The Conversation

They argued the NSW Environment Protection Authority should take action on greenhouse gas emissions and climate change. In an Aussie first, the court agreed. Laura Schuijers, Research Fellow in Environmental Law, The University of Melbourne Licensed as Creative Commons – attribution, no derivatives.

New Zealand’s conservation needs to consider the long-term impact of climate change and focus not only on protecting native species but on preserving ecological richness. Tom Womack, PhD Candidate, Te Herenga Waka — Victoria University of Wellington Licensed as Creative Commons – attribution, no derivatives.

Major coal generators say the proposal will help shore up energy supplies. But opponents say it will pay coal plants for simply existing and delay the clean energy transition. Tim Nelson, Associate Professor of Economics, Griffith University Joel Gilmore, Associate Professor, Griffith University Licensed as Creative Commons – attribution, no derivatives.

It’s a clash that might rival Crocodile Dundee in New York City. While both iconic birds of prey are similarly sized, one is bolder and more ferocious. Dominique Potvin, Senior Lecturer in Animal Ecology, University of the Sunshine Coast Licensed as Creative Commons – attribution, no derivatives.

Understanding the moral dimensions of climate decisions could help promote fairer and more effective climate action Jacqueline Lau, Research Fellow, ARC Centre of Excellence for Coral Reef Studies, James Cook University Andrew Song, Lecturer / ARC Discovery Early Career Research Fellow (DECRA), University of Technology Sydney Jessica Blythe, Assistant Professor, Environmental Sustainability Research Centre, Brock University Licensed as Creative Commons – attribution, no derivatives.

This fluffy-eared marsupial was listed as ‘vulnerable’ under the national environment law in 2016. Five years later, it meets the criteria to be listed as ‘endangered’. Australia must do better. Darcy Watchorn, PhD Candidate, Deakin University Kita Ashman, Threatened Species & Climate Adaptation Ecologist, Deakin University Licensed as Creative Commons – attribution, no derivatives.

Greenland’s melting ice sheets threaten to significantly hamper humanity’s efforts to mitigate climate change. Willow Hallgren, Adjunct Research Fellow, Centre for Planetary Health and Food Security, Griffith University Licensed as Creative Commons – attribution, no derivatives.

There are 191 different species of bat across the Pacific Island. They are vital parts of the region’s biodiversity, and many species have cultural significance. John Martin, Research Scientist, Taronga Conservation Society Australia & Adjunct lecturer, University of Sydney David L. Waldien, Adjunct assistant professor, Christopher Newport University Junior Novera, PhD Candidate, School of Biological Sciences, The University of Queensland Justin A. Welbergen, President of the Australasian Bat Society | Associate Professor of Animal Ecology, Western Sydney University Malik OEDIN, PhD Population Biology and Ecology, Université de Nouvelle Calédonie Nicola Hanrahan, Terrestrial Ecologist, Department of Environment, Parks and Water Security, Northern Territory Government & Visiting Fellow, Charles Darwin University Tigga Kingston, Professor, Department of Biological Sciences, Texas Tech University Tyrone Lavery, Postdoctoral Research Fellow, Australian National University Licensed as Creative Commons – attribution, no derivatives.

In the absence of national leadership, local communities are forging new responses to the climate crisis in places where they live, work and play. These three examples show how. Wendy Steele, Associate Professor, Centre for Urban Research, RMIT University Diana MacCallum, Adjunct research academic, Curtin University Donna Houston, Associate Professor, School of Social Sciences, Macquarie University Jason Byrne, Professor of Human Geography and Planning, University of Tasmania Jean Hillier, Professor Emerita, RMIT University Licensed as Creative Commons – attribution, no derivatives.

Spring is rapidly approaching and many birds are hunting for the best nesting sites. Competition is fierce — especially for species that nest in tree hollows. Gregory Moore, Doctor of Botany, The University of Melbourne Licensed as Creative Commons – attribution, no derivatives.

Greenland’s conditions were once similar to those of a greenhouse. Volcanoes swelled the land, constricted seaways and gigatonnes of greenhouse gases were released into the atmosphere. Milo Barham, Senior Lecturer, Curtin University Jussi Hovikoski, Senior scientist, Geological Survey of Denmark and Greenland Michael B.W. Fyhn, Geological Survey of Denmark and Greenland Licensed as Creative Commons – attribution, no derivatives.

Adopting more environmentally conscious farm models would safeguard our agricultural exports, cut emissions and help protect nature. Frank Jotzo, Professor, Crawford School of Public Policy and Head of Energy, Institute for Climate Energy and Disaster Solutions, Australian National University David Lindenmayer, Professor, The Fenner School of Environment and Society, Australian National University Licensed as Creative Commons – attribution, no derivatives.

A new report says sometimes the best decision to reduce emissions is to invest in new technology before it’s fully proven. Government will have to share the risks. Alison Reeve, Deputy Program Director, Energy and Climate Change, Grattan Institute Licensed as Creative Commons – attribution, no derivatives.

We’ve identified three frog species very likely to already be extinct. Another four species on our list are still surviving, but not likely to make it to 2040 without help. Graeme Gillespie, Honorary Research Fellow, The University of Melbourne Conrad Hoskin, Lecturer/ABRS Postdoctoral Fellow, James Cook University Hayley Geyle, Research Assistant, Charles Darwin University Jaana Dielenberg, University Fellow, Charles Darwin University Nicola Mitchell, Associate Professor in Conservation Physiology, The University of Western Australia Stephen Garnett, Professor of Conservation and Sustainable Livelihoods, Charles Darwin University Licensed as Creative Commons – attribution, no derivatives.

The remarkably resilient structure is in good health, for now. But work is needed to ensure it is preserved for future generations. Adam Smith, Adjunct Associate Professor, James Cook University Nathan Cook, Marine Scientist , James Cook University Vicki Saylor, Manbarra Traditional Owner, Indigenous Knowledge Licensed as Creative Commons – attribution, no derivatives.

BHP is banking profits from its failing assets, while washing its hands of the responsibility for its past and ongoing contribution to climate change. Jeremy Moss, Professor of Political Philosophy, UNSW Licensed as Creative Commons – attribution, no derivatives.

Studies show some animals can recognise the threat of fire, and behave in a way that increase their chance of survival. But what about wildlife who have evolved in areas where fire was once rare? Dale Nimmo, Associate Professor in Ecology, Charles Sturt University Alex Carthey, Macquarie University Research Fellow, Macquarie University Chris J Jolly, Postdoctoral Research Fellow, Charles Sturt University Daniel T. Blumstein, Professor in the Department of Ecology and Evolutionary Biology and the Institute of the Environment and Sustainability, University of California, Los Angeles Licensed as Creative Commons – attribution, no derivatives.

These phallic, burrowing invertebrates are certainly worth your time as integral and fascinating members — of Australia’s marine ecosystems. Daryl McPhee, Associate Professor of Environmental Science, Bond University Licensed as Creative Commons – attribution, no derivatives.

Not all Australian native species belong in all Australian environments. In fact, many Australian plant species have become pests in places far from their original homes. Could some be in your garden? Singarayer Florentine, Professor (Restoration Ecologist), Federation University Australia Licensed as Creative Commons – attribution, no derivatives.

Australia’s usual approach to big international negotiations is to hold out, before reluctantly making “concessions”. It’s the wrong approach for trade, and the wrong approach for climate change. Peter Martin, Visiting Fellow, Crawford School of Public Policy, Australian National University Licensed as Creative Commons – attribution, no derivatives.