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Climate change is a primary driver of biodiversity loss. And climate change
depends on biodiversity as part of the solution. So clearly the two are linked,
and cannot be separated.ยน
Elizabeth Mrema, Executive Secretary, UN Convention on Biological Diversity
Biodiversity is the variety of all life forms on earth: animals, plants and microorganisms. It includes the diversity of genes within a species, species within ecosystems, and ecosystems in the biosphere.
Biodiversity is essential for the processes that support all life on Earth, including human lifeยฒ. Without the range of animals, plants and microorganisms, we cannot have the healthy ecosystems that we depend upon.
Trees and other plants clean the air we breathe and help us tackle the global challenge of climate change by absorbing carbon dioxide. They also naturally slow down the movement of water, and help the soil to retain moisture, thereby reducing the risk of flooding.
Soil is inhabited by microbes and invertebrates that are vital for liberating nutrients that plants need to grow, which are then also passed to us when we eat them.
Pollinators such as birds, bees and other insects are essential for the production of the crops, vegetables and fruit that provide our food.
Coral reefs and mangrove forests act as natural defences protecting coastlines from waves and storms.
Many of our medicines, along with other complex chemicals that we use in our daily lives such as latex and rubber, originate from plants.
Spending time in nature leads to improvements in peopleโs physical and mental healthยณ
The First Peoples of Australia, Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Peoples have established and maintained a shared living culture with their environment since time immemorial.
Country is not only the Land and People, but is also the Entities of Waterways, Animals, Plants, Climate, Skies and Spirits. Within this, one Entity should not be raised above another, as these live in close relationship with one another. So People are no more or less important than the other Entities.โด
In contrast, the rapid growth in world population has led to the alteration of a large proportion of the surface of the earth, with associated degradation of ecosystems and loss of species. About oneโฏmillion animal and plant speciesโฏareโฏthreatened with extinction, many within decades.โต The threats to species are so severe that there is growing scientific consensus that we are entering the sixth mass extinctionโthe fifth being the CretaceousโPaleogene extinction event 66 million years ago that eliminated all non-avian dinosaurs.โถ
There are five main drivers of biodiversity lossโท:
Increasing human population leads to the spread of urbanisation and industrialisation with the loss of natural habitats. The increased need for food has resulted in the clearing of large areas of land, often with unrestrained use of agricultural chemicals, destroying habitats and native life.
The rising global temperature is causing environmental degradation and severe weather events. Approximately 3 billion animals were killed or displaced by the 2019-20 bushfires, hundreds of thousands were killed by the floods in NSW during 2022, and increasingly severe heatwaves are responsible for further losses.
We rely on groundwater supplies for our drinking water and food production as well as the protection of river wetland ecosystems โ commercial over-extraction of water may lead to sinking water tables. The logging of native forests destroys their role as a carbon sink, and their value as home for many endangered species of birds, mammals, and invertebrates. Disruption of habitats can result in humans coming into closer contact with native wildlife, resulting in greater potential for the spread of zoonotic diseases.โธ
The introduction of harmful materials into the environment, whether chemicals, plastics or electronic waste is an increasing threat. Rodenticides have been found in birds of prey at the top of the food chain, including the Southern Boobookโน and Wedge-tailed eaglesยนโฐ. Plastics and fishing debris are a danger to many marine animals, including whales, dolphins and turtles; soft plastics can block their gastrointestinal system, causing a long, slow death from starvationยนยน.
The harm caused by invasive species is extensive. Examples are the introduced carp that compete with native fish for food and habitat, the wild horses in Kosciuszko National Park that damage the alpine ecosystem and feral cats that are a widespread risk to endangered species of birds, marsupials and rodents.
The collection and retention of biodiversity data regarding individual species and their habitats is essential if we are to know whether the efforts to protect and conserve biodiversity are successful or failing.
The Atlas of Living Australiaยนยฒ is the national biodiversity database that holds almost 95 million records associated with more than 111,000 species.
Many projects are underway in Australia to avoid species extinction. Here are some examples:
Recognising and valuing biodiversity must become an integral part of all social, economic and political decision-making, as is starting to happen with carbon and climate change. Governments, private businesses, and all of us as individuals have a role. However, the human impact on any individual native species comes about through an array of decisions and actions, undertaken by different people in different roles, including consumers, producers and policymakers.
For example, the decline in numbers of the iconic Australian koala is the combined result of home-owners who choose to live in known koala habitats, construction companies who build houses and roads, and governments who are keen to see the population increase and businesses succeed in order to raise more taxes.
Reversing current trends and social behaviours will involve profound and persistent changes to human behaviour across all sectors of society. Research is underway into creating change and it acknowledges the complexity of the taskยนโท.
The Australian Government has committed to reforming the national environmental law โ the Environment Protection and Biodiversity Conservation Act 1999ยนโธ. We must closely watch their work to make sure the amended legislation truly protects the environment and prevents further extinctions of fauna and flora in the future.
REFERENCES
A voice for all animals. A team of phenomenal people. At Vets for Climate Action, we represent concerned veterinarians, veterinary nurses, practices and industry partners across Australia who want climate action. We hold a unique place in the heart of communities. Veterinary professionals are highly trusted professionals spanning multiple fields, with expertise in livestock, wildlife and pet health and welfare, epidemiology, public health and the environment. We can comfortably talk to millions of Australians about the health of animals, the importance of stable environments and the urgent need for climate action. We are the voice for all Australian animals. We invite you to become a champion in your community and strengthen that voice.
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By VfCA Rural and Regional Lead, Dr Elise Anderson A few weeks ago, I had an encounter with a very big, very unhappy dog while I was at work that left me with some nasty bites on both my arms.ย Iโve had some near misses in the past, but itโs the first time in over 20...
