Environment
Scientists turn to AI to crack the green ammonia riddle
2 July
Australian scientists have developed a way to cut emissions from a major source of greenhouse gas and they turned to artificial intelligence to make it happen. Researchers at the UNSW Sydney revealed on Thursday they had discovered a catalyst to...[Read More]
AI to help stock our pantries … and feed astronauts
2 July
Stored meats, tomatoes and even onions can’t last a few weeks let alone a seven-to-10 month journey to Mars but Australian scientists say artificial intelligence may help bridge the 225 million kilometre gap. Space experiments are among a number...[Read More]
Second wind for long-promised nature law reforms
2 July
Long-delayed reforms to nature protections could be knocked over within 18 months under a timeline mapped out by the federal environment minister. Murray Watt flagged broad support for new national environmental standards, a key ask of the now...[Read More]
Snoring snoozers are biggest losers as world warms up
25 June
In a wake-up call for untreated snorers, researchers have warned that sleep apnoea will become more common and more severe because of global warming. Rising temperatures will increase the severity of obstructive condition and its health and economic...[Read More]
Tax reprieve for farmers as drought declared statewide
4 June
Farmers will be temporarily spared from paying a hiked emergency services levy as drought support is expanded statewide. An extra $37.7 million has been earmarked for drought relief in Victoria as paddocks and dams run dry following low autumn...[Read More]
Clean energy, environment unity ticket on nature laws
4 June
Environment groups and the clean energy industry have found common ground on long-awaited nature law reforms, joining forces to urge the federal government to hurry up and finish the job. The unprecedented alliance between the Clean Energy Council,...[Read More]
Food system’s billions of ‘hidden costs’ a sick outlook
3 June
Millions of Australians are being let down by a national food system that is cultivating insufficient fresh produce, contributing to high obesity rates and diet-related diseases, a first-of-its-kind report has found. The CSIRO report, released on...[Read More]
Climate change demands more blood, prevents collection
23 April
As extreme weather events ramp up across the nation, climate change is also having a devastating impact on the very thing needed to help treat victims. An Australian world-first study into the effect of global warming on blood donations and supply...[Read More]
Small cars show a big thirst for petrol in road tests
12 February
Some small cars have a surprisingly big thirst for fuel, with the latest vehicle road tests showing three popular hatchbacks exceeded their advertised petrol consumption by more than 20 per cent. One popular model consumed 35 per cent more petrol...[Read More]
Exhausted: Australia lags Europe, US on car pollution
11 December
Australians drive some of the dirtiest vehicles in the world, according to a transport study, which found cars Down Under produce more pollution than vehicles in Romania, Croatia and Bulgaria, among others. But the National Transport Commission...[Read More]
Hybrids demoted to make way for electric Uber rides
9 October
Hybrid cars will no longer qualify as “green” vehicles on Uber’s rideshare service in Australia after the tech giant announced changes to prioritise electric cars on its platform. Uber executives announced the changes at a London event on...[Read More]
‘Why not walk?’ Google Maps to roll out green features
24 April
Google Maps will politely pester Australian travellers to take public transport or walk to their destination in one of several of green changes introduced to the service to celebrate Earth Day. Users who still intend to drive to their destination...[Read More]
Nature repair bill passes after Greens agree to deal
6 December
Land owners will be able to be paid to improve the environment on their properties after the Greens struck a deal with the government on its proposed nature repair market. Under the scheme, which passed the Senate on Tuesday, businesses and...[Read More]
One giant leap for agriculture as farmers look to space
15 February
Nestled deep in the industrial and commercial centre of a major metropolitan city, a vertical farm has sprouted indoors and its backers are reaching for the stars. Researchers based in Melbourne’s Docklands are working with the space agency NASA...[Read More]
Electric car tax cuts welcome, more wanted
26 October
Federal budget tax cuts for electric cars and moves to create a national electric vehicle charging network in Australia have been welcomed by motoring and environmental groups overnight. The policies could shave $4700 off the cost of buying an...[Read More]