Restoring the soils of our cities

From China’s mega-cities to Australia’s sprawling suburbs, scientists are calling for grassroots action to raise awareness about the role of soil biodiversity to promote better human health and wellbeing.

After the coal rush

Large swathes of land consumed by coal mining in the Hunter Valley will be released for other uses over the next two decades, opening opportunities for diverse companies and environmental restoration.

Black summer lessons

The Black Summer bushfires of 2019-20 consumed more than 10 million hectares, mostly forests in southeast Australia and a new book- Australia’s Megafires – compiles the lessons learned from the disaster.

One tree hill

Vast swathes of forest and woodland are still being cleared for cattle pasture in Queensland, with appalling effects on the state’s threatened wildlife and increasingly fragile ecology.

Public photos reveal lost plant species

Scientists have identified six new or rediscovered Western Australian plant species from photos taken and uploaded to the internet by members of the public, including a nature photographer from Jurien Bay, a pair of wildflower enthusiasts from Dongara and a farmer from near the Stirling Range National Park.

Developers drive a bulldozer through conservation laws

Federal environmental laws are failing to stem Australia’s extinction crisis, according to University of Queensland research.

Carpology

Blooming populations of European carp are damaging native life in Australia’s rivers, not least in the Murray-Darling basin after the NSW floods.

Hanging on the fishing line

We’ve all seen tangles of discarded fishing line by lakes, rivers and shorelines and the danger it poses to wildlife cannot be over-emphasised.

Unraveling the mystery of rogue ocean waves

Freak ocean waves up to 30 metres high have long inspired legends and stumped scientists but researchers at the University of Sydney and Tokyo University are now unraveling their mysteries.

How nature matters

Nature is more than just a means to some human end, and the Federal government’s reform of the EPBC Act should recognise the full scope and diversity of nature’s value.

The big problem of micro-plastics

People are exposed to thousands of airborne microplastics every year in their homes and indoor workspaces, according to a new Griffith-led study.

Encouraging urban wildlife

More sensitive urban design can complement the remnant vegetation, parks and waterways in our cities to provide critical resources for wildlife.