The Rain in Spain

The push for Catalonian independence has its roots in conflict dating back 300 years. Max Thomas considers the vital natural resources that have shaped civilisation and human development for thousands of years and suggests that independence movements elsewhere in Europe should closely watch developments in Spain.

Alternative alternatives – energy solutions

Transitioning from coal-fired power generation to renewable energy technologies is a necessary process but how do we do this most efficiently and effectively? Max Thomas considers some of our past disasters and successes.

Can seed planting drones help fight climate change and deforestation?

The uses for drones are rapidly increasing. Recent advances have suggested that they could be used to reforest previously unreachable country. Max Thomas explores the realities of using drones to combat climate change and the catastrophe of deforestation.

Great Artesian Basin: Don’t pull the plug

The granting of an unlimited 60-year water licence to the Adani Carmichael coal mine in early April has farmers and community groups concerned as they fear this would allow it to drain huge amounts of water from the Great Artesian Basin.

Guess who got a cattle station for Christmas

The Australian government has recently approved a bid from mining magnate Gina Rinehart and a Chinese partner to buy the cattle empire S. Kidman & Co. Max Thomas voices his concerns.

On Coal Seam Gas fracking

Senator for Queensland and co-deputy Leader of the Australian Greens, Larissa Waters, has recently called to ban coal seam gas (CSG) fracking. After spending many years working for the environment, Max Thomas believes that the time for protest has passed and we need rational, evidence-based action.

Weathering the political storm

Recent wild and stormy weather caused widespread power outages in South Australia. Max Thomas comments on the ensuing political storm from both sides of the renewables debate.

Powerless without glory

It has been reported over the weekend that the closure of the Victoria’s Hazelwood plant in the Latrobe Valley may be imminent. Max Thomas is concerned about the future of a region that has been left with gaping holes – not only in the ground, but also in its socio-economic fabric.

Great Barrier Reef: Springvale Station purchase

Environment groups and scientists have hailed the Queensland Government’s recent move to buy a cattle station south of Cooktown as a victory for reef conservation. Max Thomas questions whether the purchase serves a well-planned purpose beyond a mere political one.

Milk Isn’t Green. Really?

A recent article discussed the ‘real cost of milk’ in terms of environmental impact and animal welfare. Max Thomas however suggests that there is a need for informed thought and not simple dogma.

A view of the Gippsland Lakes

Are we failing to protect the natural world? Max Thomas says we need to understand that the value of life and the natural systems is priceless.

What’s the Use of Desalinated Water?

Stephen Gray, Director of the Institute for Sustainability and Innovation at Victoria University, recently wrote that Melbourne's desalination plant would play a vital role in providing water in a drying climate. Max Thomas says we should be careful to not promote a wasteful consumption of desalinated water and instead encourage a sustainable water use culture.