Environment
Climate change
Money is flowing into renewables. So why is it so hard to switch off the lights at Eraring?
Even as NSW considers keeping the Hunter Valley power station open, critics say one department is standing in the way of alternatives.
- by Nick O'Malley
Latest
Analysis
Energy
Where there’s smoke there’s ... NSW Labor preparing us for coalkeeper
The only thing that upsets climate and energy ministers more than the risk of climate change is the threat of blackouts, so get used to more coal.
- by Nick O'Malley
Sydney’s running out of water, and we haven’t been paying attention
Greater Sydney’s population will grow to 8.3 million people by 2056, with an estimated increase in annual water demand of 50 to 65 per cent, or up to 360 gigalitres per year – that’s 144,000 Olympic-sized swimming pools.
- by Laura Chung
Government concedes bonds will be hit by climate in legal settlement
Climate activists have scored another win in an ongoing wave of court cases against governments. This time they targeted the bond market.
- by Nick O'Malley
‘Blissonance’ effect as Melbourne’s early spring signals hot, dry summer
Spring has sprung early. That’s not a good thing. After record-breaking summer temperatures and fires in the northern hemisphere, Australia’s warm winter and early spring are harbingers of summer heatwaves.
- by Miki Perkins, Laura Chung and Alex Crowe
Opinion
Electric cars
10,000 reasons why electric vehicles won’t ‘end the weekend’
I’ve just driven an electric ute more than 10,000 kilometres through regional Australia. Here’s what I learnt.
- by Ben Lever
Not a single emperor penguin chick survived spring in parts of Antarctica
Emperor penguin chicks at four out of five colonies in Antarctica did not survive the spring of 2022, prompting fears for the animal’s future.
- by Laura Chung
Pacific leaders tackle Bowen over fossil fuels during Fiji visit
As Australia seeks to shore up support to co-host a United Nations climate conference with the Pacific in 2026, some elders are pushing back on our coal and gas exports.
- by Nick O'Malley
Ever wondered what it’s like to sail on Greenpeace’s iconic Rainbow Warrior?
No longer on the “radical flank” of environmental activism, the storied ship still has clout.
- by Miki Perkins and Eddie Jim
Fighting, not sinking: The Pacific plea for Australian climate action
As heat records tumble and the sea level rises, Fijians on the front lines of the Pacific climate crisis want Australia and other global emitters to do more of the heavy lifting.
- by Miki Perkins and Eddie Jim
Welcoming the Pacific Political Climate Champion
Tuvaluan Minister of Finance and Climate Seve Paeniu, arrives in Salia, on Kioa, Fiji.