The IUCN's latest World Heritage Outlook report has rated the Great Barrier Reef's conservation status as 'critical,' indicating severe deterioration.

A review by the World Heritage Committee next year could see the Reef added to the 'in Danger' list if current threats continue and little action is taken.

The report calls for stronger environmental laws, reduced emissions, and halted deforestation to protect the Reef from further decline.

Critics accuse the Albanese government of failing to improve the Reef's condition over the past five years, despite ongoing threats such as pollution, overfishing, and climate change.

Large-scale deforestation in Reef catchments has caused soil erosion and sediment runoff, harming corals, with Queensland reporting 147,000 hectares of tree clearing in a single year.

Despite its critical status, the Great Barrier Reef is the only site ranked 'critical' without being officially listed as 'in Danger,' raising concerns about its vulnerability.

The Australian and Queensland governments are urged to urgently address issues like land clearing loopholes to prevent the Reef from being listed as World Heritage in Danger in 2026.

Recent conditions, including the worst summer on record, cyclones, flooding, and a sixth mass bleaching event in nine years, highlight the urgent need for increased government action.

Climate change remains the greatest threat to World Heritage sites, with the proportion of threatened sites rising from 33% to 43% globally.

Other sites like Ningaloo Reef and Shark Bay have also been downgraded to 'significant concern' due to climate change impacts.