that leaves readers pondering the points you’ve made. The conclusion is your final opportunity to make a lasting impression, so it’s essential to choose your words carefully and craft a memorable ending that lingers in the reader’s mind.

One effective way to conclude your essay is by posing a question that challenges the reader’s assumptions or encourages them to think critically about the topic. This can help stimulate further discussion and reflection, elevating the overall impact of your essay. Additionally, you can consider offering a potential solution or suggestion for future exploration, inviting readers to consider alternative perspectives or actions.

Another approach to creating a thought-provoking ending is by using a memorable quote or anecdote that encapsulates the main theme or message of your essay. By ending with a powerful quotation or engaging story, you leave your readers with a lasting impression and reinforce the key ideas you’ve presented throughout the essay.

Furthermore, you can conclude your essay by highlighting the broader significance or implications of the topic you’ve discussed. Consider connecting your essay to larger societal issues or universal truths to provide a broader context and leave readers with a sense of the bigger picture. By doing so, you invite readers to consider the relevance and impact of your essay beyond its immediate subject matter.

In conclusion, a thought-provoking ending can significantly enhance the effectiveness of your essay. By posing questions, using quotations or anecdotes, and highlighting broader implications, you can leave readers lingering on the ideas you’ve presented and inspire them to continue thinking and exploring the topic further.

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Great Writing Makes Great Writers

Now in the fifth edition, Great Writing is a six-level series that helps students develop their academic writing with expanded vocabulary building, sentence development, and National Geographic content to spark ideas.

Great Writing provides clear explanations, academic writing models, and focused practice to help students write great sentences, paragraphs, and essays.

• A new unit structure offers students the targeted practice and skills they need to become competent writers
• Updated Building Better Sentences starts with editing and finishes with sentence combining for more refined writing
• Updated Building Better Vocabulary highlights academic words and gives many opportunities to practice
• New Words to Know boxes highlight academic and carefully-leveled words that students will frequently use

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Want to write a college essay that sets you apart? Three tips to give you a head start

1. Keep it real. It’s normal to want to make a good impression on the school of your choice, but it’s also important to show who you really are. So just be yourself! Compelling stories might not be perfectly linear or have a happy ending, and that’s OK. It’s best to be authentic instead of telling schools what you think they want to hear.

2. Be reflective . Think about how you’ve changed during high school. How have you grown and improved? What makes you feel ready for college, and how do you hope to contribute to the campus community and society at large?

3. Look to the future. Consider your reasons for attending college. What do you hope to gain from your education? What about college excites you the most, and what would you like to do after you graduate? Answering these questions will not only give colleges insight into the kind of student you’ll be, but it will also give you the personal insight you’ll need to choose the school that’s right for you.

Have questions about college prep? We're here to help.

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As a student or prospective student at CU Boulder, you have a right to certain information pertaining to financial aid programs, the Clery Act, crime and safety, graduation rates, athletics and other general information such as the costs associated with attending CU Boulder. To view this information visit  colorado.edu/your-right-know .

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• Essay Editor

10 Practical Ways to Improve Your Essay Writing Skills

What makes a great essay stand out from an average one? It's all about finding the right mix between what you say and how you say it. Even the best ideas can fall flat if they're not written well. At the same time, good writing can't make up for weak content.

A really good essay needs to do many things at once. It should teach the reader something new and keep them interested. It should also be fun to read. On top of that, it needs to have perfect grammar, sentence structure, and punctuation. If you're having trouble getting the grades you want and don't know why, this article will show you ten ways to improve your essay writing skills. We'll also touch on a tool that can make writing essays easier and more enjoyable.

1. Read Often

To get better at writing essays, it's important to read lots of different types of writing. Try reading different kinds of books and articles to learn new words and ideas. Pay special attention to published essays and academic journals. These can show you how good writers make their points and keep their ideas flowing smoothly.

For example, if you're writing about climate change, don't just read science papers. Read opinion pieces, stories about environmental movements from the past, and even stories that talk about nature and how people affect it. This will help you improve your essays by giving you a bigger picture of the topic.

2. Understand Your Essay Topic

Before you start writing, take time to really understand what your essay is supposed to be about. Read the instructions carefully and gather information. Don't rush this part. Instead, take your time to build a strong base for your arguments. Look at different viewpoints to make sure your main idea is correct and well-thought-out. This step is very important if you want to improve your essay and do high-quality work.

3. Create a Solid Essay Structure

Even the best writers start with an outline. Making a plan is really important for organizing your thoughts and making sure your essay makes sense from start to finish. As you research more, your topic might change in ways you didn't expect. A flexible outline can help you manage these new ideas and fit them into your essay in a way that makes sense.

You could try using the basic five-paragraph essay structure to start:

• Introduction (with your main idea)
• First main point
• Second main point
• Third main point

But don't feel like you have to stick to this exactly. As you improve your essay writing skills, you can try different structures that fit your topic and argument better.

4. Polish Your Writing Fundamentals

Knowing how to correctly use grammar, sentence structure, and punctuation is important for writing a good essay. A few small mistakes might not hurt your grade too much, but lots of mistakes can make your reader think less of your work.

Tools like the Aithor essay writer can improve your essays, but learning these rules yourself will help you use these tools better and improve your essay writing skills in the long run.

5. Write a Compelling Introduction

The introduction sets the mood for your whole essay and is your chance to get the reader interested. A good intro should start with something that grabs attention, like an interesting fact or question that leads into your main idea.

For example, instead of starting with a boring sentence like "This essay will talk about what caused the French Revolution", you could start with something more interesting: "What if a loaf of bread costs as much as you make in a week? For many French people in 1789, this was real life, and it helped start a revolution." This way of starting can really improve your essay's impact from the beginning.

6. Use Active Voice in Your Writing

Most of the time, using active voice makes your writing easier to read and more interesting. It keeps readers engaged and makes your points clearer. Look at these two sentences:

Passive: "The experiment was conducted by the scientist." 

Active: "The scientist conducted the experiment."

The active voice clearly shows who is doing the action, making your writing stronger and easier to understand. But sometimes, passive voice is okay, like in science writing or when we don't know or don't need to say who did the action. As you improve your essays, you'll learn when to use each type of voice to make your writing better.

7. Don't Repeat Things

It's important not to use the same words or ideas over and over in your essay. Try to use different words and sentence types to keep your reader interested and make your writing sound nice.

Instead of always saying "In conclusion" or "Furthermore", try using words like "Moreover", "Additionally", or "Given these facts". Using different words not only makes your essay flow better but also shows you know how to use language well, helping you improve your essay writing skills.

8. Seek Constructive Criticism

One of the best ways to improve your essay is by asking others what they think. Your teacher's comments are very important, but getting feedback before you turn in your final essay is also good. Classmates, tutors, or people at the writing center can give you new ideas about your work.

When you get feedback, try not to feel bad about criticism. Instead, think of it as a chance to make your writing better. Ask specific questions about things you're not sure about, like whether your argument is strong or if your explanations are clear.

9. Use Your Sources Correctly

When you mention information from other places, make sure you're using the right format that your teacher asked for (like APA, MLA, or Chicago). Using sources correctly not only avoids copying others' work without permission but also makes your arguments stronger by showing you've read reliable information. Paying attention to these details is a key part of how to improve your essays.

10. Edit and Refine Your Work

The best way to improve essays is by carefully checking and fixing them. Try to finish your first draft well before it's due so you can let it sit for a while. When you come back to it with fresh eyes, you'll often see ways to make it better that you didn't notice before.

Try reading your essay out loud during this process. This can help you find awkward phrases or parts that repeat too much that you might not notice when reading silently. Tools like the Aithor essay writer can also help you make your essay better.

Key Takeaways to Improve Essays

Improving your essay writing skills takes time and practice. By using these tips, you'll be on your way to writing better, more convincing, and more interesting essays. Remember, the goal isn't to be perfect, but to keep getting better.

If you want more help on how to improve your essay, think about using tools like the Aithor essay writer . It can give you guidance and suggestions as you work on your essays, helping you improve your essay writing skills over time.

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‘ Wake-up call to humanity’: research shows the Great Barrier Reef is the hottest it’s been in 400 years

Lecturer, School of Agriculture, Food and Ecosystem Sciences, The University of Melbourne

Professor, Environmental Futures & Securing Antarctica's Environmental Future, School of Earth, Atmospheric and Life Sciences, University of Wollongong

Professor, School of the Environment, The University of Queensland

Disclosure statement

Ben Henley receives funding from the Australian Research Council.

Helen McGregor receives funding from the Australian Research Council.

Ove Hoegh-Guldberg does not work for, consult, own shares in or receive funding from any company or organization that would benefit from this article, and has disclosed no relevant affiliations beyond their academic appointment.

University of Melbourne provides funding as a founding partner of The Conversation AU.

University of Wollongong and University of Queensland provide funding as members of The Conversation AU.

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The Great Barrier Reef is vast and spectacular. But repeated mass coral bleachings, driven by high ocean temperatures, are threatening the survival of coral colonies which are the backbone of the reef.

Our study, published today in Nature , provides a new long-term picture of the ocean surface temperatures driving coral bleaching. It shows recent sea surface heat is unprecedented compared to the past 400 years. It also confirms humans are to blame.

The results are sobering confirmation that global warming – caused by human activities – will continue to damage the Great Barrier Reef.

All hope is not lost. But we must face a confronting truth: if humanity does not divert from its current course, our generation will likely witness the demise of one of Earth’s great natural wonders.

One-of-a-kind ecosystem

The Great Barrier Reef is the most extensive coral reef system on Earth. It is home to a phenomenal array of biodiversity , including more than 400 types of coral, 1,500 species of fish and 4,000 types of molluscs, as well as endangered turtles and dugongs.

However, mass coral bleaching over the past three decades has had serious impacts on the reef. Bleaching occurs when corals become so heat-stressed they eject the tiny organisms living inside their tissues. These organisms give coral some of its colour and help power its metabolism .

In mild bleaching events, corals can recover. But in the most recent events, many corals died .

The Great Barrier Reef has suffered five mass bleaching events in the past nine summers. Is this an anomaly, or within the natural variability the reef has experienced in previous centuries? Our research set out to answer this question.

A 400-year-old story

Coral itself can tell us what happened in the past.

As corals grow, the chemistry of their skeleton reflects the ocean conditions at the time – including its temperature. In particular, large boulder-shaped corals , known as Porites , can live for centuries and are excellent recorders of the past.

Our study sought to understand how surface temperatures in the Coral Sea, which includes the reef, have varied over the past four centuries. We focused on the January–March period – the warmest three months on the reef.

First, we collated a network of high-quality, continuous coral records from the region. These records were analysed by coral climate scientists and consist of thousands of measurements of Porites corals from across the Western tropical Pacific.

From these records, we could reconstruct average surface temperatures for the Coral Sea from the year 1618 to 1995, and calibrate this to modern temperature records from 1900 to 2024. The overall result was alarming.

From 1960 to 2024, we observed annual average summer warming of 0.12°C per decade.

And average sea surface temperatures in 2016, 2017, 2020, 2022 and 2024 were five of the six warmest the region has experienced in four centuries.

Humans are undoubtedly to blame

The next step was to examine the extent to which increased temperatures in the Coral Sea can be attributed to human influence.

To do this, we used published computer model simulations of the Earth’s climate – both with and without human influence, including greenhouse gases from the burning of fossil fuels.

So what did we find? Without human influence, Coral Sea surface temperatures during January–March remain relatively constant since 1900. Add in the human impacts, and the region warms steadily in the early 1900s, then rapidly after the 1960s.

In short: without human-caused global warming, the very high sea temperatures of recent years would be virtually impossible, based on our analysis using the world’s top climate models.

There is worse news. Recent climate projections put us on a path to intensified warming, even when accounting for international commitments to reduce emissions. This places the reef at risk of coral bleaching on a near-annual basis .

Back-to-back bleaching is likely to be catastrophic for the Great Barrier Reef, because it thwarts the chances of corals recovering between bleaching events.

Even if global warming is kept under the Paris Agreement goal of 1.5°C above pre-industrial temperatures, 70% to 90% of corals across the world could be lost .

We must stay focused

The Australian government has a crucial role to play in managing threats to the Great Barrier Reef. The devastation is in their backyard, on their watch.

But what’s happening on the Great Barrier Reef should also be an international wake-up call. The fourth global mass coral bleaching event occurred this year; the Great Barrier Reef is not the only one at risk.

Every fraction of a degree of warming we avoid gives more hope for coral reefs. That’s why the world must stay focused on ambitious action to reduce greenhouse gas emissions.

Emissions reduction targets must be met, at the very least. The solutions are available and our leaders must implement them.

Our research equips society with the scientific evidence for what’s at stake if we don’t act.

The future of one of Earth’s most remarkable ecosystems depends on all of us.

The authors of this piece gratefully acknowledge the contributions of Andrew King, Ariella Arzey, David Karoly, Janice Lough, Tom DeCarlo and Brad Linsley and the producers of the coral data which made this study possible.

• Climate change
• Great Barrier Reef
• Global warming
• Coral bleaching
• Coral reefs

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