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Comment by cam_l | Hacker News Reader

Oh, come on now. The previous prime minister Mal (and current deputy leader Josh) gave the great barrier reef $444m. They are doing their very best to save it.

I mean sure, the charity they gave it to never asked for it, and have only 6 people working for them. And of course they were good friends of the party, ex-exxon, ex-origin (gas fracking), ex-jbp (most corrupt gov in aus history). No oversight, no investigation, no input from the environment minister, just a big lump of cash... "for the reef". But they probably will do something with it.[0]

[0] https://newmatilda.com/2018/08/20/turnbull-govt-implodes-sti...

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It doesn't matter. There's no way that Australia could "save" the reef. At best, maybe they could bioengineer something that looked enough like a reef to keep tourists happy. Or maybe just replace it with plastic and stuff ;)

We could be global leaders committed to reducing green house gas emissions ASAP.

No we could not single handily turn the ship around, nobody ever said we could.

But we could be leaders and work hard for the greater good. Many many people have said we should do that.

Those are admirable sentiments. And it's great to be optimistic. But if the models are at all relevant, it's probably already too late.

Well, I mean, it matters.. both the corruption and the destruction of the reef (which by the way also faces more imminent threats from mining and agriculture).

I don't mean that destruction of the reef doesn't matter. But I do doubt that Australia can do much to help or hurt, at this point. Perhaps reducing runoff from mining and agriculture would help. But oceanic acidification is a global issue, and it's inevitable at this point.

Hey, its not that bad, as you know only carefully vetted and patted down people are allowed into the exclusive lounge where the charity was born:

> the foundation “started with a small group of businessmen chatting at the airport while waiting for their flight, wanting to do something to help the Great Barrier Reef

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