The Conversation

Laboratory studies suggest sunscreen chemicals are dangerous to coral reefs. But in real world conditions, that’s not true. Bleaching must have another cause. Nial Wheate, Associate Professor of the Sydney Pharmacy School, University of Sydney Licensed as Creative Commons – attribution, no derivatives.

As climate change pressures intensify, ecosystems may lose their ability to bounce back from disasters. Caitlin Moore, Research Fellow, The University of Western Australia David Campbell, Associate Professor, University of Waikato Helen Cleugh, Honorary Professor, Australian National University Jamie Cleverly, Snr research fellow in environmental sciences, James Cook University Jason Beringer, Professor, The University of Western Australia Lindsay Hutley, Professor of Environmental Science, Charles Darwin University Mark Grant, Science Communication and Engagement Manager; Program Coordinator, The University of Queensland Licensed as Creative Commons – attribution, no derivatives.

It is impossible to label nuclear power as sustainable without taking into account the entire life cycle of a nuclear reactor and the industry’s exposure to environmental and geopolitical risks. Karly Burch, Research Fellow, University of Otago Licensed as Creative Commons – attribution, no derivatives.

Tasmania’s drying climate is seeing more bushfires ignited by lightning strikes. To protect the state’s World Heritage wilderness, we must use sustainable fire management practices. David Bowman, Professor of Pyrogeography and Fire Science, University of Tasmania Jenny Styger, Associate at The Fire Centre,, University of Tasmania Licensed as Creative Commons – attribution, no derivatives.

On-street parking is an increasingly scarce resource as we take to our cars post-lockdowns. Here’s how to make the most of it. Benjy Marks, Lecturer in Geomechanics, University of Sydney Emily Moylan, Lecturer, University of Sydney Licensed as Creative Commons – attribution, no derivatives.

The conflict highlights the folly of nations exiting nuclear power while continuing to use coal, gas and oil. John Quiggin, Professor, School of Economics, The University of Queensland Licensed as Creative Commons – attribution, no derivatives.

The 1878, the body of Sergeant Michael Kennedy lay in the bush in Victoria’s Wombat Ranges. He’d been shot by the notorious Ned Kelly gang – but the bush would add its own gruesome ending. David Eric Peacock, Adjunct Fellow, University of Adelaide Licensed as Creative Commons – attribution, no derivatives.

Coral in the Great Barrier Reef is once again bleaching, with water temperatures up to 3℃ higher than normal in some places. Paul Hardisty, CEO, Australian Institute of Marine Science David Mead, Executive Director of Strategic Development at Australian Institute of Marine Science, Australian Institute of Marine Science Rob Vertessy, Enterprise Professor in the School of Engineering, The University of Melbourne Licensed as Creative Commons – attribution, no derivatives.

Plastic waste is a huge problem. To fix it, we need systemic change, not just a focus on picking it up or recycling plastic once it becomes rubbish. Sabrina Chakori, PhD Candidate, The University of Queensland Ammar Abdul Aziz, Lecturer, The University of Queensland Martin Calisto Friant, PhD Researcher, Utrecht University Russell Richards, Lecturer, The University of Queensland Licensed as Creative Commons – attribution, no derivatives.

In an effort to save Lake Pedder from a hydro-electricity scheme, the world’s first political party with a foundation in environmental values was formed in Tasmania. Benjamin J. Richardson, Professor of Environmental Law, University of Tasmania Licensed as Creative Commons – attribution, no derivatives.

Australia’s forests have controlled their own own flammability since Gondwana. We must respect this natural process. Philip Zylstra, Adjunct Associate Professor at Curtin University, Research Associate at University of New South Wales, Curtin University David Lindenmayer, Professor, The Fenner School of Environment and Society, Australian National University Don Bradshaw, Emeritus professor, The University of Western Australia Licensed as Creative Commons – attribution, no derivatives.

This seemingly one-off heatwave may be a harbinger for the future under climate change. Dana M Bergstrom, Principal Research Scientist, University of Wollongong Sharon Robinson, Professor, University of Wollongong Simon Alexander, Atmospheric scientist, University of Tasmania Licensed as Creative Commons – attribution, no derivatives.

The reef is suffering environmental conditions that are so extreme, scientists are struggling to simulate these scenarios in laboratories. Jodie L. Rummer, Associate Professor & Principal Research Fellow, James Cook University Scott F. Heron, Associate Professor in Physics, James Cook University Licensed as Creative Commons – attribution, no derivatives.

Australia might be a long way away, but fossil fuel price spikes triggered by the Russian invasion of Ukraine are hitting households hard. We could have avoided this pain. Tim Nelson, Associate Professor of Economics, Griffith University Joel Gilmore, Associate Professor, Griffith University Licensed as Creative Commons – attribution, no derivatives.

Residents and businesses are considering leaving Lismore for good. The town is now on the brink. Barbara Rugendyke, Adjunct Professor in Geography, Southern Cross University Jean S. Renouf, Lecturer in Politics and International Relations, Southern Cross University Licensed as Creative Commons – attribution, no derivatives.

New research investigating the yabby diets found just how crucial these crayfish are to aquatic ecosystems. Paul McInerney, Research Scientist, CSIRO Gavin Rees, Principal Research Scientist, CSIRO Licensed as Creative Commons – attribution, no derivatives.

New technologies will enable steel production without coal. Australia stands to benefit greatly in the shift to green steel – if we’re ready. John Pye, Associate Professor, School of Engineering, ANU, Australian National University Alireza Rahbari, Research fellow, School of Engineering, ANU, Australian National University Emma Aisbett, Fellow, Australian National University Frank Jotzo, Professor, Crawford School of Public Policy and Head of Energy, Institute for Climate Energy and Disaster Solutions, Australian National University Zsuzsanna Csereklyei, Senior Lecturer in Economics, RMIT University Licensed as Creative Commons – attribution, no derivatives.

Australia could use about 7,000 terawatt-hours of solar and wind generation per annum to make a sizeable contribution to cutting global emissions – about 27 times its current electricity output. Paul Burke, Professor, Crawford School of Public Policy, Australian National University Emma Aisbett, Fellow, Australian National University Ken Baldwin, Inaugural Director, ANU Grand Challenge, Zero-Carbon Energy for the Asia Pacific, Australian National University Licensed as Creative Commons – attribution, no derivatives.

Urban renewal can bring downsides as well as benefits. A new guide helps people connect more deeply with their suburbs. Shannon Foster, D'harawal Knowledge Keeper PhD Candidate and Lecturer UTS, University of Technology Sydney Alexandra Crosby, Associate Professor, School of Design, University of Technology Sydney Ilaria Vanni, Associate Professor, International Studies and Global Societies, University of Technology Sydney Licensed as Creative Commons – attribution, no derivatives.

This score is a massive four points higher than the year prior. But as La Niña subsides, we’ll quickly feel the long-term warming trend again, with bushfires picking back up next season. Albert Van Dijk, Professor, Water and Landscape Dynamics, Fenner School of Environment & Society, Australian National University Shoshana Rapley, Research assistant, Australian National University Licensed as Creative Commons – attribution, no derivatives.