Environment Archives

Deadpool fly and other Marvellous new species named

We’ve marvelled at and named 165 new species in the past year. They include a fly named after Marvel character Deadpool.

Environment

Emissions of methane – a greenhouse gas far more potent than carbon dioxide – are rising dangerously

In Australia, methane emissions from fossil fuels are rising due to expansion of the natural gas industry, whereas agriculture emissions are falling.

Croc around the block: a nature inspired design solution

High school student Angela Rofail found a solution for the global issue of building sway and collapse using nature inspired design and a crocodile!

Environment

How drought-breaking rains transformed these critically endangered woodlands into a flower-filled vista

After Queensland’s drought-breaking rain, we surveyed private farmland to find dried-out woodlands transformed into flower-filled, park-like landscapes.

Environment

Virtual expedition: detecting the Kangaroo Island dunnart

Citizen scientists are helping researchers with the recovery of the critically endangered Kangaroo Island dunnart after the bushfires.

Giving our green spaces the green light

Have you changed the way you interact with green spaces like parks or backyards since the pandemic? We want to hear from you.

Something in the water: tracking COVID-19 with every flush

Our scientists are working on a silent but effective stalking operation tracking COVID-19. It involves wading through our waste water.

Environment

Discover new Australian species at home with Bush Blitz

Bush Blitz is Australia’s largest species discovery program where scientists go on expeditions. But they're taking it online this year. And you can help.

RV Investigator checks up on Hobart air quality during COVID-19 shutdown

COVID-19 has grounded RV Investigator until further notice. But scientists are using its advanced atmospheric instruments to analyse Hobart air quality.

Sink or swim: marine debris on land vs seafloor

Our scientists, together with Project Aware and Ocean Conservancy, have conducted the largest global survey of land and marine debris.

Coronavirus is a ‘sliding doors’ moment. What we do now could change Earth’s trajectory

New research reveals which sectors of the global economy fuelled the emissions decline during COVID-19. We have a narrow window of time to make the change permanent.

Environment

Just how hot will it get this century? Latest climate models suggest it could be worse than we thought

The new values are a worrying outcome that no one wants, but one we must still grapple with.

Environment