The Conversation

The most comprehensive Australian carbon budget assessment completed to date shows the nation flip-flops from source to sink of carbon emissions, depending on the prevailing conditions. Yohanna Villalobos, Postdoctoral research fellow, Lund University Benjamin Smith, Director of Research, Hawkesbury Institute for the Environment, Western Sydney University Pep Canadell, Chief Research Scientist, CSIRO Environment; Executive Director, Global Carbon Project, CSIRO Peter Briggs, Scientific Programmer and Data Analyst, CSIRO Licensed as Creative Commons – attribution, no derivatives.

Australia’s federal government has been hollowed out in recent decades. But states can – and still do – deliver. That’s why they are the main drivers of climate action. John Quiggin, Professor, School of Economics, The University of Queensland Licensed as Creative Commons – attribution, no derivatives.

Trains once carried most of our freight. Could a return to rail help us meet our emissions cutting goals? Philip Laird, Honorary Principal Fellow, University of Wollongong Licensed as Creative Commons – attribution, no derivatives.

Australia supported a phase-out of fossil fuels at the recent UN climate summit but is still expanding coal and gas production. It’s a contradiction that threatens the planet. There is a better way. Fergus Green, Lecturer in Political Theory and Public Policy, UCL Licensed as Creative Commons – attribution, no derivatives.

Pine grows faster and sequesters more carbon. But native forest is better for biodiversity in the long run. Transitioning between the two offers a win-win solution. Sebastian Leuzinger, Professor of Environmental Science, Auckland University of Technology Len Gillman, Professor of Biogeography, Auckland University of Technology Licensed as Creative Commons – attribution, no derivatives.

Once the immediate crisis in North Queensland has subsided, authorities will need to grapple with how to deal with the ‘new normal’ of extreme weather events. The big question is: are they prepared? Steve Turton, Adjunct Professor of Environmental Geography, CQUniversity Australia Licensed as Creative Commons – attribution, no derivatives.

Legally binding deals struck with landholders can help protect and restore the environment over the long term. Benjamin J. Richardson, Professor of Environmental Law, University of Tasmania Afshin Akhtar-Khavari, Professor of International Law, Queensland University of Technology James Fitzsimons, Adjunct Professor in Environmental Sciences, Deakin University Phillipa C. McCormack, Future Making Fellow, Environment Institute, University of Adelaide Sarah Brugler, PhD Candidate, Faculty of Law, University of Tasmania Licensed as Creative Commons – attribution, no derivatives.

The deal is a global aspiration, not a legally binding agreement. But it should end the idea that burning carbon – in Australia and elsewhere – can continue on a significant scale beyond 2050. John Quiggin, Professor, School of Economics, The University of Queensland Licensed as Creative Commons – attribution, no derivatives.

Every two years, we get an updated plan for the future of Australia’s main grid. Under the new plan, coal vanishes even faster. Dylan McConnell, Senior Research Associate, Renewable Energy & Energy Systems Analyst, UNSW Sydney Licensed as Creative Commons – attribution, no derivatives.

People love natural swimming spots, but it’s important to manage them well to protect both swimmers and the environment. Nicky Morrison, Professor of Planning and Director of Urban Transformations Research Centre, Western Sydney University Ian A. Wright, Associate Professor in Environmental Science, Western Sydney University Licensed as Creative Commons – attribution, no derivatives.

Yes, there was some progress at COP28. But the international community is not taking this enormous climate challenge as seriously as it should. Matt McDonald, Associate Professor of International Relations, The University of Queensland Licensed as Creative Commons – attribution, no derivatives.

Herbicides and pesticides wash downriver from farms and towns – and some of these chemicals are taken up by oysters. Kirsten Benkendorff, Professor, Southern Cross University Amanda Reichelt-Brushett, Professor Environmental and Marine Science, Southern Cross University Endang Jamal, Senior lecturer in aquaculture, Pattimura University and doctoral student, Southern Cross University Licensed as Creative Commons – attribution, no derivatives.

Too much stormwater is disappearing down the drain. Here’s how our cities can make more of their last untapped water source. Buddhi Wijesiri, Research Associate in Water and Environmental Engineering, Queensland University of Technology Licensed as Creative Commons – attribution, no derivatives.

What happens underground doesn’t stay underground. If we overexploit groundwater and kill off its species, we put surface species – including us – at risk. Mattia Saccò, Lecturer in ecology, Curtin University Robert Reinecke, Professor, Earth systems modelling, Johannes Gutenberg University of Mainz Stefano Mammola, Researcher in ecology and evolutionary biology, National Research Council (CNR) Licensed as Creative Commons – attribution, no derivatives.

Airlines and airports face increased scrutiny – and possibly legal action – over the contradictions between their sustainability claims and the reality of their high-emissions businesses. James Higham, Professor of Tourism, Griffith University Licensed as Creative Commons – attribution, no derivatives.

Koalas will need our help more than ever this summer as hot, dry conditions force them to seek water. Here’s how to help keep them safe and what to do if you encounter a koala in distress. Edward Narayan, Senior Lecturer in Animal Science, The University of Queensland Licensed as Creative Commons – attribution, no derivatives.

A new report from the Biodiversity Council reveals the disturbing effects of artificial light on Australia’s nocturnal animals. Here’s how you can help wildlife at Christmas and all year round. Jaana Dielenberg, University Fellow, Charles Darwin University Loren Fardell, Research Fellow, The University of Queensland Sarah Bekessy, Professor in Sustainability and Urban Planning, Leader, Interdisciplinary Conservation Science Research Group (ICON Science), RMIT University Licensed as Creative Commons – attribution, no derivatives.

This year, China has built renewables at a truly staggering pace. But can its tech-first approach actually cut emissions – and find common ground at COP28? Xu Yi-chong, Professor of Governance and Public Policy, Griffith University Licensed as Creative Commons – attribution, no derivatives.

The proliferation of Antarctic research stations – 77 in all – is increasing knowledge of the continent but also the human impacts. A new study has identified the best ways to limit these impacts. Shaun Brooks, Fieldwork Coordinator/Research Technician, CSIRO Licensed as Creative Commons – attribution, no derivatives.

El Niño looms large as we head into the Australian summer. But can everyone expect hot and dry weather? What drives the weather in your state? Kimberley Reid, Postdoctoral Research Fellow in Atmospheric Sciences, Monash University Licensed as Creative Commons – attribution, no derivatives.