Several Australian ecosystems are showing ‘signs of collapse’. So say leading scientists in a survey on the state of the environment in Australia that is conducted every five years. It ‘State of the Environment’ report was published today. The environment is under pressure from climate change, loss of habitat of native animals and plants, invasive species, pollution and mining.
Become extinct
Nowhere in the world are animal species dying out faster than in Australia. Since 2016, 17 mammal species have been added to the endangered species list, as well as 17 bird species and 19 frog species.
The extensive survey is carried out every five years on behalf of the government. This time, 32 scientists contributed. The report has been ready since the end of 2021, but the previous government has postponed publication until after the federal elections last May. Labor won the election, bringing the Social Democrats back to power in Australia for the first time in a decade.
Reform environmental rules
Tanya Plibersek, the new Labor environment minister, calls it a “shocking document” due to “decades of passivity and willful ignorance” by previous conservative governments. It is her job to reform Australian environmental regulations and prevent further loss of native species.
The new Australian Labor government pledged to tackle climate change after the election victory. There is also criticism that the government has no intention of stopping new coal mines and natural gas projects.