Articles
WWF submission to Australia's Future Tax System Review
This submission proposes that wasteful consumption and environmental degradation be addressed by the introduction of an environmentally weighted goods and services tax with the whole of the net amount raised being used to restore and protect Australia’s biodiversity, water resources, vegetation and soils, and to develop and promote new sustainable agricultural systems.
Continue reading 'WWF submission to Australia's Future Tax System Review' »
The harsh reality of 2038 (Essay winner Group A)
I am writing to you, the CEO of WWF to alert you to what will happen in the future if steps are not taken to save the Australian environment. In 2038, I live in a world completely different to yours. The future world is so without joy that I can’t even show my child what it is like to witness rain falling from the sky, I can’t show him fish in the ocean and I can only tell him stories of what it is like to be able to walk outside without the threat of pollution all around you. A future where I could have let my child experience this and he and I could be living the great life that you currently are enjoying and taking for granted.
Continue reading 'The harsh reality of 2038 (Essay winner Group A)' »
We do not know the value of water until the well is dry (Essay winner Group B)
My grandpa passed away just last week. His body could no longer fight the cancer which had spread from his lungs. He was a smoker for the best part of 50 years. Until the day he collapsed. Until the day he was told that his lungs were breeding small cell carcinoma. Until the day he was told that he would not see another new year. He never picked up another cigarette. After 50 years, he just stopped.
Continue reading 'We do not know the value of water until the well is dry (Essay winner Group B)' »
Winners of WWF 30th Anniversary photography and essay competition
Check out the winners of our photography and essay competition!
Continue reading 'Winners of WWF 30th Anniversary photography and essay competition' »
Conservation Priorities for Western Australia
The next Government of Western Australia has the opportunity and responsibility to secure some of Australia's most important biodiversity assets and ecosystem services. It is far cheaper to maintain our natural systems than it is to attempt to restore them. WWF has identified its priority conservation issues for Western Australia, and how these can be best addressed by the next Government.
Continue reading 'Conservation Priorities for Western Australia' »
Grey-headed flying fox
The Ku-ring-gai Bat Conservation Society work tirelessly to conserve the grey-headed flying foxes they share their neighborhood with. In 2007 they were granted a Threatened Species Network Community Grant to conduct vital conservation work and find out more about these threatened bats.
APEC: Climate change solutions or serious stalling?
The APEC region will determine whether the worst impacts of dangerous climate change will be avoided.
Energy generated or derived from coal, oil and other fossil fuels, and deforestation are the two main sources of global greenhouse gas emissions. APEC economies presently account for approximately 60% of the world's energy generation and use - mostly derived from coal and oil - and this is projected to rise significantly in coming decades because of the growing populations and technological and manufacturing capacity of APEC economies.
Continue reading 'APEC: Climate change solutions or serious stalling?' »
Funding agreement to save Macquarie Island: WWF
A major threat to the survival of the grey-headed albatross will be removed thanks to a joint decision today by the Australian and Tasmanian governments to fund a pest eradication program on World Heritage Macquarie Island.
Continue reading 'Funding agreement to save Macquarie Island: WWF' »
Grey-headed albatross must be upgraded to Endangered: WWF
WWF-Australia has lodged a submission to upgrade the threatened status of the grey-headed albatross from Vulnerable to nationally Endangered, due to the devastating damage caused by a rabbit plague on Tasmania's World Heritage Macquarie Island.
Continue reading 'Grey-headed albatross must be upgraded to Endangered: WWF' »
Wildlife trade convention: WWF's top ten priorities
Ahead of the world's major meeting on wildlife trade, WWF releases its top ten list of species needing urgent, global, action to reduce threats from trade.
Continue reading 'Wildlife trade convention: WWF's top ten priorities' »
A new generation of hunters
In the latter part of the 20th century a new generation of hunters has arrived in Antarctica - pirate fishers seeking fish and krill.
Pirate fishing is illegal, unreported and unregulated fishing which continues to plunder valuable fish stock and kill tens of thousands of seabirds each year.
Earth Hour 2007 results
More than 2 million Sydney residents joined Earth Hour on Saturday March 31 between 7.30 and 8.30 by flicking the switch, turning appliances off stand-by and enjoying an hour of quiet darkness, according to poll results.
Tasmanian Government refuses to help save Macquarie Island
World Heritage-listed Macquarie Island is home to a staggering array of wildlife, including threatened species, which sadly are under serious threat from pests like rats and rabbits.
Despite hundreds of people joining our petition calling for the island being protected, and a commitment by the Federal Government to support a protection plan, the Tasmanian Government this week has confirmed that it is refusing to be part of the solution.
Continue reading 'Tasmanian Government refuses to help save Macquarie Island' »
The Cat Empire
After reading Tim Flannery's book, The Weather Makers, Felix Riebl, vocalist with Australian band The Cat Empire, realised that global warming was an issue that required urgent action.
One giant walk
Sarah Bishop wanted to do something to raise awareness of global warming. So she decided to walk from Brisbane to Sydney, and will arrive in the Emerald City just in time for Earth Hour on March 31. Sarah spoke at the launch of Earth Hour in December and inspired many of the audience with her honest and heart-felt words.
Gas weighs heavily on Barrow wildlife
Ancient legend celebrates turtles stoically holding up the earth. For some people at least, the only thing Australian turtles are holding up now is development.
Now is the hour to tackle global warming
2006 was the year that climate change truly became a mainstream issue in Australia.
Drought and water shortages, record temperatures and raging bushfires dominated the news. Celebrities got behind it, politicians used it to gain public support, and climate skeptics faded from the debate as the science became impossible to refute.
Continue reading 'Now is the hour to tackle global warming' »
PNG in pictures
A WWF team from Australia and other South Pacific offices recently travelled to the rich forests of Mount Bosavi, Papua New Guinea, to join in celebrations with the local tribe people of Musula and Wabimisen. They celebrated the protection of more than 80,000 hectares of highly threatened pristine tropical rainforest.
Precious island 'arks' under attack
Macquarie Island, 1500 kms south-east of Tasmania in the Southern Ocean, is a breeding ground for about four million seabirds, and provides critical habitat for two threatened albatross species - the wandering and grey-headed albatross.
However, cruise passengers heading south this season will be in for a shock when they see what rabbits, rats and mice have done to one of Australia's World Heritage islands in the Southern Ocean.
Start your (electric) engines: the race to revive the electric car is on
Did you know that, back in 1950, an electric car was among the fastest, most efficient cars ever built in the US? It ran completely on electricity and produced no emissions.
Now nearly 60 years on, as oil supply approaches its peak and with the carbon dioxide emitted by cars contributing to rapid global warming, electric cars are coming back with a vengeance.
Continue reading 'Start your (electric) engines: the race to revive the electric car is on' »
Green petrol: the Mercedes that runs on veggies
Two years ago, WWF-Australia supporter and Futuremaker Phil Byrne and his wife Konny didn't own a car. Concerned about their impact on the environment, the couple got around on bicycle.
But when baby Ruby came along, Phil started looking into ways he could drive without contributing to Australia's ever-growing greenhouse gas emissions.
Continue reading 'Green petrol: the Mercedes that runs on veggies' »
Pulling the grey nurse shark back from the brink
Conservationists, divers and scientists held crisis talks in Sydney last week to try and save the grey nurse shark from the brink extinction.
With less than 500 individuals on the east coast of Australia, the grey nurse shark may be Australia's most threatened marine species.
Continue reading 'Pulling the grey nurse shark back from the brink' »
Who killed the electric car?
In the upcoming film Who killed the electric car, we learn about General Motors' attempt to launch an environmentally friendly electric car called the EV-1 in California. Although electric cars have not taken off as much as initially hoped, there's still a spark left in the electric car.
Interview with David Suzuki
In this video podcast Dr David Suzuki, award-winning scientist and environmentalist, talks to WWF-Australia about why humans are the real reason our planet is degrading at such a fast rate and how we can turn this around.
What will your future look like in 2030?
Petrol costs $4 a litre but it only costs you $25 to fill up your car for the week. Electricity costs three times the current price but you're still paying the same as you were 30 years ago. Australia's GDP has grown steadily to twice what it was in 2006, but sadly, so have our waist lines.
A major new report from WWF has proposed a realistic and sustainable picture of Australia's future, that's far from the gloomy scenario we've come to expect from watching the news or the latest sci-fi thriller, if we act now.
Continue reading 'What will your future look like in 2030?' »
Panda taming is not that easy
In 2004, The Australia Institute published a report entitled Taming the Panda The Relationship between WWF Australia and the Federal Government. The report tried to make the claim that WWF supported the Federal Government, led by Prime Minister John Howard, in return for receiving vast amounts of government money.
Despite having rebutted the allegations in this report on previous occasions, it seems you can't keep a good conspiracy theory down.
So for the benefit of WWF supporters, here are the facts.
Remember... or rescue
Before 1936 we could choose if the Tasmanian Tiger survived or not. In 2006 we have another choice.
Do we want to remember our Australian species or rescue them?
Is this the next Tasmanian Tiger?
On 7 September 1936, the last Tasmanian Tiger left on the planet died in Hobart Zoo. The actions of humans - mainly hunting and the clearing of Tasmanian forest areas where it lived - had driven this extraordinary creature to extinction.
Today, the actions of humans - especially in not doing enough to stop climate change - mean many more of our species, like the leatherback turtle and the bilby, are heading the way of the Tassie Tiger.
On National Threatened Species Day 2006, think about what you can do to stop this happening.
An Inconvenient Truth
Ever wondered how carbon dioxide emissions cause global warming? Finding it hard to picture what the impacts of climate change will mean?
A new film, An Inconvenient Truth, clarifies the science and illuminates the impacts of climate change, and is likely to be showing at a cinema near you.
Interview with Tim Flannery
Professor Tim Flannery, internationally acclaimed scientist, explorer and conservationist, has spent the past 12 months addressing world leaders on the impacts of climate change. His award-winning book, The Weather Makers, continues to be a best seller around the world.
In this video podcast, Professor Flannery talks to WWF about the reality of climate change for all Australians and why we're running out of time.
Long-time Futuremakers lead the charge
It no longer takes a Sting daubed in body paint to inform us of the threats to Amazonian rainforests, or a Brigitte Bardot to glamorise the plight of the seals.
For Australia's long-term Futuremakers, a new hard-won credibility has come with prolonged drought, declining species and fears of climate change.
Pygmy possums on a slippery slope
The future of the last stable population of endangered mountain pygmy possums in Victoria hangs in the balance as developers plan a revamp and massive expansion of the Mt Hotham ski resort.
The locals shaping our future
Futuremakers are everywhere. This month brought news of more voices calling for a sustainability revolution, more ways to adapt to and avoid the changes to the climate coming our way.
On Australian beaches, urban school yards and farms in the tropical north, Futuremakers are gathering to make a difference. All believe it's a grassroots movement worth fighting for and, well, a bit of fun too.
Guest Writer: Susie Maroney
As a champion marathon swimmer, Susie has "swum not only in oceans, but rivers, dams, creeks and any big puddle of water in places most people don't even see." Susie is our Guest Writer for the current edition of the Futuremakers email, sharing her perspective of the changes in our waterways.
Planet Action: the all-new eco-reality series brought together by WWF and Animal Planet
In Australia and around the globe, animals and their habitats are threatened. Many species are faced with extinction and often this is a result of human behaviour. In a mission to show viewers how they can help the conservation cause the global television network, Animal Planet, and WWF present Planet Action, an all-new eco-reality series which takes on these crises in a new way.
The faces fighting climate chaos
In a world of growing disquiet about environmental pressures, an Italian beekeeper, a Tuvaluan community worker and a Queensland farmer have much in common. Not only are they witnesses to climate change and erratic animal behaviour, but they believe if the future is man made, they will do something about it.
King Kong sold to help endangered species
In recognition of the role that WWF is playing to create a sustainable environment not only for mountain gorillas, but for native species in Australia, Universal Pictures auctioned a limited edition King Kong statue, one of only four in Australia, through eBay - with proceeds going to WWF. The winning bidder also received a King Kong DVD signed by Peter Jackson.
Continue reading 'King Kong sold to help endangered species' »
What's a Futuremaker?
WWF-Australia is asking Australians to make a real difference to the future of our planet by making small changes in their lives today. Become a Futuremaker and help WWF create a living planet.
Rhino rescue in Borneo
Poaching has significantly reduced Borneo's population of Sumatran rhinos in recent years, but according to a recent survey by WWF, a small group of at least 13 rhinos continues to survive in Sabah in the "Heart of Borneo", a region covered with vast tracts of rainforest.
Billions could be saved under national water protection
Australia's remaining healthy rivers, creeks, wetlands, floodplains and estuaries would be protected and billions of dollars in repair bills saved under a proposal by WWF to consolidate Australia's existing water management programs.
Continue reading 'Billions could be saved under national water protection' »
Forum fails to tackle world water crisis
The 2006 World Water Forum - an international summit meant to address water shortages across the globe - has failed to offer any new solution for the world's current water crisis.
Continue reading 'Forum fails to tackle world water crisis' »
Leatherback turtles close to the brink
The leatherback turtle has survived for more than a hundred million years, but some populations are now facing extinction. As few as 2,300 adult females now remain, making the Pacific leatherback the world's most endangered marine turtle population.
Progress in the fight to stop illegal logging
This month the Indonesian Forest and Trade Network secured one of Indonesia's leading forestry companies - Sumalindo Lestari Jaya II - as its first member from the logging industry.
Continue reading 'Progress in the fight to stop illegal logging' »
Illegal Indonesian fishermen on the Great Barrier Reef
Illegal fishing boats found in the Great Barrier Reef Marine Park are a worrying sign for green turtle populations and other threatened species, WWF says.
Continue reading 'Illegal Indonesian fishermen on the Great Barrier Reef' »
High fashion Tibet-style: Stopping the illegal tiger skin trade in Asia
Tibet's economic boom has grown to include an increasing trend in the wildlife trade, with tiger skins and the skins of other Asian big cats now hot property on the Tibetan market.
Continue reading 'High fashion Tibet-style: Stopping the illegal tiger skin trade in Asia' »
Climate change solutions (Australian Climate Group)
In 2004, the Australian Climate Group (ACG) released the Climate Change: Solutions for Australia report, recommending a 60 per cent cut in emissions by 2050. The report represents an unprecedented alliance between scientific and commercial experts with an aim to guide public opinion and government policy.
Continue reading 'Climate change solutions (Australian Climate Group)' »
2005: The Year of the Weather Makers?
The Australian Government hosted a major international meeting on climate change in Sydney over January, with the stated intention of finding ways to manage global warming.
WWF is very concerned about some of the assertions made at the meeting, particularly the Government's intention to follow an energy path that would result in massive increases in greenhouse gas emissions over the next 45 years.
WWF leads efforts to battle forest fires on New Caledonia
On the French Pacific territory of New Caledonia, WWF staff and local residents battled blazing forest fires this year that threatened the island's endangered forests and wildlife.
Over a period of five days, WWF rallied some 400 volunteers - armed with shovels, water vaporisers and courage - to support fire fighters in their efforts to control the spreading fire.
Continue reading 'WWF leads efforts to battle forest fires on New Caledonia' »
Climate refugees in a drowning Pacific
While the rest of the world continues to debate the implications of climate change, for people living on small Pacific islands the problem is startlingly real.
Loss of land, crops and freshwater supplies caused by rising sea levels threaten to diminish living conditions in many Pacific island states, and pose a serious risk to regional stability and security.
Breaking records in 2005 - Climate Change
According to the U.S. National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) 2005 was as hot as the previous warmest year on record, the 1998 ENSO year. This is just one of the many climate records that were broken in 2005.
Continue reading 'Breaking records in 2005 - Climate Change' »
Tagging pygmy elephants in Borneo
Rampant logging and the conversion of forests to plantations are driving the destruction of Borneo's forests, threatening the world's population of pygmy elephants, according to a report by WWF.
Extinction alert for 800 species
A new initiative to assess the state of the world's threatened species has delivered a stark warning that without concerted efforts from governments and communities around the world hundreds of species are guaranteed to become extinct.
Reef closures helping fish stocks
Fish are once again in abundance in the iconic Great Barrier Reef, thanks to the combined work of WWF and the Great Barrier Reef Marine Park Authority.
Toxic orcas
The flaming orange and pink hues of the arctic sun spill across the glassy waters of the fjord, granting the perfect conditions for spotting killer whales, the ocean's top predator. Each year, hundreds of these whales, with their distinctive black back and white underbelly, flock into Tysfjord and Vestfjord off the north coast of Norway in the Barents Sea between November and January to feed off migrating herring.
Start a sustainability revolution
Over 1000 people gathered to hear WWF-Australia CEO Greg Bourne deliver a landmark speech at the University of South Australia's prestigious 2005 Annual Hawke Lecture.
Whose flag is that?
Human rights abuses on the high seas, the pillaging of threatened fish stocks and global pirate fishing operations worth billions of dollars have all been documented in a new report, which lifts the lid on how 'flags of convenience' provide cover for illegal fishing vessels.
Chemicals contaminating children
A recent study by WWF International has found toxic chemicals in daily use throughout Europe are contaminating generations of families, particularly children.
WWF and Nyirripi people, protecting NT's threatened species
WWF has been working with local Aboriginal people from the Tanami Desert to protect threatened desert animals through burning practices and hunting.
Continue reading 'WWF and Nyirripi people, protecting NT's threatened species' »
Ningaloo Turtle Program awarded
The WWF-supported Ningaloo Turtle Program has won the 2005 Australian Government Coastcare Community Award for Western Australia for its work to reduce the threats to marine turtles in the Ningaloo region.
Marine protected areas - insurance policies for our future
The Great Barrier Reef Marine Park was the centerpiece of the world's first truly global conference focusing on Marine Protected Areas which took place in Geelong, Victoria between 24 Oct 2005 and 28 Oct 2005.
Continue reading 'Marine protected areas - insurance policies for our future' »
Building Relationships for Healthy Ecosystems: Five years of Woodland Watch
One of WWF-Australia's most innovative conservation initiatives - Woodland Watch - is turning five this year. To mark this important milestone WWF conducted a comprehensive evaluation of the scientific outputs, conservation outcomes and social impacts of this flagship project.
Continue reading 'Building Relationships for Healthy Ecosystems: Five years of Woodland Watch' »
What's going on with the weather?
A new book - The Weather Makers - by leading author and member of the WWF-convened Wentworth Group, Dr Tim Flannery, is providing a frightening insight into the ways climate change can alter life on earth.
World's largest hippo population to be wiped out?
A new aerial survey shows that the hippo population in Virunga National Park (Democratic Republic of Congo) will soon be extinct due to rampant poaching for hippo teeth and meat. Once the world's largest hippo population, with some 29,000 individuals in 1974, it has now dropped to under 1,000 individuals.
Continue reading 'World's largest hippo population to be wiped out?' »
Protecting China's national treasure
It is a dangerous world out there, especially in the mountains of south-west China where pandas vie for territory with people, particularly hunters and loggers. There are signs, however, that the panda - so long on the brink of extinction - is fighting back.
Stop the alien attack!
The increasing threat of invasive weeds and feral animals to Australian native species was the focus of National Threatened Species Day in 2005, which occurred on 7 September.
NT's Daly River protected
WWF supporters have played a pivotal role in halting the Northern Territory Government's plans to allow 30 billion litres of water (around 30,000 Olympic-sized pools) to be pumped out of the majestic Daly River each year and the clearing of up to 110,000 hectares of neighbouring land.
Close shave for bearded vulture
A WWF-funded program is helping reintroduce critically endangered populations of the bearded vulture back into the wild in northern Europe.
Heart of Borneo: Now or never
There is only one place remaining in Southeast Asia where forests can still be conserved on a very large scale. It straddles the transboundary highlands of Indonesia and Malaysia, and reaches out through the foothills into adjacent lowlands and to parts of Brunei. We call this area the 'Heart of Borneo'.
Hazelwood - the dirtiest power station in the world?
In many ways Australia can be regarded as a modern country that plays a leading role among industrialised nations. Not when it comes to electricity generation though.
Continue reading 'Hazelwood - the dirtiest power station in the world?' »
Music for a living planet
Coldplay, Jack Johnson, Missy Higgins all on the one CD? WWF-Australia has teamed up with Shock Records to release Sound Environment, a 35 track double-CD box set of hot tracks from some of the world's best bands and solo artists.
Wildlife threatened by a warming world
Climate change spells disaster for the world's plants and animals, many of which are already suffering from a loss of habitat, pollution and over-exploitation.
Thirsty?
Australians are getting thirstier by the day. To quench this insatiable thirst we're seeing proposals for new dams in some of our remaining healthy rivers, proposals for pipelines that traverse thousands of kilometers and expensive desalination plants. But Australia's water plans fail to take into consideration the biggest threat to the country's water resources - climate change.
Helping rebuild devastated Aceh
On April 27, WWF launched the Green Reconstruction Policy Guidelines for the rebuilding of Indonesia's Aceh province. In the first phase of the guidelines, WWF is calling on donor countries to immediately supply sustainably-sourced timber so that communities can be rebuilt in a way that does not further impact on Aceh's already-damaged environment.
WWF lends a hand in tsunami-affected Asia
The Boxing Day earthquake and tsunami that devastated so many Indian Ocean communities united the world in a bid to bring relief to thousands of survivors. With a death toll standing at more than 300,000 across 11 countries, charity organisations from around the world came together to provide displaced communities with immediate food and shelter.
Continue reading 'WWF lends a hand in tsunami-affected Asia' »
Kyoto Protocol: the first of ten steps
Climate change is high on the agenda with the passing of the Kyoto Protocol into international law. But what happens after the protocol expires will determine the extent of global warming.
Ningaloo to be protected as world's coral reefs decline
Coral reefs around the world are in decline. But Ningaloo Reef, one of Australia's most precious natural assets, has been given a greater chance at protection with a decision to extend sanctuary zones along this unique site.
Continue reading 'Ningaloo to be protected as world's coral reefs decline' »
Making the switch to Green Power
Twelve months after the global launch of the PowerSwitch! Campaign, WWF-Australia's Climate Change Team is again challenging supporters to make the switch to clean energy.In the past year, climate change has continued to loom as the greatest single threat to the environment over the next century.
Western swamp tortoise
The Western Swamp Tortoise is Australia's most endangered reptile. It is the sole surviving member of its genus that dates back to 15-20 million years and is the most primitive of its family. Only 2 populations are left in the wild on the Swan Coastal Plain within the Perth metropolitan area.
Gouldian finch conservation takes flight
Just 50 years ago large flocks of Gouldian finches would descend like vibrant rainbows to drink at waterholes in northern Australia. Their brilliant plumage and animated movements endeared them to landholders and tourists alike. Today, it's an alarmingly rare sight.
Continue reading 'Gouldian finch conservation takes flight' »
Panda survey helps create new generation of conservationists
The news from China's Third National Panda Survey is good - there are more giant pandas in the wild than previously thought. But in addition to gathering valuable new information on panda numbers and habitat, the survey has given nature reserve workers throughout the country important new skills that will strengthen panda conservation.
Continue reading 'Panda survey helps create new generation of conservationists' »
World class legislation - new land clearing policy for Queensland
Three cheers for the Queensland Government for delivering on its election pledge to implement ground-breaking legislation to halt land clearing throughout the state.
Continue reading 'World class legislation - new land clearing policy for Queensland' »
Diary - Trek into the Tarkine
In March 2004, nine WWF supporters led by a WWF guide and tour operator Tiger Trails set off on an adventure of a lifetime, trekking for seven days through the magical 65-million-year-old Tarkine rainforests in north-west Tasmania.
Paradise on the edge
Feature article on a new conservation initiative for Australia's south-west, which will define the biological status of the region and foster collaborative approaches among community, industry and government groups.
Flocking to help the red-tailed black cockatoo
An impressive black bird with a rowdy call is capturing the hearts of rural communities in southern Australia.
Continue reading 'Flocking to help the red-tailed black cockatoo' »
A new era for the bush - NSW puts an end to broadscale clearing
The NSW Government has put an end to the state's most devastating threat to biodiversity: broadscale land clearing.
Continue reading 'A new era for the bush - NSW puts an end to broadscale clearing' »
Volunteers needed to save South Australia's plants from extinction
With an army of around 370 Threatened Plant Action Group (TPAG) volunteers, the future for South Australia's threatened plant species is looking brighter. Saving threatened plant species in south australia is no easy task - alarmingly, over 300 plant species in this state are listed as being threatened with extinction under state or commonwealth legislation.
Continue reading 'Volunteers needed to save South Australia's plants from extinction' »
