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Articles on land clearing

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Rodd’s star hair (Astrotricha roddii) an Endangered NSW shrub. Gavin Phillips/NSW DPIE, Saving Our Species

Australia-first research reveals staggering loss of threatened plants over 20 years

Australia’s plants help make our landscapes unique. But many are in grave danger of extinction, and in many cases, the problem is getting worse.
The Tasmanian tiger is among the best known of our extinct species, but researchers have now revealed the extent of the crisis. TASMANIAN MUSEUM AND ART GALLERY

Scientists re-counted Australia’s extinct species, and the result is devastating

New research has revealed 100 plant and animal species have become extinct in the past two centuries – a far higher number than previously thought.
Left, farmer Ian Turnbull being who was convicted of murdering compliance officer Glen Turner. Right, Mr Turner’s partner Alison McKenzie outside court. Tensions over land clearing can have tragic consequences. AAP/DAN HIMBRECHTS

Farmers, murder and the media: getting to the bottom of the city-country divide

Politicians and the media often stoke tensions between the city and the country. Nowhere is this more common than on the issue of land clearing – and the consequences can be tragic.
A koala mother and joey seeking refuge on a bulldozed log pile near Kin Kin in Queensland. Federal environment laws have failed to prevent widespread land clearing across Australia. WWF Australia

Our nature laws are being overhauled. Here are 7 things we must fix

Environment Minister Sussan Ley has announced a review of Australia’s nature laws. The poor state of our biodiversity shows we must do a better job of protecting the places we love.
Eastern-yellow robin. Some 60 per cent of the native birds of south-east mainland Australia have lost more than half of their natural habitat. Graham Winterflood/Wikimedia Commons

Most native bird species are losing their homes, even the ones you see every day

Aside from their intrinsic value, common bird species might be one of the only ways we connect with nature in our everyday lives. But these opportunities are under threat.
Palm oil development is not just about the economy but also needs to consider social and environmental costs. www.shutterstock.com

The human cost of palm oil development

There are studies showing that farmers can have economic benefits from palm oil. However, they can also be impoverished by the commodity.
Koalas are among the threatened native species worst affected by habitat loss. Taronga Zoo

Environment laws have failed to tackle the extinction emergency. Here’s the proof

A staggering 7.7 million hectares of critical habitat has been destroyed since environment laws were enacted - and 93% was not referred to the federal government for assessment.
Without significant tree cover, dry and dusty landscapes can result. Don Driscoll

To reduce fire risk and meet climate targets, over 300 scientists call for stronger land clearing laws

A new petition is urging state and federal governments to rein in Australia’s rampant land clearing, which worsens the risk of bushfires and threatens to undo the work of the Emissions Reduction Fund.
Vegetation ‘thinning’ in Queensland - a practice that was originally designed to restore forests and woodlands to a ‘representative state’. WWF-Australia

Queensland’s new land clearing bill will help turn the tide, despite its flaws

Queensland’s new draft land-clearing laws aim to put the brakes on years of environmental destruction. But the bill contains several loopholes that are likely to stymie progress.

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