The Conversation

In 2019, the giant mountain ash Centurion narrowly escaped death by fire. But other giant trees were not so lucky. Gathering genetic material from giants is vital Daniel Bar Ness, Research associate, University of Tasmania Licensed as Creative Commons – attribution, no derivatives.

A new federal government strategy outlines how to elevate the rights of Indigenous Australians Heidi Norman, Professor, Faculty of Arts, Design and Architecture, Convenor: Indigenous Land & Justice Research Group, UNSW Sydney Licensed as Creative Commons – attribution, no derivatives.

Efforts to reduce emissions and decarbonise industry must be combined with new technology that removes carbon dioxide from the atmosphere. Australia can build an industry around this service. Andrew Lenton, Director CarbonLock, Environment, CSIRO Kerryn Brent, Research scientist, CSIRO Licensed as Creative Commons – attribution, no derivatives.

Vanuatu’s climate case at the International Court of Justice poses a real challenge to Australia’s standing in the region. Wesley Morgan, Research Associate, Institute for Climate Risk and Response, UNSW Sydney Liam Moore, Lecturer in International Politics and Policy, James Cook University Licensed as Creative Commons – attribution, no derivatives.

Many ecosystems face multiple serious threats. Recovery will be complex and difficult – but not impossible. Javiera Olivares-Rojas, Postdoctoral Research Fellow, Monash University Jessica Walsh, Lecturer in Conservation Science, Monash University Licensed as Creative Commons – attribution, no derivatives.

Summer is a great time to go beetle-watching in Australia. By protecting these dazzling insects, we can ensure they survive for future generations to enjoy. Tanya Latty, Associate Professor, School of Life and Environmental Sciences, University of Sydney James Bickerstaff, Postdoctoral Research Fellow, Australia National Insect Collection, CSIRO Licensed as Creative Commons – attribution, no derivatives.

New research examining how net-zero announcements from the US, UK, and China affected global financial markets could help forecast what the future may hold, if the US pulls back on its commitments. Mona Mashhadi Rajabi, Postdoctoral Research Fellow, University of Technology Sydney Martina Linnenluecke, Professor of Environmental Finance at UTS Business School, University of Technology Sydney Tom Smith, Professor, Department of Applied Finance, Macquarie University Licensed as Creative Commons – attribution, no derivatives.

Research has found people see backyard chickens as pets – but wouldn’t take them to the vet. It raises important questions about how we relate to the non-human world. Emily A. Buddle, Research Fellow in Humanities, University of Adelaide Rachel A. Ankeny, Professor and Chair of Philosophy, Wageningen University Licensed as Creative Commons – attribution, no derivatives.

The Emissions Trading Scheme would have been a better tool to reshape the energy market and cut emissions than an outright ban – and most new exploration had largely dried up already. David Dempsey, Associate Professor in Natural Resources Engineering, University of Canterbury Licensed as Creative Commons – attribution, no derivatives.

The findings are simply unacceptable for a natural asset so fundamental to Australia’s environmental, cultural and economic wellbeing. Jamie Pittock, Professor, Fenner School of Environment & Society, Australian National University Licensed as Creative Commons – attribution, no derivatives.

A few reefs on the Great Barrier Reef have been largely untouched by bleaching. We found upwellings of cold water are protecting them – for now Chaojiao Sun, Research Group Leader, physical oceanographer, CSIRO Craig Steinberg, Physical Oceanographer, Australian Institute of Marine Science Licensed as Creative Commons – attribution, no derivatives.

Reversing damage to waterways requires sustained effort over time. Storytelling that emphasises inter-generational goals cultivates patience and resilience within communities. Katharina Doehring, Freshwater Scientist, Cawthron Institute Cathy Cole, Senior Lecturer in Sustainability, Liverpool John Moores University Nancy Longnecker, Professor in Science Communication, University of Otago Licensed as Creative Commons – attribution, no derivatives.

Right now, nations are negotiating the details of a treaty designed to slash plastic waste. One option on the table: tax new plastic to discourage overproduction. Amelia Leavesley, Research Fellow in Urban Sustainability, The University of Melbourne Licensed as Creative Commons – attribution, no derivatives.

Get set for a hotter and wetter summer this season in Australia. The long-range forecast from the Bureau of Meteorology today points to above average rainfall, especially in December, and warmth. Andrew King, Senior Lecturer in Climate Science, The University of Melbourne Licensed as Creative Commons – attribution, no derivatives.

Getting this right is important. It could secure jobs, lower bills, shore up industries, and help Australia unlock its full potential. Anna Skarbek, CEO, Climateworks Centre Matthew Benetti, Policy Manager (Energy), Climateworks Centre Licensed as Creative Commons – attribution, no derivatives.

New research puts a dollar value on the health benefits of visits to national parks within reach of the city. It works out to almost $100 worth of savings to the health budget for every visit. Patrick O'Connor, Associate Professor in Natural Resource Economics, University of Adelaide Adam James Loch, Associate Professor of Economics, University of Adelaide John Maclean, Lecturer in Data Science, University of Adelaide Licensed as Creative Commons – attribution, no derivatives.

Installing chargers in existing apartment blocks can be complicated. So how can these challenges be overcome? Thomas Longden, Senior Researcher, Urban Transformations Research Centre, Western Sydney University Licensed as Creative Commons – attribution, no derivatives.

A new study finds attitudes to biodiversity changing down on the farm, but there are still perceived barriers to planting what could be productive land in natives. Elizabeth Elliot Noe, Postdoctoral Fellow in Biodiversity, Lincoln University, New Zealand Anita Wreford, Professor of Applied Economics, Lincoln University, New Zealand Ottilie Stolte, Senior Lecturer in Social Science, University of Waikato Licensed as Creative Commons – attribution, no derivatives.

The annual COP talks on climate are flawed, without a doubt. But they are also necessary. Here’s what changes a veteran of 25 COP talks wants to see Howard Bamsey, Honorary Professor, School of Regulation and Global Governance, Australian National University Licensed as Creative Commons – attribution, no derivatives.

The new system may essentially give countries and companies permission to keep polluting. Kate Dooley, Senior Research Fellow, School of Geography, Earth and Atmospheric Sciences, The University of Melbourne Licensed as Creative Commons – attribution, no derivatives.