Nature’s recovery, not decline, promise of major reform
Long-awaited reforms to environmental protections are finally before parliament but the battle to enshrine them into law is only getting started.
environmental politics
Don’t forget gas: industry calls for renewable support
More than 50 companies are calling on the Australian government to extend support for renewable gas projects.
Urgent need for speed in renewable energy approvals
Environmental reform analysts have weighed in on the federal government's bid to modernise Australia's dated nature protection laws, calling for a key change.
Mining boss skewers Trump over moves against renewables
Renewable energy is taking over from oil, coal and gas, an Australian mining magnate has told shareholders, and efforts to hold back the trend are misguided.
Nationals council ditches net zero from policy platform
The Nationals federal council has voted to abandon achieving net zero emissions from the party platform as MPs are poised to finalise their position on climate.
No sound, no fury: a startup is backing electric trucks
A record-breaking electric truck journey has been staged to prove Australian businesses can and should swap diesel for battery-powered transport.
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.
Warning for Liberals on net zero as axing calls grow
A push to dump a major climate policy threatens to consign the coalition to even more years in the political wilderness as the Liberals close in on a decision.
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.
Liberal elder blasts Nationals over net zero stance
One of the longest-serving Liberal MPs has taken aim at the Nationals and urged his former colleagues to work as a team amid deep division over energy policy.
World will overshoot 1.5C climate goal, UN report says
Current climate policies put the planet on course for a 2.8C temperature rise by the end of the century compared to pre-industrial levels, a report says.
Joyce compares climate dispute to punching a journalist
The former Nationals leader has defended his split from his colleagues but left the door open to rejoining down the track.
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.
‘Get on board’: minister’s environment overhaul appeal
Negotiating the passage of major environment reforms through parliament is pulling the federal government in different directions.
Barnaby unlikely to trigger mass exodus from Nationals
Many National Party MPs share Barnaby Joyce's bitter disdain for global climate change targets, but they are unlikely to join his long march to the exit.
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.
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.
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.
Green metals or bust: climate experts issue warning
Demand for Australia's biggest fossil fuel exports is expected to drop in the coming years but producing green metals could provide a lifeline.
Concerns over sovereignty, risk in satellite internet
Satellite technology has advanced rapidly as "constellations" promise better internet in remote areas, but the transformation is not without risk.
China leads nations with climate emissions plan at UN
China, the world's largest emitter of greenhouse gases, has announced a new climate fighting goal to cut emissions by seven per cent to 10 per cent by 2035.
Liberal hoses down leader talk, defends outspoken posts
Conservative pin-up Andrew Hastie has ruled out a tilt at the Liberal leadership, saying he's focused on policy despite his rhetoric putting some MPs offside.
Conservationists outraged at coal-fired future
The extended shelf life of coal-fired power has enraged conservation groups, with one state declaring it will be in use for decades.
Credits to campaigners, but not yet for koala park
A years-long campaign to preserve koala habitats has inspired other conservationists, even if the plan is still awaiting crucial carbon credit approval.
Offshore wind fees slashed to counter global headwinds
Fees to research and build offshore wind farms in Australia will be cut for two years after global uncertainty and the collapse of several local projects.
Coalition’s climate catastrophe worsens over new target
Coalition members are trying to calm expectations of a major fight over climate policy as Labor prepares to unveil a 2035 emissions reduction target.
Green jet fuel creates runway for 2035 climate goals
Slashing the emissions profile of planes, ships and heavy trucks is the main game of a $1.1 billion injection into the low carbon fuel industry.