Multimillion-dollar boost to create ‘climate unicorns’
Artificial intelligence firms might be dominating headlines but a $30 million program aims to put renewable energy start-ups in the funding spotlight.
environmental politics
Slashing fossil fuels is ‘life and death’ for Pacific
New gas and coal developments should not go ahead if the world is to stop climate change forcing Pacific islanders out of their homes.
Electric switch could save households $5000 a year
More than 30 organisations will urge the federal government to do more in backing electric appliances, equipment and vehicles to cut costs and emissions.
No coal power, no new petrol cars by 2035 for net zero
Australia needs to phase out coal, gas and oil faster than planned to meet its climate commitments, a report says, with changes in energy, transport and mining.
Rising sea levels threaten more than 267,000 properties
Rising seas and storm surges could cost Australia more than $855 billion, endangering homes, businesses, infrastructure and land.
Renovation nation: Aussies plan $85b in energy upgrades
Spending on home energy upgrades such as insulation and solar panels is on the rise but renters and younger households may be left behind.
Hard deadline: call for coal plants to pay to stay open
Keeping coal-fired power stations operating past their deadlines is delaying renewable energy projects, an industry group says.
Sustainable jet fuel project moves closer to take-off
A multimillion-dollar project designed to produce green fuels is a step closer to launch after securing a $30 million investment.
Electric U-turn: ‘everyone knows someone with an EV’
Six months after fuel price spikes, electric cars make up almost one in every four new cars sold but experts are divided over whether the trend will continue.
Electric cars outsell petrol rivals for the first time
Fuel prices are up and so are electric vehicle sales, with Australian drivers now buying more battery-powered cars than either petrol or diesel models.
The two sides to Australia’s climate record in Pacific
Pacific nations are enthusiastic partners with Australia on renewable projects in their region but remain frustrated at high-emitting countries.
‘Bloody dangerous’: world to exceed 1.5-degree warming
Earth is on track to exceed 1.5 degrees of warming within years, the United Nations has warned, exposing communities to more extreme weather.
Australia backs climate ‘talkfest’ despite leader snubs
Critics of the planned turnout to the Pacific pre-COP are being "really disrespectful" to the region's aspirations for the summit, Anthony Albanese says.
Short-term carbon credits used for long-term pollution
Australia's carbon credit scheme is working, according to a review, but some of the nation's biggest polluters have become its biggest customers.
Australia’s coral reefs retreat as heatwaves intensify
Marine heatwaves are threatening coral reefs, including those in Australia, but research shows they could recover if given a break between bleaching events.
Pacific wants climate, development focus at summit
While the Pacific is often pitched as a geopolitical battleground, the region's leaders and advocates urge a focus on improving lives on the ground.
Aussie emissions down but pace must pick up for 2030
Record levels of solar, wind and battery use are pushing down emissions in Australia but bigger cuts will be needed to meet its climate goal.
Solar scourge: rules make it cheaper to dump old panels
Australia's solar boom will create a significant waste problem, experts have told an inquiry, with tough rules needed to keep panels out of landfill.
‘Solar coaster’: industry fears renewable rebate end
Solar and battery installation firms are booming with the help of government rebates but most fear a crash will hit when the support ends.
Ditching diesel could save Pacific nations almost $1b
Replacing fuel imports with renewable power could save Pacific countries millions of dollars if they can secure enough investment to make the switch.
Power hungry: data centre energy use set to skyrocket
Artificial intelligence is set to make a major impact on Australia's electricity network, with a report warning about soaring demand from data centres.
Environment rules promise protection but raise concerns
Tougher rules to protect Australia's environment have been welcomed by developers, but conservation groups say they fall short of the changes needed.
Hot out the oven: green iron trial produces first metal
One of Australia's first green iron projects has reached a milestone, producing molten metal from an electric furnace for the first time.
‘Don’t wait’: hot, dry conditions raise bushfire risk
With dry spring conditions and warmer-than-average temperatures, parts of the country are facing an increased risk of spring bushfires.
More Aussie firms could be captured by emissions scheme
Australian investors are pushing for big changes to Australia's major pollution policy and they could force more companies to reduce pollution.
Progress and poor marks: Reef earns a mixed report card
Efforts to cut pollution in waterways feeding Australia's Great Barrier Reef are making progress but still falling short of targets.
Electric switch could save public hospitals millions
Upgrading all of Australia's public hospitals from gas to electricity could save millions of dollars in energy bills but only if the government acts swiftly.
Big polluters make small cuts under climate scheme
Australia's biggest polluters have reduced emissions by less than one per cent in two years and an environmental group is calling for reforms.
First inland bird flu case sparks ‘alarm bells’
Concerns for native birds are growing as two positive cases of bird flu in another state suggest the virus is spreading rapidly across the continent.
Australia’s biggest polluters to face emissions review
Regulations that limit emissions from Australia's biggest polluters will come under scrutiny in a review that could reshape the scheme.
Power play: national law could curb data centre demands
Data centres in every state and territory could be required to supply their own renewable energy if changes are introduced at a national level.