State of the Environment

Part 4 of the State of the Environment Report evaluates the condition and trends of Victoria’s natural environment within the broad themes of atmosphere, land and biodiversity, inland waters, and coasts, estuaries and the sea.

The Atmosphere section discusses the science of climate change as a global phenomenon. It considers the implications of climate change for the Earth and Australia in general, and Victoria specifically. It also includes a discussion on the trends in air quality and stratospheric ozone, the well known “hole” in the ozone layer that can lead to skin cancer.

The section on Land and Biodiversity illustrates the importance of ecosystem services provided by the Victorian landscape. The condition of the land and soil, so critical in supporting both biodiversity and agriculture, is described. This section shows that despite much effort frm the community, the condition of many of Victoria’s land and biodiversity assets continues to decline.

The Inland Waters section continues on from the discussion on water resources in Part 3. Inland Waters builds on Part 3's description of how Victorian water resources are managed, to decribe the current state or environmental conditions of our inland waterways. The impacts of long-term drought and competing uses for water are described in detail through an assessment of river, wetland and groundwater health.

The Coasts, Estuaries and the Sea section explores how Victoria’s coast is highly modified by human activity. While some of the Victoria’s most prized ecosystems are protected through a series of marine and coastal parks, the impacts of development and tourism continue to place coastal ecosystems under pressure. The future health of Victoria’s coasts is discussed, particularly in light of climate change, which is predicted to have direct effects through sea level rises and damaging storms.