NEXT GOVERNMENT MUST PLACE NATURE FRONT AND CENTRE THIS ELECTION

The World Wide Fund for Nature-Australia is calling on all political parties and independents to make nature a priority in this federal election.

“Nature is the foundation of our lives. Our wellbeing, our jobs and our economy, depend on a healthy environment,” said Nicole Forrester, WWF-Australia’s Chief Regenerative Officer.

“We cannot continue to take nature for granted.

“This election is an opportunity to turn things around. To start building a nature positive Australia and stop providing loopholes for damaging industries.”

In the lead up to the election, WWF-Australia has launched a campaign calling on political parties and candidates to Choose Nature and build a safer, nature positive future.

It outlines five commitments for nature that are most critical for the next Australian Government:

1. Invest 1% of the budget into nature
2. Complete the reform of Australia’s nature laws
3. Catalyse global and regional ocean protection
4. Build a nature positive economy
5. Replace fossil fuels with renewable energy

“Taking these steps will not only drive economic growth and job creation, but also safeguard Australian communities and our wildlife,” said Ms Forrester.

“A significant increase in funding is needed to protect our iconic reefs, forests and wildlife, including investment for First Nations communities to care for Country.”

“To focus on nature, we need the next term of government to deliver the full package of environmental reforms within the first 12 months.

Ms Forrester said the next parliament also has a narrow window to act on climate to help stabilise global heating to 1.5°C.

“One of the greatest threats to nature is climate change. It is also already hurting our economy and our families. It is fuelling more extreme heatwaves, bushfires, floods and storms, and driving up insurance costs. Our iconic reefs are facing devastating coral bleaching,” she said.

“The only pathway for a safer climate and a prosperous future is for Australia to end the extraction of fossil fuels for energy and exports and replace it with renewable energy and clean industries.

“Australia must realise the potential of becoming a renewable energy superpower. This will require the next government to take leadership and urgent action to capture the opportunity of the energy transition that benefits both nature and communities,” she said

“Australians go to the ballot box on 3 May. Our political leaders must place nature front and centre of their commitments to protect our climate, communities and wildlife.”

People can send a message to their political leaders and ask them to prioritise nature here.