Nationals ditch net zero as Liberals ponder policy
The Nationals say Australia's climate targets are driving up power prices and shutting down industry but their coalition partner isn't yet on board.
environmental issue
The ecological disaster threatening Australian seabirds
Thousands of dead seabirds washed up on Australia's coastline two years ago following a marine heatwave and scientists warn history could repeat.
Westpac admits dropping ball on state bank customers
Overpriced mortgage products at its state-specific subsidiaries have contributed to Westpac losing market share, despite solid growth in customer deposits.
Collect ’em all: call for widespread battery recycling
Australia's voluntary battery recycling scheme will be allowed to continue but with limited uptake, the public could benefit if more devices were collected.
Liberals caution Ley against ‘Nationals-lite’ backdown
Leading moderate Liberals are urging Opposition Leader Sussan Ley to retain a net-zero pledge as she canvasses dumping the target to keep the coalition united.
Fears ‘free’ electricity could come with hidden costs
Some households will get free access to electricity for three hours a day but questions have been raised about unintended consequences from the plan.
‘COP of Truth’ promised as UN says we’ll overshoot 1.5C
The world has been promised real solutions at the COP30 climate change summit as a new UN report puts the planet on course for a 2.5C temperature rise.
High-stakes meetings to thrash out Liberal energy plan
The Liberals and Nationals are a step closer to formalising their approach to energy and climate policy, with a series of crucial meetings scheduled.
Reef fate bleak, not fatal, under coral-centric models
The most comprehensive modelling to date paints a troubling portrait of the Great Barrier Reef under climate change, but finds adaptation is still possible.
Hybrids, small SUVs revealed as unexpected gas guzzlers
Popular vehicles including petrol-powered SUVs and hybrids are exceeding their advertised fuel consumption by up to 21 per cent, tests have found.
Time running out for ‘irreplaceable’ $95b reef
The Great Barrier Reef is an ecological and economic jewel, but a growing body of research shows it will be lost without swift and decisive action.
Old batteries could deliver critical mineral shortcuts
Recycling big batteries, solar panels and wind turbines at the end of their lives could create a lucrative export industry if Australia gets its rules right.
Construction code delays risk pulling the plug on EVs
New homes will not need to be ready to charge electric vehicles after a freeze on the construction code, which some say will stall progress.
Flood risk already raining on Australian home prices
One type of natural disaster has depressed the value of more than two-thirds of Australian homes that sit in the firing line, new analysis finds.
Heavy investments needed to secure green metal future
While critical mineral deals are dominating the headlines, green iron and steel partnerships could secure Australia's export future in a low-emission economy.
Aussies urged to join the big Bug Hunt for science
Aussies who have overwhelmingly backed a project to count native birds are now being asked to look under their feet - to stop invasive species in their tracks.
Mining giant flags more jobs at risk due to coal taxes
One of the world's biggest mining companies has hit out against Commonwealth and state taxes, arguing they must be competitive enough to attract investment.
Pole position: contentious EV charging plan to go ahead
Power providers in one state will be allowed to install electric vehicle chargers on their power poles despite opposition to the proposal.
Fears of deadly flu spread on remote Australian island
A highly contagious and deadly strain of bird flu is tipped to eventually find its way to the mainland after suspected cases on a remote Australian island.
Opportunities abound for junior Indigenous rangers
Students are connecting to and nurturing Country as eleven new junior ranger programs are established across Australia.
Australia’s wet tropics no longer drawing down carbon
The trunks of trees in Australia's tropical rainforests have become a net source of carbon dioxide in a discovery that could undermine global climate goals.
Waste is the new oil: why Aussie export may be rubbish
Cutting emissions from long-haul flights, shipping and trucking remains a challenge but one solution could put Australia in an enviable position.
Ban on petrol, diesel vehicles urged as EVs set records
Motorists are buying electric vehicles in record numbers but uptake will need to speed up to meet climate targets and experts are calling for change.
Climate trigger ruled out of nature law reforms
The government won't consider the impacts of projects on climate change via a trigger mechanism under nature law reforms overseen by the environment minister.
Digital passports could give old solar panels new life
Australia faces a serious electronic waste problem from ageing solar panels but could avoid it by testing and certifying old technology for reuse.
Coal power lifeline risks unreliability, bill shock
The Sunshine State's coal-fired power stations are set to operate longer in a move some critics worry risks unreliability and higher bills.
Film recognises frontline Indigenous climate rangers
A documentary is raising awareness of the importance of Indigenous Protected Areas and drawing attention to the rangers who are dedicated to caring for Country.
Climate tipping points being crossed, scientists warn
Scientists are imploring countries at the COP30 to cut carbon emissions after a report found coral reefs are now in an almost irreversible die-off.
Controversial gas project extension sparks legal action
Landmark legal challenges have been launched after the Commonwealth's controversial decision to green light a 40-year gas hub extension near ancient rock art.
Parcel-packing electric trikes to roll out by Christmas
Australia's largest electric fleet is expected to grow significantly with the introduction of three-wheeled vehicles capable of carrying more parcels.
Electric car U-turn puts low-emission options on track
Electric vehicles are quietly climbing the sales charts in Australia after a slow start to the year, but hybrid and plug-in hybrid cars remain popular.