The Conversation

How could a nation like Australia came close to a humanitarian crisis during the recent bushfires? A problem-solving theory called "systems thinking" can help us find out. Anthony Richardson, Tutor and Researcher, Centre for Urban Research, RMIT University Licensed as Creative Commons – attribution, no derivatives.

The main food for the mountain pygmy-possum’s spring/summer breeding season is the migratory bogong moth, but in 2017 and 2018 billions of bogong moths failed to arrive. Then the bushfires did. Marissa Parrott, Reproductive Biologist, Wildlife Conservation & Science, Zoos Victoria, and Honorary Research Associate, BioSciences, University of Melbourne Naomi Ezra Davis, Environmental Scientist - Fauna, Parks Victoria; Honorary fellow, School of BioSciences, University of Melbourne Licensed as Creative Commons – attribution, no derivatives.

Taking a walk in a puppy's paws can help us understand humankind's best friend. Melissa Starling, Postdoctoral researcher, University of Sydney Paul McGreevy, Professor of Animal Behaviour and Animal Welfare Science, University of Sydney Licensed as Creative Commons – attribution, no derivatives.

Weeds can play an important role supporting ecosystem recovery after fire. Samantha Capon, Associate professor, Griffith University Gary Palmer, Post-doctoral Research Fellow, Griffith University Licensed as Creative Commons – attribution, no derivatives.

The hazards are both psychological and physical. Tani Khara, PhD student in Sustainability, University of Technology Sydney Licensed as Creative Commons – attribution, no derivatives.

The benefits of gas-fired power are badly overstated, and will take Australia further in the wrong direction on climate change. Tim Baxter, Fellow - Melbourne Law School; Senior Researcher - Climate Council; Associate - Australian-German Climate and Energy College, University of Melbourne Licensed as Creative Commons – attribution, no derivatives.

For many Australians, the bushfire disaster could represent a turning point: the moment they adopt new, long-term behaviours to help nature. Denise Goodwin, Research Fellow, BehaviourWorks Australia, Monash Sustainable Development Institute, Monash University Abby Wild, Research fellow, BehaviourWorks Australia, Monash Sustainable Development Institute, Monash University Melissa Hatty, PhD candidate, BehaviourWorks Australia, Monash Sustainable Development Institute, Monash University Licensed as Creative Commons – attribution, no derivatives.

Right to Repair laws make it easier for consumers, repairers and tinkerers to fix their broken goods. It's an attractive alternative to the dangers of overflowing e-waste. Leanne Wiseman, Professor of Law, Griffith University, Associate Director Australian Centre for Intellectual Property in Agriculture (ACIPA), Griffith University Kanchana Kariyawasam, Senior Lecturer, Griffith University, Adjunct Research Fellow, Australian Centre for Intellectual Property in Agriculture (ACIPA), Griffith University Licensed as Creative Commons – attribution, no derivatives.

The recent bushfire horror exposed fundamental flaws in the way we treat the land. First Peoples know the way out of this ecological crisis – if only Australia would listen. Zena Cumpston, Research Fellow, University of Melbourne Licensed as Creative Commons – attribution, no derivatives.

A warming climate leads to more heat-related deaths. The fact some research is showing the opposite indicates we need to refine the way we measure heat-related mortality. Thomas Longden, Research Fellow, Australian National University Licensed as Creative Commons – attribution, no derivatives.

The best way to inoculate the public against climate disinformation campaigns is to tell them what's coming. Stephan Lewandowsky, Chair of Cognitive Psychology, University of Bristol John Hunter, University Associate, Institute for Marine and Antarctic Studies, University of Tasmania Licensed as Creative Commons – attribution, no derivatives.

Plants can store mercury and keep it from contaminating waterways, air and soils. Unfortunately, that mercury is released when plants burn. Larissa Schneider, DECRA fellow, Australian National University Colin Cooke, University of Alberta Nathan D Stansell, Associate Professor, Northern Illinois University Simon Haberle, Professor, Australian National University Licensed as Creative Commons – attribution, no derivatives.

Australian winemakers have lost smoke-tainted crops and political leaders apparently cannot solve the Murray Darling crisis. Perhaps climate change is getting the better of us. John Quiggin, Professor, School of Economics, The University of Queensland Licensed as Creative Commons – attribution, no derivatives.

Morrison's hope for clear air for his messages is being stymied by the crisis around deputy Nationals leader Bridget McKenzie, as more damaging information emerges against her in the sports rorts affair. Michelle Grattan, Professorial Fellow, University of Canberra Licensed as Creative Commons – attribution, no derivatives.

Without an emergency cull of feral horses in Kosciuszko National Park, the land cannot recover from the bushfires – and threatened species are at grave risk of being annihilated. Jamie Pittock, Professor, Fenner School of Environment & Society, Australian National University Licensed as Creative Commons – attribution, no derivatives.

By all means, rescue an injured koala. But by pulling out weeds after the fires, you could also help rescue a whole ecosystem. Don Driscoll, Professor in Terrestrial Ecology, Deakin University Licensed as Creative Commons – attribution, no derivatives.

My year of buying almost nothing saved me thousands of dollars – but also taught me valuable lessons as a teacher, including about the benefits of failure. Ellen Heyting, PhD student in Education and Head of Years 11 and 12, Monash University Licensed as Creative Commons – attribution, no derivatives.

How can a bushfire be described as "under control" if it's still burning? Here's an explanation of what the terms mean. Thomas Duff, Postdoctoral Fellow, Forest and Ecosystem Science, University of Melbourne Licensed as Creative Commons – attribution, no derivatives.

Indigenous kinship networks link each plant to the next and connect us to Country. Honouring this way of being and engaging in fair collaboration might give power to our heartbreak. Vanessa Cavanagh, Associate Lecturer, School of Geography and Sustainable Communities, University of Wollongong Licensed as Creative Commons – attribution, no derivatives.

When a bushfire burns is one country, smoke drift means it can become the world's problem. But the law lacks the teeth to hold those responsible to account. Eric Kerr, Lecturer, National University of Singapore Malini Sur, Senior Research Fellow, Institute for Culture and Society, Western Sydney University Licensed as Creative Commons – attribution, no derivatives.