Pressures on the Great Barrier Reef over time

This illustrative plot shows the cumulative growing pressures on the GBR. The timing and relative magnitude of these pressures are only rough estimates and primarily provided for illustrative purposes. Many of the local pressures increased with the rapid expansion of the agriculture, fishing, and population growth of Queensland in the 1900's. While climate change is leading to new pressures of warming (causing coral bleaching), and ocean acidification. With good local management in the future we can reduce some of the local pressures partly compensating for increases in the global pressures. Significant global action on climate change is however needed if we are to reduce the significant additional pressures from warming and ocean acidification.  

Modified diagram from Duarte (2014) in The Conversation.