Earthcare an Environmental Snapshot - 

The Bad News
‘Elsewhere however we are experiencing serious environmental problems.’

• Shifts in rainfall patterns as a result of climate change
• More severe and  extreme weather…droughts, floods, fires, storms, hurricanes unusual temperatures. 
• The loss of biological diversity is probably our most serious problem. Habitat destruction, the major cause of loss of biodiversity, is continuing at an alarming rate.
• Transport systems, stormwater and sewage and other forms of waste disposal are having a significant impact on the environment.
• Inland river systems particularly the Murray Darling are in poor condition due to poor management.
• The hole in the protective ozone layer over Antarctic is increasingly exposing humans and other species to harmful ultraviolet radiation.
• Soil erosion from agricultural land continues and Australia’s topsoil is not a renewable resource.
• Salinization of tracts of land continues
• Old growth forests, important to so many of our native Australian animals continue to be logged.

The Uncertainties
‘In a number of areas there is not enough information to assess the situation. Some areas warrant concern rather than alarm”

• Affects of climate change…rise in sea temperatures…affects on marine habitats particularly Great Barrier Reef and coral bleaching.
• The status of some marine species, including mammals, reptiles and some species of fish, is of concern.
• Some types of forest are threatened with disappearance. It is not clear whether other types are adequately protected.
• Our system of reserves i.e. Conservation areas, national parks, is patchy and the areas usually represent areas of poor biodiversity rather than rich biodiversity-this is because areas of rich biodiversity generally have a higher economic value.
• For a range of issues including aspects of urban air quality, water systems and natural and cultural heritage, available information is insufficient to gain a clear national picture.

• Water issues
• Salinity and Land degradation
• Global climate change
• Coastal and urban environmental issues
• Social & cultural environmental issues
• Social & cultural issues
• Indigenous Australians
• Indicators of environmental stress
• Population
• Use of resources.

…..improves the quality of life for present and future generations. Environmental, economic and social issues are important parts of this process.

The following are some thoughts On Wise Living for teacher reference.
What it might mean and the eventual outcomes for children.

• Use the resources of the earth with wisdom with care and with prudence.
• Humanity must live within the carrying capacity of the earth.
• Adopt lifestyles and development paths that respect and work within natures limits.
• One billion in the better off countries have misused and continue to exploit natural resources while. seriously over stressing the earth’s ecosystems. Developing countries China and India are following that same path in an effort to “catch up”
• There must be less waste and extravagance A deeply held commitment to a new ethic is needed – a change of heart.
• Using up resources of future generations.
• Value these resources as gifts and don’t take them for granted.

When in doubt initiate discussion by using the following powerful mantra
  
What is the state of your environment creek…river …lake….bush…wetland./.. that we are leaving our children?

How would you like it to be?|

What are you prepared to do about it?