CLIMATE CRISIS: New report shows deteriorating state of Australia’s environment

Scientists say Australia’s deteriorating environment is now a threat to humanity and society in a shocking new report

There are fresh fears for Australia’s environment today as a new report finding it is in a critical state after five years of deterioration.

Climate change, habitat loss, invasive species, pollution and mining are all wreaking havoc on the country’s natural ecosystem.

The review was completed by scientists in 2021, but was held back by the previous Morrison government until after the federal election. Read more.

It found abrupt changes in many of Australia’s ecosystems over the past five years, with 19 showing signs of collapse.

Environment and Water Minister, Tanya Plibersek, says it’s a “shocking document” telling a story of crisis and decline in the nation’s environment.

Among the issues listed in the document are:

• There are now more non-native plant species in Australia than native ones
• The number of species listed as threatened has increased by 8 per cent since 2016
• Up to 78 per cent of Australia’s coastal salt-marshes have been lost since European colonisation
• Australia has lost more mammal species than any other continent
• Since just 1990, more than 6.1 million hectares of mature forest have been cleared

The report also says there isn’t enough funding dedicated to the environment and there has been a lack of coordination across jurisdictions to properly address the issues.

Scientists are convinced the deteriorating environment is now a threat to humanity and society as we know it.