The Conversation
From this week, every mainland Australian state will allow genetically modified crops. Here's why that's nothing to fear
GM proponents say the technology leads to better crop yields and may solve food shortages and reduce pests. Opponents say GM is a threat to the environment and humans. So where does the truth lie?
Daniel Tan, Professor of Agronomy (Agriculture), University of Sydney
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US scheme used by Australian farmers reveals the dangers of trading soil carbon to tackle climate change
If problems in such schemes are not addressed, the credibility of soil carbon trading will be undermined. Ultimately the climate - and the planet - will be the loser.
Aaron Simmons, Adjunct Senior Research Fellow, University of New England
Annette Cowie, Adjunct Professor, University of New England
Brian Wilson, Associate Professor, University of New England
Mark Farrell, Principal Research Scientist, CSIRO
Matthew Tom Harrison, Associate Professor of Sustainable Agriculture, University of Tasmania
Peter Grace, Professor of Global Change, Queensland University of Technology
Richard Eckard, Professor & Director, Primary Industries Climate Challenges Centre, The University of Melbourne
Vanessa Wong, Associate Professor, Monash University
Warwick Badgery, Research Leader Pastures an Rangelands, The University of Melbourne
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Cramming cities full of electric vehicles means we're still depending on cars — and that's a huge problem
Electric vehicles deserve government subsidies, but there are even better ways to build greener, less car-dependent cities.
Kurt Iveson, Associate Professor of Urban Geography and Research Lead, Sydney Policy Lab, University of Sydney
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The government’s idea of ‘national environment standards’ would entrench Australia's global pariah status
Australia has one of the worst track records in the world for species extinctions. The federal government's proposed changes could weaken our already inadequate environment law.
Martine Maron, ARC Future Fellow and Professor of Environmental Management, The University of Queensland
Brendan Wintle, Professor in Conservation Ecology, School of BioSciences, The University of Melbourne
Craig Moritz, Professor, Research School of Biology, Australian National University
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A lone tree makes it easier for birds and bees to navigate farmland, like a stepping stone between habitats
Enabling wildlife to journey across farmlands not only benefits conservation, but also people. It means bees can improve crop pollination, and seed-dispersing birds can help restore ecosystems.
Carla Archibald, Research Fellow, Conservation Science, Deakin University
Eduardo van den Berg, Federal University of Lavras
Jonathan Rhodes, Associate Professor, The University of Queensland
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Net zero by 2050? Even if Scott Morrison gets the Nationals on board, hold the applause
At the end of the day, net-zero by 2050 is a risky and inadequate goal, especially for wealthy nations such as Australia.
Peter Christoff, Senior Research Fellow and Associate Professor, Melbourne Climate Futures initiative, The University of Melbourne
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Australian government was 'blindsided' by UN recommendation to list Great Barrier Reef as in-danger. But it's no great surprise
The development is significant for several reasons – not least that Australia's progress under the Paris Agreement is being linked to its stewardship of the reef.
Jon C. Day, PSM, Adjunct Senior Research Fellow, ARC Centre of Excellence for Coral Reef Studies, James Cook University
Scott F. Heron, Associate Professor, James Cook University
Terry Hughes, Distinguished Professor, James Cook University
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A controversial US book is feeding climate denial in Australia. Its central claim is true, yet irrelevant
Science is never settled. But contrary to the claims of a new book, there is enough confidence in the science to justify significant climate action.
Ian Lowe, Emeritus Professor, School of Science, Griffith University
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China’s efforts to save its wandering elephants are laudable, but let's not forget its bloody conflicts with the giants
As an economic superpower, China has far more left to do to ensure our planet remains liveable for vulnerable wildlife.
Bill Laurance, Distinguished Research Professor and Australian Laureate, James Cook University
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Three weeks without electricity? That's the reality facing thousands of Victorians, and it will happen again
Could this disaster have been avoided? And under climate change, how can we prepare for more events like this?
Anthony Richardson, Researcher and Teacher, Centre for Urban Research, RMIT University
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Victoria's wild storms show how easily disasters can threaten our water supply
Three suburbs in Victoria have been warned against drinking tap water — even if they boil it first.
Ian Wright, Senior Lecturer in Environmental Science, Western Sydney University
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Why a carbon price alone won't be enough to drive down New Zealand's emissions
An emissions trading scheme is New Zealand's main policy to tackle climate change. But to bring down emissions quickly enough, other policies will need to transform transport and agriculture.
David Hall, Senior Lecturer in Social Sciences and Public Policy, Auckland University of Technology
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Bones and all: see how the diets of Tasmanian devils can wear down their sharp teeth to blunt nubbins
Tassie devils are notorious scavengers, eating everything from echidnas to stranded whales. Understanding how their teeth wear down can help us feed and protect captive populations.
Tahlia Pollock, PhD candidate, Monash University
Alistair Evans, Associate Professor, Monash University
David Hocking, Curator of Vertebrate Zoology and Palaeontology at the Tasmanian Museum and Art Gallery (TMAG) | Adjunct Research Associate at Monash University, Monash University
Marissa Parrott, Reproductive Biologist, Wildlife Conservation & Science, Zoos Victoria, and Honorary Research Associate, BioSciences, The University of Melbourne
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Curious Kids: when a snake sheds its skin, why isn’t it colourful?
When the snake is ready to shed its skin, it rubs its body along rocks, plants and other rough things to peel the old layer of scales — often in a single, snaky piece.
Damian Lettoof, PhD Candidate, Curtin University
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Spiders are cloaking Gippsland with stunning webs after the floods. An expert explains why
What's going on here? Why do spiders do this after floods and does it happen everywhere?
Lizzy Lowe, Researcher, Macquarie University
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Peatlands worldwide are drying out, threatening to release 860 million tonnes of carbon dioxide every year
Peatlands worldwide are running short of water, and the amount of greenhouse gases this could set loose would be devastating for our efforts to curb climate change.
Yuanyuan Huang, Research Scientist , CSIRO
Yingping Wang, Chief research scientist, CSIRO
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Climate explained: could biofuels replace all fossil fuels in New Zealand?
A complete switch to biofuels is neither feasible nor desirable, but they could replace some fossil fuels in transport and heating. If biofuels are produced from waste products, that's even better.
Troy Baisden, Professor (Environmental Sciences), University of Waikato
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An act of God, or just bad management? Why trees fall and how to prevent it
A better understanding of the science behind falling trees – followed by informed action – will help keep us safe and ensure trees continue to provide their many benefits.
Gregory Moore, Doctor of Botany, The University of Melbourne
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DIY habitat: my photos show chainsaw-carved tree hollows make perfect new homes for this mysterious marsupial
For phascogales, tree hollows are getting harder to find. I venture into forests and study how well artificial hollows made with chainsaws can replace them.
William Terry, PhD Researcher, Southern Cross University
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Even without new fossil fuel projects, global warming will still exceed 1.5℃. But renewables might make it possible
Keeping global warming under 1.5℃ is still achievable with rapid deployment of renewables. A new report found solar and wind can supply the world's energy demand more than 50 times over.
Sven Teske, Research Director, Institute for Sustainable Futures, University of Technology Sydney
Sarah Niklas, Research Consultant, Institute for Sustainable Futures, University of Technology Sydney
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