Watching the river flow back

Even after they have closed mines still leak poisoned water into the environment, but the Wollangambe River in the Blue Mountains is an encouraging example that a clean-up is possible in even the most polluted environments.

Fire alarm – The dangers of wood heaters

There are few things better than cosying up next to a wood fire in winter, but Aussie researchers are calling for better public health education and policy after a study found excess deaths associated with our woody winter warmers.

Call for Australia to produce ‘zero pollution’

A group of eminent scientists has urged Australian governments, Federal and State, to adopt a zero pollution target for the nation’s land, air and water.

New study finds agricultural pesticides can affect prawns and oysters

New research from Southern Cross University has highlighted the importance of managing the potential impacts of pesticide run-off in areas of intensive coastal agriculture.

The drop in air pollution will be short-lived

COVID-19’s hit to the global economy is cutting air pollution, but the eventual recovery could leave our environment worse off and further behind in reducing emissions.

Our polluted path to oblivion

Warren Brown traces the roots of climate change to the industrial revolution, and appeals for politicians to start prioritising the environment over economic growth.

Fuel for thought

In news that will surprise nobody stuck behind a huge 4×4 or smoke belching diesel, emissions from Australia’s traffic continue to climb, despite optimistic claims to the contrary.

A scientist, an island and 38 million pieces of plastic

Two years after revealing that one of the world’s most remote islands was littered with plastic waste, IMAS scientist Dr Jennifer Lavers is leading an expedition to clean up its beaches.

Hang on to your balloons to save our seabirds

While recent bans on plastic bags have helped reduce one source of marine plastic pollution, it is balloons and their fragments which pose the biggest risk to turtles and seabirds.

Studying the air in Antarctica

Antarctica’s pristine air and waters – and a unique shipboard laboratory – are helping researchers investigate the effects of climate change and pollution on the atmosphere.

Litter is more dangerous than sharks at the beach

Shark attacks are rare but grab the headlines, yet beach litter and marine debris injures one-fifth of beach users, particularly children and older people.

Environmental metals a ‘global health concern’

Exposure to heavy metals such as arsenic, lead, copper and cadmium in the environment is associated with an increased risk of cardiovascular disease and coronary heart disease.