How are we doing on a ‘Green New Deal?’

As the IPCC publishes its new report on global warming of 1.5 degrees, we need a political and economic stock-take on the measures we’re taking to fight climate change.

Protecting thirsty urban trees from ever harsher summers

Urban forests are great for keeping our cities cool, but as temperatures go up they need water to survive – and that’s where redirecting storm water to street trees comes in.

Lilly Pilly fossils reveal snowless Snowy Mountains

Leaf fossils discovered high in Australia’s Snowy Mountains have revealed a past history of warmer rainforest vegetation and a lack of snow, in contrast with the alpine vegetation and winter snow-covered slopes of today.

Recycling goes to landfill while technology sits idle

People are losing confidence in recycling and overwhelmingly want government to support better solutions, according to a new university survey.

Stronger winds could trigger rapid change in Southern Ocean

A new IMAS study has found that an increase in average wind speeds could lead to abrupt physical changes in the Southern Ocean, with significant implications for climate change.

Engineering plants for a sustainable future

Scientists have discovered the genetic master switches for a plant’s body mass production, creating the potential to produce new biomaterials and bioplastics.

3D scanning reveals secrets of extinct starfish

Advanced digital imaging has ‘virtually dissected’ the Derwent River Seastar, confirming it as a new but extinct species without damaging the precious remaining specimens.

Invasive Aussie snakes ‘hitchhiked’ to Guam on planes

A team of international scientists has discovered why brown tree snakes have become one of the most successful invasive species. The research team, led by University of Queensland scientists, has been studying why a type of cat-eyed snake has been devastating native bird populations on the island of Guam.

Tips for an eco-friendly backyard

Eco-friendliness is something we should all strive to achieve in our lives and the backyard is no exception. Here are some tips that should help you reduce wasting energy and resources, but still create the space of your dreams.

Desalination plants don’t affect marine environments

Highly saline flows from the Sydney Desalination Plant will not affect surrounding marine life as commonly believed, a major new study led by UNSW Sydney shows. 

The backflip over Sydney’s marine park is a defiance of science

The New South Wales government has turned its back on plans to create sanctuary zones covering 2.4% of waters around Sydney, despite evidence that these ‘no-take’ areas are crucial for protecting fish.

Scientists crack the cane toad’s genetic code

A group of scientists from UNSW Sydney, the University of Sydney, Deakin University, Portugal and Brazil have unlocked the DNA of the cane toad, a poisonous amphibian that is a threat to many native Australian species.