Research efforts step up to save the Great Barrier Reef

Australia’s leading coral reef researchers and managers have come together to address one of the most pressing environmental issues to face our Great Barrier Reef.

Why the health of our ecosystems matters as much as their size

The Victorian mountain ash forest, like many other Australian habitats, has been severely affected by fires and logging. To determine the actual health of the forest, we need to look at the quality, not just the quantity, of what remains.

Our ‘liveable’ cities need a visionary response to rapid growth

Australia is now undergoing its third great wave of population growth, putting pressure on infrastructure, services and the environment. A similar third wave of planning and investment in open space and green infrastructure is therefore now needed to underpin liveability as our cities grow.

Tracking down London’s thylacines

The Tasmanian Tiger is one of 30 mammals that have been lost in Australia since European settlement and we still have the worst mammal extinction rate in the world. Thinking through the meanings and politics of the loss of the thylacine is crucially important to protecting the environnment today.

Myth and dystopia in the Anthropocene

The symbolism of the devouring glacier is unmistakable. As these modern day ice giants melt, they seek revenge for their deaths by attempting to devour those whose actions are causing their demise—our cities, our industries and us.

How tree bonds can protect our vital street trees

Urban trees improve our quality of life, natural environment and boost house prices. Trees need our protection and tree bonds can encourage developers and owners to value and protect the trees around our homes.

Amazon deforestation nears fatal tipping point

Deforestation of the Amazon is about to reach a threshold beyond which the region’s tropical rainforest may undergo irreversible changes that transform the landscape into degraded savanna with sparse shrubby plant cover and low biodiversity.

Australia needs a national environment protection agency

Australia needs an independent national agency charged with safeguarding the environment and delivering effective climate policy, according to a new campaign launched by a coalition of environmental, legal and medical NGOs.

The ethical imperative of a fair emissions target

James Alexander argues that Australia has an ethical duty towards the global community to take the lead in reducing greenhouse gas emissions and tackling climate change.

Land degradation threatens nature – and humanity

Worsening land degradation caused by human activities is undermining the well-being of two fifths of humanity, driving species extinctions and intensifying climate change. It is also a major contributor to mass human migration and increased conflict, according to the world’s first comprehensive evidence-based assessment of land degradation and restoration.

Protected reefs help shark numbers recover

While shark populations around the world are in decline, ground-breaking research has revealed why reef shark numbers are returning to a coral reef off Australia.

The burning question for Australia’s politicians

Bushfires threaten lives, property, wildlife and public health and will only intensify in number and severity as global warming continues. When will Australia’s politicians admit the link between bush fires and climate change and pursue real measures to mitigate it?