<
https://theconversation.com/natures-deteriorating-health-is-threatening-the-wellbeing-of-australians-the-state-of-the-environment-report-finds-187437>
"For the first time, the new
State of the Environment report explicitly
assessed the dependency of humans on nature. We, as report authors, evaluated
trends and changes in the environment’s health for their impact on human
society. This is described in terms of “human wellbeing”.
Wellbeing encompasses people’s life quality and satisfaction, and is
increasingly being recognised in national policy. It spans our physical and
mental health, living standards, sense of community, our safety, freedom and
rights, cultural and spiritual fulfilment, and connection to Country.
For example, over 85% of Australians live near the coast, and beach activities
– swimming, surfing, walking – are an important part of our coastal lifestyle.
Such nature-based activities can relieve stress and connect with our individual
and national identities. Healthy coastal ecosystems also provide our seafood
and support many businesses.
Yet, these ecosystems are under great pressure from human activities. The Great
Barrier Reef has suffered four mass bleaching events in the last seven years,
kelp forests are in decline in southern Australia, storms are eroding beaches,
and coastal fishing pressure is high.
Australia’s ecosystems are collapsing, and our unsustainable actions are
threatening our own wellbeing. But there are signs of change, and it’s not too
late to make a difference in your own community."
Cheers,
*** Xanni ***
--
mailto:xanni@xanadu.net Andrew Pam
http://xanadu.com.au/ Chief Scientist, Xanadu
https://glasswings.com.au/ Partner, Glass Wings
https://sericyb.com.au/ Manager, Serious Cybernetics
