What will we leave behind us?

Mankind has transformed Planet Earth, for better or worse, for thousands of years, but what impressions will we leave on Earth that future visitors or distant descendants could discern millions of years into the future?

Plastic threatens petrels on the open ocean

Seabirds are exposed to dangerous marine plastic pollution outside of the national jurisdiction of the coastal nations they breed in, according to international researchers who say countries need to work together to tackle plastic pollution in the high seas.

Poison planet

A global study examining 92 of the most commonly used agricultural pesticides finds that approximately 70,000 tonnes of potentially harmful chemicals leach into aquifers each year, damaging ecosystems and freshwater resources.

Australia needs an ocean agency

The private sector is calling for greater coordination and collaboration to achieve a sustainable blue economy to ensure prosperity for all Australians.

Scientists raise alarm over research interference

Scientists say heavy-handed governments and aggressive corporations are suppressing scientific research vital for protecting the environment.

Blood money

Financial payments made by land developers to offset their impacts on threatened species may fall short of compensating for the environmental damage they do, according to University of Queensland-led research.

Seabed mining needs international rules

Mining the seabed without proper regulations seems outlandish but it could happen sooner than we think.

Bye bye billabong

The extensive clearing of native vegetation for sheep and cattle grazing has filled Australia’s precious waterholes with sediment, threatening the survival of the wildlife which depends on them.

Saving soils can save the Earth

New Curtin University research has identified the most carbon-rich soils in Australia are in areas that are most threatened by human activities and climate change.

Saving the Earth

Distinguished Professor Brajesh Singh from Western Sydney University’s Hawkesbury Institute for the Environment had led a global team to call for the inclusion of soil microbiomes in the World Health Organisation’s (WHO) One Health policy to help achieve its policy goals.

Planet hamburger

Vast tracts of forest in Australia and around the world have been cleared to make pasture for cattle farming, with disastrous environmental effects. Restoring the world’s forest cover to combat climate change will therefore require a wholesale change in humanity’s taste for meat.

An ocean index will drive the blue economy

The Blue Economy Development Index takes a holistic approach to coastal and marine resource use by using social, economic and environmental indicators to track changes over time at national and international levels.