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The bunker dilemma: navigating safety in bushfire-prone regions

Bushfire

As bushfire seasons intensify across Australia, the discussion surrounding safety measures for residents in high-risk areas becomes increasingly critical. In South Australia, the ban on private fireproof bunkers has sparked debate, especially as neighboring Victoria embraces similar structures. This regulatory divide raises important questions about the best ways to protect families from the devastating impacts of bushfires.

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Welcome new Environment Institute Manager

We are delighted to welcome to the team our new Environment Institute Manager, Dr Marina Delpin, PhD. 

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Scheme Round 1, Discovery Early Career Research Award 2025

Two pairs of hands, one holding the Earth, the other holding a tree in soil

Exciting news! On Saturday (24 August), the Australian Research Council announced the outcomes for Scheme Round 1, Discovery Early Career Research Award 2025. 

[Read more about Scheme Round 1, Discovery Early Career Research Award 2025]

Innovative marine research: sea lions as underwater explorers

Sea lion

 The vastness of our oceans holds countless mysteries, with much of the seabed remaining uncharted and unexplored. Nathan Angelakis, researcher at the University of Adelaide, highlights a staggering truth: “For most of the ocean, we don’t know what the bottom looks like.” To tackle this challenge, Angelakis and his team turned to an unlikely set of underwater explorers—Australian sea lions named Daphne, Phoebe, Iris, and Pasithea.

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Tech forest detectives: the fight against black market timber

Deforestation, logging

The trade in black market timbers has escalated into a multibillion-dollar industry, ranking as the third most profitable cross-border crime after counterfeiting and drug trafficking, according to Interpol. This illicit activity is wreaking havoc on critical forests, threatening biodiversity, and undermining international sanctions, all while devastating the lands and livelihoods of indigenous communities. However, authorities are now fighting back with innovative technology and dedicated efforts to combat this growing threat.

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Reason for Hope Tour | Dr Jane Goodall | Fireside Chat

Reason for Hope Tour | Dr Jane Goodall | Fireside Chat

Professor Andrew Lowe, EI Director, had the privilege of spending time on stage with living icon Dr Jane Goodall during a public lecture as part of the The Jane Goodall Institute Australia's Reasons for Hope Tour in Adelaide during July. 

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2024 SA Climate Leaders Awards

2024 SA Climate Leaders Awards

Congratulations Kate Delaporte, Stefan Caddy-Retalic, Eleanor Dormontt and team at the University of Adelaide's Waite Arboretum for being awarded winners of the Research and Education category of the 2024 SA Climate Leaders awards.

[Read more about 2024 SA Climate Leaders Awards]

Designing healthier cities with good bacteria

Photo of a tree

The urbanisation of towns could be contributing to poor health outcomes in our communities, research from the University of Adelaide and Flinders University has found.

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Recent Celebration of World Environment Day at Urrbrae House

To celebrate World Environment Day in 2024, the SA Division of the United Nations Association of Australia hosted an event in historic Urrbrae House at the Waite Campus of the University of Adelaide and invited three people to speak on the UNESCO World Heritage nomination for the Flinders Ranges region.

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The Moa's legacy: lessons for conservation in New Zealand

The Moa's legacy: lessons for conservation in New Zealand

New research from Jamie Wood and team shows that ancient moa refuges now host other endangered native flightless birds like takahē and kākāpō, despite these areas being less than ideal.

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