Australia, Pacific rocked by ocean heatwaves in 2024
Nearly 40 million square kilometres of ocean experienced marine heatwaves in the western Pacific region in 2024, a UN climate and weather agency says.
environmental issue
Australia’s big car love affair still fuelling sales
SUVs and utes have proven the big sellers on Australian car lots in May but the popularity of hybrid and electric vehicles is accelerating.
Animal advocates shoot down bill for enabling ‘yahoos’
Environmentally-minded MPs have savaged a bill to establish a bounty program to kill feral animals and expand hunters' rights as empowering a "fringe minority".
Film follows fight to heal Country from poison legacy
The film Yurlu/Country explores the impact of asbestos mining on a community that has spent decades fighting to heal their homelands.
‘Go back to drawing board’: 2032 planning laws slammed
The clock is ticking for the 2032 Olympics but critics say laws that will help ensure Brisbane Games projects are built on time will set a dangerous precedent.
Food system’s billions of ‘hidden costs’ a sick outlook
The hidden costs to health and the environment from Australia's food system could exceed $250 billion, the nation's science agency says.
Lake flood spectacle a magnet for wildlife, tourists
Floodwaters filling the nation's biggest lake are creating a rare event that is expected to bring an explosion of life and vegetation to the usually dry area.
Fears for heritage site as gas plant expansion approved
The fallout from a decision to extend the life of a massive gas project continues with accusations of a political cover-up over a scientific report.
‘See you in court’: anger over huge gas plant extension
Resources giant Woodside is facing renewed legal threats after being granted approval to continue operating a massive gas project for decades to come.
Environmentalists slam new gas exploration sites
Environmentalists have called a state government's decision to create nine new gas exploration sites deceitful, as an east coast energy shortage looms.
Woodside win boosts gas industry but roadblocks remain
A ministerial decision to extend the life of a massive gas project despite climate concerns represents an endorsement of the sector by the Labor government.
Three face court amid protests over gas hub expansion
Activists who targeted a Woodside shareholder meeting have faced court as protests ramp up over a decision to prolong the life of a massive gas project.
Farmers, greenies divided over ‘dirty’ bounty deal
A premier has thrown his weight behind paying bounty hunters to reduce feral cats, goats and pigs roaming his state, but it has come with scrutiny.
Young humpbacks exposed to danger with shifting births
An increasing number of humpback whales are being born in southerly waters, potentially exposing calves to greater risks.
Why the carbon offset ‘swear jar’ needs an overhaul
Firms relying on carbon offsets to tout their green credentials and reduce their environmental footprints are under fresh scrutiny after a court settlement.
Ancient legacy continues as tourism mixes with culture
In the world's oldest tropical rainforest, traditional owners are sharing their culture and protecting their Country as tourists descend on the region.
Australia urged to spend big while green iron is hot
Australia could replace carbon-intensive coal and gas exports with green iron and quadruple earnings, a report says, but only if it makes changes.
Looming power bill hikes spark calls to shop around
Hunting for a better deal could save some Australian households and businesses hundreds of dollars a year as consumers brace for higher bills.
Winds of change: govt urged to seize energy mandate
More renewable energy projects should go ahead in Australia and be approved faster after Labor's federal election win, experts say.
Renewables, AI rules top productivity reform wishlist
Fifteen areas have been identified for reform by the Productivity Commission, including artificial intelligence, tax reform and cheaper renewable energy.
Carbon offsets set aside following greenwashing lawsuit
EnergyAustralia has pledged to back away from the use of carbon offsets to deal with emissions, in a statement following a legal settlement.
‘Saltwater in my veins’: fight to protect island homes
Tishiko King's love of the ocean is at the heart of a documentary following her fight to protect her Country in the Torres Strait islands.
Thorny nature reforms threaten to entangle new minister
Labor's pledge to deliver a once-in-a-generation overhaul of environmental laws went unfulfilled in its first term, leaving a new minister to finish the job.
‘Missed opportunity’ as sacred sites legislation passes
An authority which safeguards sacred sites has expressed disappointment over the passing of legislation it says it was not properly consulted on.
Residents to pursue class action over ‘toxic tap water’
Cancer-causing "forever chemicals" have likely been present in a tourist hotspot's drinking water for decades, a major investigation has found.
More households want to go full electric but lack spark
Millions more Australian households plan to cut gas and go all-electric but many say they need more information and guidance to do so.
Rainbow Warrior in NZ return, 40 years after bombing
Greenpeace Aotearoa say they will use the return of the Rainbow Warrior to campaign against the New Zealand government's "war on nature".
Parent group challenges energy giant over carbon claims
EnergyAustralia will face the Federal Court to answer allegations some of its "carbon neutral" products were not as green as they seemed.
Strawberry shields forever: bioplastic cuts fruit waste
Unique packaging material created using bacteria and sawdust could reduce disposable plastic and keep strawberries safe during transport.
Parents, energy company settle over greenwashing claims
A settlement has been reached between a parents' climate action group and one of Australia's largest energy companies over greenwashing claims.
Record electric truck haul aims to drive down emissions
One of Australia's biggest transport companies will invest in a record-breaking electric truck fleet, including prime movers to be built in Brisbane.