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.
global warming
‘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.
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.
Cheaper, smarter and tougher: $105m bet on Aussie solar
Twenty Australian solar research projects will attract a record investment to improve the technology and help to lower costs.
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.
Record low snow marks harsh reality for ski sector
With the prospect of shorter winters and less reliable snow, ski resorts are investing in snowmaking or expanding their summer offerings to get by.
Pacific summit underway in Palau without key leaders
Anthony Albanese, Chris Bowen and Pat Conroy are leading Australia's diplomatic effort at this year's Pacific Islands Forum leaders meeting.
Nepal teams seek hundreds trapped in hydropower tunnels
Emergency workers in Nepal are racing to reach more than 900 workers trapped in hydropower project tunnels choked with mud and rock debris in the Himalayas.
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.
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.
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.
Hot, dry conditions fuel major wildfires across Europe
Firefighters in Belgium and Greece are battling major blazes, with a massive wildfire scorching a nature reserve and hundreds of people evacuated.
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.
Coral returns to Great Barrier Reef but risks remain
The world's largest coral reef system is showing positive signs of recovery but experts warn severe climate challenges lay ahead.
Western Europe sets June and July temperature record
Western Europe has recorded its hottest June and July with average temperatures of 21.6C, the EU's Copernicus climate agency says.
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.
Greek fires rage as battle continues in France, Spain
Hundreds of people have fled their homes as strong winds fan blazes in Greece, while France and Spain fight hot spots as Europe's fire-ravaged summer drags on.
French wildfire evacuees allowed to return home
Thousands of people can return to their homes in France as moist, cooler conditions raise hopes that firefighters can finally get on top of a massive blaze.
France, Spain race to tame blazes as new heatwave looms
Crews fighting massive blazes in France and Spain are making the most of the favourable weather before another round of scorching heat rolls across Europe.
‘Here before’: climate-threatened islanders fight back
Torres Strait Islanders have taken the federal government to court for a second time in a bid to secure climate change justice.
Fires spark emergency in Spain, evacuations in France
Tens of thousands of people have fled a wildfire in southern France while Spain has declared its first national fire emergency as extreme heat scorches Europe.
‘Millionaires’ factory’ boss to leave with almost $1b
Macquarie Group shareholders have backed the pay of its chief executive, who will retire in November with around $881 million in company shares.
Minister ‘bias’ in major gas project extension approval
A federal minister has been accused in court of favouring an energy giant over the environment by agreeing to extend the life of a major gas project.
Flat out: even geckos cook in warming climate
Two reptiles confined to one of the hottest parts of the country are threatened with extinction by global warming.
Global sea surface temperatures hit record high
The world's climate could be moving into "uncharted territory" as sea temperatures hit an all-time high, with El Nino set to exacerbate the warming.
In the red: Europe on high alert as killer heat spreads
A sizzling Europe is bracing for more casualties from an "apocalyptic" heatwave that scientists say is the worst ever recorded on the continent.
Councils back polluter-paid climate compensation fund
Funding community climate resilience and repairs via a fossil fuel company levy has been formally endorsed by local governments at an annual conference.