The Conversation

That there’s legacy waste in Antarctica may come as a surprise to some, as we often think of Antarctica as a pristine wilderness. These photos show why cleaning up is long overdue Darren Koppel, Research fellow, Curtin University Licensed as Creative Commons – attribution, no derivatives.

Fusion seems nearer than ever - but it won’t be the silver bullet to stop climate change. Ian Lowe, Emeritus Professor, School of Science, Griffith University Licensed as Creative Commons – attribution, no derivatives.

The plan would address failures in the National Electricity Market, and would see a more orderly transformation process from coal to clean energy. Daniel J Cass, Research Affiliate, The University of Sydney Business School, University of Sydney Licensed as Creative Commons – attribution, no derivatives.

New research finds 74% of land managers who reported releasing a powerful biocontrol release it during the peak rabbit breeding period. This can lead to rabbit populations actually increasing. Pat Taggart, Adjunct Fellow, UNSW Sydney Licensed as Creative Commons – attribution, no derivatives.

Dry regions will get drier and wet regions wetter as the climate changes. How quickly? Quicker than we thought, unfortunately. Taimoor Sohail, Postdoctoral research associate, UNSW Sydney Jan Zika, Associate Professor, UNSW Sydney Licensed as Creative Commons – attribution, no derivatives.

The tertiary sector’s air miles may be dominated by a small number of hyper-mobile senior academics, but studies show virtual conferences can improve diversity, career development and emissions. Sal Lampkin, PhD, Sustainability Transformation Manager, Massey University Robert McLachlan, Professor in Applied Mathematics, Massey University Licensed as Creative Commons – attribution, no derivatives.

Compassionate conservationists believe all animals have a right to be here, even introduced species like wild horses. Their vocal critics are avoiding vital ethical questions around conservation. Simon Coghlan, Senior Lecturer in Digital Ethics, Centre for AI and Digital Ethics, School of Computing and Information Systems, The University of Melbourne Adam Cardilini, Lecturer, Environmental Science, School of Life and Environmental Science, Faculty of Science, Engineering and Built Environment, Deakin University Licensed as Creative Commons – attribution, no derivatives.

It was the first time a bird has removed a tracking device, and the second time a bird species showed cooperative ‘rescue’ behaviour. Dominique Potvin, Senior Lecturer in Animal Ecology, University of the Sunshine Coast Licensed as Creative Commons – attribution, no derivatives.

AGL’s board has knocked back a billionaire-led bid to shut its coal generators. Serious negotiations will now begin – and Mike Cannon-Brookes has form on transforming Australian power generation. Bruce Mountain, Director, Victoria Energy Policy Centre, Victoria University Licensed as Creative Commons – attribution, no derivatives.

Urban gardens, parks and green walls are crucial ways to tackle flash floods and city heat. But new global research finds its effectiveness varies from city to city. Mark O. Cuthbert, Principal Research Fellow & Reader, Cardiff University Denis O'Carroll, Professor & Managing Director, UNSW Water Research Laboratory, UNSW Sydney Gabriel C Rau, Assistant Professor, Institute of Applied Geosciences, Karlsruhe Institute of Technology Licensed as Creative Commons – attribution, no derivatives.

Quirks of our geology made Australia unusually abundant in coal. But as the world goes green, we can switch to vital clean mineral resources so coalminers aren’t left behind. Melanie Finch, Lecturer in Structural Geology and Metamorphism, James Cook University Emily Finch, Beamline Scientist at ANSTO, and Research Affiliate, Monash University Licensed as Creative Commons – attribution, no derivatives.

These are poignant cries of a disappearing landscape – the creaking calls of gang-gangs, buzzing bowerbirds and the mournful cry of the far eastern curlew. Stephen Garnett, Professor of Conservation and Sustainable Livelihoods, Charles Darwin University Anthony Albrecht, PhD Candidate, Charles Darwin University | Co-founder, The Bowerbird Collective, Charles Darwin University Licensed as Creative Commons – attribution, no derivatives.

If you’re interested in the history, traits and skills of these amazing dogs – and perhaps have wondered about owning one yourself – here’s what you need to know. Melissa Starling, Postdoctoral researcher, University of Sydney Claire Wade, Professor, Chair of Computational Biology and Animal Genetics, University of Sydney Licensed as Creative Commons – attribution, no derivatives.

Southern Tasmania’s cool climate was thought to be a climate refuge for tall forests. But that may no longer be true. Tim Wardlaw, Research Associate, University of Tasmania Licensed as Creative Commons – attribution, no derivatives.

As authorities grapple with the best way to respond to the tragedy, it’s worth remembering all shark mitigation measures come with both merits and drawbacks – and none is a silver bullet. Daryl McPhee, Associate Professor of Environmental Science, Bond University Licensed as Creative Commons – attribution, no derivatives.

Eraring is the latest in a string of announcements for early coal plant closures. The fundamental reason is the brutal impact of renewables on coal’s profitability. Chris Briggs, Research Director, Institute for Sustainable Futures, University of Technology Sydney Licensed as Creative Commons – attribution, no derivatives.

Environmental footprint calculators may promise to help consumers lead a greener life. But they may in fact encourage choices that don’t benefit – or even harm – the environment. Aaron Simmons, Adjunct Senior Research Fellow, University of New England Annette Cowie, Adjunct Professor, University of New England Licensed as Creative Commons – attribution, no derivatives.

Global plastics production is set to double by 2040. The upcoming UN meeting is a chance for New Zealand to stake a stronger position on a proposed treaty to reign in plastic pollution. Trisia Farrelly, Associate Professor, Massey University Licensed as Creative Commons – attribution, no derivatives.

Such a dramatic rise in extreme heat days is not inevitable. If global warming is limited to 1.5℃ this century, Western Sydney will have fewer than 17 days of 35℃ per year. Hannah Melville-Rea, Research Fellow, New York University Licensed as Creative Commons – attribution, no derivatives.

Substituting one food for another – no matter the reason – may not result in a healthier choice. Brad Ridoutt, Principal Research Scientist, CSIRO Agriculture, CSIRO Licensed as Creative Commons – attribution, no derivatives.