Community spirit as clean up begins after cyclone
Heavy rainfall and strong winds are persisting after an ex tropical cyclone neared coastal communities but some residents are already starting the clean up.
environmental issue
More hazardous, more rain: cyclones in a warming world
There's more to learn about Alfred's relationship to climate change but studies suggest cyclones are bringing more rain and doing more damage than in the past.
‘Insurance catastrophe’ declared, 3000 claims so far
Thousands of insurance claims have been made during ex-tropical cyclone Alfred's assault but its still early to estimate the total damage bill.
Animal welfare probe after live salmon sealed in bins
Footage from an aquaculture farm in southern Tasmania has shown live salmon being sealed in bins amid mass fish deaths in the region.
‘Unprecedented’: thousands of tonnes of dead salmon
Mass fish farm deaths caused by bacteria and warmer waters have resulted in more than 5500 tonnes of salmon being dumped at waste facilities.
New vehicle sales stuck in slow lane, even popular SUVs
Hybrids are among few vehicles to withstand a continuing slowdown in new vehicles sales, with one model racing into the top ten.
Green iron investment could reinforce Aussie economy
Australia could reap the benefits of a market worth up to almost $300 billion, and cut emissions, if it takes the right steps toward a green iron industry.
Green fuel cash injection prepares market for take-off
A $250 million investment in sustainable fuels could tell the rest of the world that Australia is ready to turn its farm waste into flights.
Insurers urged to move quickly on Cyclone Alfred claims
Billions in damage and a flurry of insurance claims are expected to follow Cyclone Alfred, and Treasurer Jim Chalmers is confident the industry is prepared.
Nuclear powers down as global reactor numbers shrink
Fewer nuclear reactors are operating worldwide than early this decade and global renewable power generation is dwarfing the energy source.
Plug-in hybrid car tax breaks about to hit the skids
Drivers have one month left to claim a tax break on plug-in hybrid electric vehicles, amid calls for Labor to give the fuel-saving cars more support.
Airport demonstration to show hydrogen option will fly
An Australian start-up has installed a renewable hydrogen generator and storage system at an airport in a bid to overcome barriers to adopting the clean energy.
Former PM ‘sceptical’ about nuclear, keen on hydropower
Australia needs more hydropower projects to store and supply cheap, renewable energy, a former leader says, while hosing down hopes for a nuclear future.
Free tests could become ‘forever chemicals’ case study
Tens of thousands of people could become a case study on the health effects of 'forever chemicals' if government supports a testing campaign.
Uneven heat a climate change peril for poorer postcodes
Poorer suburbs and regions with large elderly populations are especially vulnerable to extreme heat from climate change, updated modelling shows.
Experts fear nuclear plants would become war targets
If Australia builds nuclear capabilities, the reactors could be vulnerable to missile strikes and sabotage in the event of a war, say former defence chiefs.
Nuclear plan may miss nation’s energy goal by a decade
Switching from renewable energy to a nuclear power plan could push Australia's 2030 climate target out until 2042 and produce significantly more emissions.
Household solar panels create a ‘worry’ for energy boss
Australian households may face changes to the way rooftop solar is handled as electricity grids adapt to more renewable energy created during daylight hours.
Warnings consultants would replace axed public servants
Australians could wait in longer lines and pay more for government services under an opposition plan to cut thousands of public servants, a Labor minister says.
Funding boost charges up Australian battery innovation
Australia could compete with China for lithium battery production after a local company announced plans to establish a $60 million factory.
Clean industry pitch to save town from job losses
Gravity energy storage in disused mine shafts and critical mineral development are part of a pitch to save a mining town set to lose a big source of employment.
Anger over climate assessment delays after US exit
Donald Trump's decision to halt US scientists' participation in the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change may have implications for key reports.
Polluter pays: Greens’ enter fray on insurance costs
Forcing gas and coal firms to contribute to disaster resilience and the reinsurance pool is the latest suggestion from a political party to bring down premiums.
Grim end to ‘horrific’ stranding of false killer whales
Rescue efforts have failed for a pod of 157 false killer whales beached on a remote coastline, with authorities forced to begin euthanasia.
Big changes needed to connect cars to the power grid
Most Australians want to turn their electric vehicle into a battery on wheels in future but there are still speed bumps to making the technology work.
Hot crocs struggling to keep cool as climate warms
Crocodiles in northern Australia are heating up as the climate warms, and higher body temperatures are changing their behaviour, researchers say.
Price and policy changes redirect Uber’s electric drive
Australian ride-share drivers could be about to lose a long-time electric vehicle discount but gain another as Uber adapts to market changes.
Aussie AI, clean energy inventions need urgent funding
Changing tax incentives, creating a spending target, and helping businesses work with researchers could help Australia make breakthroughs the world needs.
Climate risk main reason premiums are rising: insurers
Breaking up big companies is no silver bullet to keep insurance premiums affordable, the sector says.
‘Preferred’ koala park opens door to major logging
A state's so-called koala wars appear no closer to being resolved as spatial mapping highlights the possible impact on native forest of a national park plan.
Small cars show a big thirst for petrol in road tests
Three popular small cars, including a hybrid model, are among the latest vehicles found using more fuel than expected in Australian road tests.