The Conversation

The states have been forced to act alone on renewable energy after the federal government effectively vacated the policy space. But if not managed carefully, the strategy may backfire. Dylan McConnell, Research Fellow at the Australian German Climate and Energy College, University of Melbourne Licensed as Creative Commons – attribution, no derivatives.

You're more likely to drown at a beach than be killed by a shark. But there are things people can do to reduce the already low risk even further. Daryl McPhee, Associate Professor of Environmental Science, Bond University Licensed as Creative Commons – attribution, no derivatives.

The decision recognises that water rights are critical for Indigenous people to restore customs, protect their culture, become economically independent and heal Country. Troy McDonald, Chairman of Gunaikurnai Land and Waters Aboriginal Corporation, Indigenous Knowledge Erin O'Donnell, Early Career Academic Fellow, Centre for Resources, Energy and Environment Law, University of Melbourne Licensed as Creative Commons – attribution, no derivatives.

Even within a species, animals will suffer climate change differently. For sharks, it pays to live in warmer waters. Culum Brown, Professor, Macquarie University Connor Gervais, Connor Gervais Licensed as Creative Commons – attribution, no derivatives.

The trial represents the chance to demonstrate an internationally proven technology on Australian soil - turning human waste into a carbon neutral energy source. Bernadette McCabe, Professor and Principal Scientist, University of Southern Queensland Licensed as Creative Commons – attribution, no derivatives.

The federal government has ordered a national koala audit, but the animals are notoriously difficult to detect. But accurately counting koalas is critical to saving them. Romane H. Cristescu, Posdoc in Ecology, University of the Sunshine Coast Celine Frere, Senior lecturer, University of the Sunshine Coast Desley Whisson, Senior Lecturer in Wildlife and Conservation Biology, School of Life and Environmental Sciences, Deakin University Licensed as Creative Commons – attribution, no derivatives.

The remediation of a quarried landscape usually focuses on ecological restoration. But if we turned mined sites into public spaces, it might change how we think about the environment. Shaun Rosier, Practice-based PhD Researcher in Landscape Architecture, Te Herenga Waka — Victoria University of Wellington Licensed as Creative Commons – attribution, no derivatives.

Antibiotic-resistant bacteria is one of the greatest threats to public health. The bacteria are so pervasive, they're spilling over to penguins, sea lions, wallabies and more. Michelle Power, Associate Professor in the Department of Biological Sciences, Macquarie University Licensed as Creative Commons – attribution, no derivatives.

Over the past six months, tourists and locals have been shocked to see Byron's famous Main Beach literally disappearing. Satellite imagery and local knowledge has revealed what's going on. Thomas Murray, Research Fellow (Coastal Management), Griffith University Ana Paula da Silva, PhD Candidate, Griffith University Darrell Strauss, Senior Research Fellow, Griffith University Guilherme Vieira da Silva, Research Fellow, Griffith University Rodger Tomlinson, Director - Griffith Centre for Coastal Management, Griffith University Licensed as Creative Commons – attribution, no derivatives.

Some scientists say attributing 'human-like' qualities to animals is misleading. Others say it's a great tool for conservation. Either way, the Netflix hit My Octopus Teacher has a positive message. Kathryn Williams, Professor in environmental psychology, School of Ecosystem and Forest Sciences, University of Melbourne Christopher McCormack, Managing Director (Remember The Wild). PhD Student, University of Melbourne Debbie Gonzalez Canada, PhD Candidate researching digital citizen science, University of Melbourne Kate Lee, Research fellow, University of Melbourne Maddy Sbeghen, University of Melbourne Rose Macaulay, PhD Candidate, University of Melbourne Stephanie Lavau, Senior Lecturer - Interdisciplinary Environmental Practice, University of Melbourne Licensed as Creative Commons – attribution, no derivatives.

Silky oaks, or Grevillea robusta, are in bloom. These hardy, attractive trees light up the sky in late spring – but handle with care. Gregory Moore, Doctor of Botany, University of Melbourne Licensed as Creative Commons – attribution, no derivatives.

A major new research paper reveals which species are most at risk from changing fire regimes around the world. Luke Kelly, Senior Lecturer in Ecology and Centenary Research Fellow, University of Melbourne Annabel Smith, Lecturer in Wildlife Management, The University of Queensland Katherine Giljohann, Postdoctoral research fellow, University of Melbourne Michael Clarke, Professor of Zoology, La Trobe University Licensed as Creative Commons – attribution, no derivatives.

The Green Climate Fund channels money from rich countries to help low-income countries tackle climate change and cut their emissions. But Australia stopped contributing. Jonathan Pickering, Assistant Professor, Canberra School of Politics, Economics and Society, University of Canberra Licensed as Creative Commons – attribution, no derivatives.

China's signature foreign policy is controversial for lots of reasons. But the environmental damage potentially wrought by the project has received scant attention. Mischa Turschwell, Research Fellow, Griffith University Christopher Brown, Senior Lecturer, School of Environment and Science, Griffith University Ryan M. Pearson, Research Fellow, Griffith University Licensed as Creative Commons – attribution, no derivatives.

Victoria's $800 million energy efficiency plan promises to lower power bills, make homes more comfortable and help meet our climate goals. It's high time other states picked this low-hanging fruit. Alan Pears, Senior Industry Fellow, RMIT University Licensed as Creative Commons – attribution, no derivatives.

There are 85 'threatened ecological communities' listed under Australian environment law. But unrealistic criteria means they're not adequately protected. Manu Saunders, Lecturer, University of New England Deborah Bower, Lecturer in Ecosystem Rehabilitation, University of New England John Thomas Hunter, Adjunct Associate Professor in Landscape Ecology, University of New England Sarah Mika, Senior research fellow, University of New England Licensed as Creative Commons – attribution, no derivatives.

Despite the government spruiking a 'gas-led economic recovery', natural gas is clearly on the way out. It's time for a serious rethink on the way many Australians cook and heat our homes. Madeline Taylor, Lecturer, University of Sydney Susan M Park, Professor of Global Governance, University of Sydney Licensed as Creative Commons – attribution, no derivatives.

As the world's largest rainforest, the Amazon is not only an important carbon sink, but also home to thousands of species of plants and animals and a crucial part of the water cycle. Sebastian Leuzinger, Professor, Auckland University of Technology Licensed as Creative Commons – attribution, no derivatives.

It's high time the international shipping industry radically curbed its emissions. The industry must set a net-zero target and adopt a realistic plan to meet it. Christiaan De Beukelaer, Senior Lecturer, University of Melbourne Licensed as Creative Commons – attribution, no derivatives.

Buffel grass causes just as much damage to native wildlife as feral cats. But with the right control measures, biodiversity can bounce back. Christine Schlesinger, Senior Lecturer in Environmental Science and Ecology, Charles Darwin University Ellen Ryan-Colton, PhD candidate, Charles Darwin University Jennifer Firn, Professor, Queensland University of Technology John Read, Associate Lecturer, Ecology and Environmental Sciences, University of Adelaide Licensed as Creative Commons – attribution, no derivatives.