Motivating government on threatened species through electoral systems

• DOI: 10.1111/csp2.13206
• Publication Date: 2024-08-10T04:39:50Z
• Authors: Gareth S. Kindler; Alexander M. Kusm...; Stephen Kearney; Michelle Ward; Richard A. Fuller; Thomas J. Lloyd; Sarah A. Bekessy; Emily A. Gregg; Romola Stewart; James E. M. Watson
• Keywords: Conservation-dependent species

Abstract Many of the proposed solutions to global biodiversity crisis rely on national governments act. The conservation movement needs motivate or face an ongoing extinction crisis. Here we explore how linking electoral systems may assist in motivating government action. Using Australia as a case study, analyze intersection 151 districts and 1651 threatened species. We show all contain at least 14 Half species analyzed ( n = 801, 49%) are confined one district 44), with 1345 (81%) intersecting less than five. This geographical information shows that alongside local social economic issues, can be made relevant Australian elected representatives. Locally encourage integration into scope political representation. As such, geography offers potential pathway creating transformative change.