This is the ominous warning from Ahmed Dhoghlaf, the executive-secretary of the UN’s Convention on Biological Diversity.  Extinction rates of the world’s animal and plant species is estimated to be up to 1,000 times higher than nature intended due to human activity and the effect of climate change.

That is the key finding of a major United Nations report, the third edition of the Global Biodiversity Outlook.  And don’t be fooled into thinking we humans are immune to the impacts of this loss. Decreased crop production, the shortage of clean water, and continued loss of coral are just some of the repercussions we can expect that may directly affect the Port Douglas region.

But here’s the good news.

We don’t need to wait for Governments of the world, especially our own, to decide our fate (to quote our Editor “they produce more gas emissions by just talking about the problem.”).  Afterall if you leave these decisions to politicians they do exactly what ‘KRudd’ has just done, they turn into spineless jellies and postpone making a decision.  No this has to be down to us, it’s down to that well-worn, but timeless expression – ‘You can make a difference’.   Let’s look at some local examples:

•    Former Douglas Shire Mayor Mike Berwick reforested his property by planting thousands of trees which not only capture tonnes of carbon, but promote biodiversity.
•    Low Isles Sailaway is an Advanced Ecotourism Accredited operator who provide 100% carbon neutral sailing, Their initiative of asking their guests to help re-vegetate a nearby rural property is a powerful way to influence individual reduction of our carbon footprints.
•    Poseidon has also achieved the Advanced Ecotourism accreditation, following 'best practice' procedures, and participating in research activities such as Eye on the Reef, Reef Check, Bleach-Watch and the Minke Whale Project.
•    Quicksilver are currently implementing a plan of refurbishment for the engines of their fleet to drastically reduce their environmental effect.

We know there are more individuals and businesses out there who make conscious decisions with a sustainable outlook, and we want to hear from you.

Whether it’s picking up other people’s rubbish off our iconic Four Mile Beach, or purchasing local goods to reduce transport emissions, let us know what you’ve been doing in the comments box below.