In this issue


ECOS ECOS
Issue 166



Features

Rabbits' resurgence puts the bush under pressure
Rabbits are back – in increasing numbers, posing a major threat to Australia's recovering landscapes.
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GISERA – deepening our understanding of coal seam gas
Recently, there has been a lot of debate on coal seam gas (CSG) developments in Australia. In this domain, constructive dialogue is being taken over by conflicting facts, opinions and perceptions.
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Climate Change Bulletin: Weather-disaster record in US, IPCC report on extreme events, more evidence for human-induced climate change
While Australia is still recovering from a series of weather-related disasters in 2011, the US National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) has identified a new record for the US, with a dozen billion-dollar weather disasters in a single year.
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Tourist boats interrupt dolphins' daily life
Most humans love to interact with wildlife, especially with charismatic animals such as dolphins. While contact with these creatures is often a unique and incredible experience for us, it is important to realise that ‘watching' activity can have an adverse effect on the dolphins themselves.
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Post-mining rehabilitation doesn’t restore habitat equivalent to that removed by mining
A research case study from the monsoonal tropics of northern Australia indicates that assumptions about post-mining rehabilitation success need to be reviewed.
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The world’s green buildings progress – an interview with Tony Arnel
Tony Arnel is retiring Chairman of the World Green Building Council (WorldGBC), and remains Chair of the Green Building Council of Australia (GBCA). During his term, the WorldGBC has tripled in size and dramatically increased its influence around the world. James Porteous sought his unique perspective on the global green building industry, how it has moved from being ‘boutique' to mainstream in just three years, and what it means for Australia.
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Into the forest
As the International Year of Forests (IYF) draws to a close, ECOS reviews CSIRO's recent contributions to global forest research – beginning with the role of trees in locking up carbon.
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The Burke and Wills expedition – a valuable scientific legacy revealed
Researchers looking into the remaining dispersed – and largely overlooked – records of Burke and Wills' expedition have discovered fascinating and meticulously collected scientific data. The records provide a valuable baseline perspective on Australia's environment 150 years ago, and shed new light on the remarkable achievements of the explorers under extreme conditions.
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In Brief - Round-up of sustainability news

Sustainable innovators recognised and supported
 
 
'State of the World': farming key to less poverty, stable climate
 
 
Acid oceans may harm fish young
 
 
Indigenous elder honoured for protecting country and culture
 
 
Virgin in venture that could seed local bio-crude industry
 
 
Paper cut option won’t hurt offices’ bottom line
 
 
Landfill operators benefit from Carbon Farming Initiative
 
 
Urban estuaries 100-fold weaker as ‘Blue Carbon’ sinks
 
 
Future to bring fewer but fiercer cyclones for WA
 
 
New data on climate change in Himalayas: Earth’s ‘third pole’
 
 
States asked to step up water-planning evaluation
 
 
Race on to counter rust’s threat to the bush and industry
 
 
Record global emissions in 2010, despite GFC
 
 
Chemical regulator restricts weed-killer to protect Reef
 
 
Advisors named for new carbon and biodiversity board
 
 
Australia, US connect on solar energy research
 
 

    

Feature Product

Queensland's Threatened Animals

Queensland's Threatened Animals

A comprehensive and practical guide to Queensland's threatened animals.