Andreas Glanznig, co-author and CISS (Centre for Invasive Species Solutions) chief executive, joins Michael to discuss a new report that reveals that Australia is in the grip of an unprecedented alien attack on its native wildlife and environment, with experts warning more of our unique flora and fauna is in danger of disappearing by 2050 unless urgent action is taken.
A new report, ‘Fighting plagues and predators Australia’s path to a pest and weed-free future’, released yesterday, reveals the environment is facing a “sliding doors” moment, with two possible futures for Australia, depending on the decisions made today.
It highlights a looming wave of new extinctions and outlines two futures for Australia, one based on an unsustainable ‘business as usual’ approach and the other based on implementing targeted actions that will help save our unique biodiversity.
The report pegs the conservative cost of damage caused by invasive species in Australia – predominantly weeds, feral cats, rabbits and fire ants – at $390 billion over the past six decades and around $25 billion each year and growing.

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