As a
zoologist studying animals in their natural habitat, Dr Andrea Griffin is well
aware of the consequences of habitat destruction for our native wildlife. But
with science now demonstrating that land clearing has ratcheting effects on
fire risk, droughts, and climate change, her levels of concern have increased
significantly.
This is what
motivated Dr Griffin to participate in two recent large collaborative
initiatives: A submission to an inquiry by the House of Representatives on “The impact on
the agricultural sector of vegetation and land management policies, regulations
and restrictions” and a Conversation article describing the effects
of land clearing on fire risk, droughts, water security and climate change. She
went on to prepare and drive a Scientist Declaration to help disseminate these
important scientific findings.
The Scientist
declaration calling on Australian governments at all levels to pass strong
legislation to curb Australia’s accelerating rate of land clearing was released
by the Ecological Society of Australia and was signed by over 300
scientists—including Professors Tim Flannery, Lesley Hughes, Richard Kingsford,
Chris Dickman and Martine Maron.
Within 7
days, the declaration was viewed by over 16,000 people, the Conversation
article attracted nearly 100 comments, and a community petition to support the
Declaration arose. The topic was the subject of a recent article in the
Newcastle Herald:
