Australians encouraged to become Futuremakers to help stop irreversible damage

Following a damning United Nation's report which outlined a never seen before surge in extinction rates around the world, WWF today launches its biggest public campaign to date, The Future is Man Made.

The Global Biodiversity Outlook 2 report found that the rate of species extinction is at the highest level since dinosaurs became extinct 65 million years ago.

"In light of this report and many other preventable disasters - particularly relating to Australia - WWF is urging all Australians to adopt solutions to our most urgent environmental threats," says WWF-Australia CEO Greg Bourne.

The Future is Man Made campaign will provide Australians with regular tips and suggestions on how to reduce our impact on the climate, freshwater and food supplies, leading to more sustainable lifestyles. All people need to do to become a Futuremaker is visit www.wwf.org.au/future and join.

The smallest of actions can make a big impact. For example, by simply changing the household showerhead to one with a AAA rating, up to 59,000 litres of water per household annually can be saved. That's more than a staggering 100,000 bottles of Mt Franklin water.

"We all have the power to stop our country and the world heading towards irreversible damage," says Mr Bourne. "What we are seeing today is between 25,000 and 50,000 species becoming extinct every year. At this rate, half of the world's species of plants and animals will be gone by the end of the 21st century."

"Becoming a WWF Futuremaker has three parts - it is about understanding that we are using 20 per cent more resources than the earth can sustain and we are killing off the plants and animals at an unbelievable rate, secondly, it's about deciding whether that is ok with you.The third and most important part is this: Become a Futuremaker and make a commitment towards creating a sustainable future by changing every day habits, which our web site wwf.org.au/future outlines," says Mr Bourne.

"We believe Futuremakers can use their power to make a monumental change in the market, in politics, in their communities and in how we all go about our lives."We're only just starting to realise the power of an individual choice made everyday and millions of times over," says Mr Bourne.

Why the Future is man made and why we need Futuremakers

It is clear now that we are making our own weather, a climate crisis is already in motion with higher temperatures causing freak weather events. We must reduce C02 pollution by 60 per cent by 2050

In 2000, Australia's 24 biggest power stations produced the equivalent of 40 million cars worth of climate polluting CO2

A quarter of the world's mammals face extinction within 30 years

The global fishing fleet is 2.5 times larger than the oceans can sustain. We need to manage the global marine food source sustainably in order to ensure fish stocks for the future

We are using 20 per cent more resources than the planet can reproduce. There are many ways to become more energy, water and waste efficient

2004 saw the launch of a new range of AAAA rated toilets. These use just 4.5L for a full flush and 3L for a half flush. If you are looking to replace your old toilet, the new AAAA rated can save the average home up to 35,000 litres per year

A dripping tap loses 2000 litres of water per month or 24,000 litres per year - fix your taps and report dripping taps in public spaces.

A WWF Futuremaker will receive regular information about the effects of over-exploitation of natural resources and provide practical ways to make a difference.

Small life changes make a big impact, like deciding what products we buy, how we travel, how much water we use or even which energy contract we sign. WWF is committed to helping Australians understand how we are making our future, so they can make informed decisions.

WWF works throughout Australia to stop dangerous climate change, end land clearing, and preserve and protect our fresh water, marine and land environments. While saving all creatures great and small is something WWF is very proud to be associated with, it's just one part of what we do.

Become a WWF Futuremaker now, visit wwf.org.au/future to join thousands of people who want to make a better future.

"We still have an opportunity to stop the disappearance of thousands of species and the destruction of our own - become a Futuremaker today," says Mr Bourne.