The rise of human-generated pollution in the global atmosphere is forcing a change in ocean circulation in the Southern Hemisphere, in turn affecting the region’s weather systems.

The Renewable Development Program under the Climate Change Fund has been boosted to $100 million and is open for expressions of interest until 13 February 2008.

Curtin University of Technology sustainability expert, Prof Peter Newman has welcomed the announcement by the state government that it will be considering a light rail system.

Liyao Zhou, a first-year engineering student from Kensington in Sydney, has won a national design competition.

The first ‘LoveNZ’ recycling bins have been installed in Kaikoura and unveiled by Environment Minister Trevor Mallard.

The Minister for Innovation, Industry, Science and Research, Senator Kim Carr, has announced more than $8 million in grants for two renewable energy projects from the Australian government’s Renewable Energy Development Initiative.

The Butt Littering Trust has consolidated its role as Australia’s leading protagonist in the fight against butt littering with the appointment of its first full-time executive director.

BioVision 2020 has signed an agreement with Mindarie Regional Council (MRC) to build an $80 million waste processing plant in Perth’s northern suburbs.

Australian environment and sustainability conference Enviro 08 will take place in Melbourne 5–7 May, with a conference theme of ‘Facing the Challenge’. It is expected to attract over 6000 delegates and visitors to the conference and exhibition.

An independent national survey has found the recycling rate for plastics packaging has equalled last year's record result and continues to meet environmental improvement commitments.

In a ground-breaking move that will reverberate to Australia, President Bush has signed the energy bill which requires a five-fold increase in the use of transport fuels — most of which will be ethanol.

Nominations for the National and International Thiess Riverprizes, worth a total of $300,000, close March 30.

Environment Minister Trevor Mallard intends to call in two renewable energy development proposals under the Resource Management Act.

Michael Pritchard has introduced the Lifesaver container, a plastic bottle that claims to instantly clean the dirtiest water, making it safe to drink.

Across Australia, the number of people in cities who think the water situation is ‘very serious’ has dropped by more than 7% in the last year, going from 44.1% in 2006 to 36.7% in 2007.