The death of Queen Elizabeth II continues to reverberate globally. The ensuing media frenzy, rabid and ravenous at times, has been quite something to behold. I cannot think of another event or issue that’s received even remotely a similar amount of attention in recent times.
I am not here to argue about the merit and contributions of the Queen and the royal family though, nor a long overdue transition to an Australian republic, or the far too often overlooked, disregarded and darker history and confronting issues, including maintenance of power structures and the ongoing damage and ravages of state-sanctioned colonialism. That is not my place nor area of expertise, and I genuinely want to extend my sincere condolences to all who are saddened and suffering, whatever their reason, and whatever cultural background, political and personal persuasion they may have.
Instead, I wish to reflect on what recent events might say about Australia, largely from the perspective of an ecologist and conservation scientist. I wonder where our national gaze and focus are largely directed. What role and deficiencies of the fourth estate are evident? And why should this matter as we face the dual and deteriorating existential crises of climate change and biodiversity decline and extinction?
On 9 September, just one day after the Queen’s death, yet another landmark and deeply sobering study related to the dangers of exceeding 1.5C of global warming for triggering multiple climate tipping points was published. Like so many scientific publications and warnings before, this paper makes abundantly clear that collectively our unsustainable existence has us hurtling towards a truly diabolical future. This places human lives and livelihoods at increased risk of severe, prolonged suffering and, at worst, being extinguished.
Along with us of course, many other species and ecosystems that we take joy and deep meaning from, inextricably depend upon, and share Earth with, face truly dire predicaments.
This study, the work of David Armstrong McKay and colleagues, did receive media attention, First Dog’s familiar dark humour, and was prominent on social media.
But it paled into insignificance and near obscurity relative to the saturation coverage of the Queen’s passing.
I recognise the critical need to report news even when it’s not always of interest nor relevant to all individuals and sectors of society.
But where is the line? Surely maintaining perspective about what’s considered appropriate, sensible, and dare I say it, useful, is important? Why do far more important and ongoing issues, such as quite literally the future of life on Earth, typically receive orders of magnitude less media attention?
Why does it matter? Put simply, we’re in genuine and grave danger, and broadly speaking, the fourth estate is far too often MIA. Ecosystems, spanning our seas, rivers, lakes, wetlands and land, from the tropics to the poles, are collapsing. Lists of threatened species and communities continue to grow at alarming rates, and koalas are now endangered across much of eastern Australia. Independent reviews of environmental governance and performance are routinely scathing, and funding for scientists and researchers that are arguably best-placed to help solve these enormous problems is so piecemeal as to be a national disgrace and insult.
Yet, amidst this, and in clear contradiction to the scientific evidence and advice of international authorities and experts, governments continue to dither and delay meaningful emissions reduction targets, they talk of commodifying biodiversity and a “Green Wall Street”, and approve and facilitate further environmental destruction. Where is the equivalent media frenzy for such reckless, irresponsible actions/inaction?
Adding salt to the wounds for many, and for different reasons, we will soon have a national day of mourning and public holiday to mark the Queen’s death. Victorians will in fact have a four-day weekend on account of this and the AFL grand final. I live in Melbourne, am a long-suffering Carlton supporter, and understand how this town adores its footy in a near religious way.
But I can’t help be astonished and ashamed that in 2022 we will have public holidays for the death of the Queen and a sporting event, while we’re still without public holidays that officially mourn and reflect upon the crimes and ills visited upon First Nations peoples. Such a travesty is illuminated with the recent passing of Archie Roach and Jack Charles, both of whom through their powerful art, storytelling and advocacy spent much of their lives teaching and encouraging us to be and do better.
Likewise, we do not appropriately commemorate and reflect upon the extinctions of species and ongoing demise of ecosystems, nor do we have public holidays that celebrate significant Australian individuals, Indigenous and cultural diversity, the arts, the environment, science or other significant entities that shape Australia. We must ask, why? Will we change? And, if so, when?
• Euan Ritchie is professor in wildlife ecology and conservation at the Centre for Integrative Ecology, School of Life and Environmental Sciences, Deakin University
