Scientist says lack of attention to climate change is ‘staggering’ given it is Australia’s last chance ‘to close down coal-fired power stations and save the reef’

Tim Flannery says preserving the Great Barrier Reef from coral bleaching linked to climate change should be a central issue in the federal election campaign.

Flannery, a scientist and member of the Climate Council, said the lack of attention paid to climate change so far in the eight-week campaign was “staggering”.

Related: Richard Di Natale: global warming is the most urgent threat to Australia’s security

Related: Great Barrier Reef: devastating images tell story of coral colonies’ destruction

Continue reading…