Environment
Climate change
Big banks face climate heat over ‘carbon bomb’ gas plant
NAB, Westpac and ANZ have drawn stinging criticism from environmentalists for helping to fund a private equity group’s stake in the expansion of Woodside’s controversial gas plant in Western Australia.
- by Miki Perkins and Nick Toscano
Latest
South Australia breaks record by running for a week on renewable energy
Analysts believe South Australia’s more than six-day run on green energy may be a global first for a power grid supporting an advanced economy.
- by Nick O'Malley
Ocean temperatures set heat records, raising fresh concerns for marine life
Warmer oceans will create more intense weather systems, such as storms and tropical cyclones, while greenhouse gases will have an impact on acidity levels in seas, scientists say.
- by Laura Chung
The past seven years were the hottest on record, a new climate report shows
Global temperatures continue to rise despite the cooling La Nina weather pattern, as new evidence shows the pandemic has failed to stem emissions.
- by Nick O'Malley
Surge in NSW coal mine expansions would drive up national emissions
Despite declining demand and efforts to cut greenhouse gas emissions the NSW government is set to decide on a slew of coal mine expansions over coming months.
- by Nick O'Malley
Collaroy Beach a ‘hellscape’ as sand in front of seawall washed away: residents
Beaches along the eastern coastline have experienced heavy erosion and scientists fear climate change will only make these events more frequent and more intense.
- by Laura Chung
The themes that dominated environmental action in 2021
This year, environmentally minded eyes focused squarely on the climate crisis, with the Glasgow summit driving support for quicker action from unlikely quarters.
- by Nick O'Malley and Nick Toscano
Opinion
Bushfires
Don’t let La Nina fool you, Black Summer could be around the corner
In a rapidly warming climate, the recent welcome, replenishing rains are a double-edged sword. What grows fast can also easily, and quickly, dry out then burn.
- by Greg Mullins
Critics pan a plan for the Barrier Reef as bleaching threat rises
Next year a UNESCO team is expected to inspect the reef before voting on its future status. The Australian government has been lobbying for it to be kept off the endangered list.
- by Nick O'Malley
New gas plant for the Hunter Valley gets state approval
A controversial $600 million gas power plant has won NSW government planning approval despite its critics saying it is unneeded and will increase emissions.
- by Nick O'Malley
Eyewitness to climate change
With a warming climate driving weather to new extremes, the Herald’s chief photographer Nick Moir spent much of the year battling giant hail, floods, huge waves and even tornadoes.
- by Nick Moir