Topic > Overview of environmental problems faced by Australia

IndexIntroduction to AustraliaEnvironmental problems faced by AustraliaClimate changeConservationLand degradationLand clearingSalinity and water issuesUrbanisationGlobal warmingBush firesAustralian adapted solutions to environmental issuesMy problem solving tips Conclusion References Introduction to AustraliaAustralia is enclosed by the Indian and Pacific oceans. Australia is the largest country in Oceania and the sixth largest county in the world by total area. Australia is highly urbanized and heavily concentrated on the east coast. The country's population of 25 million. Sydney is Australia's largest city. The country derives revenue from various sources, such as mining-related exports, telecommunications, manufacturing, and banking. Australia is a highly developed country with the 13th largest economy in the world. We say no to plagiarism. Get a tailor-made essay on "Why Violent Video Games Shouldn't Be Banned"? Get an original essay Australia has one of the most diverse and beautiful environments in the world. There are currently fourteen listed world heritage sites in Australia. Central Australia has a drier climate while northern Australia has some tropical cyclones. Agriculture and mining are the main land uses in Australia. Environmental Problems Faced by Australia We can see the different environmental problems faced by Australia. Most human activities cause such problems, such as human land use activities and economic activities. Such environmental problems are climate change, conservation, land degradation, global warming, water use, urbanization, salinity and water problems, forest fires, overfishing and illegal fishing, etc. . Climate change Climate change occurs naturally or is the result of human activities. We can identify that Australia is at the greatest risk from climate change. Australia's ecosystem is one of the reasons for climate change. Rising temperatures in Australia and the frequent increase in bushfires, droughts and floods are the most highlighted key points of the country's climate. All of this has been combined with climate change. Water sources in south-eastern Australia have declined due to population growth in urban areas coupled with climate change drivers such as persistent and prolonged drought. Precipitation patterns are expected to be problematic, as rainfall has become heavier and rarer, as well as more common in summer than winter. ConservationAustralia is one of the most biologically diverse countries in the world. Preserving biodiversity is the major conservation issue in Australia, especially through the protection of remaining rainforests. Destruction by human activities, including logging, remains the leading cause of biodiversity loss in Australia. The forestry, fisheries and agriculture sectors mainly contribute to the loss of biodiversity in the country, due to the intensification of resource use in these sectors. Most humans live in coastal and marine areas. These human settlements and agricultural activities cause a decrease in water quality. Therefore, the coastal and marine environment presents a decrease in biodiversity in Australia. Australian land degradation mainly concerns the use of land for the agricultural sector. Land degradation is the number one environmental problemone in Australia. Land degradation damages wildlife habitat and inland water quality. Natural acidity and salinity cause soil degradation. There are most factors that affect land degradation, such as water erosion, elimination of native vegetation, soil erosion, some man-made air currents, wind erosion , soil salinity etc. Australia is continuing the logging of old growth forests in some parts. This often involves replacement with monoculture plantations and the destruction of natural ecosystems. Deforestation Logging for the agricultural sector has resulted in the significant loss of native woodland and forest in Australia. Most deforestation has occurred since 1980. Deforestation destroys ecosystems, threatens biodiversity and can cause land degradation resulting in salinity and loss of water quality. Salinity and water problems Water and salinity degradation are closely related to land reclamation. In times past European settlement and logging, trees and vegetation absorbed rain while keeping salt at a manageable level. Over time, with the loss of vegetation, the level of water flowing into aquifers increases and this can mobilize salts stored in the soil. Salinity primarily impacts lost productivity and income, agricultural crops, birds, fish and other wildlife that depend on rivers and wetlands as vital water supplies. It can affect urban areas, damaging homes, water pipes, infrastructure, roads and railways. UrbanisationAustralia is one of the most urbanized countries in the world. Most Australian cities are characterized by unsustainable urban sprawl at legislated densities and have large urban footprints. This places a demand on services and infrastructure that contributes to the problems of transportation-related emissions, deforestation, pollution, energy consumption, automotive dependency, invasive species and urban heat islands. Urbanization growth continues to increase rapidly in most Australian cities. Especially state capitals are metropolises. Increase the population growth rate in most Australian cities, because migration is at odds with the birth rate and fertility rate in Australia. Global warming Global warming is caused by greenhouse gas emissions. Global warming has an increasingly negative impact on the economy, environment and communities. The agricultural sector in particular has been significantly affected by global warming. It mainly impacts the ecosystem due to rising temperatures, increased threats of fires, pest invasions, drought, salt invasion, etc. The effect of global warming changes rainfall patterns, increases droughts, more floods, also affects farmers especially as the reduction in available food. Global warming affects human health, increases heat waves and can lead to deaths and illnesses. Bushfires Bushfires are a frequent problem during the warmer months of the year, as it is the hottest and driest climate in Australia and they affect large areas. Furthermore, it can cause property damage and loss of life. Some of the most intense, largest and deadly fires commonly occur during heat waves and droughts. Australian Adapted Solutions for Environmental Issues Australia has many intra-national environmental policies such as: Desertification: This is a national policy adopted by 193.