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Australia's Environment Undergoing Renewal, Not Collapse

Author

Listed:
  • Jennifer Marohasy

    (Director, Environment Unit, Institute of Public Affairs Level 2, 410 Collins Street, Melbourne Vic 3000, Australia)

Abstract

In his new book Collapse Jared Diamond contends that the Australian environment is generally unproductive and has been irreversibly damaged by European farming, forestry and fisheries practices. Diamond reflects a popular view that is continually reinforced by environmental campaigning in Australia. The reality is more complex. Many Australian farms are amongst the most productive and sustainable in the world and in some situations have successfully broken natural cycles of low fertility. There are many examples where in the past there has been over-exploitation resulting in environmental damage. However government policies now tend to favor conservation over industry. Many once productive forests and fisheries are now closed to harvesting. These areas have become part of Australia's increasing reserve systems. By ignoring the evidence of ecological renewal and suggesting there is everywhere an environmental crisis, Diamond spreads misinformation and makes it difficult to identify the remaining real environmental issues that do need to be addressed.

Suggested Citation

  • Jennifer Marohasy, 2005. "Australia's Environment Undergoing Renewal, Not Collapse," Energy & Environment, , vol. 16(3-4), pages 457-480, July.
    • Handle: RePEc:sae:engenv:v:16:y:2005:i:3-4:p:457-480
    DOI: 10.1260/0958305054672394
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    References listed on IDEAS

    as
    1. Lomborg,Bjørn, 2001. "The Skeptical Environmentalist," Cambridge Books, Cambridge University Press, number 9780521010689.
    2. Stefan Hajkowicz (Ed) & Mike Young (Ed), 2002. "Value of Returns to Land and Water and Costs of Degradation Vol 2 of 2," Natural Resource Management Economics 02_003, Policy and Economic Research Unit, CSIRO Land and Water, Adelaide, Australia.
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