Whilst destruction of habitat is the most general cause of loss, exotic species and pollution are also significant contributors. Marine and fresh water habitats for example suffer from the introduction of more than 55 species of fish, invertebrates and seaweeds. The latter include water buffalo, fox, cat, rabbit and pig, to name some prominent damaging species, whilst organisms such as the Cinnamon fungus have caused widespread destruction of trees. What is more, our emissions are increasing faster than the OECD average, arising in part from our relatively cheap power. Other significant pollutants include sulphur dioxide, fluoride and lead from power stations and smelters.
Cars are the biggest hazard in cities.
Australia's solid wastes of 618Kg. Much of the pollution is concentrated because Australia is one of the world's most urbanised peoples. The Australian continent contains 11 World Heritage areas including Kakadu, the Great Barrier Reef, Uluru and Fraser Island. On the other hand, Australia has no overview of the physical condition of heritage places, and no national monitoring system. Indigenous people themselves are suffering poor health, and also face an on-going fading of their culture with the increasing loss of tribal languages.