Brown sludge in a creek

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.

Red panda lays on a log

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.

Polar bear standing on ice looking into the water

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.

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.

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.

A factory spurting out smoke

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.

Screen shot from the film wolverine on the left and a wolf spider on the right

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.

New Guinea: most botanically-diverse island in the world

Scientists have researched and described the plants of New Guinea and have recognised it as the most botanically-diverse island in the world.

black and red wasp next to deadpool character

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.

Smoke billows in front of the sun

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!