Australian Conservation Foundation

ACF has just released our annual Extinction Wrapped 2024 analysis to spotlight the devastating state of Australia’s wildlife, plants, and habitats. Some of the most shocking findings include: - 25,769 hectares of threatened species habitat were destroyed in 2024—equivalent to 92 Sydney CBDs - The koala lost 3,003 hectares of habitat, more than any other species - 10 new fossil fuel projects were approved, with none rejected Australians care deeply about our natural world— in fact 86% support stronger nature laws to protect iconic species like the koala, and yet our government is shirking its promise of powerful reforms to appease big businesses that plunder our forests and reefs for profit. Hear more from ACF’s Nature Campaigner Darcie Carruthers on ABC NSW Statewide Morning

Last year the Government approved the destruction of 3000ha of precious koala habitat. Three times the amount of the previous year. Our bush is being bulldozed like never before— and our precious koala is directly in the firing line. ACF’s Extinction Wrapped analysis, released today, has found that the Albanese government —which committed to ‘no new extinctions’ in 2022 — approved more than 25,000 hectares of threatened species habitat to be destroyed in 2024.That’s more than twice as much as the previous year. While the report lays bare the shocking amount of species impacted by this habitat destruction, it is the iconic koala that is most under threat, having 3000 hectares (three times the size of Sydney Airport!) razed to the ground in 2024 alone. That’s more habitat pillaged than any other threatened species. Our leaders are dragging their feet on delivering long-promised new nature laws that protect our big backyard. Australia is in an extinction crisis. Read the full report & sign the pledge for climate and nature. https://lnkd.in/gKeYsw6Q

Trump’s reckless climate moves can’t halt the unstoppable wave of global action. His decision to withdraw from the Paris Agreement on day one is troubling but not surprising. While he cuts off his [climate] nose to spite his face, the fight for a safe, liveable future charges forward across the U.S. and around the globe, irrespective of what the US President does. We’re barely three weeks into the new year and already grappling with catastrophic wildfires around the world, fueled by the worsening climate crisis. It is up to Australia and the other remaining 193 nation signatories to the Paris Agreement to accelerate decarbonisation efforts and build up the clean energy trade relationships that will be the foundation of future global stability. This is a pivotal moment for the Albanese government to drive real and meaningful climate action. It’s time to seize the opportunity, supercharge the Future Made in Australia agenda, and commit to a bold 2035 emissions reduction target.

ACF's latest analysis reveals the Albanese government approved the destruction of over 25,000 hectares of threatened species habitat in 2024 – more than double the previous year’s total. To put it into perspective, that's equivalent to clearing 92 Sydney CBDs worth of habitat critical to our unique wildlife. Shockingly, 3,003 hectares of koala habitat were approved for destruction – triple the amount from 2023 and more than for any other threatened species. Read more: https://acf.to/4g8zA9s

For Victorian farmers Jo and Greg Bear, sustainability isn’t just a practice – it’s their purpose. “Sustainability is the philosophy that we live by. It’s our purpose. We’re pretty open to having a crack at nearly anything as long as it’s environmentally friendly and aligns with our values,” Jo says. By embracing biodiversity – from plants and wildlife to people and perspectives – and working with First Nations groups, ecologists, and experts, Jo and Greg have built a farm that’s not only productive but resilient in the face of droughts and floods. Read more about their inspiring journey. https://lnkd.in/gxJhxkKs

(Good) News Alert! Today, we’re championing an innovative new Aussie-led conservation database that scientists hope will help inspire hope and optimism amid the anxiety many of us are feeling due to the climate crisis.  AdaptLog is a new online tool that will help conservationists share, compare and collaborate on hundreds of solutions and interventions they are working on to address the climate threats thousands of threatened and vulnerable places and species face. More than 400 ‘interventions’ are now publicly available on the tool, detailing the unique climate threats that conservationists are often grappling with — from bushfires, droughts and flooding to extreme temperatures — and the creative solutions they’re coming up with to protect biodiversity as critical habitats and the environment changes at such a rapid rate. Just one example showcased in the tool is a conservation effort to protect precious green turtle eggs on Heron Island near the Great Barrier Reef. Here, scientists have created experimental nests irrigated with seawater to lower the nest’s temperature. Rapidly rising temperatures have warmed the sand, and when turtle’s eggs incubate above 31°C, the hatchlings will all be born females, which in turn threatens to destabilise the vulnerable species's population. AdaptLog is supported by the Federal Government’s Natural Environment Science Program Climate Systems Hub, the CSIRO and the WWF. https://acf.to/4h2KoqI

Disinformation is spreading like a virus. From AI-generated fake images to organised campaigns spreading falsehoods, disinformation is a growing threat to democracy and trust. Studies show it spreads just like a virus, making it harder than ever to decipher fact from fiction. But we’re not powerless. Inoculating people with critical thinking tools can help stop the spread of lies. Hear from ACF's Director of Engagement, Jane Gardener, how disinformation is shaping the world and how to combat it with an “Anti-disinformation booster shot.” To learn more about what ACF is doing to combat disinformation, head to our website where you can find quizzes on how to prepare and educate yourself when it comes to nuclear and climate crisis disinformation and fake news. https://acf.to/3DXcANc

Did you know that last year, Australia took the shameful title of the world’s third-largest fossil fuel exporter, after Russia and the United States? These coal and gas exports drive climate catastrophes by releasing massive amounts of carbon pollution when burned overseas. These emissions heat the planet, causing more extreme weather, rising sea levels, and devastating impacts on communities and nature. But there’s a better way! With our abundant sun, wind, and smart innovations, we can power industries here at home, produce renewable-powered products like green steel, and export clean energy to the world. By ditching fossil fuels, we can secure long-term jobs, revive Australian manufacturing, and build a thriving renewable energy industry. It’s time for Australia to lead the way toward a cleaner, safer, and more prosperous future. Let’s make it happen!

It’s great to see Australian Energy Producers acknowledge that gas “generates the extreme heat.” But while this post may be an accidental admission, what’s really missing from Australian Energy Producers is any serious effort to address the massive emissions from climate-wrecking gas projects. These projects pump greenhouse gases into the atmosphere, fueling extreme weather and worsening the climate crisis. These emissions pump huge amounts of greenhouse gases into the atmosphere, fueling extreme weather and worsening the climate crisis. The evidence is clear: gas is a dirty fossil fuel, mostly made up of methane—a greenhouse gas far more potent than carbon dioxide and a key driver of climate change. It’s time for AEP and the gas industry to stop dodging accountability and transition to clean, renewable solutions like wind and solar energy.

The Australian Conservation Foundation is seeking an experienced consultant to evaluate the performance and impact of our 2025 federal election campaign. This is a unique opportunity to contribute to shaping future strategies for environmental advocacy and social change. Key Objectives: 🔹Assess the campaign’s success in meeting its goals. 🔹Evaluate the effectiveness of strategies and tactics. 🔹Analyse governance, collaboration, and past learnings. 🔹Provide actionable insights for future election campaigns. What We’re Looking For: 🔹Proven experience in advocacy campaign evaluation. 🔹Knowledge of Australia’s political landscape and civil society’s role. 🔹Strong research, analytical, and communication skills. What’s Involved: 🔹Start: End of February 2025 🔹Remote-friendly (anywhere in Australia) 🔹Budget: Up to $15,000 EOI Submission Deadline: 31 January 2025, 5:00 PM Click the link for more details: https://acf.to/4fVJZVL