Australia will take a number of new steps to protect the nation’s natural environment from further devastation.

The five-yearly report warned that increasing pressures from climate change, habitat loss, feral animals, pollution and mining will accelerate the destruction of native species.

The report found the environment in “poor and deteriorating” condition.

It also found more than 200 Australian plant and animal species have been listed as threatened for the first time since 2016.

Head of research at the Climate Council, Dr Simon Bradshaw, says there is a lot to digest in the 2000 page report, but there’s a strong stand-out message.

“In essence, it’s simple: what we are seeing is the result of many years of shocking neglect on the climate crisis in particular but that range of other factors as well,” he told Neil Breen on Brisbane Live.

“The picture we see is quite heartbreaking when we realise we have the highest rates of extinction of mammals in particular here of any 0ther contintents, there’s enormous amounts we are losing.

“But the other simple, clear message is there is so much we can and must do that can help turn this around.”

He says it begins with “stronger action to tackle the climate crisis”.

Press PLAY below to hear more about the most important message from the report

Minister promises reform after release of damning environment scorecard