The Conversation

Egg production standards are about more than just a happy compromise. Hens are sentient, intelligent beings. Like us, they deserve a good life. Christine Parker, Professor of Law, The University of Melbourne Lev Bromberg, PhD Candidate, The University of Melbourne Licensed as Creative Commons – attribution, no derivatives.

For Indigenous people, Country is more than a landscape. But climate change, and the natural disasters it produces, present a clear and present threat to Country, culture and heritage. Bhiamie Williamson, Research Associate & PhD Candidate, Australian National University Licensed as Creative Commons – attribution, no derivatives.

The federal budget included $32 million to promote schemes in which farmers who adopt sustainable practices earn money on private markets. Evidence suggests the approach is plagued with problems. Philippa England, Senior Lecturer, Griffith Law School, Griffith University Licensed as Creative Commons – attribution, no derivatives.

Researchers found 16% of coral species have not been seen for many years. This finding is alarming, because local extinctions suggest global extinctions may be looming. Zoe Richards, Senior Research Fellow, Curtin University Licensed as Creative Commons – attribution, no derivatives.

Federal environment minister Sussan Ley wrote an opinion article saying the reef didn't deserve to be the poster child for climate change perils. We disagree. Terry Hughes, Distinguished Professor, James Cook University Jon C. Day, PSM, Adjunct Senior Research Fellow, ARC Centre of Excellence for Coral Reef Studies, James Cook University Ove Hoegh-Guldberg, Professor, The University of Queensland Licensed as Creative Commons – attribution, no derivatives.

Given the scale of the problem, five years was never enough time to turn things around. Clearly, we must reflect honestly on our successes and failures so far. Euan Ritchie, Professor in Wildlife Ecology and Conservation, Centre for Integrative Ecology, School of Life & Environmental Sciences, Deakin University Ayesha Tulloch, DECRA Research Fellow, University of Sydney Licensed as Creative Commons – attribution, no derivatives.

The broad-toothed rat rarely, if ever, gets its own story, so I want to introduce you properly to this fascinating, unique and beautiful species. It really needs our help. Chris Wacker, Postdoctoral Research Fellow - School of Environmental and Rural Science, University of New England Licensed as Creative Commons – attribution, no derivatives.

Venom, size, and speed: these are the factors that determine which ambush predator will emerge victorious. So let's look at the strengths of each arachnid. Samantha Nixon, Research officer, The University of Queensland Licensed as Creative Commons – attribution, no derivatives.

The IPCC's review process is among the most exhaustive for any scientific process. Each report generates thousands of comments from hundreds of reviewers across a range of scientific perspectives. Rebecca Harris, Senior Lecturer in Climatology, Director, Climate Futures Program, University of Tasmania Licensed as Creative Commons – attribution, no derivatives.

The remaining populations are threatened by a lack of genetic diversity, which makes them less likely to bounce back from new pressures such as climate change. Emily Roycroft, Postdoctoral Research Fellow, Australian National University Licensed as Creative Commons – attribution, no derivatives.

Determining the age of fish has been historically difficult, primarily involving lethal methods. A new DNA test solves this problem. Benjamin Mayne, Molecular biologist and bioinformatician, CSIRO Licensed as Creative Commons – attribution, no derivatives.

GM proponents say the technology leads to better crop yields and may solve food shortages and reduce pests. Opponents say GM is a threat to the environment and humans. So where does the truth lie? Daniel Tan, Professor of Agronomy (Agriculture), University of Sydney Licensed as Creative Commons – attribution, no derivatives.

If problems in such schemes are not addressed, the credibility of soil carbon trading will be undermined. Ultimately the climate - and the planet - will be the loser. Aaron Simmons, Adjunct Senior Research Fellow, University of New England Annette Cowie, Adjunct Professor, University of New England Brian Wilson, Associate Professor, University of New England Mark Farrell, Principal Research Scientist, CSIRO Matthew Tom Harrison, Associate Professor of Sustainable Agriculture, University of Tasmania Peter Grace, Professor of Global Change, Queensland University of Technology Richard Eckard, Professor & Director, Primary Industries Climate Challenges Centre, The University of Melbourne Vanessa Wong, Associate Professor, Monash University Warwick Badgery, Research Leader Pastures an Rangelands, The University of Melbourne Licensed as Creative Commons – attribution, no derivatives.

Electric vehicles deserve government subsidies, but there are even better ways to build greener, less car-dependent cities. Kurt Iveson, Associate Professor of Urban Geography and Research Lead, Sydney Policy Lab, University of Sydney Licensed as Creative Commons – attribution, no derivatives.

Australia has one of the worst track records in the world for species extinctions. The federal government's proposed changes could weaken our already inadequate environment law. Martine Maron, ARC Future Fellow and Professor of Environmental Management, The University of Queensland Brendan Wintle, Professor in Conservation Ecology, School of BioSciences, The University of Melbourne Craig Moritz, Professor, Research School of Biology, Australian National University Licensed as Creative Commons – attribution, no derivatives.

Enabling wildlife to journey across farmlands not only benefits conservation, but also people. It means bees can improve crop pollination, and seed-dispersing birds can help restore ecosystems. Carla Archibald, Research Fellow, Conservation Science, Deakin University Eduardo van den Berg, Federal University of Lavras Jonathan Rhodes, Associate Professor, The University of Queensland Licensed as Creative Commons – attribution, no derivatives.

At the end of the day, net-zero by 2050 is a risky and inadequate goal, especially for wealthy nations such as Australia. Peter Christoff, Senior Research Fellow and Associate Professor, Melbourne Climate Futures initiative, The University of Melbourne Licensed as Creative Commons – attribution, no derivatives.

The development is significant for several reasons – not least that Australia's progress under the Paris Agreement is being linked to its stewardship of the reef. Jon C. Day, PSM, Adjunct Senior Research Fellow, ARC Centre of Excellence for Coral Reef Studies, James Cook University Scott F. Heron, Associate Professor, James Cook University Terry Hughes, Distinguished Professor, James Cook University Licensed as Creative Commons – attribution, no derivatives.

Science is never settled. But contrary to the claims of a new book, there is enough confidence in the science to justify significant climate action. Ian Lowe, Emeritus Professor, School of Science, Griffith University Licensed as Creative Commons – attribution, no derivatives.

As an economic superpower, China has far more left to do to ensure our planet remains liveable for vulnerable wildlife. Bill Laurance, Distinguished Research Professor and Australian Laureate, James Cook University Licensed as Creative Commons – attribution, no derivatives.