The Conversation
Australia's states have been forced to go it alone on renewable energy, but it's a risky strategy
The states have been forced to act alone on renewable energy after the federal government effectively vacated the policy space. But if not managed carefully, the strategy may backfire.
Dylan McConnell, Research Fellow at the Australian German Climate and Energy College, University of Melbourne
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Fatal shark attacks are at a record high. 'Deterrent' devices can help, but some may be nothing but snake oil
You're more likely to drown at a beach than be killed by a shark. But there are things people can do to reduce the already low risk even further.
Daryl McPhee, Associate Professor of Environmental Science, Bond University
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Victoria just gave 2 billion litres of water back to Indigenous people. Here's what that means for the rest of Australia
The decision recognises that water rights are critical for Indigenous people to restore customs, protect their culture, become economically independent and heal Country.
Troy McDonald, Chairman of Gunaikurnai Land and Waters Aboriginal Corporation, Indigenous Knowledge
Erin O'Donnell, Early Career Academic Fellow, Centre for Resources, Energy and Environment Law, University of Melbourne
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How will sharks respond to climate change? It might depend on where they grew up
Even within a species, animals will suffer climate change differently. For sharks, it pays to live in warmer waters.
Culum Brown, Professor, Macquarie University
Connor Gervais, Connor Gervais
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Not just hot air: turning Sydney's wastewater into green gas could be a climate boon
The trial represents the chance to demonstrate an internationally proven technology on Australian soil - turning human waste into a carbon neutral energy source.
Bernadette McCabe, Professor and Principal Scientist, University of Southern Queensland
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Drones, detection dogs, poo spotting: what’s the best way to conduct Australia’s Great Koala Count?
The federal government has ordered a national koala audit, but the animals are notoriously difficult to detect. But accurately counting koalas is critical to saving them.
Romane H. Cristescu, Posdoc in Ecology, University of the Sunshine Coast
Celine Frere, Senior lecturer, University of the Sunshine Coast
Desley Whisson, Senior Lecturer in Wildlife and Conservation Biology, School of Life and Environmental Sciences, Deakin University
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Mining companies are required to return quarried sites to their 'natural character'. But is that enough?
The remediation of a quarried landscape usually focuses on ecological restoration. But if we turned mined sites into public spaces, it might change how we think about the environment.
Shaun Rosier, Practice-based PhD Researcher in Landscape Architecture, Te Herenga Waka — Victoria University of Wellington
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Humans are polluting the environment with antibiotic-resistant bacteria, and I'm finding them everywhere
Antibiotic-resistant bacteria is one of the greatest threats to public health. The bacteria are so pervasive, they're spilling over to penguins, sea lions, wallabies and more.
Michelle Power, Associate Professor in the Department of Biological Sciences, Macquarie University
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One of Australia's most famous beaches is disappearing, and storms aren't to blame. So what's the problem?
Over the past six months, tourists and locals have been shocked to see Byron's famous Main Beach literally disappearing. Satellite imagery and local knowledge has revealed what's going on.
Thomas Murray, Research Fellow (Coastal Management), Griffith University
Ana Paula da Silva, PhD Candidate, Griffith University
Darrell Strauss, Senior Research Fellow, Griffith University
Guilherme Vieira da Silva, Research Fellow, Griffith University
Rodger Tomlinson, Director - Griffith Centre for Coastal Management, Griffith University
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Empathy in conservation is hotly debated. Still, the world needs more stories like My Octopus Teacher
Some scientists say attributing 'human-like' qualities to animals is misleading. Others say it's a great tool for conservation. Either way, the Netflix hit My Octopus Teacher has a positive message.
Kathryn Williams, Professor in environmental psychology, School of Ecosystem and Forest Sciences, University of Melbourne
Christopher McCormack, Managing Director (Remember The Wild). PhD Student, University of Melbourne
Debbie Gonzalez Canada, PhD Candidate researching digital citizen science, University of Melbourne
Kate Lee, Research fellow, University of Melbourne
Maddy Sbeghen, University of Melbourne
Rose Macaulay, PhD Candidate, University of Melbourne
Stephanie Lavau, Senior Lecturer - Interdisciplinary Environmental Practice, University of Melbourne
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Silky oaks are older than dinosaurs and literally drip nectar – but watch out for the cyanide
Silky oaks, or Grevillea robusta, are in bloom. These hardy, attractive trees light up the sky in late spring – but handle with care.
Gregory Moore, Doctor of Botany, University of Melbourne
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Humans are changing fire patterns, and it's threatening 4,403 species with extinction
A major new research paper reveals which species are most at risk from changing fire regimes around the world.
Luke Kelly, Senior Lecturer in Ecology and Centenary Research Fellow, University of Melbourne
Annabel Smith, Lecturer in Wildlife Management, The University of Queensland
Katherine Giljohann, Postdoctoral research fellow, University of Melbourne
Michael Clarke, Professor of Zoology, La Trobe University
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After Biden's win, Australia needs to step up and recommit to this vital UN climate change fund
The Green Climate Fund channels money from rich countries to help low-income countries tackle climate change and cut their emissions. But Australia stopped contributing.
Jonathan Pickering, Assistant Professor, Canberra School of Politics, Economics and Society, University of Canberra
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China's Belt and Road mega-plan may devastate the world's oceans, or help save them
China's signature foreign policy is controversial for lots of reasons. But the environmental damage potentially wrought by the project has received scant attention.
Mischa Turschwell, Research Fellow, Griffith University
Christopher Brown, Senior Lecturer, School of Environment and Science, Griffith University
Ryan M. Pearson, Research Fellow, Griffith University
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Renters in Victoria soon won't have to deal with dodgy heaters and insulation. Now other states must get energy-efficient
Victoria's $800 million energy efficiency plan promises to lower power bills, make homes more comfortable and help meet our climate goals. It's high time other states picked this low-hanging fruit.
Alan Pears, Senior Industry Fellow, RMIT University
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We found a huge flaw in Australia’s environment laws. Wetlands and woodlands will pay the price
There are 85 'threatened ecological communities' listed under Australian environment law. But unrealistic criteria means they're not adequately protected.
Manu Saunders, Lecturer, University of New England
Deborah Bower, Lecturer in Ecosystem Rehabilitation, University of New England
John Thomas Hunter, Adjunct Associate Professor in Landscape Ecology, University of New England
Sarah Mika, Senior research fellow, University of New England
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San Francisco just banned gas in all new buildings. Could it ever happen in Australia?
Despite the government spruiking a 'gas-led economic recovery', natural gas is clearly on the way out. It's time for a serious rethink on the way many Australians cook and heat our homes.
Madeline Taylor, Lecturer, University of Sydney
Susan M Park, Professor of Global Governance, University of Sydney
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Climate Explained: what would happen if we cut down the Amazon rainforest?
As the world's largest rainforest, the Amazon is not only an important carbon sink, but also home to thousands of species of plants and animals and a crucial part of the water cycle.
Sebastian Leuzinger, Professor, Auckland University of Technology
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Ships moved more than 11 billion tonnes of our stuff around the globe last year, and it’s killing the climate. This week is a chance to change
It's high time the international shipping industry radically curbed its emissions. The industry must set a net-zero target and adopt a realistic plan to meet it.
Christiaan De Beukelaer, Senior Lecturer, University of Melbourne
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The buffel kerfuffle: how one species quietly destroys native wildlife and cultural sites in arid Australia
Buffel grass causes just as much damage to native wildlife as feral cats. But with the right control measures, biodiversity can bounce back.
Christine Schlesinger, Senior Lecturer in Environmental Science and Ecology, Charles Darwin University
Ellen Ryan-Colton, PhD candidate, Charles Darwin University
Jennifer Firn, Professor, Queensland University of Technology
John Read, Associate Lecturer, Ecology and Environmental Sciences, University of Adelaide
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