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.
environmental politics
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.
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.
Environment reforms to pass after Labor-Greens deal
The first major changes in decades to Australia's long-criticised environment laws aim to better protect natural sites and speed up project approvals.
‘It’s disastrous’: state scathing of nature reforms
A ground-breaking overhaul of Australia's environment laws has been labelled a disaster that could devastate economic growth.
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".
Brumby’s days numbered after shift in alpine regions
Opinions are split over the removal of special protections for wild horses living in the Australian Alps, which some say threatens the identity of the region.
Dirty deal the death knell for forestry industry: Ley
New environment laws have sparked grave warnings for the Tasmanian forestry sector, but the government says a $300 million support package will safeguard jobs.
Ships turned, arrests made at annual climate protest
Rising Tide's attempts to blockade the world's largest coal port are continuing, with activists scaling a ship and more arrest made at the Newcastle Harbour.
Arrests top 150 as three-day climate action makes waves
A long weekend climate "protestival" has disrupted coal shipping and landed scores of activists under arrest but smaller protests continue.
Pope pleads for climate action to save God’s creation
Pope Leo XIV is urging countries at United Nations climate talks to take "concrete actions" to stop climate change that is threatening the planet
Early COP30 climate deal eludes Brazil but Lula upbeat
The COP30 talks are split on whether countries will agree to develop a "roadmap" setting out how the world will transition away from fossil fuels.
‘Can’t have it all’: Australia abandons climate summit
Australia will not host the UN's annual climate summit in 2026, instead yielding to a rival bid from Turkey in a last-minute compromise deal.
Federal environment laws ‘won’t fix’ project backlog
As Labor tries to pass an overhaul of Australia's environmental laws before Christmas, analysis suggests they might not address a backlog of energy projects.
Fire disrupts COP30, 13 treated for smoke inhalation
Thirteen people have been treated for smoke inhalation following a fire at the COP30 venue in Brazil, organisers say.
COP30 climate summit deadlock as EU rejects draft deal
COP30 negotiations are deadlocked over whether the accord should set the world on a clearer path away from fossil fuels, with the EU calling the draft too weak.
COP30 reaches compromise deal, sidesteps fossil fuels
COP30 climate talks have ended without a binding plan to phase out fossil fuels, with delegates instead backing a boost in financing for developing countries.
D-day looms for nature overhaul but final deal elusive
The environment minister has urged the coalition and Greens to come to the table and do a deal on big reforms to Australia's nature protections.
‘New hope’ for climate after COP summit wraps up
Environment groups are welcoming a fresh commitment to phase out fossil fuels despite what they say was an underwhelming finish to the 2025 UN climate summit.
Coalition has ‘mountain to climb’ in dire poll result
Liberal MPs and senators are preparing to convene but are playing down the prospects of a leadership spill as they digest another round of negative polling.
Labor faces major roadblocks in bid to pass nature laws
Labor is facing questions over its attempt to fast-track environmental reforms as the government tries to woo its opponents in the hopes of striking a deal.
New offers made as clock starts ticking on nature talks
Environmentalists are pleading with the government to strike a deal with the Greens on major reforms which could include a crackdown on native forest logging.
Moderate MPs rally around Ley amid leadership turmoil
Sussan Ley's allies insist they are not preparing to turn on their leader to support right-wing challengers after a damaging stoush over climate policy.
Mining giant reveals deal to turn iron and steel green
One of Australia's largest mining companies will pause its plans to produce greener iron and invest $35 million in emerging local technology.
PM launches blistering attack on climate policy ‘mess’
Anthony Albanese has torn strips off the coalition's climate and energy policies after an apparent about-face over public funding for coal-powered plants.
Elders continue legal battle to protect island homes
The Elders behind a landmark climate case against the federal government say they have to appeal a federal court's decision for the future of their children.
‘Passionate’ debate during hours-long climate talks
The Liberals will finally lock in a formal position on climate change and energy policy after a protracted party room meeting in the nation's capital.
Ethiopia to host COP32 as COP31 contest unresolved
The United Nations' COP32 climate summit in 2027 will be hosted by Ethiopia but next year's COP31 remains a contest between Turkey and Australia.
Protesters storm COP30, Newsom slams Trump’s absence
Protesters have forced their way into COP30 while California Governor Gavin Newsom has hit out at the Trump administration for failing to send representation.