A Strategic Framework for the Population and Environment Nexus in Australia: A whole of knowledge approach

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Strategic planning for a globally competitive future is increasingly vital in the 21st Century. Many sectors struggle with environmental and resource issues that impact on our ability to manage and predict national economic and social trends. Examples include: water, pests, disease, climate, agriculture, over-exploitation of natural resources, increasing population pressure on major cities and coasts, biodiversity loss, soil salinity, etc. Australia has a highly variable climate with a mega-diverse and fragile ecosystem that has already undergone serious pressure from over 200 years of human endeavour1,2. Currently we are operating in relative ignorance regarding the population-environment (natural resource) nexus. It is a complex issue indeed, some of the worst damage to the Australian continent was effected when the population was very small. Our knowledge and action on the topic have been hindered by decades of conflict, confusion, indifference and avoidance. In the context of an increasingly stressed global situation, knowledge and informed debate on the interaction between population and environment is central to a sustainable future for Australia. This issue cuts across many disciplines, including environmental science, geography, demography, economics, human biology, health, and political science therefore a whole of knowledge (or trans-disciplinary) approach is essential. This project will synthesise and analyse the range of perspectives to develop the Strategic Framework that will effectively and comprehensively underpin future policy and decision-making, and enhance Australias national and global opportunities.