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South Australian Biodiversity Under Threat from Ongoing Drought Crisis

Australian Outback

Three Environment Institute members have featured in The Guardian, shedding light on how South Australia’s historic dry spell is impacting ecosystems. Dr Stefan Caddy-Retalic spoke on widespread tree dieback across the Adelaide Hills, Dr Jess Marsh raised alarms for the critically endangered Kangaroo Island assassin spider, and Dr Katja Hogendoorn warned of a looming collapse in native bee populations.

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Is Australia Ready for a 20-Year Megadrought?

Drought

Australia’s droughts are becoming longer and more intense, new research from Dr Georgy Falster at the University of Adelaide suggests the country could face megadroughts lasting 20 or more years. Supported by an ARC DECRA Fellowship, Dr Falster is taking a holistic approach by combining historical data from tree rings, weather records, and climate models to better understand past droughts and predict future risks. Her work aims to improve national preparedness and ensure droughts don’t become disasters.

[Read more about Is Australia Ready for a 20-Year Megadrought?]

New Methods Discovered to Repurpose Lignin

Lignin and Moss

Environment Institute member Dr Fiona Whelan and Associate Professor Stephen Bell, have developed a new sustainable method to repurpose lignin waste. Using an enzyme from the bacterium Amycolatopsis thermoflava, they’ve created a more environmentally friendly way to break down lignin, a common by-product from forestry. 
 

[Read more about New Methods Discovered to Repurpose Lignin]

Rising Temperatures Linked to Growing Mental Health Burden in Australia

mental health

Environment Institute member Professor Peng Bi has led a landmark study that links rising temperatures to an increasing burden of mental and behavioural disorders in Australia, including depression and anxiety. The data highlights the urgent need for climate adaption, as it projected up to a 50% increased in mental health impacts by 2050 if no action is taken. The peer-reviewed study was published in Nature Climate Change and featured in ABC Online.

[Read more about Rising Temperatures Linked to Growing Mental Health Burden in Australia]

2024 Resilient Youth Report Finds Concerning Decline in Students Connection to Nature

Kids playing in nature

The recently released 2024 Resilient Youth Report by WiLDLab reveals a concerning decline in students' connection to nature. For the first time, the report links this disconnection to student wellbeing, as highlighted by project lead and Environment Institute member Dr Mark Kohler.

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'Steering Sustainability' a FAME Podcast

Steering Sustainability

Join Professor Melissa Nursey-Bray and Dr Ariane Gienger as they dive into the complexities of building a sustainable future in their podcast, Steering Sustainability. Each episode features engaging conversations with leading experts, offering both sobering and hopeful insights into how we can create lasting positive change.

[Read more about 'Steering Sustainability' a FAME Podcast]

Looking back on WOMADelaide 2025

Planet Talks 2025

The Environment Institute presented The Planet Talks at the 2025 WOMADelaide Festival, held on Saturday, 9th March. Taking place at the Frome Park Pavilion, these thought-provoking sessions brought together inspiring speakers to discuss, collaborate, and spark positive change for the environment. Click to listen to both sessions now. 

[Read more about Looking back on WOMADelaide 2025]

Urgent Call to Investigate Kangaroo Deaths on Fleurieu Peninsula

Kangaroos

Associate Professor Wayne Boardman from the University of Adelaide has called for a thorough investigation into the recent deaths of kangaroos on the Fleurieu Peninsula, challenging assumptions that the cause is phalaris staggers and emphasizing the need to consider environmental factors such as toxins and climate impacts.

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Creating Wasted Whey into Opportunity

dairy factory

New research found by Jack Hetherington from the Centre for Global Food and Resources, has discovered innovative ways to repurpose whey, a by-product of cheese production and one of the largest sources of food loss and waste in the Australian dairy industry. 

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Saving Urban Trees

red gum tree sap

Stefan Caddy-Retalic, an adjunct senior lecturer at the University of Adelaide’s Waite Arboretum and an Environment Institute member, comments on thw preservation of the iconic Overbury Drive red gum. He shares his knowledge in urban ecology, gaining attention from major media outlets like The Guardian, Yahoo News, AOL, and MSN.

[Read more about Saving Urban Trees ]

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