Environment
$14m funding boost to make sustainable jet fuel fly
2 October
A proposed facility that could turn agricultural waste into jet fuel has won a $14 million launch boost from state and federal governments. Jet Zero Australia announced the record funding on Friday after commitments from the Australian Renewable...[Read More]
Scientists sweat on warning system for lethal heatwaves
25 September
An early warning system for lethal heatwaves will be able to predict excess deaths months ahead of time, allowing authorities to properly plan for devastating events. That’s according to climate scientists developing the technology, which uses...[Read More]
Nukes flayed as solar boost seized to spruik renewables
25 September
A boost in renewable technology investment is being spruiked as evidence wind and solar power in Australia trumps a plan for nuclear energy. The Clean Energy Regulator is expecting an average of more than 40 per cent of the energy grid to come from...[Read More]
AI-powered satellites to search for Aussie bushfires
18 September
AI-powered satellites could help Australian firefighters identify bushfires early and while they are still small enough for crews to extinguish easily, Google has revealed. The technology giant announced its environmental project called FireSat on...[Read More]
Strengthened environment protections ‘bulldozed’ by PM
18 September
Attempts to better protect Australia’s environment could fall by the wayside after the prime minister refused to support a proposal to assess and block projects that could aggravate climate change. Under Australia’s current environmental laws,...[Read More]
Plum market as trade deal reached with Vietnam
11 September
Horticulture producers say Vietnam is a plum market for their produce, as the Albanese government confirmed the reopening of the Southeast Asian market. After two years of negotiations between the Australian and Vietnamese governments, market access...[Read More]
Devil’s in the detail as threatened species list grows
11 September
Politicians in marginal seats weren’t the only threatened species in parliament. Tasmanian devils, eastern quolls, red-tailed black cockatoos and other animals facing extinction took the political capital by storm on Wednesday. Attorney-General...[Read More]
Making the Most of Your Solar Panels
29 August
Solar energy offers a sustainable and cost-effective solution to powering your home, 12-volt setup, or caravan. The benefits of harnessing the sun’s energy are substantial, ranging from reduced electricity bills to minimising your carbon...[Read More]
More cash to recycle soft plastic after REDcycle fiasco
28 August
The government has thrown more cash at Australia’s capacity to recycle difficult plastics after the spectacular collapse of the REDcycle scheme. Three projects in Victoria will together divert more than 43,000 tonnes of soft plastic from landfill...[Read More]
Chief scientist to lead new methane emissions body
28 August
Australia’s top scientist is set to head a task force on monitoring the country’s methane levels as part of an emissions reduction push. Chief scientist Cathy Foley has been appointed by the federal government to lead an expert panel on making...[Read More]
Green light for Australia’s biggest solar farm
21 August
Australia’s biggest solar farm has been approved with the potential to power three million homes, many of them expected to be in another country. The Sun Cable Australia-Asia Power Link is expected to generate 4GW of renewable energy through a...[Read More]
‘Save our home’: coal mines could cost koala habitat
21 August
Endangered koalas could lose more than 11,600 hectares of precious habitat if the environment minister approves a new generation of coal projects. An analysis by climate and conservation groups details the cumulative impact of 23 new coal projects...[Read More]
Scientists make ‘miracle material’ from microplastic
14 August
Australian scientists have worked out how to turn microplastic pollution into a harder-than-diamonds material in high demand from industries around the world. James Cook University researchers are quietly delighted with their breakthrough and...[Read More]
It’s a girl! Milestone in fight to save ancient fish
14 August
Scientists are celebrating a breakthrough in breeding efforts for an imperilled ancient fish, as salmon farming continues to degrade its only natural home. In a world first, one baby Maugean skate has successfully hatched from a captive-laid...[Read More]
Scientists despair as farmers clear nature hot spot
7 August
A globally significant savanna that supports an array of threatened species is being cleared for agriculture without any scrutiny under environmental laws, scientists say. There’s rising alarm about the extent of unchecked land clearing in the...[Read More]