Environment Archives

Environment

We accidentally found a whole new genus of Australian daisies. You’ve probably seen them on your bushwalks

This stroke of serendipity shows how much there is still to be learned about the natural history of Australia. Surely more surprises are out there waiting for us.

Environment

Meet the researcher: Dr Oliver Mead

Meet Dr Oliver Mead. We chat about his lichen research, what a day in the life is like, and some of the surprising benefits of fungi.

Environment

Buzz word: Indigenous students name new wasp species

A new wasp species has been proudly named by a group of Indigenous students.

Scientists solving Vietnam’s environmental challenges

Australian and Vietnamese researchers are teaming up to tackle Vietnam’s biggest environmental challenges.

How bushfires and rain turned our waterways into ‘cake mix’, and what we can do about it

After the Black Summer bushfires, heavy rains extinguished many fires but turned high quality water in our rivers to sludge. This is how we can better prepare for next time.

Balancing global food demands and biodiversity

New research shows we can feed the world and bend the curve on biodiversity loss, looking after animals and plants into the future.

Environment

Earth may temporarily pass dangerous 1.5°C warming limit by 2024, major new report says

The report by the World Meteorological Organisation shows that with large and rapid emissions cuts, we can still avoid the most severe climate change. But worryingly, we also have time to make it far worse.

Environment

El Niño-Southern Oscillation: five things to know about this climate phenomenon

Climate experts say we should strap ourselves in for La Niña! But what exactly is this climate phenomenon, forming part of the El Niño–Southern Oscillation cycle?

Earth Challenge 2020: the app to map plastic pollution

Our research is being used for the Earth Challenge 2020 citizen science app to generate a global picture of how much plastic pollution there is.

Environment

From Kangaroo Island to Mallacoota, citizen scientists proved vital to Australia’s bushfire recovery

A scientist can be you, your children or your parents. We show how citizen science can help in our bushfire recovery efforts.

Environment

Carbon dioxide levels over Australia rose even after COVID-19 forced global emissions down. Here’s why

Throughout the pandemic, atmospheric carbon dioxide (CO₂) levels continued to rise. Our scientists at the Cape Grim Baseline Air Pollution Station explain why.

Environment

From superheroes to the risqué: 5 scientists tell the stories behind these species names

From a Hugh Jackman-esque spider to honouring traditional Indigenous words, these species have memorable names.

Environment