Canberra’s Environment: Progress Made, But Key Threats Remain | CityNews

Wetter weather in Australia has brought a much-needed breather for the environment over the past four years. But don’t let the good conditions fool you—serious issues still lurk beneath the surface.

Australia’s annual environmental scorecard, conducted by the Australian National University (ANU), gave the nation a 7.7 out of 10 for 2024. This score reflects improvements like better soil health and stronger river flows. It’s a significant jump from the mere 0.4 recorded during the devastating Black Summer bushfires in 2019.

However, Albert van Dijk, an expert in climate and ecosystems, cautions against overly optimistic interpretations of these numbers. He explains that while national scores look good, they might hide problems that differ from region to region. For instance, despite the overall increases, land and ocean temperatures hit alarming new highs, and 41 species were added to the threatened list.

“The connection between rainfall and the health of our environment is crucial,” says Prof. van Dijk. “We’ve been fortunate these past few years, but challenges remain.” In fact, rainfall in 2024 was 18% above average, leading to lush plant growth and improved soil moisture. That said, climate change continues to ramp up risks like cyclones, which are becoming more intense and harder to predict.

A recent report by the Climate Council noted that Tropical Cyclone Alfred, which recently reached the east coast, caused significant damage despite being downgraded. The report suggests that climate change is making storms more destructive by slowing down their movement and steering them closer to densely populated areas. This trend poses greater risks to communities along the coast.

In addition to weather patterns, there’s broader context to consider. The UN’s World Meteorological Organization recently confirmed that 2023 was the hottest year on record globally. Australia is not an exception; we are feeling the effects of rising global temperatures right here at home.

As weather disasters escalate, experts are pushing for immediate action. They emphasize the urgency for policymakers to cut greenhouse gas emissions and establish a national Environmental Protection Agency, initiatives that have been long promised yet not realized.

In summary, while rainfall has improved many environmental indicators, the challenges of climate change and habitat loss remain pressing. The recent weather patterns showcase the delicate balance our ecosystems hold, but without proactive measures, Australia could find itself facing even tougher conditions ahead.



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