The Australian National University (ANU)’s latest Australia’s Environment Report 2024 reveals the significant challenges facing our environment following a year of record-breaking heat, mass coral bleaching, and declining biodiversity.th East Queensland's environment thrive.

Despite encouraging short-term climate conditions, long-term environmental health continues to deteriorate. The Threatened Species Index shows a 58% average decline in the abundance of threatened birds, mammals, plants, and frogs since 2000 - a stark indicator of ongoing biodiversity loss. Meanwhile, the global climate emergency continues to escalate, and Australia remains highly vulnerable.

2024 marked the fourth consecutive year of above-average climate conditions across Australia. However, the national average masks stark contrasts between states. South Australia endured its driest year on record, while the Northern Territory experienced its wettest year since 2000. These disparities underscore how climate change affects liveability in uneven and complex ways.

Globally, 2024 was Earth’s hottest year on record for the fourth year in a row. Yet Australia continues to rank among the highest in per capita greenhouse gas emissions.

The outlook for Australia's wildlife remains concerning:

• The Threatened Species Index reported an average 58% decline in threatened species populations since 2000.
• 41 species were added to the national threatened species list in 2024. While this is a reduction from the record 130 additions in 2023, it remains significantly above the long-term average of 25 species per year.
• 14 species were uplisted to a higher extinction risk category.
• 1 species (the southern bluefin tuna) was removed from the list.

Five years on, the legacy of the Black Summer bushfires persists. More than 50% of newly listed or uplisted species in 2024 were directly affected by the fires.

“Policymakers, businesses and individuals should act decisively to secure the future of Australia’s environment. Strategies such as investment in renewable energy, stronger land management policies, and increased biodiversity conservation efforts are essential to stop the underlying degrading trend,” Professor Van Dijk from the Australian National University warns, emphasising that now is not the time for complacency.