Investigating Whether Environmental Laws Can Prevent Extinction
Concerns regarding the lack of transparency and ambition in environmental laws will be the focus of hearings on extinction in Australia in April.
According to Greens senator Sarah Hanson-Young, consultations for reforms in environmental and biodiversity protection laws have been secretive, with stakeholders constrained and lacking ambition.
She emphasized that climate change and habitat destruction pose the biggest risks to local wildlife.
“The Albanese government pledged to address Australia’s flawed environmental laws during the election, but nearly two years later, no tangible progress has been made,” Ms. Hanson-Young stated.
“Behind-closed-doors consultations only serve to silence experts and limit ambition, which will not resolve our extinction crisis.”
The parliamentary inquiry will examine the population decline and conservation status of endangered species, the technological impact of extinction, and the adequacy of environmental laws and regulations.
The challenges faced by koalas due to habitat loss from urban development have been prominently highlighted in recent months.
The hearings in April will address the reform of the Environment Protection and Biodiversity Act.
The comprehensive inquiry into extinction in Australia will issue its report on June 28.