Aussie drivers divided over petrol vs electric future
Many Australian motorists plan to park an electric or hybrid vehicle in their garage in future but one policy change could alter their path.
environmental issue
Summer climate ‘whiplash’ hitting harder and faster
Australia is seesawing between floods and fires with increasing frequency, leaving a trail of ecosystem stress, property damage and strained council budgets.
Aussie firm to roll out AI-in-a-box in regional areas
A network of portable data centres could be installed throughout Australia's regions as part of a plan to power artificial intelligence with renewable energy.
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.
auto trends
automotive equipment
consumer goods
consumers
diesel fuel
energy (general)
environmental issue
environmental politics
pollution
road transport
transport
Postcode where more drivers plug into electric car cuts
More than 100,000 Australians have taken advantage of the federal government's tax exemption for electric vehicles but households in one location are most keen.
Australia risks being lapped in the race for green fuel
Neighbouring countries including Indonesia and Malaysia could beat Australia to lead the sustainable aviation fuel market despite its potential.
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.
Battery recycling could power a $6.9b industry by 2050
The number of depleted batteries is expected to rise dramatically but the trend represents an opportunity for Australian industry and jobs.
Rice could be key ingredient to cutting steel emissions
Steel producers could cut carbon emissions in half by substituting agricultural waste for coal in its production, a world-first trial has found.
Aussie researchers create a robot vacuum for oil spills
A prototype is no larger than a shoe but Australian engineers plan to supersize their oil-consuming robot to tackle sea pollution.
consumer issue - macro economics
consumers
energy
energy (general)
energy and resource
energy resources
energy saving
environmental issue
house building
lifestyle (house and home)
renewable energy
Energy rating report card urged for all Aussie homes
More than seven million homes will be eligible to receive a mark out of 10 for their energy efficiency but experts say the assessments should become mandatory.
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.
Tax cut could help more drivers dodge petrol price hike
More Australians could turn to electric vehicles to avoid rising fuel costs if governments keep tax cuts for their purchase and consider new incentives.
auto trends
automotive equipment
consumer goods
consumers
diesel fuel
energy (general)
environmental issue
environmental politics
road transport
transport
Car sales slow down but electric vehicles charge ahead
Electric vehicles have broken sales records in Australia even as the larger automotive market stalled, with sales of petrol and hybrid models falling.
More electric trucks, motorbikes to deliver carbon cuts
It boasts Australia's largest fleet of electric vehicles but one company plans to put even more electric trucks and motorcycles on the road to lower emissions.
Why the best way around traffic may be flying above it
Australia has been promised a future filled with flying taxis before but the innovative machines may finally be approaching take-off.
High steaks: dwindling industry threatens food security
Farmers are having to send their livestock up to four hours' drive away to be processed, as limited access to local abattoirs raises food security concerns.
Big trucks and buses drive a heavy healthcare burden
Premature deaths and childhood asthma are among the health risks of allowing high-polluting heavy vehicles to travel on populated routes.
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.
Popular car brand earns $24m debt under pollution rules
Some of the most popular car companies in Australia and a selection of luxury brands have failed to meet emissions targets in their first year of operation.
‘Goliath won’: Santos fends off greenwashing lawsuit
The defeat of a climate suit against Santos has disappointed activists but opened the public's eyes to how the resources giant developed its net-zero targets.
Electric car sales may stall if tax policy changes gear
Australia's biggest electric vehicle incentive is under review and both traditional car makers and the EV industry warns change could lead to a crash.
Flood rescue effort to save woman clinging to tree
A woman clinging to a tree in swollen floodwaters in an outback town has been rescued in an hours-long operation.
‘Watch this space’: Fortescue bullish on climate target
Battery-powered trains are part of Fortescue's plan to eliminate fossil fuels from its Pilbara iron ore operations as it aims to beat a decarbonisation target.
Pump it up: former PM calls for action on hydropower
Hydropower projects should receive more support and faster approvals if Australia is to meet its renewable energy targets, a group has warned.
From inconvenience to crisis, islands battle king tides
Low-lying islands in the Torres Strait have been inundated after another frightening king tide season as locals continue the legal fight for climate justice.
auto trends
automotive equipment
consumer goods
consumers
economy (general)
environmental issue
environmental pollution
finance (general)
road transport
transport
Petrol, diesel cars slow while hybrids, EVs speed up
Australians are buying fewer cars that use fossil fuels alone as they shift allegiance to low-emission hybrid and electric models.
Carbon credits seeding next chapter of Tiwi forestry
Tiwi Islanders are confident they've landed on the right forestry formula, one that's community-led and financially and environmentally sustainable.
auto trends
automotive equipment
consumer goods
environmental issue
environmental politics
loans
politics (general)
road transport
transport
Discount loans to drive down the price of electric cars
Finance on electric vehicles from two big brands will be subsidised by the government under a plan to cut the cost of low-emission cars.
Rural water supplies struggling to cope after heatwave
Locals in one rural town are lining up in a pub car park to receive free bottled water, as parts of country Australia get a reprieve from an intense heatwave.
Fire, floods and fur: keeping pets safe in a disaster
Pet owners are being urged to plan ahead for weather extremes to avoid putting themselves, their furry friends and emergency services in danger.