The Conversation

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.

Academic research can shed light on crucial questions about what life on Earth will be like under the most plausible emissions scenarios. And a warning: the answers are confronting. Andrew King, ARC DECRA fellow, The University of Melbourne Nerilie Abram, Chief Investigator for the ARC Centre of Excellence for Climate Extremes; Deputy Director for the Australian Centre for Excellence in Antarctic Science, Australian National University Sarah Perkins-Kirkpatrick, Chief Investigator on the ARC Centre of Excellence for Climate Extremes; ARC Future Fellow, UNSW Licensed as Creative Commons – attribution, no derivatives.

New research found girls particularly liked to see wildflowers, hear nature sounds and touch animals and plants. Ryan Keith, PhD Candidate, School of Life and Environmental Sciences, University of Sydney Dieter Hochuli, Professor, School of Life and Environmental Sciences, University of Sydney John Martin, Research Scientist, Taronga Conservation Society Australia & Adjunct lecturer, University of Sydney Lisa M. Given, Professor of Information Science, Centre for Design Innovation, Swinburne University of Technology Licensed as Creative Commons – attribution, no derivatives.

When community gardens are socially inclusive, everyone benefits. The knowledge, skills and experimentation of migrant and refugee gardeners makes them more resilient and biodiverse. Bethaney Turner, Associate Professor, Centre for Creative and Cultural Research, Faculty of Arts and Design, University of Canberra Licensed as Creative Commons – attribution, no derivatives.

IPCC reports are often used as legal tool for bringing the powerful to account. And the more Australia’s governments and businesses lag on climate change, the more litigation we’re likely to see. Laura Schuijers, Research Fellow in Environmental Law, The University of Melbourne Licensed as Creative Commons – attribution, no derivatives.

The IPCC report has laid out some alarming sea level projections for the future. But the relationship between sea level rise and real-world risk is complex. Shayne McGregor, Associate professor, Monash University Nerilie Abram, Chief Investigator for the ARC Centre of Excellence for Climate Extremes; Deputy Director for the Australian Centre for Excellence in Antarctic Science, Australian National University Ruth Reef, Associate Professor, School of Earth Atmosphere and Environment, Monash University Licensed as Creative Commons – attribution, no derivatives.

With climate action more crucial than ever, the IPCC needs to communicate clearly and strongly to as many people as possible. So how is it going so far? Simon Torok, Honorary Fellow, School of Earth Sciences, The University of Melbourne James Goldie, Senior Knowledge Broker, Monash University Linden Ashcroft, Lecturer in climate science and science communication, The University of Melbourne Licensed as Creative Commons – attribution, no derivatives.

If we’re to avert a climate disaster, we must not underestimate the power of climate misinformation campaigns to undermine this week’s IPCC findings. Christian Downie, Associate professor, Australian National University Licensed as Creative Commons – attribution, no derivatives.