The reef is likely to be nothing more than a "red-black bacterial slime" within just 40 years, according to former chief scientist at the Australian Institute of Marine Science, J.E.N. Veron.

This startling statement, quoted in an article by Rolling Stone Magazine, paints a bleak picture for the future of our most beloved tourist attraction.

The article 'The end of Australia' (Rolling Stone, December 2011) highlights the effects climate change is having, and will have on our nation, if of course you believe the science.

If you're in the camp that accepts it, other than the relatively speedy destruction of the reef we can look forward to cyclones such as Yasi becoming more prevalent and even more powerful, floods such as those in South East Queensland this year becoming more common, droughts becoming longer and more severe, and bushfires such as those experienced in Victoria in 2009 killing nearly 200 people becoming the norm.

If you're in the camp which does not accept the science, it appears this is all a part of nature's grand plan, and nothing we do to reduce carbon levels in the atmosphere will make any difference. 

The Senate passed the Carbon Tax on Tuesday. Whether this is a step in the right direction has been hotly debated in economic, political, and environmental circles.

In a four part daily series to run on The Newsport from Monday we talk with four individuals from varying fields who share their thoughts on climate change, the carbon tax, and the affect on Port Douglas.

40 years might seem like an eternity to our kids, but those of us who have been around a little longer know better. Can you imagine Port Douglas without the Great Barrier Reef? Would Port Douglas even exist? Will it happen at all?

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