Rising CO2 levels are making deserts greener
03 July, 2013 by Lauren DavisSatellite observations from the past three decades have revealed that Earth’s deserts are getting greener. A collaboration between CSIRO and the Australian National University (ANU) has found that this increase in desert foliage is linked to an increase in atmospheric carbon dioxide (CO2) through a process called CO2 fertilisation.
Seabed survey marks next step in wave-energy project
25 June, 2013Wave-energy technology company Ocean Power Technologies Australasia (OPTA) and its subsidiary, Victorian Wave Partners (VWP), have engaged Victorian company Professional Diving Services (PDS) to conduct a detailed seabed survey for the location of VWP’s proposed wave power station off the coast of Portland, Victoria.
Koala knows best when it comes to landscape restoration
24 June, 2013 by Lauren DavisNew research suggests that in some parts of Australia, koalas and other native animals may be best placed to adjudicate whether or not rehabilitation has been successful.
How can broadband help farmers?
24 June, 2013Farming and the digital world may seem like strange bedfellows, but a new CSIRO report has shown that Australian farmers can increase their productivity by taking advantage of smart farming technologies enabled by next-generation broadband networks.
Europe’s environment now healthier - but new risks emerging
12 June, 2013Europeans live longer and healthier lives than in the past, partly due to successful environmental policies that have reduced the exposure to harmful environmental contaminants in air, water and food, according to a new report. However, these contaminants are still a problem, and several new health risks are emerging, for example, from new chemicals, new products and changing lifestyle patterns.
New technique to measure carbon in soil
12 June, 2013Researchers at the University of Sydney’s Soil Security Laboratory have developed the soil carbon bench (SCB) - an instrument which is claimed to determine carbon levels from much larger samples, with greater accuracy and lower cost, than any existing technology.
Conventional tillage damages soil
03 June, 2013A three-year Massey University study has confirmed findings that a significant amount of carbon dioxide is lost into the atmosphere through conventional tillage.
Report on the benefits of Green Star buildings
03 June, 2013A report by the Green Building Council of Australia (GBCA) reveals that Green Star-rated buildings emit around a third of the greenhouse gas emissions and use a third of the electricity when compared with the average Australian building.
CSIRO CEO extends her term
03 June, 2013CSIRO Chairman Simon McKeon has announced (2 June) that Chief Executive Dr Megan Clark has agreed to extend her term with CSIRO to the end of 2014.
International water management research centre launched in China
31 May, 2013Water efficiency, food security and environmental sustainability will be the focus of a new joint research centre between Australia and China which has been officially launched in Beijing.
National Sustainability Council launches Sustainable Australia report
15 May, 2013The National Sustainability Council has used the launch of its first public report to challenge Australians from all walks of life to become involved in a national conversation about the kind of Australia we want for ourselves and future generations.
Creating business opportunities for Africa’s poor key to sustainable development: UNDP report
14 May, 2013Involving low-income communities in markets and businesses across Africa is essential for economic growth to translate into sustainable development, according to a United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) report.
Green cities mean healthier people, says study
16 April, 2013Australians will be happier, safer and healthier if they look after the wildlife in their cities, according to a new scientific study.
Future food security might be as close as the backyard
15 April, 2013Under the increasing threat of climate change, securing the future production and distribution of nutritious, affordable food is looming as a global problem.
Simulations key to emergency and climate planning: report
12 April, 2013Computer simulation and interactive games could help communities and government with climate change adaptation and emergency management, according to a research report by RMIT University.
