Future Prospects

Future Prospects

          The Southwestern Australian scrublands will surely face ecological challenges in years to come. Future impacts for the Esperance Mallee look dismal if agricultural use of the region proceeds on its current path. The naturally non-fertile soils of the region will likely require increased use of fertilizers, which have a negative environmental impact. The continual tillage of land for fresh soil will be a persistent problem as current lands are exhausted and as human population in the region increases. Over-irrigation too will be a growing problem as the already arid region could potentially become drier as a result of climate change.

            The Nullarbor Plains’ flora vitality is most concerning when looking to the future. The Plains, which are the home to over 3000 native plants species, hosts 300 non-native plant species. While some of these alien plants’ impact are negligible, there is a potential for plants that pose greater threat to native plants to invade the area as global transit becomes more efficient and widespread. The over-grazing of vegetative growth from rabbits also falls under the category of destructive alien invaders. Unless we can find a pragmatic solution to curb the rabbit population that does not involve environmentally destructive chemicals or the introduction of additional alien species, the rabbits will continue to wreak havoc on native plant species.

Below is a table that shows the "differences between probable unmitigated and mitigated futures at 2100." The table makes clear that if steps are not taken to limit green house gas emissions, the ecoregion will face a dramatic decline in agricultural production. 

(http://www.garnautreview.org.au/pdf/Garnaut_Chapter6.pdf)