Nuclear power could take the shine off Aussie aluminium
Three out of Australia's four aluminium smelters could risk closure if Australia adopts nuclear power, reducing energy supplied to industry.
environmental politics
Dutton ‘believes in climate change’ despite debate call
After initially suggesting questions on the impact of climate change were best left to scientists, Peter Dutton has sought to clarify his position.
Call for workplace change to drive electric car take-up
Fewer than one-in-three electric vehicle drivers can access a charger at work and incentives could get more people to go electric and drive to the office.
Some hybrid cars thirstier than their petrol peers
On-road vehicle tests show some hybrid vehicles are not saving as much petrol as lab tests promise and a two use more than standard cars on highways.
Are cyclones worsening with climate change?
Tropical cyclones have become less frequent in Australian waters but experts say claims that they're not intensifying miss important context.
‘No more bills’: why batteries may change energy market
Helping more households capture solar power in a battery could have a market-wide impact, although some could miss out on the biggest savings.
Electric cars to rev up the energy grid, one at a time
Technology that will let drivers use their electric vehicles as giant household batteries is launching in Australia, although its reach is limited.
Towering presence, missing minister as PM visits reef
One of Labor's tallest candidates has made a splash at the prime minister's Great Barrier Reef stop, while the spectre of a missing minister haunted the event.
Liberals ‘not here to line gas giants’ pockets’: Dutton
Despite anger from the gas sector, Peter Dutton has doubled down on plans for a domestic reserve armed with modelling on how much households willsave.
Thirsty nuclear plants ‘could suck water from farmers’
Farmers and businesses may be forced to surrender gigalitres of water to fuel proposed nuclear power stations due to their inland locations, a report claims.
Car sales accelerate, with hybrids leading the charge
More drivers are getting behind the wheel of a new car but preferences are changing, with hybrids speeding up and petrol cars slowing down.
Will Tesla’s problems crash Australia’s electric dream?
The brand that has long led Australia's electric vehicle charge is falling out of favour. Can the nation's move to low-emission transport go on regardless?
Greens flag new condition in event of a hung parliament
A minority party will push for one per cent of the federal budget to be spent on "restoring" nature if the election produces a hung parliament.
U-turn on gas-guzzler fines could penalise motorists
Carmakers who fail to meet environmental standards will not be penalised under proposed changes expected during the election campaign.
Hitting the brakes: hybrid sales clouded by tax cut end
A tax concession for plug-in hybrid electric vehicles has come to the end of the road and experts say it could affect future car sales and emissions.
Call for household battery help to plug energy concerns
Cutting the price of solar batteries would lower household bills while easing pressure on the energy network, say groups pushing for a national scheme.
App to reveal how much farmers can reap from renewables
Work will be fast-tracked on software that can assess how much landowners could earn from installing renewable energy projects on their properties.
Government kicks can down the road on climate target
Labor has refused to reveal Australia's 2035 emissions reduction target before the election, despite it being the subject of cabinet debate for over a year.
PM waves off Dutton gas pledge as ‘bubble bath’ policy
Peter Dutton is seeking a mandate to fast-track a 50-year gas expansion but Prime Minister Anthony Albanese insists the idea is but a thought bubble.
Wages and worker rights ‘on the line’ at next election
Unions say industrial relations changes have got wages moving again but employer groups want them axed, arguing they constrain businesses and productivity.
Koalas ‘closer to extinction’ with new disease outbreak
A potentially devastating disease has been found in one state's last healthy koala population, further endangering the species.
Climate fight here and now, and linked to living costs
Fighting misinformation and communicating the link between cost of living and back-to-back weather disasters are key priorities for climate advocates.
Public service jobs on line as poll battlelines form
The coalition has doubled down on plans to axe public service jobs if elected as the prime minister goes into bat for Australians working from home.
Move to enshrine eco approval smells fishy, critics say
The federal government has been accused of selling out the environment and undermining democratic rights after pushing controversial laws through parliament.
Climate advocates label Australia a ‘petro-state’
In the shadow of Tropical Cyclone Alfred, climate advocates have gathered in the NSW capital for Climate Action Week Sydney to consider a policy response.
Climate 200-backed candidates edging out incumbents
Momentum is building for Climate 200-backed independents as they claw away at major party margins and have a strong chance of being elected at the federal poll.
Energy bill jolt: price rises power up living cost pain
The threat of further energy bill increases of up to $200 annually following a regulator's decision has put the spotlight back on federal energy policy.
Libs refuse to back Australia-Pacific climate forum bid
The Liberal Party it's more concerned about household costs than hosting climate talks with Pacific nations, ahead of the federal election.
Innovation urged to hurdle green superpower roadblocks
Australia has largely embraced the renewable energy superpower vision, but its key architect fears the transition to green power is falling short.
Space junk and carbon emissions could cut your internet
The number of satellites providing vital services could be cut in the coming years due to rising greenhouse gas emissions and growing space debris.
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.