The Conversation

People love natural swimming spots, but it’s important to manage them well to protect both swimmers and the environment. Nicky Morrison, Professor of Planning and Director of Urban Transformations Research Centre, Western Sydney University Ian A. Wright, Associate Professor in Environmental Science, Western Sydney University Licensed as Creative Commons – attribution, no derivatives.

Yes, there was some progress at COP28. But the international community is not taking this enormous climate challenge as seriously as it should. Matt McDonald, Associate Professor of International Relations, The University of Queensland Licensed as Creative Commons – attribution, no derivatives.

Herbicides and pesticides wash downriver from farms and towns – and some of these chemicals are taken up by oysters. Kirsten Benkendorff, Professor, Southern Cross University Amanda Reichelt-Brushett, Professor Environmental and Marine Science, Southern Cross University Endang Jamal, Senior lecturer in aquaculture, Pattimura University and doctoral student, Southern Cross University Licensed as Creative Commons – attribution, no derivatives.

Too much stormwater is disappearing down the drain. Here’s how our cities can make more of their last untapped water source. Buddhi Wijesiri, Research Associate in Water and Environmental Engineering, Queensland University of Technology Licensed as Creative Commons – attribution, no derivatives.

What happens underground doesn’t stay underground. If we overexploit groundwater and kill off its species, we put surface species – including us – at risk. Mattia Saccò, Lecturer in ecology, Curtin University Robert Reinecke, Professor, Earth systems modelling, Johannes Gutenberg University of Mainz Stefano Mammola, Researcher in ecology and evolutionary biology, National Research Council (CNR) Licensed as Creative Commons – attribution, no derivatives.

Airlines and airports face increased scrutiny – and possibly legal action – over the contradictions between their sustainability claims and the reality of their high-emissions businesses. James Higham, Professor of Tourism, Griffith University Licensed as Creative Commons – attribution, no derivatives.

Koalas will need our help more than ever this summer as hot, dry conditions force them to seek water. Here’s how to help keep them safe and what to do if you encounter a koala in distress. Edward Narayan, Senior Lecturer in Animal Science, The University of Queensland Licensed as Creative Commons – attribution, no derivatives.

A new report from the Biodiversity Council reveals the disturbing effects of artificial light on Australia’s nocturnal animals. Here’s how you can help wildlife at Christmas and all year round. Jaana Dielenberg, University Fellow, Charles Darwin University Loren Fardell, Research Fellow, The University of Queensland Sarah Bekessy, Professor in Sustainability and Urban Planning, Leader, Interdisciplinary Conservation Science Research Group (ICON Science), RMIT University Licensed as Creative Commons – attribution, no derivatives.

This year, China has built renewables at a truly staggering pace. But can its tech-first approach actually cut emissions – and find common ground at COP28? Xu Yi-chong, Professor of Governance and Public Policy, Griffith University Licensed as Creative Commons – attribution, no derivatives.

The proliferation of Antarctic research stations – 77 in all – is increasing knowledge of the continent but also the human impacts. A new study has identified the best ways to limit these impacts. Shaun Brooks, Fieldwork Coordinator/Research Technician, CSIRO Licensed as Creative Commons – attribution, no derivatives.

El Niño looms large as we head into the Australian summer. But can everyone expect hot and dry weather? What drives the weather in your state? Kimberley Reid, Postdoctoral Research Fellow in Atmospheric Sciences, Monash University Licensed as Creative Commons – attribution, no derivatives.

The pilot project opening in Sydney will use the best available evidence to keep vulnerable people cool on the hottest of days. Jane Currie, Professor of Nursing, Queensland University of Technology Jo River, Associate Professor, Mental Health Drug and Alcohol, UTS & Northern Sydney LHD, University of Technology Sydney Timothy English, Lecturer, School of Health Sciences, University of Sydney Licensed as Creative Commons – attribution, no derivatives.

New Zealand’s new government has vowed to explore ‘blue carbon’ options for removing atmospheric CO₂ to meet net zero goals. But first we need a national strategy for this developing field of science. Rebecca J McLeod, Senior Research Fellow in Marine Ecology, University of Otago Cliff Law, Principal Scientist, National Institute for Water and Atmospheric Research (NIWA), University of Otago Licensed as Creative Commons – attribution, no derivatives.

Until now, planning and housing regulations have stood in the way of using tiny houses as permanent homes. That’s starting to change as councils look for solutions to the housing crisis. Hing-Wah Chau, Course Chair in Building Design & Senior Lecturer in Built Environment, Victoria University Licensed as Creative Commons – attribution, no derivatives.

As Climate Change and Energy Minister Chris Bowen lands in Dubai for COP28, Australia has announced an extra A$150 in climate finance with a focus on the Pacific region. Wesley Morgan, Research Fellow, Griffith Asia Institute, Griffith University Licensed as Creative Commons – attribution, no derivatives.

Banning public funding for overseas fossil fuel projects will boost Australia’s climate leadership. But can it take the next step and do it domestically? Christian Downie, Associate Professor, Australian National University Maxfield Peterson, Postdoctoral Research Fellow, Australian National University Licensed as Creative Commons – attribution, no derivatives.

Conditions this year have been perfect for a cabbage white population boom, but you can do a few things to stop their caterpillars from shredding your plants. Nigel Andrew, Professor of Entomology, Southern Cross University Licensed as Creative Commons – attribution, no derivatives.

Nature, everyone agrees, is in trouble. But can Australia’s new market-based mechanism help? Patrick O'Connor, Associate Professor, University of Adelaide Licensed as Creative Commons – attribution, no derivatives.

Most Aussie homes are not suited to the current climate, let alone future extremes. But they can be upgraded. A new report identifies the most common housing types and benefits of renovating. Gill Armstrong, Researcher in architecture and urban planning, Climateworks Centre Michael Ambrose, Research Team Leader, CSIRO Licensed as Creative Commons – attribution, no derivatives.

Record emissions are fast shrinking the remaining amount of carbon dioxide we can emit if we are to limit global warming. At current rates, we’ll use up the budget for a 1.5°C outcome in seven years. Pep Canadell, Chief Research Scientist, CSIRO Environment; Executive Director, Global Carbon Project, CSIRO Corinne Le Quéré, Royal Society Research Professor of Climate Change Science, University of East Anglia Glen Peters, Senior Researcher, Center for International Climate and Environment Research - Oslo Judith Hauck, Helmholtz Young Investigator group leader and deputy head, Marine Biogeosciences section a Alfred Wegener Institute, Universität Bremen Julia Pongratz, Professor of Physical Geography and Land Use Systems, Department of Geography, Ludwig Maximilian University of Munich Philippe Ciais, Directeur de recherche au Laboratoire des science du climat et de l’environnement, Institut Pierre-Simon Laplace, Commissariat à l’énergie atomique et aux énergies alternatives (CEA) Pierre Friedlingstein, Chair, Mathematical Modelling of Climate, University of Exeter Robbie Andrew, Senior Researcher, Center for International Climate and Environment Research - Oslo Rob Jackson, Professor, Department of Earth System Science, and Chair of the Global Carbon Project, Stanford University Licensed as Creative Commons – attribution, no derivatives.