In Australia, climate change and biodiversity are largely dealt with independently in policy, legislaƟon,
regulaƟon and resourcing of iniƟaƟves to tackle either challenge. Australia has been idenƟfied as a
global exƟncƟon hotspot and serial under-performer in conserving biodiversity,2,3,4 and in seƫng and
reaching emissions reducƟons targets.5 Biodiversity and climate are inextricably linked. The loss of
biodiversity exacerbates climate change due to the reducƟons in nature’s ability to absorb and store
atmospheric greenhouse gases. Ongoing climate change exacerbates biodiversity loss by reducing the
suitability of climaƟc niches and driving the disappearance of habitats. In Australia, this is most clearly
observed in our recent track record of land clearing and high-emissions forest management, which
lead to biodiversity losses and are responsible for 25% of total human-induced or anthropogenic
greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions naƟonally.6
Dispossession of Country from its TradiƟonal Owners is a central part of this story. Changed fire
regimes,7,8 western agriculture,9 altered waterways,10 urbanisaƟon 11 and many other transformaƟons
in landscapes cause ongoing harm to Country and its people. Healing Country and people means not
just learning from TradiƟonal Knowledge, it means listening to Indigenous leadership and creaƟng
real opportuniƟes for people to return to Country.