Read the latest opinion articles inspired by science.

Dried ground

A 20-year ‘mega-drought’ in Australia? Research suggests it’s happened before – and we should expect it again

Scientists examined computer simulations of Earth’s climate over the past 1,150 years. They found that given enough time, natural variability in Australian rainfall can produce “mega-droughts” lasting 20 years or more.

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Burnt plantation
Tue, 14 Nov 2023

The amount of timber-producing forest burning each year in severe wildfires has increased significantly in the past decade, and threatens industries such as timber milling and paper manufacturing.

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Asteroid Psyche (Illustration)
Wed, 18 Oct 2023

Last week NASA launched a spacecraft to rendezvous with Psyche. The mission will take a six-year, 3.6 billion kilometre journey to gather clues that Earth scientists will interrogate for information about the inaccessible interior of our own world.

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A landscape with wind turbines
Thu, 21 Sep 2023

To shake us out of business as usual, we have to fast-track regulatory change, upskill the workforce, future-proof national infrastructure, embed a zero-waste approach to supply chains and massively boost business investment. Here’s how.

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earth
Wed, 20 Sep 2023

In six out of nine vital life support systems, we have blown well past the safe zone. And we’re now in the danger zone, where we – as well as every other species – are now at risk.

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This illustration shows what exoplanet K2-18 b could look like based on science data.
Thu, 14 Sep 2023

Are we alone? This question is nearly as old as humanity itself. Today, this question in astronomy focuses on finding life beyond our planet. Are we, as a species, and as a planet, alone? Or is there life somewhere else?

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Cat with native bird in mouth
Fri, 08 Sep 2023

Federal Environment Minister Tanya Plibersek has released a draft feral cat management plan, experts explain how the plan could help prevent extinctions of Australian wildlife.

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Strange-looking frog, front-on
Wed, 30 Aug 2023

New research shows that a deadly frog fungus flourishes in cold conditions. Mortality rates in these environments can approach 100% for some frog species.

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Close up of crystal rock structure
Wed, 30 Aug 2023

This new research shows one of the most precise ages ever calculated for an object from space – and the results also cast doubt on some common assumptions about the early Solar System.

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River landscape
Wed, 23 Aug 2023

Federal Minister for Water Tanya Plibersek today announced a new agreement to restore Australia’s largest and most important river basin.

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