The Conversation

Our bodies have hard limits as to how much heat and humidity we can tolerate. Lethal humid heat is a growing threat Emma Ramsay, Research Affiliate in Climate Adaptation, Monash University Shanta Barley, Adjunct Lecturer in Ecology, The University of Western Australia Licensed as Creative Commons – attribution, no derivatives.

Light-coloured footpaths, roads and other surfaces are increasingly used to reflect the sun’s rays and cool our cities. But they also reflect cancer-causing UV radiation. Hugh Stanford, Researcher Associate, Centre for Urban Research, RMIT University Joe Hurley, Professor, Sustainability and Urban Planning, RMIT University Licensed as Creative Commons – attribution, no derivatives.

The Saudis have won the right to host football’s biggest tournament. But its bid doesn’t seriously address the environmental issues. Matthew Hutchinson, Lecturer in Sport Business Management, Keele University Seth I. Kirby, Senior Lecturer in Sport and Leisure Management, Nottingham Trent University Licensed as Creative Commons – attribution, no derivatives.

Emissions from city drivers have largely fallen, while emissions from rural and regional drivers have risen. Kai Li Lim, St Baker Fellow in Electric Mobility, The University of Queensland Anthony Kimpton, Lecturer, Urban Planning, University of Southern Queensland Jonathan Corcoran, Professor of Human Geography, The University of Queensland Neil G Sipe, Honorary Professor of Planning, The University of Queensland Renee Zahnow, Associate Professor, Social Science, The University of Queensland Licensed as Creative Commons – attribution, no derivatives.

Boarding facilities during peak periods can stressful environments for dogs and cats. Some may not be suited to it at all. Melissa Starling, Postdoctoral Researcher in Veterinary Science, University of Sydney Licensed as Creative Commons – attribution, no derivatives.

Subsidising fossil fuel exploration seems contrary to New Zealand’s international commitment to phase out incentives for the industry. It also erodes human rights to a healthy environment. Nathan Cooper, Associate Professor of Law, University of Waikato Licensed as Creative Commons – attribution, no derivatives.

Nuclear is far from a reality in Australia. In the interim, Dutton’s plan would prop up coal and gas John Quiggin, Professor, School of Economics, The University of Queensland Licensed as Creative Commons – attribution, no derivatives.

Beak sizes increase, and body sizes decrease - but why? How we are slowly unravelling the mystery behind changing body shapes in Australian birds. Sara Ryding, Postdoctoral research fellow, Deakin University Alexandra McQueen, PhD Candidate in Behavioural Ecology, Monash University Matthew Symonds, Associate professor in Evolutionary Ecology, Deakin University Licensed as Creative Commons – attribution, no derivatives.

A successful transition to clean energy is vital to Australia’s prosperity. But the Coalition’s latest nuclear salvo leaves many unanswered questions. Thomas Longden, Senior Researcher, Urban Transformations Research Centre, Western Sydney University Licensed as Creative Commons – attribution, no derivatives.

Let’s cast the holly, snowmen and reindeer aside to decorate our homes with Aussie Christmas crafts instead. How about Christmas beetle baubles, paper parrots and ornamental echidnas? Caitlyn Forster, Associate Lecturer, School of Life and Environmental Sciences, University of Sydney Euan Ritchie, Professor in Wildlife Ecology and Conservation, School of Life & Environmental Sciences, Deakin University Laura Nicole Driessen, Postdoctoral researcher in radio astronomy, University of Sydney Licensed as Creative Commons – attribution, no derivatives.

Even small actions, such as choosing the right rooftop solar set-up or changing when we use energy, can make a big difference. Dani Alexander, CEO, UNSW Energy Institute, UNSW Sydney Baran Yildiz, Senior lecturer in Renewable Energy Engineering, UNSW Sydney Michelle Vaqueiro-Contreras, Senior Research Fellow, School of Photovoltaics and Renewable Energy Engineering, UNSW Sydney Mike Roberts, Senior Research Fellow in the Collaboration on Energy and Environmental Markets, UNSW Sydney Licensed as Creative Commons – attribution, no derivatives.

Tourism emissions have been increasing at twice the rate of the global economy. That will double over the next 20 years, far outpacing technological solutions. New tourism policies will be needed. James Higham, Professor of Tourism, Griffith University Ya-Yen Sun, Associate Professor, School of Business, The University of Queensland Licensed as Creative Commons – attribution, no derivatives.

Interviews with dog walkers reveals fresh insights into why people choose to keep their dog on lead, or not. Changing that behaviour depends on meeting the needs of both pet owners and their dogs. Jasmin Packer, Research Fellow in Wildlife Conservation, University of Adelaide Anna Chur-Hansen, Professor of Psychology, University of Adelaide Licensed as Creative Commons – attribution, no derivatives.

A rainforest might look intact in satellite images – but the reality is often different. Degraded tropical rainforests are now the norm, threatening the species within. Rajeev Pillay, Postdoctoral Fellow in Ecology, University of Northern British Columbia James Watson, Professor in Conservation Science, School of the Environment, The University of Queensland Licensed as Creative Commons – attribution, no derivatives.

On an island off South Australia, a colony of little penguins is fighting to survive. Footage gathered by scientists reveals what the birds get up to when humans aren’t watching. Diane Colombelli-Négrel, Senior Lecturer, Animal Behaviour, Flinders University Licensed as Creative Commons – attribution, no derivatives.

Ever wondered how the Australian passenger car fleet compares with the European fleet and what this means for the future? New research examined the differences in detail and how it might change. Robin Smit, Adjunct Professor, School of Civil and Environmental Engineering, University of Technology Sydney Licensed as Creative Commons – attribution, no derivatives.

In 2019, the giant mountain ash Centurion narrowly escaped death by fire. But other giant trees were not so lucky. Gathering genetic material from giants is vital Daniel Bar Ness, Research associate, University of Tasmania Licensed as Creative Commons – attribution, no derivatives.

A new federal government strategy outlines how to elevate the rights of Indigenous Australians Heidi Norman, Professor, Faculty of Arts, Design and Architecture, Convenor: Indigenous Land & Justice Research Group, UNSW Sydney Licensed as Creative Commons – attribution, no derivatives.

Efforts to reduce emissions and decarbonise industry must be combined with new technology that removes carbon dioxide from the atmosphere. Australia can build an industry around this service. Andrew Lenton, Director CarbonLock, Environment, CSIRO Kerryn Brent, Research scientist, CSIRO Licensed as Creative Commons – attribution, no derivatives.

Vanuatu’s climate case at the International Court of Justice poses a real challenge to Australia’s standing in the region. Wesley Morgan, Research Associate, Institute for Climate Risk and Response, UNSW Sydney Liam Moore, Lecturer in International Politics and Policy, James Cook University Licensed as Creative Commons – attribution, no derivatives.