AUSTRALIA’S fragile ecosystems are under threat and under the microscope in the new book:
On Our Watch: The Race to Save Australia’s Environment
Bush Heritage's Chief Conservation Officer has launched her second book - with a very strong message appealing to all Australians to save Australia's environment.
For the very first time, On Our Watch provides a comprehensive and at times shocking overview of Australia’s current environmental situation.
Author and activist Dr Nicola Markus describes how our lifestyles for the past few hundred years have impacted on the country’s ecosystems and why many of our plant and animal species are on a slippery slope to extinction.
Some factors include the loss of habitat, introduction of foreign plants and animals to Australia, urbanisation and environmental legislation.
Dr Markus advises how we, as individuals, can make a difference to our country’s future simply by making smart choices and being more pro-active.
There is a valuable 10-step guide on how the public can reduce its own global footprint, with suggestions including: contacting local councillors and Members of Parliament; buying local seasonal produce and reducing consumption of red meat and dairy products; supporting a non-government organisation and researching the environmental practices of companies your superannuation share are invested in.
Both practical and inspirational, On Our Watch is a very relevant and much-needed account of our times.
On Our Watch: The Race to Save Australia’s Environment
By Dr Nicola Markus
Melbourne University Press, rrp $35
Purchase the book via the Melbourne University Publishing website at: http://catalogue.mup.com.au/978-0-522-85595-1.html
About the author, Nicola Markus:
Dr Nicola Markus is a researcher, writer as well as Chief Conservation Officer for leading Australian conservation group Bush Heritage Australia.
Dr Markus has been a passionate advocate for the environment for her whole life.
She has worked in the zoo industry and consulting fields, and completed a PhD in flying fox ecology at the University of Queensland. For five years she worked at WWF – Australia, where she oversaw the national Species Conservation program.
Her role at Bush Heritage Australia – which protects land for conservation – involves assessment and servicing of reserves, conservation stakeholder partnerships, and implementation of conservation strategies and policies.
Top left: Chris Darwin and Dr Nicola Markus at her book launch, 10th February 2009 in Melbourne PHOTO: Bush Heritage Australia
Page Last Updated: Monday 9 February 2009