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?

What is happening in the Arctic?

While North America shivers, the Arctic has experienced soaring winter temperatures for the fourth year in a row. Such extreme weather events will only intensify unless there is a rapid and deep reduction in rising greenhouse gas levels.

Will Queensland’s new land clearing bill save the state’s trees?

Will new legislation in Queensland slow rampant land clearing or will farmers and landowners continue to ignore the law or exploit loopholes to raze more of Australia’s fast disappearing forests?

How forests support sustainable cities

While the plight of the Amazon and other tropical forests threatened by clearing and plantations draws headlines, International Forests Day stresses the importance of trees to the world’s conurbations too.