The Conversation

A new report says sometimes the best decision to reduce emissions is to invest in new technology before it’s fully proven. Government will have to share the risks. Alison Reeve, Deputy Program Director, Energy and Climate Change, Grattan Institute Licensed as Creative Commons – attribution, no derivatives.

We’ve identified three frog species very likely to already be extinct. Another four species on our list are still surviving, but not likely to make it to 2040 without help. Graeme Gillespie, Honorary Research Fellow, The University of Melbourne Conrad Hoskin, Lecturer/ABRS Postdoctoral Fellow, James Cook University Hayley Geyle, Research Assistant, Charles Darwin University Jaana Dielenberg, University Fellow, Charles Darwin University Nicola Mitchell, Associate Professor in Conservation Physiology, The University of Western Australia Stephen Garnett, Professor of Conservation and Sustainable Livelihoods, Charles Darwin University Licensed as Creative Commons – attribution, no derivatives.

The remarkably resilient structure is in good health, for now. But work is needed to ensure it is preserved for future generations. Adam Smith, Adjunct Associate Professor, James Cook University Nathan Cook, Marine Scientist , James Cook University Vicki Saylor, Manbarra Traditional Owner, Indigenous Knowledge Licensed as Creative Commons – attribution, no derivatives.

BHP is banking profits from its failing assets, while washing its hands of the responsibility for its past and ongoing contribution to climate change. Jeremy Moss, Professor of Political Philosophy, UNSW Licensed as Creative Commons – attribution, no derivatives.

Studies show some animals can recognise the threat of fire, and behave in a way that increase their chance of survival. But what about wildlife who have evolved in areas where fire was once rare? Dale Nimmo, Associate Professor in Ecology, Charles Sturt University Alex Carthey, Macquarie University Research Fellow, Macquarie University Chris J Jolly, Postdoctoral Research Fellow, Charles Sturt University Daniel T. Blumstein, Professor in the Department of Ecology and Evolutionary Biology and the Institute of the Environment and Sustainability, University of California, Los Angeles Licensed as Creative Commons – attribution, no derivatives.

These phallic, burrowing invertebrates are certainly worth your time as integral and fascinating members — of Australia’s marine ecosystems. Daryl McPhee, Associate Professor of Environmental Science, Bond University Licensed as Creative Commons – attribution, no derivatives.

Not all Australian native species belong in all Australian environments. In fact, many Australian plant species have become pests in places far from their original homes. Could some be in your garden? Singarayer Florentine, Professor (Restoration Ecologist), Federation University Australia Licensed as Creative Commons – attribution, no derivatives.

Australia’s usual approach to big international negotiations is to hold out, before reluctantly making “concessions”. It’s the wrong approach for trade, and the wrong approach for climate change. Peter Martin, Visiting Fellow, Crawford School of Public Policy, Australian National University Licensed as Creative Commons – attribution, no derivatives.

Academic research can shed light on crucial questions about what life on Earth will be like under the most plausible emissions scenarios. And a warning: the answers are confronting. Andrew King, ARC DECRA fellow, The University of Melbourne Nerilie Abram, Chief Investigator for the ARC Centre of Excellence for Climate Extremes; Deputy Director for the Australian Centre for Excellence in Antarctic Science, Australian National University Sarah Perkins-Kirkpatrick, Chief Investigator on the ARC Centre of Excellence for Climate Extremes; ARC Future Fellow, UNSW Licensed as Creative Commons – attribution, no derivatives.

New research found girls particularly liked to see wildflowers, hear nature sounds and touch animals and plants. Ryan Keith, PhD Candidate, School of Life and Environmental Sciences, University of Sydney Dieter Hochuli, Professor, School of Life and Environmental Sciences, University of Sydney John Martin, Research Scientist, Taronga Conservation Society Australia & Adjunct lecturer, University of Sydney Lisa M. Given, Professor of Information Science, Centre for Design Innovation, Swinburne University of Technology Licensed as Creative Commons – attribution, no derivatives.

When community gardens are socially inclusive, everyone benefits. The knowledge, skills and experimentation of migrant and refugee gardeners makes them more resilient and biodiverse. Bethaney Turner, Associate Professor, Centre for Creative and Cultural Research, Faculty of Arts and Design, University of Canberra Licensed as Creative Commons – attribution, no derivatives.

IPCC reports are often used as legal tool for bringing the powerful to account. And the more Australia’s governments and businesses lag on climate change, the more litigation we’re likely to see. Laura Schuijers, Research Fellow in Environmental Law, The University of Melbourne Licensed as Creative Commons – attribution, no derivatives.

The IPCC report has laid out some alarming sea level projections for the future. But the relationship between sea level rise and real-world risk is complex. Shayne McGregor, Associate professor, Monash University Nerilie Abram, Chief Investigator for the ARC Centre of Excellence for Climate Extremes; Deputy Director for the Australian Centre for Excellence in Antarctic Science, Australian National University Ruth Reef, Associate Professor, School of Earth Atmosphere and Environment, Monash University Licensed as Creative Commons – attribution, no derivatives.

With climate action more crucial than ever, the IPCC needs to communicate clearly and strongly to as many people as possible. So how is it going so far? Simon Torok, Honorary Fellow, School of Earth Sciences, The University of Melbourne James Goldie, Senior Knowledge Broker, Monash University Linden Ashcroft, Lecturer in climate science and science communication, The University of Melbourne Licensed as Creative Commons – attribution, no derivatives.

If we’re to avert a climate disaster, we must not underestimate the power of climate misinformation campaigns to undermine this week’s IPCC findings. Christian Downie, Associate professor, Australian National University Licensed as Creative Commons – attribution, no derivatives.

During the warmer months, the number of days when the river ceases to flow will increase. Climate change is to blame. Milton Speer, Visiting Fellow, School of Mathematical and Physical Sciences, University of Technology Sydney Lance M Leslie, Professor, School of Mathematical And Physical Sciences, University of Technology Sydney Licensed as Creative Commons – attribution, no derivatives.

To many people, Australia’s spider diversity is a source of fear. To arachnologists, it’s a goldmine, with most Australian spider species still yet to be discovered. Mark Harvey, Curator of Arachnology at the Western Australian Museum, Adjunct Professor, The University of Western Australia Licensed as Creative Commons – attribution, no derivatives.

Five climate-sensitive infectious diseases exist in the Torres Strait. Traditional Owners are calling on the UN for action. Nina Lansbury Hall, Senior Lecturer, School of Public Health, The University of Queensland Andrew Redmond, Senior Lecturer, School of Medicine, The University of Queensland Condy Canuto, Senior Lecturer Indigenous Health. Specializing in Sexual Health, The University of Queensland Francis Nona, Lecturer, The University of Queensland Samuel Barnes, Research Assistant, School of Public Health, The University of Queensland Licensed as Creative Commons – attribution, no derivatives.

New Zealand’s climate has been changing in line with global trends over the last century, warming by 1.1℃. But unless we curb emissions fast, we can brace for more extreme downpours and droughts. James Renwick, Professor, Physical Geography (climate science), Te Herenga Waka — Victoria University of Wellington Licensed as Creative Commons – attribution, no derivatives.

The latest IPCC report makes it clear we can no longer stop the seas from rising, but we can still control how much and how fast sea levels change. Nick Golledge, Professor of Glaciology, Te Herenga Waka — Victoria University of Wellington Licensed as Creative Commons – attribution, no derivatives.