The Times Australia
The Times World News

.

Natural systems in Australia are unravelling. If they collapse, human society could too

  • Written by Liz Hanna, Honorary Associate Professor, Australian National University
Natural systems in Australia are unravelling. If they collapse, human society could too

In the long-delayed State of the Environment[1] report released this week, there is one terrifying sentence: “Environmental degradation is now considered a threat to humanity, which could bring about societal collapses.”

Hyperbole? Sadly not.

Climate change has already warmed Australia 1.4℃ and changed rainfall in some regions. Natural ecosystems are already struggling from land clearing, intensive agriculture, soil degradation and poor water management. Climate changes and related sea level rise are making this worse. It’s a mistake to think this won’t affect us.

It can be easy to live in cities and believe you’re somehow walled off from environmental disaster. This is a fiction. Healthy environments provide clean air, clean food, clean water and a safe place to live – all essential to a healthy life.

Our lives will not be easy if we continue eating away at the ecosystems that prop us up. It is no exaggeration to say societal collapse is a possible outcome.

Haiti protests
Food price spikes led to social unrest in Haiti in 2008, as well as many other countries. Kena Betancur/EPA

Why is the news so bad?

Every day, we rely on services provided[2] by healthy ecosystems.

The long-delayed report shows the sobering consequences of wilful disregard for environmental protection and focusing on natural resource exploitation. Burning fossil fuels causes climate change and ocean acidification. Land clearing destroys existing ecosystems. Intensive agriculture reduces biodiversity.

Australia’s fragile ecosystems are acutely vulnerable to decades of environmental disregard. Swathes of the continent are increasingly flipping[3] from extreme drought and devastating fires to unprecedented floods under highly variable rainfall patterns. In the last few years, unprecedented bushfires and floods have forced thousands out of their homes. This worsens housing shortages, income insecurity and human health.

Our land temperatures have increased by 1.44°C since 1910[4]. Very high monthly maximum temperatures have increased sixfold[5] over the 60-year period since 1960. These effects have come from a 1.1℃ rise globally. We’re still on track for 3℃[6]. This is highly problematic as humans have limited capacity[7] to withstand heat exposure, and ecosystems suffer in the heat.

lismore tent post flood Unprecented floods in Lismore this year left many Australians living in tents and caravans. Jason O'Brien/AAP

4 things a well-functioning environment does for us

1. Clean food

Food systems require intact ecosystems[8] to remain productive, without which crop yields[9] and rural incomes drop. Hunger can ensue. The consequences of food shortages to date in Australia have been small compared with other countries[10]. But with repeated intense droughts, heatwaves, fires and floods these shortages could rapidly escalate. In 2008, we saw riots and social upheaval across multiple continents. A key cause was the global food crisis[11]. This year, food prices have skyrocketed again in the wake of Russia’s invasion[12] of Ukraine.

2. Clean air

Australia has traditionally had some of the cleanest air in the world. But smoke from the megafires over the Black Summer of 2019–2020 [13]caused 417 deaths, as well as thousands of hospital admissions. Health costs were estimated at almost $A2 billion. People lost days at work and at school, and some will have ongoing health problems. Climate change is predicted to steadily worsen our bushfires[14].

3. Adequate clean water

Water is essential for human life, health and activity, and the healthy functioning of ecosystems. As the driest inhabited continent, Australia’s water is one of our most valuable resources. Unfortunately, it is often poorly managed[15]. Many Indigenous communities do not have[16] clean, healthy drinking water, while dozens of non-Indigenous communities had to truck water[17] in during the last drought.

Land clearing disrupts ecosystems, threatens biodiversity and can alter stream flow and water quality. Run-off from agriculture damages aquatic ecosystems and encourages algal blooms and species loss. Again, this isn’t just pain for the environment.

The Murray–Darling Basin is home to more than 2.2 million people and more than four million[18] people depend on these rivers for their water. Already, the basin’s rivers and catchments are rated as poor or very poor.

stanthorpe dam 2019 During the last drought, towns like Stanthorpe in Queensland came close to running out of water. Dan Peled/AAP

4. Liveable climate

Climate change is pushing the south-west of Western Australia into a new normal of near-permanent drought[19]. This has already massively reduced[20] the inflows into Perth’s dams, requiring more use of groundwater and desalination. South-eastern Australia is also drying, stressing plants and animals. We’re already seeing agricultural productivity dropping[21]. As parts of Australia dry out, it’s hard to see how drought-prone towns and regions will remain viable.

Read more: This is Australia's most important report on the environment's deteriorating health. We present its grim findings[22]

What will happen if we don’t repair the environment?

Humans can only withstand heat[23] up until a point. After that, exposure to extreme heat leads to damage to tissues and organs, and, eventually damage and death. The same goes for the livestock[24] we rely on, which are at risk of serious health threats from heat. Heat hits weight gain, milk production and reproductive success.

Wheat stalks The profitability of crops like wheat has been hit already. Shutterstock

The profitability of broadacre crops such as wheat and barley is an estimated 22% less since 2000[25] than it would have been if climate change wasn’t happening. In turn, this is leaving many Australians in rural and regional communities facing worsening incomes and health.

Irrigation water is less reliable, while increases in temperature reduce both quantity and quality of fruit and vegetable crops. The nutritional value[26] of foods also declines under extreme heat.

In short, we can no longer pretend we live in a world walled off from nature. Damaging nature damages humans. Think of the cartoon trope where a character cuts off the tree branch they’re sitting on.

We have created these problems collectively. To avoid social upheaval, we have to repair the damage[27] – together.

The federal government’s newly announced[28] Environmental Protection Agency is a good start. It must be adequately resourced and have powers to enforce compliance.

Beyond that, we urgently need coordinated policies, sound supporting science and effective data systems, prioritised actions, commitment and investment and community support.

Read more: This is Australia's most important report on the environment's deteriorating health. We present its grim findings[29]

References

  1. ^ State of the Environment (soe.dcceew.gov.au)
  2. ^ services provided (www.sciencedirect.com)
  3. ^ increasingly flipping (theconversation.com)
  4. ^ 1.44°C since 1910 (www.bom.gov.au)
  5. ^ increased sixfold (www.bom.gov.au)
  6. ^ on track for 3℃ (www.ipcc.ch)
  7. ^ humans have limited capacity (www.mdpi.com)
  8. ^ intact ecosystems (www.fao.org)
  9. ^ crop yields (www.fao.org)
  10. ^ other countries (www.wfp.org)
  11. ^ global food crisis (www.un.org)
  12. ^ Russia’s invasion (www.wfp.org)
  13. ^ Black Summer of 2019–2020 (onlinelibrary.wiley.com)
  14. ^ worsen our bushfires (link.springer.com)
  15. ^ poorly managed (soe.dcceew.gov.au)
  16. ^ do not have (soe.dcceew.gov.au)
  17. ^ truck water (www.abc.net.au)
  18. ^ four million (www.publish.csiro.au)
  19. ^ near-permanent drought (soe.dcceew.gov.au)
  20. ^ massively reduced (www.watercorporation.com.au)
  21. ^ productivity dropping (www.science.org.au)
  22. ^ This is Australia's most important report on the environment's deteriorating health. We present its grim findings (theconversation.com)
  23. ^ withstand heat (www.mdpi.com)
  24. ^ livestock (www.frontiersin.org)
  25. ^ 22% less since 2000 (www.science.org.au)
  26. ^ nutritional value (www.frontiersin.org)
  27. ^ repair the damage (www.publish.csiro.au)
  28. ^ newly announced (www.theguardian.com)
  29. ^ This is Australia's most important report on the environment's deteriorating health. We present its grim findings (theconversation.com)

Read more https://theconversation.com/natural-systems-in-australia-are-unravelling-if-they-collapse-human-society-could-too-187263

Times Magazine

Headless CMS in Digital Twins and 3D Product Experiences

Image by freepik As the metaverse becomes more advanced and accessible, it's clear that multiple sectors will use digital twins and 3D product experiences to visualize, connect, and streamline efforts better. A digital twin is a virtual replica of ...

The Decline of Hyper-Casual: How Mid-Core Mobile Games Took Over in 2025

In recent years, the mobile gaming landscape has undergone a significant transformation, with mid-core mobile games emerging as the dominant force in app stores by 2025. This shift is underpinned by changing user habits and evolving monetization tr...

Understanding ITIL 4 and PRINCE2 Project Management Synergy

Key Highlights ITIL 4 focuses on IT service management, emphasising continual improvement and value creation through modern digital transformation approaches. PRINCE2 project management supports systematic planning and execution of projects wit...

What AI Adoption Means for the Future of Workplace Risk Management

Image by freepik As industrial operations become more complex and fast-paced, the risks faced by workers and employers alike continue to grow. Traditional safety models—reliant on manual oversight, reactive investigations, and standardised checklist...

From Beach Bops to Alpine Anthems: Your Sonos Survival Guide for a Long Weekend Escape

Alright, fellow adventurers and relaxation enthusiasts! So, you've packed your bags, charged your devices, and mentally prepared for that glorious King's Birthday long weekend. But hold on, are you really ready? Because a true long weekend warrior kn...

Effective Commercial Pest Control Solutions for a Safer Workplace

Keeping a workplace clean, safe, and free from pests is essential for maintaining productivity, protecting employee health, and upholding a company's reputation. Pests pose health risks, can cause structural damage, and can lead to serious legal an...

The Times Features

Exploring the Curriculum at a Modern Junior School in Melbourne

Key Highlights The curriculum at junior schools emphasises whole-person development, catering to children’s physical, emotional, and intellectual needs. It ensures early year...

Distressed by all the bad news? Here’s how to stay informed but still look after yourself

If you’re feeling like the news is particularly bad at the moment, you’re not alone. But many of us can’t look away – and don’t want to. Engaging with news can help us make ...

The Role of Your GP in Creating a Chronic Disease Management Plan That Works

Living with a long-term condition, whether that is diabetes, asthma, arthritis or heart disease, means making hundreds of small decisions every day. You plan your diet against m...

Troubleshooting Flickering Lights: A Comprehensive Guide for Homeowners

Image by rawpixel.com on Freepik Effectively addressing flickering lights in your home is more than just a matter of convenience; it's a pivotal aspect of both home safety and en...

My shins hurt after running. Could it be shin splints?

If you’ve started running for the first time, started again after a break, or your workout is more intense, you might have felt it. A dull, nagging ache down your shins after...

Metal Roof Replacement Cost Per Square Metre in 2025: A Comprehensive Guide for Australian Homeowners

In recent years, the trend of installing metal roofs has surged across Australia. With their reputation for being both robust and visually appealing, it's easy to understand thei...