Scientists warn that although Australia’s environment has begun to recover from record-breaking heat waves, droughts and devastating bushfires in recent times, biodiversity has suffered.
According to the 2021 Australia Environment Report (EAR), lower temperatures and more rainfall have helped the environment greatly recover.
All states and territories saw improvements, with the greatest recovery in Western Australia and Tasmania.
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Overall, Australia’s environmental score was 6.9 out 10 – more than twice that of 2020, which was given a score of three out of 10 after the Black Summer bushfires of 2019.
Albert van Dijk, a hydrologist, stated that “above average rainfall and lower temperatures than seen in eight years have contributed.”
Low fire activity, reduced drought conditions, and good rains have all contributed to improved growing conditions.
Despite the recovery, biodiversity – the variety of life – continues to suffer.
According to the Australian government, 12 Australian species were declared extinct and 34 others were added to the endangered species list in 2021.
Shoshanarapley, an ecologist, said that “the two most recent extinctions were a little bat (last seen on Christmas Island in 2009) and a tiny skink (last seen on Christmas Island 2010).”
“It is a wakeup call that threatened species conservation should be taken more seriously.”
The report shows that Australia’s carbon dioxide emissions fell by almost two percent due to the COVID-19 epidemic.
Prof van Dijk stated, “Australia contributed 1.4% to global emission in 2021, as opposed to 1.5% in 2020.”
Due to high individual energy consumption, continued use of polluting coke, and large non-carbon dioxide emissions, the nation’s per capita emissions are still among the highest in the world.
Researchers also found that 2021 was the sixth warmest year in recorded history, with some areas of inland Australia reporting record July temperatures.
Prof van Dijk said that “But the number days exceeding 35C was lowest since 2011, so it wasn’t generally as hot last year.”
2021 saw the discovery of 16 new species, including spiders and frogs, as well as an octopus.
Ms Rapley explained that this did not mean biodiversity was increasing, as the species were already there.
Prof van Dijk warned climate change impacts such as droughts, heat waves, and bushfires will continue to degrade the environment for decades to come.
He stated that “Decisive actions to actively reduce global carbon emissions, and improve ecosystem management can prevent these impacts from getting worse than they need to be.”
“Both of these are possible, but only if we take the necessary steps.”
The Australian National University researchers prepared the annual report.