The Australian Government declined to sign the Leader's Pledge for Nature, but we can still show our commitment, our concern and our personal pledge to its ideals. If you feel that the Government's missing signature does not represent your concern for biodiversity loss in Australia and the world, then tell them. This is not partisan politics, it's just democracy. We call one of the most bio-diverse continents home and we need to be proud of it and protect it.

The Leader's Pledge for Nature is available online: https://www.leaderspledgefornature.org/Leaders_Pledge_for_Nature_27.09.20.pdf

I recommend you read it for yourself before endorsing it. 

Ultimately, the pledge recognises the worsening loss of biodiversity and that the imminent consequences will impact natural, economic, social and political resilience and vitality. 

The pledge specifically highlights COVID-19 as an example of how destructive these forces can be, however in this dark time there is a rare opportunity to join together in renewing our path forward. Boris Johnson said in light of this pledge, “We must act now – right now....Extinction is forever – so our action must be immediate.” If you believe that Australia should join this path then pledge to it personally.

The Guardian stated that the Australian federal government refused to sign the pledge "because the 10-point plan calls for commitments that are inconsistent with Australian policy". I believe that this is a reason for hope, as the pledge says that "we commit ourselves not simply to words, but to meaningful action" and I commend the government for not speaking empty words. But now it's time to take the next step, to recognise that those policies will continue to hold us back and to commit to the path forward - caring for our beautiful animals, sprawling landscapes, resilient farmers and every single Australian today and to come.

Unfortunately in 2019 the Australian Government named the Bramble Cay melomys as extinct and it is now believed to be the first mammal extinction due to climate change. We all have the tragic photos of the last Tasmanian Tiger burned into our memories and we spent the Summer watching the plea of Koalas and burning bush feeling helpless. But I believe that as Australians we care, for nature and for each other - pledge to the path forward.

 - From a concerned but hopeful Australian citizen

Image: A sleepy Koala at Phillip Island Victoria