The Conversation

Oceans 21 is a Conversation international series examining the history and future of the world's ocean. Wes Mountain, Multimedia Editor Licensed as Creative Commons – attribution, no derivatives.

The Southern (Antarctic) Ocean is our planet's primary storage of heat and carbon, and it's home to extraordinary life forms, from tiny algae and spineless creatures to penguins, seals and whales. Ceridwen Fraser, Associate professor, University of Otago Christina Hulbe, Professor and Dean of the School of Surveying (glaciology specialisation), University of Otago Craig Stevens, Associate Professor in Ocean Physics, National Institute of Water and Atmospheric Research Huw Griffiths, Marine Biogeographer, British Antarctic Survey Licensed as Creative Commons – attribution, no derivatives.

Breeding in captivity is expensive, and means the animal's gene pool will be sorely depleted. Using sperm and egg freezing and IVF techniques can reduce that. Lachlan G. Howell, Casual Academic and PhD Candidate | School of Environmental and Life Sciences, University of Newcastle John Clulow, Associate Professor, University of Newcastle Licensed as Creative Commons – attribution, no derivatives.

Almost a century ago, New Zealand and Australia were at the forefront of an environmental crisis that forewarned of humanity's global impact -- erosion. It left its mark on culture. Philip Steer, Senior Lecturer in English, Massey University Licensed as Creative Commons – attribution, no derivatives.

A major new report presents the latest data on the health impacts in a warming world. It found there were 296,000 heat-related deaths in people over 65 years in 2018. Celia McMichael, Senior Lecturer in Geography, University of Melbourne Ilan Kelman, Professor of Disasters and Health, UCL Shouro Dasgupta, Lecturer in Environmental Economics, Università Ca'Foscari Sonja Ayeb-Karlsson, Senior Researcher, Institute for Environment and Human Security (UNU-EHS), United Nations University Licensed as Creative Commons – attribution, no derivatives.

The health of five World Heritage sites in Australia has worsened, according to a sobering report from the International Union for Conservation of Nature. Jon C. Day, PSM, Post-career PhD candidate, ARC Centre of Excellence for Coral Reef Studies, James Cook University Scott F. Heron, Associate professor, James Cook University Licensed as Creative Commons – attribution, no derivatives.

It reveals in alarming detail how gas emissions are cancelling out the gains won by Australia's renewables boom, and uncovers misleading claims underpinning our gas-led economic recovery. 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.

Over spring and early summer, jacarandas and their purple haze line many Australian streets. But how much do you really know about them? Gregory Moore, Doctor of Botany, University of Melbourne Licensed as Creative Commons – attribution, no derivatives.

New Zealand is one of few countries to enshrine a zero-carbon goal in law, but current climate policies don't keep up with that ambition. Robert McLachlan, Professor in Applied Mathematics, Massey University Licensed as Creative Commons – attribution, no derivatives.

Novelty items, candles, pamper products and pyjamas top the list of unwanted Christmas gifts. So why not choose a better, greener option? Gary Mortimer, Professor of Marketing and Consumer Behaviour, Queensland University of Technology Jana Bowden, Associate Professor of Marketing and Consumer Behaviour, Macquarie University Licensed as Creative Commons – attribution, no derivatives.

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 Licensed as Creative Commons – attribution, no derivatives.

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 Licensed as Creative Commons – attribution, no derivatives.

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 Licensed as Creative Commons – attribution, no derivatives.

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 Licensed as Creative Commons – attribution, no derivatives.

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 Licensed as Creative Commons – attribution, no derivatives.

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 Licensed as Creative Commons – attribution, no derivatives.

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 Licensed as Creative Commons – attribution, no derivatives.

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 Licensed as Creative Commons – attribution, no derivatives.

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 Licensed as Creative Commons – attribution, no derivatives.

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 Licensed as Creative Commons – attribution, no derivatives.