The Conversation

A survey of 32,000 samples of dingo droppings and stomach contents reveal that this predator's appetite is as wide-ranging as Australia's landscapes. But medium and large mammals are top of the menu. Tim Doherty, Research Fellow, Deakin University Chris Dickman, Professor in Terrestrial Ecology, University of Sydney Dale Nimmo, Associate professor/ARC DECRA fellow, Charles Sturt University Euan Ritchie, Associate Professor in Wildlife Ecology and Conservation, Centre for Integrative Ecology, School of Life & Environmental Sciences, Deakin University Thomas Newsome, Lecturer, University of Sydney Licensed as Creative Commons – attribution, no derivatives.

Delays on climate action to reduce emissions means that we may have to consider technologies that strip carbon dioxide from the atmosphere. But that will come at a cost. Paul Behrens, Assistant Professor of Energy and Environmental Change, Leiden University Licensed as Creative Commons – attribution, no derivatives.

Bears in Asia are trapped in bile farms, where they are kept in small cages for decades. Edward Narayan, Senior Lecturer in Animal Science; Stress and Animal Welfare Biologist, Western Sydney University Licensed as Creative Commons – attribution, no derivatives.

A new study reveals that the demise of the ancient city of Angkor was related to the fragmentation of critical infrastructure during a period of climatic instability. Dan Penny, Associate Professor, University of Sydney Licensed as Creative Commons – attribution, no derivatives.

Wetlands in Australia are often dry. They may look unassuming but it's a vital part of their vibrant lifecycle. Deborah Bower, Lecturer in Ecosystem Rehabilitation, University of New England Ben Vincent, Research officer, University of New England Darren Ryder, Professor of Aquatic Ecology and Restoration, University of New England John Thomas Hunter, Adjunct Associate Professor in Landscape Ecology, University of New England Lindsey Frost, Technical Officer, University of New England Manu Saunders, Research fellow, University of New England Sarah Mika, Research fellow, University of New England Licensed as Creative Commons – attribution, no derivatives.

Newly revealed documents show the Commonwealth government approved a controversial tourism plan for Tasmania's World Heritage wilderness without assessing it against federal conservation legislation. Brendan Gogarty, Senior Lecturer in Law, University of Tasmania Nick Fitzgerald, PhD candidate, University of Tasmania Phillipa C. McCormack, Lecturer, Faculty of Law, University of Tasmania Licensed as Creative Commons – attribution, no derivatives.

Malaria can be transmitted from humans to gorillas, with devastating effects. Marissa Parrott, Reproductive Biologist, Wildlife Conservation & Science, Zoos Victoria, and Honorary Research Associate, BioSciences, University of Melbourne Licensed as Creative Commons – attribution, no derivatives.

By embracing natural gas made from renewable sources, we can still use gas for heating, cooking and industry, while slashing greenhouse emissions and even keeping much of the same infrastructure. Bernadette McCabe, Associate Professor and Principal Scientist, University of Southern Queensland Licensed as Creative Commons – attribution, no derivatives.

Nearly half the eggs sold in Australia are free-range, but only 5% of pork comes from pigs raised outdoors. Amelia Cornish, PhD student, University of Sydney Paul McGreevy, Professor of Animal Behaviour and Animal Welfare Science, University of Sydney Licensed as Creative Commons – attribution, no derivatives.

The federal government has signalled its intent to prolong the Emissions Reduction Fund. But surveys of business leaders reveal widespread cynicism about a scheme perceived as politicised and bureaucratic. Jayanthi Kumarasiri, Lecturer in Accounting, RMIT University Abeyratna Gunasekarage, Senior Lecturer, Monash University Christine Jubb, Professor of Accounting, Associate Director Centre for Transformative Innovation, Swinburne University of Technology Licensed as Creative Commons – attribution, no derivatives.

Dog skin is exactly the same as yours and mine! It changes colour depending on how much light it's exposed to. Aaron Herndon, Senior Lecturer – Small Animal Internal Medicine, The University of Queensland Licensed as Creative Commons – attribution, no derivatives.

Scientists are racing against the clock to figure out how to propagate the rare leek orchid before it goes extinct. Marc Freestone, PhD Candidate, Australian National University Licensed as Creative Commons – attribution, no derivatives.

A decade ago, only a third of farmers accepted the science of climate change. But surveys show attitudes have shifted in recent years as the farming community begins to confront what the future holds. Sarah Ann Wheeler, Professor in Water Economics, University of Adelaide Céline Nauges, Research Director, INRA Licensed as Creative Commons – attribution, no derivatives.

The latest UN climate report makes it clear that the task of limiting climate change is urgent and huge. We must start to transform our economy today, but it will bring rewards as well as challenges. Alan Finkel, Australia’s Chief Scientist, Office of the Chief Scientist Licensed as Creative Commons – attribution, no derivatives.

Alex Turnbull said in his video the IPCC report “frankly was terrifying … and it's seemingly insane to me that we could not be doing something about this and soon”. Michelle Grattan, Professorial Fellow, University of Canberra Licensed as Creative Commons – attribution, no derivatives.

Adapting to climate change means improving soil health, so it can hold more water (even during droughts). Nanthi Bolan, Professor of Enviornmental Science, University of Newcastle Licensed as Creative Commons – attribution, no derivatives.

On the outskirts of Bangalore, families must piece together drinking water from communal supplies, intermittently available tap water, and "water ATMs". Georgina Drew, Lecturer, University of Adelaide Amalendu Jyotishi, Deepika M G, Associate professor Licensed as Creative Commons – attribution, no derivatives.

After the warmest month on record, it looks like Australia will have an El Niño event – which means the drought is likely to continue. Skie Tobin, Climatologist, Australian Bureau of Meteorology Catherine Ganter, Senior Climatologist, Australian Bureau of Meteorology Robyn Duell, Senior Climatologist, Australian Bureau of Meteorology Licensed as Creative Commons – attribution, no derivatives.

Limiting global warming to 1.5C is a tough challenge but still within reach, according to a landmark report from the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change commissioned after the 2015 Paris summit. Mark Howden, Director, Climate Change Institute, Australian National University Rebecca Colvin, Knowledge Exchange Specialist, Climate Change Institute, Australian National University Licensed as Creative Commons – attribution, no derivatives.

The world needs to be carbon-neutral by mid-century to give ourselves a chance of holding global warming to 1.5C. With around 1% of the global carbon budget, Australia needs to rapidly do its share. Iain Stewart, Analyst, ClimateWorks Australia Licensed as Creative Commons – attribution, no derivatives.