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The Urgent Need to Rethink Climate Economics
A new Australian study has found that traditional economic models significantly underestimate the global economic impact of climate change, particularly when considering extreme weather events and interconnected supply chains. Mark Lawrence, Environment Institute member and an expert in climate risk from the University of Adelaide, emphasises that the economic consequences could be even worse than projected.
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How Freshwater Transformed the Coorong's Microbial World
Environment Institute members Chris Keneally and Justin Brookes and their team have conducted groundbreaking research on how floods impact microbial communities in the Coorong Lagoon. Their study revealed that the 2022 flood not only reduced methane-producing microbes but also promoted beneficial bacterial growth, highlighting the vital role of freshwater flows in restoring ecological balance.
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Are we witnessing a major setback for Australia’s nature protection laws?
A new bill introduced to Parliament seeks to limit the federal government’s ability to reconsider past environmental approvals, even when new evidence shows harm. The move is tied to ongoing salmon farming in Tasmania’s Macquarie Harbour, putting the endangered Maugean skate at further risk. Dr Phillipa C. McCormack, Environment Institute Future Making Fellow, explores the consequences in her piece for The Conversation, calling for urgent reform of Australia’s outdated environmental laws.
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2025 Illegal Wildlife Trade Workshop Recap
The Invasion Science & Wildlife Ecology Group at The University of Adelaide hosted the 2025 Illegal Wildlife Trade Workshop at the Shine Dome in Canberra. Over 50 participants attended across the two days, representing a wide range of agencies and organisations, including state government representatives, forensic scientists and tool developers.
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Students Discover New Insects Thanks to Citizen Science
Environment Institute members Dr Erinn Fagan-Jeffries and Professor Patrick O'Connor, in collaboration with Dr Trang Nguyen and Dr Andrew Howe, share in their recently published article for The Conversation how they led "Insect Investigators" project, which uncovered over 3,000 insect species previously unrecorded in the Barcode of Life DNA database. Discover how they successfully engaged students and teachers across regional Australia to help achieve this remarkable scientific milestone.
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FAO Launches Forest Genetic Resources Report
The FAO is launching a major global report on forest genetic resources, highlighting their vital role in climate resilience and sustainable development. Environment Institute Director Professor Andy Lowe contributed to a key chapter exploring tree genetic diversity across global forest ecosystems.
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Reflections of World Water Day 2025
Listen here to Dr Nina Wootton Environment Institute member, and Advisory board member Tim Jarvis AM, environmental scientist and 2024 South Australian of the Year, speak on ABC Radio Adelaide to discuss this challenges faced this World Water Day.
How To Be A “Climate Prepper” 20th Uraidla Sustainability Fair
Professor Andy Lowe celebrated 20 years of the Uraidla Sustainability fair, leading and hosting a panel discussion, identifying ways we can become "Climate Preppers".
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World Water Day 2025 'Glacier Preservation' with Tim Jarvis
This years World Water Day focuses on Glacier Preservation. Tim Jarvis AM Environment Institute Advisory Board member, confronts this crisis head-on through his powerful storytelling: from recreating Shackleton’s Antarctic journey (now on Netflix) to immersive experiences like Thin Ice VR and the 25zero project.
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Blue Carbon Restoration Projects Support the Role of South Australia’s Coastal Wetlands for Climate Change Mitigation
Blue carbon projects offer a powerful solution for both climate change mitigation and biodiversity restoration by revitalizing carbon-rich coastal ecosystems. An interdisciplinary team of researchers at the University of Adelaide, including members of the Environment Institute, have identified legal barriers that may hinder tidal restoration efforts in South Australia. Their latest study highlights how existing laws complicate these projects and the need for policy improvements. To assist stakeholders, they have developed a plain-language guide explaining the relevant laws and policies to support governments, communities, and industries in restoring these vital ecosystems.
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