The Conversation

Beach cabanas serve a valid purpose. But make sure you use them carefully and responsibly, so everyone’s day at the beach is safe and enjoyable. Samuel Cornell, PhD Candidate, UNSW Beach Safety Research Group + School of Population Health, UNSW Sydney Licensed as Creative Commons – attribution, no derivatives.

We knew this would happen eventually. We have moved from possible futures to these things now happening. The deferment has ended. David Bowman, Professor of Pyrogeography and Fire Science, University of Tasmania Licensed as Creative Commons – attribution, no derivatives.

Taking that beautiful snail shell could increase the cost of housing for a hermit crab or small shrimp that needs it next. The beautiful conch shell that calls to you is actually an octopus caravan. Nathan Brooks English, Associate professor; Flora, Fauna & Freshwater Research Cluster Lead, CQUniversity Australia Robert Muir, Project Officer at the Woppaburra TUMRA Aboriginal Corporation, Indigenous Knowledge Licensed as Creative Commons – attribution, no derivatives.

Reports of a rare summer La Niña are premature. It is also foolish to look at such climate drivers in isolation. But seasonal forecasting is becoming more complicated as the planet warms. Andrew King, Senior Lecturer in Climate Science, ARC Centre of Excellence for 21st Century Weather, The University of Melbourne Kimberley Reid, Postdoctoral Research Fellow in Atmospheric Sciences, The University of Melbourne Licensed as Creative Commons – attribution, no derivatives.

This new research estimates the price and benefits of recovering threatened species – and offers cost-effective ways for environment groups, farmers, governments and others to make a difference. April Reside, Lecturer in Conservation, The University of Queensland James Watson, Professor in Conservation Science, School of the Environment, The University of Queensland Josie Carwardine, Senior Research Scientist, Environmental Research, CSIRO Licensed as Creative Commons – attribution, no derivatives.

From dried-up rivers to flooded crops and cities, rising temperatures in 2024 wreaked havoc with water, creating life-threatening challenges for people and nature alike. Explore this interactive map. Albert Van Dijk, Professor, Water and Landscape Dynamics, Fenner School of Environment & Society, Australian National University Licensed as Creative Commons – attribution, no derivatives.

Citizen scientists are called on to help with tagging monarch butterflies and find out why their numbers are dropping. Myron Zalucki, Professor in Biological Sciences, The University of Queensland Licensed as Creative Commons – attribution, no derivatives.

Flow batteries can feed energy back to the grid for up to 12 hours – much longer than lithium-ion batteries, which only last four to six hours. Maria Skyllas-Kazacos, Professor Emeritus, School of Chemical Engineering, UNSW Sydney Licensed as Creative Commons – attribution, no derivatives.

An ecologist shares his passion for parasites. From their vital roles in nature, to strange super powers and extraordinarily complex life cycles, parasites are natural wonders worthy of protection. Euan Ritchie, Professor in Wildlife Ecology and Conservation, School of Life & Environmental Sciences, Deakin University Licensed as Creative Commons – attribution, no derivatives.

Amidst habitat destruction and ecological grief, let’s make a New Year’s resolution for nature — to care for beetles and butterflies, rainforests and reefs, ourselves, and future generations. Darcy Watchorn, Threatened Species Biologist, Wildlife Conservation & Science Department, Zoos Victoria, and Visiting Scholar, School of Life & Environmental Science, Deakin University Marissa Parrott, Senior Conservation Biologist, Wildlife Conservation & Science, Zoos Victoria, and Honorary Research Associate, BioSciences, The University of Melbourne Licensed as Creative Commons – attribution, no derivatives.

Slightly more Australians drown in rivers and creeks than at the beach. As more of us flock to waterfalls, hidden dangers at these idyllic spots are claiming lives Richard Franklin, Professor of Public Health, James Cook University Licensed as Creative Commons – attribution, no derivatives.

By understanding the disease and the treatment options, pet owners can ensure their dogs and cats have healthy and happy lives. Jacquie Rand, Emeritus Professor of Companion Animal Health, The University of Queensland Licensed as Creative Commons – attribution, no derivatives.

Strong, light composite materials have revolutionised many sports. But these composites are notoriously hard to recycle Ali Hadigheh, Senior Lecturer, Structural Engineering, University of Sydney Yaning Wei, Postdoctoral Researcher, Civil Engineering, University of Sydney Licensed as Creative Commons – attribution, no derivatives.

Cyclone Tracy reshaped Darwin and marked a turning point in Australia’s approach to disaster resilience. Milad Haghani, Senior Lecturer of Urban Risk & Resilience, UNSW Sydney Arthur Stukas, Professor of Social Psychology, La Trobe University Licensed as Creative Commons – attribution, no derivatives.

Here’s everything you need to know about this iconic animal, including why they need antlers, why they really can have red noses and how their eyes change colour! Julie Old, Associate Professor, Biology, Zoology, Animal Science, Western Sydney University Licensed as Creative Commons – attribution, no derivatives.

Encouraging walking, cycling and public transport use requires a cohesive, collaborative approach by all involved. The latest University of Canterbury travel survey shows how effective it can be. Simon Kingham, Professor of Human Geography, University of Canterbury Matt Morris, Sustainability Manager, University of Canterbury Licensed as Creative Commons – attribution, no derivatives.

Increasing temperatures puts a strain on electricity supplies, while bushfire smoke can limit the electricity produced by solar panels. So, what can we do about it? Shukla Poddar, Postdoctoral Research Fellow, School of Photovoltaics and Renewable Energy Engineering, UNSW Sydney Merlinde Kay, Associate professor, School of Photovoltaic and Renewable Energy Engineering, UNSW Sydney Licensed as Creative Commons – attribution, no derivatives.

Almost half of us are now angry about climate change. But who we’re angry at can change whether we turn anger into action – or despair Samantha Stanley, Research Fellow in Social Psychology, UNSW Sydney Iain Walker, Professor of Psychology, The University of Melbourne Teaghan Hogg, PhD Candidate in Clinical Psychology, University of Canberra Zoe Leviston, Research Fellow in Social Psychology, Australian National University Licensed as Creative Commons – attribution, no derivatives.

Fewer cows on the farm and a broader range of farming practices, including involvement in the emerging alternative proteins industry, could help New Zealand’s dairy sector remain viable. Milena Bojovic, PhD Candidate, Macquarie University Licensed as Creative Commons – attribution, no derivatives.

Genome analysis of New Zealand’s forest parrot kākā has so far found no genetic differences between its two subspecies. This could allow for more relocations of birds between populations. Michael Knapp, Associate Professor in Biological Anthropology, University of Otago Denise Martini, Postdoctoral Researcher in Bioinformatics, University of Verona Licensed as Creative Commons – attribution, no derivatives.