Australia makes list of 2025’s costliest climate events
From catastrophic wildfires in Los Angeles to devastating floods in Asia, it's been a tough year of climate extremes and their economic burdens.
environmental issue
Australians fleeing south to escape climate extremes
Australians are already on the move due to climate change, with one state the number one choice for those seeking relief from heat, floods and fires.
Drivers told to paws and think of road risk to koalas
Wildlife volunteers remind drivers to keep their eyes peeled for koalas as summer road trips begin, with a spike in the number of car strikes in one region.
‘Horse has bolted’ on cheap gas, even with reservation
Businesses and households want cheaper gas but it remains unclear how effective a plan to reserve more supply for domestic use will be at lowering prices.
‘Horse has bolted’ on cheap gas, even with reservation
Businesses and households want cheaper gas but it remains unclear how effective a plan to reserve more supply for domestic use will be at lowering prices.
Nukes and carbon capture remain off future energy plan
Wind and solar systems are projected to be the cheapest energy-generating technology in 2050 while small nuclear reactors will cost the most.
Mine site emissions new battlefield in coal climate war
Coalminers and environmentalists are clashing over a climate report on the sector finding net-zero emissions targets are unlikely to be hit at the current pace.
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.
Cheapest path to energy and climate goals locked in
Solar and wind firmed by storage and backed by gas remains the cheapest pathway to meet Australia's growing demand for electricity while reaching climate goals
Electric shock: hybrids, not EVs, pose pedestrian risk
They may be quieter and heavier than petrol cars but electric vehicles are not more likely to crash into a pedestrian or to cause serious injury.
Heatwave, disease ‘catastrophic’ combo for hardy corals
A sturdy type of coral that usually withstands bleaching has been hit hard by a combination of heat stress and a disease rarely seen in the Great Barrier Reef.
‘Claim back our waterways’: calls for crocodile culls
Claims of an "infestation" of crocodiles is prompting calls for a cull as part of a management plan of the apex predators and to protect regional communities.
The smell of native grasses reviving women’s knowledge
Indigenous women are tapping into an ancient knowledge of native grains, harvesting and cooking with them, through their sense of smell.
Faster coal decline risks catching Australia off-guard
Demand for Australian coal exports might dry up faster than first thought, underscoring the need for rapid action to help mining communities prepare.
Summer heatwave conditions predicted for barrier reef
Newly-created long-range forecasts suggest marine heatwaves may not be as severe this summer as the last but not all coastal seascapes will be spared.
Indigenous-run station turning a wild problem into food
On an Aboriginal-owned station in one of the country's most remote regions, wild cattle are looked at as a solution after decades of causing problems.
‘Climate obstruction’ alarms raised with museum sponsor
Ties between a state museum and a major gas company are being questioned by a climate communications group as scrutiny of fossil fuel sponsorship grows.
Australia risks missing net zero without China’s aid
China has emerged as the world's biggest spender on clean energy technology and its lack of investments in Australia could be cause for concern.
Aussies’ latest car choices are driving down pollution
The growing popularity of hybrid and electric cars is helping to reduce Australia's transport emissions but big, old cars are slowing progress.
Thirsty AI technology could strain Aussie water supply
Data centres supporting artificial intelligence technology could use as much as 20 per cent of the water supply in some cities unless policies change.
Energy costs force most renters to swelter over summer
Most Australians who rent their home say they avoid using cooling and heating appliances due to high costs.
Love songs for nature to inspire climate activism
Australian musicians are using their work to raise the profile of climate change and environmental issues, including through an annual competition.
Ag bosses told of land clearing reforms at last minute
Farmers are unsure how to continue work under fast-tracked changes to land clearing laws, which have been hailed as a milestone for conservation.
Motorists pooh pooh petrol for low-emission options
Hybrid, plug-in hybrid and electric vehicles are closing the gap on their petrol rivals with sales figures showing a change in consumer sentiment.
Push to ramp-up fire ant battle as new nest found
Fire ants are hampering agriculture, tourism and even kids' sport, with calls for more federal funding to control the spread of one of the world's worst pests.
Australia needs a ‘wind farm every month’ to meet goals
Australia needs to build the equivalent of one large wind farm every month to meet its 2030 climate target, an expert warns.
Strong lift off for seaweed firm with unique business
A local climate technology company tackling a potent greenhouse gas with seaweed has soared in value after listing on the Australian Securities Exchange.
Overpowered: battery rebate could be drained in a year
Australian households are installing more than 1000 solar batteries every day, but their popularity could accelerate the end of the government's rebate scheme.
Australia needs faster cuts to hit key climate goals
The pace of emissions reductions must double to meet Australia's climate emissions targets, with a rapid and unhindered clean energy transition key to success.
Activist claims win in ‘biggest’ anti-protest lawsuit
A coal mining giant's epic legal pursuit of climate activist Ben Pennings is over after a $600 million lawsuit over an environmental protest was dropped.
Grins as environment laws pass in ‘win for the country’
An overhaul of environmental laws has cleared parliament, with the prime minister toasting the reforms despite the coalition branding them "economy wrecking".