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Over two centuries of economic growth have put undeniable pressure on the ecological systems that underpin human well-being. While it is agreed that these pressures are increasing, views divide on how they may be alleviated. Some suggest technological advances will automatically keep us from transgressing key environmental thresholds; others that policy reform can reconcile economic and ecological goals; while a third school argues that only a fundamental shift in societal values can keep human demands within the Earth's ecological limits. Here we use novel integrated analysis of the energy-water-food nexus, rural land use (including biodiversity), material flows and climate change to explore whether mounting ecological pressures in Australia can be reversed, while the population grows and living standards improve. We show that, in the right circumstances, economic and environmental outcomes can be decoupled. Although economic growth is strong across all scenarios, environmental performance varies widely: pressures are projected to more than double, stabilize or fall markedly by 2050. However, we find no evidence that decoupling will occur automatically. Nor do we find that a shift in societal values is required. Rather, extensions of current policies that mobilize technology and incentivize reduced pressure account for the majority of differences in environmental performance. Our results show that Australia can make great progress towards sustainable prosperity, if it chooses to do so. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The article provides information on a study which suggests that a policy change could limit Australia's environmental pollution. It notes how the country could still focus on economic growth based on a materials-intensive approach. Particular attention is given to how the study addresses the climatic influence of greenhouse gases, noting that lifestyle changes such as reduced working time are not enough.

States that Australia's environment minister, Robert Hill, has come into conflict with non-government scientists over whether extra steps are needed to protect two of Australia's main environmental attractions. The rejection of demands by the government that the areas, already featured as World Heritage Areas by the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO), be placed on the UNESCO endangered list.

Notes that Australia will lead a bloc of south Pacific countries who oppose legally binding targets for greenhouse gas emissions at the United Nations climate convention, December, 1997. Australia's call for each country to set its own goals; Australia's arguments.