Home
Search
thewest.com.au
NewsChevron Right Icon

Environment

Above-average rainfall has boosted the nation's environmental report card for 2024. (Dan Himbrechts/AAP PHOTOS)

EnvironmentPremiumEnvironment in better shape overall but threats linger

Australia's environment experienced above-average conditions in 2024 yet temperature extremes and more threatened species suggest there's more to the story.

Poppy Johnston

Not Supplied

ENVIRONMENTWhat made Cyclone Alfred worse

A “decade of inaction” on climate pollution has cost Australians $1.2bn in the wake of Tropical Cyclone Alfred, experts say.

Blair Jackson

Youngs Siding resident Jason Fowler spotted this dead sunfish washed up on southern Lowlands beach.

Aquatic giantCommentsShock discovery on secluded WA beach

Measuring about 2.5m in length and 1.5m in height, the large body of the unique fish can be seen from the lookout 500m away.

Melissa Sheil

Scores of dead fish lined Oyster Harbour after the run-off of soil into the system after heavy rains on Thursday evening.

LOOKS FISHYThousands of dead fish wash up on popular WA beaches

More than 100kg of dead fish has already been removed from the affected areas.

Melissa Sheil

Scientists are using frozen coral babies to help restore climate-damaged reefs. (HANDOUT/Taronga Conservation Society Australia)

EnvironmentPremiumCryo-born corals thrive on reef in win for restoration

Millions of corals born from frozen sperm could one day be deployed on reefs to help them recover from climate change-induced heat events.

Poppy Johnston

Not Supplied

NEWSAussies to be hit by up to 400mm of rain

Australians in one state could be hit with up to 400mm of rain after some areas recorded falls of 211mm in just six hours.

Clareese Packer

Queenslanders have been warned to brace for floods and ‘triple digit rainfall’. Weatherzone.

NEWSFlood warning amid ‘triple digit’ rain

Australians in one state have been warned to brace for more “triple digit rainfall” and potential flooding after falls of more than 240mm were recorded.

Clareese Packer

The beaches have been temporarily closed while an investigation takes place. Facebook

NewsPremiumRevolting reason why beaches closed

Surfers have been warned to stay away from a slew of popular beaches after a “weird” and revolting sight washed up on the shore, leaving scores of people sick.

Alexandra Feiam

Anti-salmon farming protesters want to see an end to the industry in Tasmania. (Ethan James/AAP PHOTOS)

EnvironmentAnti-salmon protest fills beach amid mass farm deaths

More than one thousand people have protested at a remote beach in opposition to salmon farms which have experienced unprecedented mass deaths.

Ethan James

Not Supplied

NEWSPremiumCity turns to worm-like bugs in waste ‘war’

One local council has employed the wriggly, worm-like creatures and their insatiable hunger as part of a push for sustainable waste solutions.

Ria Pandey

Not Supplied

UPDATEDPremiumInferno on city’s fringe under investigation

Authorities are investigating a massive bushfire that prompted midnight evacuations as it ravaged bushland on the outskirts of Melbourne.

Ria Pandey

Qantas boss John Mullen has warned Australia could run out of fuel in about 30 days in the event of a serious geopolitical emergency. NewsWire / Luis Enrique Ascui

NEWS‘Stop’: Qantas boss’ dark warning to Aussies

Qantas chairman John Mullen has issued a stark warning that our way of life could simply “stop” in a serious international emergency.

Duncan Evans

Australian billionaire Mike Cannon-Brookes has released a statement on Linkedin about his new private jet. Supplied

EnvironmentCommentsClimate campaigner defends ritzy private jet

An Aussie billionaire and ardent climate change campaigner has just bought a private jet, but says he feels a ‘deep internal conflict’ about it.

Duncan Evans

Not Supplied

WeatherPremium‘Dangerous’: Millions to cop brutal heatwave

A brutal ‘burst of Autumn heat’ is blanketing the southeast coast of Australia this weekend, with sizzling temperatures exceeding the March average.

Alexandra Feiam

For every kilometre of NT river, there are 25 times more crocodiles than there were 50 years ago. (Dean Lewins/AAP PHOTOS)

EnvironmentPremiumExplosion in croc numbers triggers feral feast fallout

A switch in diet from fish to pork for the Northern Territory's massive crocodile population is having a big environmental impact, researchers say.

Abe Maddison

Climate advocates have come together in Sydney as a report points to Australia's hefty coal exports. (Bianca De Marchi/AAP PHOTOS)

EnvironmentPremiumClimate advocates label Australia a 'petro-state'

In the shadow of Tropical Cyclone Alfred, climate advocates have gathered in the NSW capital for Climate Action Week Sydney to consider a policy response.

Ben McKay

NSW has put new measures in place to stop invasive fire ants making their way from Queensland. (HANDOUT/Invasive Species Council)

EnvironmentPremiumReports of 'rafting' fire ants prompt border crackdown

A temporary ban has been put in place for some products in an attempt to stop "super pest" fire ants from hitching a ride over state lines.

Rachel Jackson

Not Supplied

newsPremiumHeatwave warning as temps near 40C

Millions of Aussies have been warned of severe temperatures as a sweltering heatwave grips the country’s southeast.

Blair Jackson, Alexandra Feiam

Woodside wants environmental approval to run the LNG export plant at Karratha until 2070, but waited six years for the State Government to give the green light.

EnergyCommentsPremiumCME piles on pressure for quick North West Shelf decision

WA’s resources sector is piling on the pressure for the Federal Government to make an urgent decision on Woodside Energy’s North West Shelf after a major buyer threatened to walk away over approval delays.

Daniel Newell

‘In May, the State’s largest race, the HBF Run for a Reason, will use 200,000 water cups to hydrate a record 40,000 participants along the course — equating to 0.6 tonnes of waste, roughly the weight of a small car,’ writes Greg Watts .

opinion
opinion
Greg Watts CommentsPremium
opinion
Don’t run from the waste crisis

As mass participation sporting events like marathon and fun runs grow in popularity, bringing in big charity dollars, the concern is the amount of ugly waste left behind once competitors cross the finish line.

Greg Watts

The High Court has delivered a bombshell ruling in a landmark native title case brought by traditional owners in North East Arnhem Land.

COURTPremiumMajor ruling on landmark native title claim

The High Court has delivered a bombshell ruling on one of Australia’s landmark native title cases, finding the traditional owners are entitled to compensation.

Blake Antrobus

Albany Board Riders president Anthony Moir and Peter Bolt at Middleton Beach.

Construction BeginsConstruction to begin on $13 million artificial surf reef

Construction for the $13 million Southern Ocean artificial surf reef at Middleton Beach is expected to start this month after nearly two decades of community push for the project.

Georgia Campion

A flatback turtle in Port Hedland. Linda Reinhold.

Turtle conservationPremiumToPH revises turtle protection measures following feedback

The Town of Port Hedland has opted for an education-based approach to protect flatback turtles while maintaining public access to Spoilbank and other nesting beaches.

Katya Minns

Not Supplied

NewsPremium‘Extinct’ fish back after nearly 40 years

A fish declared extinct in one state in the 1980s has been resurrected, with hundreds reintroduced to the wild in a major waterway.

Blair Jackson