Some of the big questions about weather, climate, and the atmospheric conditions in remote areas of the world’s oceans will now be able to be answered following the purchase of a dual-polarisation weather research radar to sit atop Australia’s new research vessel Investigator.
Historic vote to improve the sustainability of the international trade of eight species of sharks and rays among the key decisions taken at the CITES wildlife trade summit..
The trading of greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions has recently emerged as one of the most dynamic and promising areas of global environmental governance.
According to the National Dingo Preservation and Recovery Program, scientific experimentation into radio collaring on Fraser Island may have lead to the death of a dingo last year.
Artist Carmel Wallace’s Lake Suite project is a visual and musical interpretation of life around Lakes Mungo, Hattah and Hawthorn in south-eastern Australia. It explores the environmental, social and cultural significance of these lakes with deep connections across place and time. The project includes an artist residency and evolving exhibition over three-weeks at The Art Vault [...]
A year after launching its PLANET 21 sustainable development program, Accor celebrates a major milestone, announcing that Plant for the Planet – the Group’s innovative towel reuse and reforestation project – has planted over 3 million trees worldwide. To celebrate this achievement, Accor hotels around the world are engaging in tree planting exercises to raise [...]
Australians will be happier, safer and healthier if they look after the wildlife in their cities, according to a new scientific study. A review by Dr Richard Fuller of the National Environmental Research Program’s (NERP) Environmental Decisions Hub and The University of Queensland (UQ) shows that having nature close to home and work can boost [...]
How much do we value our natural environment and what can we do to protect and enhance it? Is fresh agricultural produce close to Melbourne important? Do Melburnians really love and value Port Phillip and Western Port bays? The Port Phillip and Western Port Regional Catchment Strategy (RCS) draft has just been released as a [...]
Some of the big questions about weather, climate, and the atmospheric conditions in remote areas of the world’s oceans will now be able to be answered following the purchase of a dual-polarisation weather research radar to sit atop Australia’s new research vessel Investigator.
The Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES) took a landmark decision to regulate the trade of some of the key species used in shark fin soup – something it has failed to do twice in the past. Already placing three key species onto the CITES regulatory appendices was [...]
EMSc (Australia) Pty Ltd, the Australian-based subsidiary of UK-based EMSc, has established a new office in Melbourne to meet the growing demand for its market-leading Powerstar voltage optimisation system in Australia. The decision has been made due to the overwhelming success Powerstar has achieved in Australia over the past few years through direct and indirect [...]
Australia is not doing enough to attract the necessary capital it needs to fund its future energy requirements cautions a publication by KPMG and the Energy Policy Institute of Australia (EPIA). Australia’s Energy Financing Challenge was developed in collaboration with a working group of over 20 senior executives from across the energy and finance sectors. [...]
The trading of greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions has recently emerged as one of the most dynamic and promising areas of global environmental governance.
A report released by the South Australian Environment Protection Authority (EPA) has finally put to rest a common myth about wind farms – that they create dangerous levels of infrasound, or sound too low for humans to hear, that can be harmful to people who live near wind turbines. The EPA’s report found that the [...]
Australian-produced ChargeIQ electric vehicle charger has been given the “green light” by a Victorian Electric Vehicle Trial participant, with the innovation receiving high points for user-friendliness, flexibility, cost-savings and sustainability. Developed by Australian technology company DiUS Computing, ChargeIQ is the only electric vehicle charger used in the Victorian Department of Transport’s recent Demand Response Load [...]
Environment Minister Robyn Parker announced the release of the new NABERS Energy for data centres rating tools, the latest tools in the National Australian Built Environment Rating System. “These new tools include what we believe to be a world’s first for rating the environmental performance of the IT equipment within a data centre,” Ms Parker [...]
Innovative and inspiring social and environmental entrepreneurs can win a tailor-made support package to help expand their business, as part of the 2013 SEED Awards, which open today. The SEED Awards aim to develop the most promising social and environmental start-up enterprises in emerging economies, developing and least developed countries. SEED Award winners will receive [...]
As science-fiction fans around the world gear up to celebrate some of the most popular robots ever created on global Star Wars Day (otherwise known as May-the-fourth-be-with-you Day), CSIRO has released details about its latest crop of robots which indicate advances in ICT research will see closer collaboration between people and robots in the not [...]
Today there are over 6 million (ABS 2010b) people volunteering annually in Australia, representing 36% of the adult population. Volunteering Australia recognises the valuable contribution each individual provides by offering their time, skills and passion, continuing to demonstrate Australia’s proud culture of giving. Volunteering Australia is proud to announce the theme of this year’s National [...]
Rebecca Lee has an alternative to the surging costs of running a petrol car – riding an electric bike. Ms Lee’s passion for sustainable lifestyles and transport led her to starting a small business in Melbourne’s east two years ago selling electric conversion kits for bicycles and building custom elecric bikes. She rides from Warrandyte [...]
Earth Hour launches global 2013 campaign as a platform for outcomes to change the planet.
Although thousands of students ride to school on National Ride2School day on March 22nd, the Ride2School program is working hard to promote riding to school all year round. The Star Rewards and Barrier Buster programs were launched in 2010 to encourage and assist schools in building a long term ‘active travel’ culture. Schools are awarded [...]
You need a bit of height to appreciate the size of a brick factory. You need to get close to appreciate the human cost. From a hill over Duwakot you can see people labouring in the grey mud beneath the towering chimney. Down in the factory you can see the weather beaten faces, deformed hands, [...]
Historic vote to improve the sustainability of the international trade of eight species of sharks and rays among the key decisions taken at the CITES wildlife trade summit..
A world-first scientific study has found that, weakened by microscopic borers, the world’s coral reefs will erode more rapidly as the oceans warm and acidify. This phenomenon, combined with a slower growth of coral reefs due to ocean acidification, may make reefs more vulnerable to storms and cyclones, says Ms Catalina Reyes of the ARC [...]
Our future is inextricably linked to forests. The social and economic benefits they provide are essential to realizing a sustainable century. A key litmus test of our commitment to this future is our response to a growing, global threat: illegal logging and the criminal timber trade. Forests are vital source of biodiversity and livelihoods. More [...]
According to the National Dingo Preservation and Recovery Program, scientific experimentation into radio collaring on Fraser Island may have lead to the death of a dingo last year.
Nineteen percent of the world’s reptiles are estimated to be threatened with extinction, states a paper published today by the Zoological Society of London (ZSL) in conjunction with experts from the IUCN Species Survival Commission (SSC). The study, printed in the journal of Biological Conservation, is the first of its kind summarising the global conservation [...]
Today’s steelmakers have a largely untapped opportunity to make a meaningful contribution to solving the world’s growing waste problem while cutting their own production costs, according to Australian innovator, Professor Veena Sahajwalla, from the University of New South Wales. Delivering the Howe Memorial Lecture – the global iron and steel industry’s most prestigious invited address [...]
Constable Care Child Safety Foundation and South Lake Child Care Centre are the lucky recipients of the Carbon Footprint Reduction Grant, a program for charities and not-for-profits funded by United Community Credit Union and implemented by Carbon Neutral. The aim of the Carbon Footprint Reduction Grant is to assist charitable and not-for-profit organisations to reduce [...]
In a world first study, researchers have developed a way for governments to balance the needs of society and industry with those of endangered wildlife and environments. Work by researchers in the ARC Centre of Excellence for Environmental Decisions (CEED) could help to dispel some of the deep, bitter and long-running tensions between conservationists and [...]
An empty chemical drum may not mean much to most Victorians, but for some passionate volunteers across the state, it’s a vital source of funding for their community. Charities, CFAs, Lions’ Clubs, P&C groups, sporting clubs and Landcare groups in rural towns are joining drumMUSTER to help improve the quality of life and environment in [...]
Australians have long thought that we were good at saving water. A new survey has proven not only that, but also that the majority of city-based Aussies have taken steps to use less water. Perhaps we should be questioning the old addage that rural folk use less water than their city counterparts? 96% of city-based [...]
CSIRO researchers are studying the Torres Strait tropical rock lobster fishery to develop a scientific approach to integrate cultural factors into natural resource management.
Australia’s largest organic group Australian Organic welcomes findings that consumers perceive products labeled as organic to be better for them, because it is. Organic food is not only better because it has been produced without harmful synthetic chemicals; it’s also much better for the environment and the welfare of animals. United State’s Cornell University researchers labeled [...]
Biological Farmers of Australia , Australia’s leading organic body has changed its name to Australian Organic. Australian Organic owns the logo that appears on the majority of certified organic produce in Australia – the Australian Certified Organic ‘Bud’ mark as well as the Organic Growers of Australia or OGA sunflower logo, a certifying trademark for [...]
Consumers are reminded that when they buy organic food they are paying the real costs of real food. A recent study by Suncorp Bank shows there’s an average 79 per cent difference in price between organic and conventional produce. Dr Andrew Monk from Australian Organic (formerly Biological Farmers of Australia, BFA) says there are many [...]
Humane Society International (HSI) is delighted by the announcement from the Australian Competition and Consumer Commission (ACCC) that “free range” eggs are listed as one of their seven priority areas for 2013. ACCC chairman Rod Sims commented that consumers are in the hands of the producer, leading to a particular vulnerability. The on-going concerns about [...]
With global warming becoming a more prevalent issue and more global mitigation efforts and agreements faltering, it is important that businesses, as well as governments, consider how the changing physical environment and low-carbon paradigm may impact them, and crucially, how they can adapt. The UK Department of Environment, Food and Rural Affairs1 found that globally, [...]
Inspired by the legacy of John Muir, the “Father of the National Parks”, responsibletravel.com launched the world’s first online guide dedicated to responsible travel in California, in partnership with Visit California. Highlighting the best responsible tourism activities and destinations in the state, the guide encourages travellers to get out into California’s natural areas; to hike, [...]
Climate change will bring both big opportunities and threats to the fish-dependent nations of the Pacific, international scientists say. While the coral reef fisheries of Pacific islands are likely to take a major hit from warming and ocean acidification, there is potential for well-managed tuna stocks to grow, improving both national food security and economic [...]
Scientists from CSIRO and the University of Western Australia have teamed up with Kimberley Traditional Owners to test a new molecular technique that has the potential to revolutionise the discovery of new species, particularly those living in remote and poorly studied parts of the world. Working in the virtually inaccessible rainforest vine thickets of Australia’s [...]
Sustainable Business Australia and Banksia Foundation join forces for a combined business action voice on sustainability The Banksia Foundation and Sustainable Business Australia (SBA) announced they have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU), which will enable the two organisations to be united by a shared commitment to provide business leadership for sustainable development in Australia. [...]
Starring Bindi Irwin, RETURN TO NIM’S ISLAND is the sequel to the smash-hit 2008 family action-adventure, NIM’S ISLAND. You could win one of 25 double passes to see the movie when it opens for the Easter holidays. To enter visit Ecochick.com – the eco lifestyle website of Eco TV Host, Lara Shannon. Wildlife Warrior, Bindi [...]
Adapting Business to Climate Change
With global warming becoming a more prevalent issue and more global mitigation efforts and agreements faltering, it is important that businesses, as well as governments, consider how the changing physical environment and low-carbon paradigm may impact them, and crucially, how they can adapt. The UK Department of Environment, Food and Rural Affairs1 found that globally, [...]
Climate ‘brings opportunities and threats to the Pacific’
Climate change will bring both big opportunities and threats to the fish-dependent nations of the Pacific, international scientists say. While the coral reef fisheries of Pacific islands are likely to take a major hit from warming and ocean acidification, there is potential for well-managed tuna stocks to grow, improving both national food security and economic [...]
Ningaloo Niño – The story behind the massive 2011 WA marine heatwave
Abnormal climatic conditions in the Indian and Pacific Oceans during the 2010-2011 La Niña event combined to create the extreme marine heatwave seen off the Western Australia coast in 2011, according to new research published in Nature Scientific Reports. Lead author Dr Ming Feng, from CSIRO’s Wealth from Oceans Flagship, says the marine heatwave was [...]
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