Well-being and the great outdoors

Time spent outdoors in green space is good for our physical and mental wellbeing. It sounds simple. But making sure those positive benefits are extended to all corners of our community is a considerably more complex issue.

The limits of modelling – Knowing what we don’t know

Modelling the impact of mine developments on groundwater is critical for protecting ecosystems and agriculture, but it can go astray if we don’t recognise that all models lack certainty.

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.

Yes, kangaroos are endangered – but not the species you think

While our iconic large kangeroos are safe from extinction, many smaller and lesser known species are threatened by cats, foxes and mass scale habitat destruction.

Australians want community consent on new mining developments

A new national survey on citizen attitudes toward mining shows that three-quarters of Australians think mining companies should gain consent from local communities before development.

The left shouldn’t own the green agenda

Although green issues are often seen as the province of the left, James Alexander argues that conservation and respect for the natural world should lay at the heart of true conservative values.

Clean and secure power – A roadmap to a renewable future

Time is running out for the climate as temperatures rise, the poles melt and weather patterns alter. Australia needs to act quickly and decisively by cutting greenhouse gas pollution from the electricity sector and a new plan from the Climate Council explains how it could be done.

Why don’t environmental laws prevent deforestation?

Despite its ‘green’ image, Australia has some of the worst rates of deforestation in the world, exacerbating climate change and the loss of biodiversity. We need better laws, and stronger enforcement, to protect our precious natural vegetation.

Australia enjoys a record year for renewable energy production

Remarkable growth made 2017 a record year for Australian renewable energy production, but ongoing policy uncertainty means that continued expansion cannot be taken for granted.

Mirror, mirror, on the wall…

Max Thomas makes an impassioned plea for rational debate and enlightened leadership to tackle the pressing economic and environmental problems of our time.

Australia deserves a better debate and 5 ‘quick wins’ for ‘wicked’ problems

Australia21 urges politicians to embrace evidence based policy making and engage in constructive discussion of more effective strategies to address inequality, trauma related stress, illicit drugs, the future of work and climate change.

Nippers turning the tide: getting plastic off our beaches for good

A new campaign from Surf Life Saving NSW and Clean Oceans Australia has been launched this February to engage Nippers in getting plastics off our beaches.