Australia State of the Environment Report

Combining scientific, traditional and local knowledge, Indigenous and non-Indigenous people have worked together to create this first holistic assessment of the state of Australia’s environment.

The report aims to help shape policy and action, influence behaviours, and assess our actions as stewards of the Australian environment.

Our environment is under extreme pressure. Read the report. Make an impact. Heal Country. Our future wellbeing and prosperity depend on it.
Beach at Cape Leveque with storm clouds rolling in
We have combined science, traditional and local knowledge to assess the health of our environment
It is vital we understand the impact of human pressures and how we can protect and manage our environment. This understanding is outlined in the Overview and in key findings for each chapter.
to be added
The general outlook for our environment is deteriorating
Pressures from climate change, habitat loss, invasive species, pollution and resource extraction can add together to increase impacts on the environment.
Koala clinging to a burnt tree in a bushfire swept forest.
Climate change is affecting every aspect of our environment
Temperatures, extreme events and fire risk are increasing, sea levels are rising, and rainfall patterns are changing across Australia.
Green Turtle swimming over a coral reef with sunburst overhead at Heron Island.
Immediate action with innovative management and collaboration can turn things around
Embracing our role as stewards of our land and seas we can work together to protect our future.
View of Kakadu National Park
Indigenous knowledge and connections to Country are vital for sustainability and healing Australia
Indigenous people have dealt with environmental change for millenia. Traditional knowing and seeing along with the principles of caring for Country are essential for meeting the environmental challenges of today and the future.

Working together, we can build resilient Country and people.
Two figures overlooking a cityscape that has poor visibility
Environmental decline affects the wellbeing of all Australians
Our health, living standards, cultural and spiritual fulfilment, and connection to Country are all inextricably linked to our environment.
Australia’s past is the key to a better future
The oldest continuing cultures in the world, Australian Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander cultures, know that ‘if you take care of Country, it will take care of you’. By continuing to work together, we can heal Country and safeguard our future.

Narrated by Julie Tyson, a proud Meerooni woman of the Gurang people, also Ngugi Nunukal of Quandamooka nation and a descendant of the Kari people.
Explore all chapters in the report
Overview
The Overview chapter presents the overall health of every aspect of our environment – from our rivers and oceans to our land and urban areas. It also looks at how our environment is affecting the health and wellbeing of the Australian community and economy. Importantly, it identifies the areas of greatest need in our environment to help us protect, restore and manage our world.
Artwork by Gertie Huddleston
Air quality
The Air quality chapter examines the sources and management of our air pollutants. The past 5 years have shown us the potential extremes of air quality – from bushfire smoke to the reductions in traffic emissions during the COVID-19 pandemic. Air quality is a key part of our environment that affects our health and the health of species and ecosystems.
Air quality Artwork by Philip Wolfhagen
Antarctica
The Antarctica chapter looks at Australia’s Antarctic territory and station environments, along with the condition of the Antarctic region and Southern Ocean. Although distant from other continents, Antarctica and the surrounding Southern Ocean have far-reaching effects on the rest of the globe because they are key drivers of Earth’s oceanic and atmospheric systems. 
Antarctica Artwork by Jorg Schmeisser
Biodiversity
The Biodiversity chapter presents a picture of the importance and health of Australia’s plants, animals, threatened species and ecosystems. Biodiversity is ‘the variability among living organisms from all sources including terrestrial, marine and other aquatic ecosystems and the ecological complexes of which they are part’ (Convention on Biological Diversity Article 2). 
Twin Falls and Gorge by William Robinson
Climate
The Climate chapter looks at Australia’s current and future climate. Our climate and weather patterns have affected the shape of our landscapes, species and ecosystems, as well as where people live and how we manage the land and seas. Changes to the climate will profoundly affect our environment, along with our communities, economy, health and wellbeing.
Climate artwork by John Olsen
Coasts
The Coasts chapter explores where our land meets the sea. Australia boasts 33,000 km of coastline – the seventh largest of any nation. This coastline includes a diverse range of tropical, temperate and subantarctic ecosystems and a high number of species found nowhere else. Our coastline has been cared for by Saltwater Traditional Custodians for thousands of years.
Coasts artwork by Alick Tipoti
Extreme events
The Extreme events chapter looks at the impact of extreme weather events on our environment. This chapter is new in the 2021 state of the environment report. It has been developed in response to the changing intensity and frequency of extreme events over the past 5 years. The chapter also looks at Indigenous fire management and how fire regimes are changing.
Extreme events artwork by Shane Pickett
Heritage
The Heritage chapter assesses Australia’s heritage sites, objects, protections and management. Our identity as Australians comes from our heritage, including our Indigenous, natural and historic heritage. Our heritage reveals and reinforces our origins, culture, personality, spirit and ingenuity. Heritage tells our story and creates a sense of place and connection for all Australians.
Heritage artwork by Eva Richardson
Indigenous
The Indigenous chapter explores connection to Country and stewardship of the land and seas of Australia. Indigenous peoples – the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples – have cared for Country over countless generations and continue to do so today. Indigenous peoples recognise that this relationship benefits both Country and people – strong Country, strong people.
Indigenous artwork by Emily Kame Kngwarreye
Inland water
The Inland water chapter explores the state of our rivers, creeks, lakes, wetlands and water storages, and how we are using our water. Healthy water is central to Indigenous life and Country. Australia is a land of ‘drought and flooding rains’ – demonstrated clearly in recent years. Climate change will further challenge water security for our environment and communities.
Inland water artwork by Lin Onus
Land
The Land chapter assesses the resources available in our land – the soil, water, vegetation, living organisms, ecosystems and landforms. They are essential to the health of our environment, and our use of land and its resources maintains our communities and way of life. Indigenous people have cared for Country for thousands of years, and continued stewardship is crucial.
Land artwork by Maringka Baker
Marine
The Marine chapter looks at the oceans and seas that surround Australia. The Australian marine estate is the third-largest marine jurisdiction in the world at 13.86 m² kilometres. As an island nation, Australia’s oceans and traditional marine estates are tied with our national identity and integral to our economy and way of life, especially the Traditional Owners of Sea Country.
Marine artwork by Maria Fernanda Cardoso
Urban
The Urban chapter explores the liveability, sustainability and resilience of our cities, towns and villages. Australia is one of the world’s most urbanised countries– more than 96% of our population live in urban areas. Their built and natural features, underpin the wellbeing of most Australians, including our Indigenous population. Meaningful and inclusive planning is vital.
Urban artwork Jeffery Smart
What is in the report
What is in the report
What is in the report
The state of the environment report is a comprehensive assessment of the health of every aspect of our environment. Written by independent experts, it analyses the best available evidence every 5 years to guide policy and action.

Each chapter has 5 key sections, as well as supporting information and material.
Find out the main messages of the report. Each chapter has 10 key points that summarise the findings of the chapter.
The state of the environment report is a comprehensive assessment of the health of every aspect of our environment. Written by independent experts, it analyses the best available evidence every 5 years to guide policy and action.

Each chapter has 5 key sections, as well as supporting information and material.
Where are we headed? Find out how our environment is tracking and how we are managing it. Also find out how that pathway will affect our prosperity and wellbeing.
The state of the environment report is a comprehensive assessment of the health of every aspect of our environment. Written by independent experts, it analyses the best available evidence every 5 years to guide policy and action.

Each chapter has 5 key sections, as well as supporting information and material.
What is the current state of the different environmental aspects? Explore the condition of Australian landscapes and ecosystems, from our air to our land, ocean, rivers and heritage.
The state of the environment report is a comprehensive assessment of the health of every aspect of our environment. Written by independent experts, it analyses the best available evidence every 5 years to guide policy and action.

Each chapter has 5 key sections, as well as supporting information and material.
How effective is our management of the environment? Understand environmental stewardship and how government, Traditional Owner, private, and not-for-profit groups protect our environment and minimise the impact of pressures.
The state of the environment report is a comprehensive assessment of the health of every aspect of our environment. Written by independent experts, it analyses the best available evidence every 5 years to guide policy and action.

Each chapter has 5 key sections, as well as supporting information and material.
What are the pressures on our environment? Identify the main drivers of these pressures and find out how they are affecting both environmental health and our own wellbeing.
The state of the environment report is a comprehensive assessment of the health of every aspect of our environment. Written by independent experts, it analyses the best available evidence every 5 years to guide policy and action.

Each chapter has 5 key sections, as well as supporting information and material.
Find out about the chapter authors and their approach to the report and assessments, the artwork appearing in the chapter, and any supplementary material available.
New in the report
Valuing traditional knowledge

Traditional Owners have lived in harmony with the Australian environment for thousands of years. This harmony is at the core of traditional knowledge and customs, sustaining a sense of place and wellbeing.  

In 2021, Indigenous and non-Indigenous people have worked together to create the first holistic assessment of the current state of Australia’s environment. This recognises that Indigenous participation in management of land and sea is important to environmental outcomes. This is in line with the objects of the Environment Protection and Biodiversity Conservation Act 1999 (Cth) – promoting a cooperative approach to environmental management. 

Ntange Dreaming by Emily Kame Kngwarreye
Adding new chapters to the report

In 2021, we have added new chapters to the report: 

Indigenous – We have brought together the voices of our Indigenous co-authors, leaders and communities we have engaged during SoE’s development. The Indigenous chapter tells the story of the deep connection between the environment and people, the challenges of Indigenous stewardship in caring for Country, and the benefits of learning from Australia’s Indigenous peoples.  

Extreme events – The intensity and frequency of extreme weather and related events are changing. Understanding natural events such as cyclones, floods and bushfires, how they impact where we live and work, and their effect on ecosystems helps us to better manage these events in the future.  

Climate – Our climate is changing. Australia’s climate continues to warm, largely driven by greenhouse gas emissions, bringing with it associated changes in climate systems. Climate change is a pressure across all aspects of the environment and amplifies the impacts of other pressures. 

A more holistic approach

This report explores the links between human wellbeing and the environment. We are increasingly aligning the report and its analysis with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). This approach includes outcome-based assessments which provide a common framework that can be used by industry and states and territories. We have also drawn on environmental accounts where available, which apply an economic lens to the costs and benefits for society of environment impacts and actions. 

Artworks from National Gallery of Australia

We have collaborated with the National Gallery of Australia to showcase artists from across the nation. Their art, featured as the main image for each chapter, brings aspects of our environment to life and shows how the environment affects not only how we see our Country, but how we see ourselves within it.