International: All stories
Business picking up the pace ahead of Paris summit
16 Nov 2015
Twelve Australian companies last week committed to strong measures to tackle climate change at the Australian Climate Leadership Summit in Sydney.
Cash is key to success at Paris climate talks
9 Nov 2015
A former key figure in UN climate change policy-making says economists now see that development without destroying the environment is the only way forward.
As drought looms, the Murray-Darling is healthier
9 Nov 2015
Water markets have made it easier for irrigators and other water users to operate in Australia's Murray -Darling Basin.
What in the world's going on ...
9 Nov 2015
* Pacific Islands make last-ditch plea before Paris * Obama rejects Keystone XL pipeline * Canada gets first climate change minister * IMF to factor climate risk into forecasts * Renewable energy to double in major economies by 2030 * Clean energy investment fell by 31% under Tony Abbott * Goldman bets $150b on being green * Tesla buoyed by third-quarter results * State now produces all electricity from renewables
Life in the pedestrian fast lane is no life at all
9 Nov 2015
Everyone has experienced it. Striding along in a purposeful hurry, your progress is thwarted by a slow-moving pedestrian, dawdling along the pavement. Perhaps they’re talking into their mobile phone, looking lost or just plain taking their time. It can drive you mad.
Big Aussies signal quit-carbon commitments
2 Nov 2015
Companies representing a significant chunk of the Australian stock exchange will this week announce new commitments to fighting climate change.
How to build a city fit for 50deg heatwaves
2 Nov 2015
The Persian Gulf is already one of the hottest parts of the world, but by the end of the century increasing heat combined with intense humidity will make the region too hot for habitation, according to research published in Nature Climate Change.
Plantation boom broken, so let’s go carbon farming
2 Nov 2015
In the rolling hills of Victoria’s Strzelecki Ranges, among paddocks of pasture and potatoes, stands a simple steel monument to the world’s tallest tree.
What in the world's going on ...
2 Nov 2015
* MEPs vote to cap some agricultural emissions, but not cow burps * World's climate pledges not yet enough to avoid dangerous warming * VW's ‘dieselgate’ puts spotlight on electric cars in Germany * Low oil prices take a toll on Royal Dutch Shell * India invites 110 nations to join solar alliance * Texas, California lead US in carbon emissions
Is holding back on climate change a political liability?
27 Oct 2015
Climate reformers woke up last Tuesday with a reason to smile. North of the 49th parallel, Canadian voters turfed out the decade-old government of Stephen Harper.
Humanity at climate crossroads, warns Stern
27 Oct 2015
Lord Stern, an expert on the economic impacts of climate change, says the stakes have never been higher for radical action to be agreed at the Paris summit.
Hurricanes wreak economic havoc as world warms
27 Oct 2015
Analysis of insurance data convinces environmental economists that climate change is pushing up the cost of dealing with the disastrous effects of extreme weather events.
What in the world's going on ...
27 Oct 2015
* One month to Paris, nations cannot agree on meaning of decarbonisation * Paris climate deal unlikely to need Senate approval, says US envoy * Europe entering the era of ‘precision agriculture’ * Norway’s oil-rich capital first to divest from fossil fuels * Sanders calls for investigation of ‘potential corporate fraud’ by Exxon * Who’d buy a coal mine? Two very different bids
Red-hot summer means blue-green algae
27 Oct 2015
Australia is in for a hot, dry summer as the El Niño takes hold. Those conditions are ideal for blue-green algae to bloom in lakes, ponds and reservoirs.
Wages set to fall unless warming is tackled
27 Oct 2015
Researchers say the economic costs of failing to take action on climate change will be much greater than previously thought – with average global incomes cut by almost a quarter.
Climate cash flow to poorer nations still too slow
19 Oct 2015
Rich countries are failing to fulfil pledges to make billions of dollars available to help the developing world to tackle climate change.
Why some companies are becoming green activists
19 Oct 2015
Clothing brand Patagonia gives 1 per cent of its sales “to support environmental organisations around the world”.
Europe faces a big chill, warn climate scientists
19 Oct 2015
Double jeopardy as the slowing of ocean currents threatens to combine with global warming to create scenes resembling those in the movie The Day After Tomorrow.
What in the world's going on ...
19 Oct 2015
* Antarctic ice sheets face catastrophic collapse * Bonn set for fireworks as UN climate talks resume * Toyota aims to nearly eliminate gasoline cars by 2050 * Norwegian PM demands global carbon price * Even coal-mining giants want climate deal * Rising numbers of Americans believe climate science
Early action could see voluntary carbon market
12 Oct 2015
A voluntary carbon market could emerge in Australia as early as 2017, an analyst says.
Is Turnbull the man to clean up the climate mess?
12 Oct 2015
Australia’s climate policy is messier than a teenager’s bedroom, but is new Prime Minister Malcolm Turnbull, who visits New Zealand this week, the man to tidy it up?
It's time for the hard work to begin
12 Oct 2015
Recent trips by President Obama highlight the costs of adapting – or responding – to climate change that we are paying today and will pay tomorrow.
Climate change ups danger for urban heat islands
12 Oct 2015
Scientists warn that densely packed cities face even greater health hazards as greenhouse gases continue to push up temperatures.
Solar tops renewables in Australia
12 Oct 2015
Solar photovoltaic became Australia’s largest source of renewable energy in 2014, a new report shows.
What in the world's going on ...
12 Oct 2015
* World's oceans facing biggest coral die-off in history * UN releases 20-page negotiating text for climate deal * Cars, aviation, steel ... the stranded assets risk spreads * California governor signs 50% renewables pledge into law * Vulnerable nations unite to step up calls for climate finance * Southeast Asia coal use to triple – IEA * UN climate change panel elects new leader * EU heating strategy draft favours renewables
Auction 2 could see contracts total worth $1b
5 Oct 2015
The second round of Australia’s Emissions Reduction Fund auction may see up to $1 billion worth of contracts entered into for the delivery of emissions reductions from land-use and high-emitting companies.
Climate change threatens financial crash, says banker
5 Oct 2015
The world’s most influential banker says an orderly switch from fossil fuels to renewables is needed to avoid turmoil on world stock markets.
Islands play vital climate change role, says UN chief
5 Oct 2015
Pacific island nations have a crucial role to play in efforts to advance a sustainable future, Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon told the region’s leaders as they met at United Nations Headquarters.
A 21st century government must care for nature
5 Oct 2015
Australia’s new prime minister, Malcolm Turnbull, has announced what he calls a “21st century government”. This article is part of The Conversation’s series focusing on what such a government should look like. John Woinarski and Stephen Garnett report:
Australian states threaten to go back to the future
5 Oct 2015
China has added itself to the list of countries prepared to price carbon. Of course, Australia knows more about putting a national price on carbon than almost any other country. And it also knows about dismantling such a price.
Global experts talk low-carbon economy
5 Oct 2015
International experts and institutions managing more than $1 trillion in funds gather in Melbourne this week talk about accelerating the shift to a low-carbon economy.
What in the world's going on ...
5 Oct 2015
* The highs and (mostly) lows of Shell’s failed Arctic adventure * Climate pledges by 140 countries will not be enough * India unveils climate change plan * Netherlands enters appeal against climate ruling * Offer investors in booming renewables security, says IEA * Volkswagen to refit cars affected by emissions scandal * Europe’s largest solar park connected to the grid * Blame an FAA blunder for the lack of electric planes
Remote Queensland solar plant makes a mark
5 Oct 2015
Australia’s first commercial diesel-displacement solar plant has begun operating at a remote mine in northern Queensland.
China unveils trading plan and joins hands with US
28 Sep 2015
China, the world’s largest carbon polluter, has reiterated its carbon trading commitment and has pledged $3.1 billion in climate financing to assist developing countries.
UN adopts bold new sustainability goals
28 Sep 2015
The United Nations General Assembly has adopted a set of bold new global goals, which Ban Ki-moon hailed as a universal, integrated and transformative vision for a better world.
Forests move centre stage in India’s climate plan
28 Sep 2015
India, the world’s third-largest polluter, is planning to balance development with environment protection as it tackles climate change.
What in the world's going on ...
28 Sep 2015
* Q&A: Obama opens up on climate change * Pope to Congress: Act on issues of life and death, including climate * Shell accused of strategy risking catastrophic climate change * BP tops the list of firms obstructing climate action in Europe * Fading coal industry in China may offer chance to aid climate * Renewable energy outstrips coal for first time in UK electricity mix * Brewery turns utility into Texas-size solar art
Turnbull should go back to his old climate self
21 Sep 2015
No more “stop the boats” or “axe the tax”. In announcing his challenge to Tony Abbott, Malcolm Turnbull promised to take Australian politics away from the mantrafication of policy by three-word chant.
Let’s take the market out of conservation
21 Sep 2015
For years, scientists and environmentalists have debated the best ways to conserve and protect natural resources from pollution and over-exploitation.
What in the world's going on ...
21 Sep 2015
* Australian homes among first to get Tesla's Powerwall solar-energy battery * Ministers unite on mandate for Paris climate talks * Canada having a green energy boom — with or without PM Harper * Pakistan ordered to enforce climate law by Lahore court * Migrant crisis: 'If we don't stop climate change, what we see now is just the beginning' * Cameron gives top environment policy job to oil man ahead of major climate talks * Volkswagen just re-released everyone’s favourite hippie-van …...
Australian climate turns up heat on tennis stars
21 Sep 2015
Study of Melbourne weather records shows that temperatures have been steadily rising – especially during the Australian Open tennis championship.
Climate change efforts are hurting Africa’s rural poor
21 Sep 2015
In recent years there has been significant movement toward land acquisition in developing countries to establish forestry plantations for offsetting carbon pollution elsewhere in the. This is often referred to as land grabbing.
Canberra climate boss quits over 'hostile' minister
14 Sep 2015
The chairman of Australia's Climate Change Authority, Bernie Fraser, has quit – apparently after a long period of bad relations with Environment Minister Greg Hunt.
... so, where does the authority go from here
14 Sep 2015
Bernie Fraser’s resignation as chairman of Australia’s Climate Change Authority has left many wondering what is left of it and what its future might be.
Copenhagen chair fears Paris talks outcome
14 Sep 2015
At the world’s last blockbuster climate summit, in Copenhagen in 2009, the person in the president’s chair was former EU climate commissioner and Danish environment minister Connie Hedegaard.
We need cities to make the most of urban ecosystems
14 Sep 2015
Back in 1839, public health expert J. F. Murray published his article The Lungs of London, in Blackwood’s Edinburgh Magazine. Even then, city dwellers appreciated the advantages of open, green spaces.
What in the world's happening ...
14 Sep 2015
* Australian solar farms given $350m push * Civil aviation falling short of climate commitments * Southern Ocean showing revival in carbon absorption ability * Israel's 300 days of sun no help as offshore gas eclipses solar * Low-carbon cities are a $17 trillion opportunity * Russia orders all fuel stations to have charging stations * Small countries lead way on green land use pledges * Mostly female anti-poaching unit wins environmental prize
Australia’s new cap a trading scheme in all but name
7 Sep 2015
The Australian Government has released its final draft for a cap on greenhouse gas emissions. The “safeguard mechanism” will form part of the government’s central climate policy, and will fine large businesses for exceeding emissions baselines.
Clean water musn't send climate targets down the gurgler
7 Sep 2015
Much of the world still lacks clean, safe water. Progress on sanitation is falling far short of the United Nations' Millennium Development Goals.
Top musicians release love song to Earth
7 Sep 2015
Internationally renowned artists have released a song urging world leaders to reach a global agreement during the Paris climate conference in December to limit the impacts of climate change.
Oil refinery fire at key Victoria facility
16 Apr 2026
Explosions and towering flames were reported as a significant fire broke out at one of Australia’s major oil refineries.
Trump takes a ‘wrecking ball’ to independent scientific advisory board
Thu 30 Apr 2026
Without the impartial oversight of its board, the National Science Foundation is now “fully at the behest of the White House,” experts warn.
China’s leadership calls for ‘strict control’ of fossil fuels
Tue 28 Apr 2026
Chinese government leaders published a policy document on 22 April – Earth Day – calling for stricter controls on fossil-fuel consumption and greater oversight of heavy emitters.
EU faces ‘China shock’ as EV imports drive Beijing’s record surplus with bloc
Fri 1 May 2026
The EU is experiencing a prolonged “China shock” as a flood of Chinese EVs into Europe helped push Beijing to a record surplus with the bloc.
UK scientists to fire salt water into the sky in bid to tackle climate crisis
Fri 1 May 2026
Government supporting new geoengineering techniques as race against unregulated companies seeking to capitalise on need for climate cooling tech heats up.
Canada, Alberta close in on carbon price agreement, sources say
Wed 29 Apr 2026
Canada and Alberta are expected to strike a deal in the next two weeks that will increase the price on carbon for the province's industrial emitters, but a broader agreement to tackle oil sands greenhouse gases and green-light a new crude oil export pipeline remains elusive.
India submits new climate action pledges to UN body, flags condition to fulfil promise
Wed 29 Apr 2026
India has formally submitted its pledge to the UN climate body, underline importing conditions noting the developing countries' committments cannot be fulfilled without adequate support in terms of finance and technology transfer.
Tuvalu to host world leaders before COP31 summit
16 Apr 2026
Tuvalu, the Pacific nation at the forefront of the global climate crisis, will host a special meeting of world leaders before this year’s Cop31 summit, as the conference president expresses “complete faith” in Chris Bowen to lead tough negotiations.
Drowned chicks and food scarcity: Emperor penguin and Antarctic fur seal now endangered
13 Apr 2026
The primary drivers are shrinking sea ice and warming oceans driven by climate change.
Rationing power and diluting petrol – how African countries are coping with effects of Iran war
30 Mar 2026
Countries across Africa have taken measures such as diluting petrol and restricting electricity consumption to cope with the fuel crisis triggered by the US and Israel's war in Iran.
Beef production drives 40% of agriculture-linked forest destruction, Brazil leads
26 Mar 2026
Beef production is the leading driver of agriculture-linked deforestation, accounting for 40% of all forest clearing done to open space for food production, according to details of a study released on Tuesday.
Extreme heat threatens global food systems, UN agencies warn
23 Apr 2026
Extreme heat is pushing global agrifood systems to the brink, threatening the livelihoods and health of more than a billion people, according to a new report by the U.N.'s food and weather agencies.
