The role of governments and other organisations
The Australian government has reacted positively towards many of Australia's pollution concerns. There have been many laws, initiatives, organisations and educational programs implemented to fix Australia's many pollution issues. The government's environmental minister is the person who takes responsibility for the government's role in managing environmental issues.
The Greens political party and Greenpeace also speak out on major areas of environmental concern and suggest ways to fix problems.
The Natural Heritage Trust (NHT) is an organisation that restores and conserves Australia's environment and natural resources (air and water). Set up in 1997 by the Government, the NHT funds many community, regional, State and national-level activities that improve the state of the environment and reduce pollutants. Some of these activities include land care programs, coasts and clean seas initiatives, national river care programs and waste management awareness programs.
The United Nations (UN), a global organisation, has also become active in promoting the problem of pollution as a global issue. The fifth of June has become World Environment Day. The UN proclaimed this day in the hope of creating worldwide awareness of the problems associated with the environment. It also hoped to increase political attention and action across the Earth.
Australians have become very aware of the pollution problems that are affecting their country and have become active in working towards fixing the problems. The success of Clean Up Australia Day has demonstrated this. Clean Up Australia Day is the biggest community event in the country. It attracts more that 670 000 volunteers who come out and, literally, clean up the environment. See image 3