‘Extraordinary efforts’ needed to stem the tide of plastic pollution
At least one billion people worldwide would be needed to take part in a global clean-up to reduce plastic waste.
Category: Water & Climate
Study: no easy options for MDB water recovery
A new study examining the impacts of water recovery in the southern Murray-Darling Basin has found both buybacks and on-farm efficiency programs result in higher prices.
New analysis reveals where marine heatwaves will intensify fastest
The world’s strongest ocean currents, which play key roles in fisheries and ocean ecosystems, will experience more intense marine heatwaves than the global average over coming decades, according to a paper by researchers from the ARC Centre of Excellence for Climate Extremes at the University…
Plants take in less carbon in a warming world
As world temperatures rise, the rate at which plants in certain regions can absorb carbon dioxide is declining.
Global impact of wildfires to intensify due to human-induced climate change
The global economic and environmental impact of wildfires is likely to worsen as a result of human-induced climate change and land-use patterns, according to a team of international fire researchers.
Some surprises about the degradation of microplastics in our oceans
Not all the news about plastic in the ocean is what we expect. In fact it may be not quite as bad as initially thought. This comes as welcome information as we are celebrating National Science Week with an oceans theme.
Need for prediction of marine heatwaves
Research team highlights need for development of systems to predict marine heatwaves, which are a growing threat to marine ecosystems and industries as the climate changes.
Overlooked blue carbon found in kelp forests
Researchers from The University of Western Australia have discovered that Australia’s biggest reef may act as a substantial carbon sink, containing the carbon equivalent of annual emissions from one million Australians while also removing the emissions of almost 100,000 Australians from the carbon cycle each…
International analysis narrows range of climate’s sensitivity to CO2
The most advanced and comprehensive analysis of climate sensitivity yet undertaken has revealed with more confidence than ever before how sensitive the Earth’s climate is to carbon dioxide.
How hot are the next 5 years likely to be?
The annual mean global temperature is likely to be at least 1° Celsius above pre-industrial levels (1850-1900) in each of the coming five years (2020-2024) and there is a 20% chance that it will exceed 1.5°C in at least one year, according to new climate…
Bores’ lasting effect on landscape
Artificial watering points in rangelands are posing an increasing threat to surrounding biodiversity long after the removal of livestock, according to University of Queensland research.
Understanding sea larvae is key to managing marine systems
An international study led by Monash University scientists has found that the distance travelled by marine larvae is dictated by both biological and physical constraints – contradicting previous hypotheses based on biology or physics alone.