As a Brisbane resident I've been lucky enough to visit the north central reef twice in the last 30 years. If you are a casual visitor (as I was) the damage is for many people, theoretical because you have no basis to compare, and the reef charter boats go to the best places you can find to see the best diversity. I know it's real. It harder too see and understand it's extent.
Also, much tourism runs in the northern-central reef, but the southern reef is actually visitable, if slightly less spectacular and less developed onshore for tourism and hospitality. You can still see a rich diverse reef from heron island or lady Musgrave. It's not as "wow" as up north.
TL;DR yes, the reef is highly damaged and in extreme danger. Come visit anyway: you'll have fun, you will still see a rich diverse ecosystem (albiet in stress and failing globally) and the reef community needs your dollars.
It doesn't matter, Australian politicians can't save the reef no matter what they do. The reef isn't dying because of pollution or whatever, it's dying because the ocean temperature is increasing and nothing we do will stop that in time.
actually, long distance flights are huge generators of carbon. for many, getting to Australia involves multiple long distance flights.
it'd probably be best to reduce demand of these long distance flights across the globe, and as a result, encourage people to not engage in tragedy of the commons style behaviors justified thusly: I have to see it before it goes away, which are likely to increase demand.
so, really, you should absolutely not visit if you're considerate of your personal carbon emissions.
Also, much tourism runs in the northern-central reef, but the southern reef is actually visitable, if slightly less spectacular and less developed onshore for tourism and hospitality. You can still see a rich diverse reef from heron island or lady Musgrave. It's not as "wow" as up north.
TL;DR yes, the reef is highly damaged and in extreme danger. Come visit anyway: you'll have fun, you will still see a rich diverse ecosystem (albiet in stress and failing globally) and the reef community needs your dollars.
Its worse if you don't come visit.