No coal power, no new petrol cars by 2035 for net zero
Australia needs to phase out coal, gas and oil faster than planned to meet its climate commitments, a report says, with changes in energy, transport and mining.
conservation
Grim milestone sparks warning for threatened species
On the 90th anniversary of the death of the last-known Tasmanian tiger, conservation groups say more extinctions will occur if governments don't act.
‘It’s been a good life’: desert ranger hangs up hat
A ranger of a vast national park is hanging up his hat, proud to leave his country - and the town where he was once wasn't welcome - a better place.
‘Bloody dangerous’: world to exceed 1.5-degree warming
Earth is on track to exceed 1.5 degrees of warming within years, the United Nations has warned, exposing communities to more extreme weather.
Short-term carbon credits used for long-term pollution
Australia's carbon credit scheme is working, according to a review, but some of the nation's biggest polluters have become its biggest customers.
Australia’s coral reefs retreat as heatwaves intensify
Marine heatwaves are threatening coral reefs, including those in Australia, but research shows they could recover if given a break between bleaching events.
‘Gone too early’: warrior Steve Irwin’s enduring legacy
Two decades after a stingray barb cut his life short, Steve Irwin's former colleagues and a new generation of conservationists say his influence has not faded.
‘One ocean’: Australia exporting seafood impact
While Australia prioritises its own marine environments, the country's reliance on imported seafood might just be shifting the impacts elsewhere.
Environment rules promise protection but raise concerns
Tougher rules to protect Australia's environment have been welcomed by developers, but conservation groups say they fall short of the changes needed.
Progress and poor marks: Reef earns a mixed report card
Efforts to cut pollution in waterways feeding Australia's Great Barrier Reef are making progress but still falling short of targets.
Coral returns to Great Barrier Reef but risks remain
The world's largest coral reef system is showing positive signs of recovery but experts warn severe climate challenges lay ahead.
Koalas on the brink as developers land in Dreamworld
Conservationists are warning beloved marsupials could become extinct in one part of Australia as a major theme park gets the green light on a new development.
Aboriginal conservation deal boosts environmental goals
A huge swath of the Simpson Desert in the Northern Territory is now protected through Aboriginal management, meeting a major environment target.
Nationwide casting call for four-legged koala protector
The search is on for a ball-obsessed rescue dog to help save endangered koalas from fires and floods, after a beloved veteran retired.
‘Elvis of birds’: clue found in hunt for elusive parrot
Researchers are racing against time to find and protect a critically endangered parrot after a decade-long search led to audio of the rare bird's call.
Inquiry launched as governments spar over oil project
A state government has launched an inquiry into new environmental laws as it calls for a national interest exemption for an oil exploration project.
Smelly spawning heralds new life on fragile reef
Scientists have harvested millions of coral babies in a bid to help a bleached reef regenerate after it was lashed by a destructive cyclone.
Cyclone-hammered reefs can take many years to recover
Coral reefs and their fish populations can take many years to recover after being hammered by severe tropical cyclones, researchers say.
Snow gum dieback raises fears for largest river system
The snow gum forests of Australia's high country are dying, and it could have profound consequences for the nation's largest river system.
Gassy, koala-threatening coal mine gets state stamp
Environmental groups are urging the federal government to act to prevent a coal mine emitting methane pollution and destroying koala habitat.
Owl be damned: regulator stops short of rat poison ban
Conservationists are pushing for a regulator to outlaw a common class of rodenticides having pervasive effects on owls and other native animals.
conservation
environmental issue
global warming
indigenous people
science and technology
social issue
Carbon credit rewards MIA for Indigenous stewards
Rules that ensure carbon credits only go to new emissions removal could be penalising the long-term conservation efforts of First Nations people.
Fossil wonderland submitted for World Heritage listing
A 58,000-hectare Australian expanse containing some of the world's oldest evidence of animal life could be included on the prestigious World Heritage list.
How mirroring nature might just save the humble oyster
Oyster reefs are already a restoration priority and Australian research could boost survival rates of the water-filtering, habitat-providing species.
Citizen scientist discovers ‘extinct’ native plant
A native plant species has been rediscovered decades after it was presumed extinct, highlighting the power of citizen science data in research and conservation.
Fish eaters pay more for fillets as ban guts supply
Some of Australia's keenest seafood consumers will pay up to 40 per cent more for table fish as controversial commercial restrictions create supply issues.
Rock wallaby fossils show they weren’t all homebodies
Fossil teeth show ancient rock wallabies at times ventured forth to find other groups, with researchers keen to know if their modern descendants do the same.
Bee-sieged island keeping deadly mite at bay
An island that is home to a unique population of honey bees hopes biosecurity measures will protect it from a deadly parasite taking hold across Australia.
Koala ‘misinformation’ cry as population counts soar
Fresh data reveals Australia's koala count could be much higher than previously thought, as a contentious park to protect the species is called into question.
Mining giant abandons project in coal royalties stoush
Mining giant BHP Mitsubishi Alliance is continuing its war with a state government over a progressive coal tax regime, pulling out of another project.
The premier, the poet and the fight to save a frog
As amphibian enthusiasts get ready to hop into FrogID Week, hope persists that one of Australia's most bizarre creatures may survive.