A consumption‐based analysis of extinction risk in Australia

Abstract

AbstractAustralia has an important role to play in protecting biodiversity, yet has a poor track record in preventing species extinctions. While invasive species and fire regimes are significant contributors to extinction risk in Australia, many species are threatened by habitat loss and other activities that support demand for products and services. Here, we connect the direct impact on in‐scope species to the final consumption ultimately supported by those activities, quantifying a territorial and consumption extinction‐risk footprint for each economic sector, state, territory, and local government area. We identify consumption of goods and services provided by the construction sector as the most significant consumption driver of extinction risk and show that 30% of Australia's extinction‐risk footprint is exported. Our findings highlight the importance of local government as the last line of defense against species extinctions and suggest that programs that influence consumption behavior may be required to reduce extinction risk in Australia.