A recent study published on Tuesday indicates that less than half of Australians possess an awareness of the country’s biodiversity crisis.
Conducted by the Biodiversity Council, a collaborative initiative involving 11 prominent universities, the study surveyed over 4,000 Australians to gauge their attitudes toward nature, as reported by Xinhua news agency.
Results unveiled that a mere 43 percent of respondents were cognizant of Australia’s position among nations with the highest rates of native species extinction globally, while just 54 percent recognized the substantial loss of forests in the country since colonization.
Despite the prevailing lack of awareness regarding the extinction crisis, an overwhelming 97 percent of participants expressed a desire for increased efforts to conserve biodiversity.
Concerning nature’s threats, 85 percent of respondents revealed moderate to high levels of apprehension, with nearly three-quarters acknowledging the direct impact of global warming on wildlife.
The report highlighted the consensus among most Australians regarding individual responsibility for the natural environment. It also noted that many Australians already engage in daily behaviors supportive of nature.
The study additionally revealed strong public support for bolstering environmental legislation and ending native timber harvesting practices.
Consequently, the report urges lawmakers at the federal, state, and local levels to recognize the “community mandate” for more robust action in safeguarding biodiversity. Recommendations include enhancing environmental laws, implementing a ban on native timber harvesting, and increasing funding for the protection and restoration of biodiversity.
“The Biodiversity Council aims to facilitate the necessary measures to prevent biodiversity loss and safeguard our distinctive species and natural ecosystems for the well-being of all Australians in the future,” stated the report. (Edited)