Race to Save the Reef
Australia is racing to save one the seven natural wonders of the world. The government is pumping an unprecedented $400 million into possible solutions to try to save the dying coral on the Great Barrier Reef. Some of the pilot projects scientists have proposed include a "coral IVF" to repopulate the reef, a remote-control submersible called Ranger Bot that culls coral-eating starfish, and even sun shields to protect the most vulnerable areas from increasing temperatures. Fortunately, temperatures in the Australian summer didn't reach the heights of two previous years, when the 2,600km long reef suffered two subsequent massive bleaching incidents. But is this too little, too late? CNN's Ivan Watson goes on a journey under and over the sea in the most beautiful parts of the Great Barrier Reef to witness the damage first-hand, and to meet the scientists spearheading the campaign to save the reef with projects at sea and on land. He's also joined by the world's first reef scientist, known as the 'Godfather of Coral', Charlie Veron, who after 45 years diving the reef, has now become the prophet of its extinction.
2018
