19 Australian ecosystems collapsing due to human impact

LETTER TO THE EDITOR: An Airlie Beach resident says the government is doing little to help the situation, so it’s up to us.

An Airlie Beach resident is calling on all Australians to do their bit to help save our ecosystems. Pictured is Joshua Love-Shepherdson, 4, of Plympton, with his message at a conservation rally.

Letter to the Editor – Contributed by Tony Fontes, Airlie Beach.

Australian scientists have just recently released a very sobering report detailing 19 ecosystems across Australia that are collapsing due to the impact of humans and warned urgent action is required to prevent their complete loss.
The groundbreaking report – the result of work by 38 scientists from 29 universities and government agencies – details the degradation of coral reefs, arid outback deserts, tropical savanna, the waterways of the Murray-Darling Basin, mangroves in the Gulf of Carpentaria, and forests stretching from the far north to Tasmania.

This is news, but not new news.

Previous in-depth studies, including the government’s state of the environment report and last year’s review of the national environment laws, have found Australia’s natural heritage is in a perilous and worsening state.

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And what is the government doing? Little to nothing, ignoring its own recommendations and continuing to rebuff calls to increase spending on the environment.

The government is part of the problem. But WE can do something about it.

This report is more than just a warning, it is a call to action.

Thousands of people across Australia have already taken up the call and are working through a myriad of community groups to address our environmental problems.

But it is not enough. We need everyone.

What are you doing?

Joshua Love-Shepherdson, 4, of Plympton, with his message at z conservation rally in 1994. Photo: File

Wherever you live, there are grassroot conservation groups doing good work to support our ecosystems.

Much of the work is volunteer but all of the work is very rewarding. Join up.

All you need is enthusiasm and a desire to protect nature.

In many cases, you will develop new skills through on-the-job training.

As well, you will connect with like-minded and very special people.

Well, what are you waiting for? Together, we can show the government how to do their job.

Want to share your thoughts on a hot topic? Submit a letter to the Whitsunday Times here.

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