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White Australians Attitudes to the Environment
pressured many for the creation of sanctuaries for native fauna and flora succeeded (Bolton, 99).
Changes in attitudes of Australian scientist and pressure groups began to occur. The realisation of the destruction that white man was causing on the environment was finally surfacing. However sadly too much destruction had already occurred.
However today¡¯s attitudes to the environment does prove that some changes have taken place since the colonisation period. If this argument for the assessment was to be analysed during the 18th and 19th century, it would be almost safe to assume that white Australians attitudes to the environment could have been defined through continuity, however in relation to today¡¯s attitudes, movements and laws, it can be assumed that change over time has occurred in relation to our attitudes toward the safety and preservation of the environment.
This assumption however does not presume that the changes have been entirely successful, quick and complete in the protection of the environment, as many habitats and natural areas have been cleared for human construction. This has continued the slaughter of hundreds and thousands of native species to point where they become endangered.
For example, the koala continues to be killed when land is being cleared, and hundreds have been slaughter for their fur. 12 species of kangaroo are extinct and the native numbat is endangered (Edols). This is a very small fraction of the affects that white Australia is still having on the environment.
Today we continue to allow exotic species to over graze causing erosion and environmental problems, and this is all done for the price of economic trade. Foreign species continue to be introduced either accidentally or purposefully, causing destruction to native flora and fauna. Our attitudes in relation to trade and development are still the same as it was when Australia was being colonised. In retrospect it appears that White Australian attitudes to the environment can still be defined by continuity, and it is sad to say that the changes that have occurred are not rapid or great enough to make a significant impact on the Australian environment.
It is still estimated that 1300 plants have been introduced to Australia over the last 2 centuries (Bolton, 85).