Climate change hits SE Australia fish species

Scientists are reporting significant changes in the distribution of coastal fish species in south-east Australia which they say are partly due to climate change.

Conserving nature and dollars: delivering cost-effective biodiversity protection

A more flexible approach to the expansion of protected area systems could ultimately protect much more biodiversity for the same budget according to a new paper in the scientific journal Nature.

Australia’s first climate change adaptation conference opens next week

The first international conference held in Australia to discuss the science and options for adapting to climate change begins on the Gold Coast on Tuesday 29 June.

‘Citizen scientists’ can aid biodiversity research

Getting a true picture of biodiversity changes in the future may depend on scientists gaining access to the records of ‘citizen scientists’ around the world, according to a paper published today in the scientific journal PLoS Biology.

Remote-access meters can cut your energy costs

A new web-based smart metering system has been developed by CSIRO to enable householders, small businesses and electricity retailers to remotely control energy use over a broadband Internet connection.

Warming could change SA’s weed pests

Hotter temperatures and reduced rainfall in South Australia due to climate change could prompt a period of ‘weed change’ across the state, according to a new report from CSIRO.

New coastal research body to turn science into action

An A$11 million collaboration aimed at helping Australia translate science into practical applications for adapting to climate change, population growth and other coastal pressures will be launched today in Perth.

Survey: cattle graziers' climate change adaptability

The challenges and opportunities for northern Australia's cattle graziers as a result of climate change is the focus of a large-scale CSIRO telephone survey starting today.

New climate index solves south-west WA rainfall riddle

CSIRO and Chinese scientists have developed a new climatic index which provides an answer to a riddle that has puzzled researchers for decades: ‘Why has south-west Western Australia experienced dramatic declines in rainfall since the 1970s?’

Australian agriculture must adapt to climate change

Australian agriculture needs to adapt now to climate change according to a CSIRO book launched today entitled: Adapting Agriculture to Climate Change: Preparing Australian Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry for the Future.

More research into rainfall lows to improve predictions

Factors that influence extra-tropical rainfall depressions near Australia’s east coast need to be given more attention in modelling of both seasonal climate variability and long-term climate to improve rainfall predictions.

Marine ecosystems get a climate form guide

The first-ever Australian benchmark of climate change impacts on marine ecosystems and options for adaptation is being released in Brisbane today.

Sydney climate partnership wins top prize

A team of CSIRO, University of the Sunshine Coast, WWF and Sydney Coastal Councils Group researchers has been awarded a prestigious Australian Museum Eureka Prize for advising Sydney councils about how they might adapt to climate change.

SEQ climate adaptation research a national first

Identifying practical ways for South East Queensland (SEQ) to respond to the impacts of climate change is the focus of a new AU$14 million research initiative announced today.

‘Jellyfish joyride’ a threat to the oceans

Early action could be crucial to addressing the problem of major increases in jellyfish numbers, which appears to be the result of human activities.

Improved climate change projections for SE Asia

Detailed climate change projections for Indonesia, Vietnam and the Philippines are being developed at a workshop in Melbourne this week involving climate scientists from all three countries.

‘Invasive aliens’ threaten global biodiversity

While the implications of climate change for biodiversity have been widely recognised, the insidious effect of invasive alien species (IAS) on global biodiversity stays under the radar.

Climate change may wake up ‘sleeper’ weeds

Climate change will cause some of Australia’s potential weeds to move south by up to 1000km, according to a report by scientists at CSIRO’s Climate Adaptation Flagship.

Scientific sub makes deep-sea discoveries

A four-week expedition to explore the deep ocean south-west of Tasmania has revealed new species of animals and more evidence of impacts of increasing carbon dioxide on deep-sea corals.

King tides – a glimpse of future sea level rise

Tomorrow, beach-goers will get a glimpse of what our coastlines may look like in 50 years, when New South Wales and South East Queensland experience the highest daytime ‘king tides’ forecast for 2009.

Study seeks ‘human fingerprint’ on WA’s climate

A new study will reveal whether major changes to Western Australia’s climate are due to human activities and if they will persist and intensify with increasing greenhouse gas levels.

New Brisbane based CSIRO research hub

Research into climate change, water management and managing Australia's unique ecosystems are some of the world leading CSIRO science to be conducted at the new Ecosciences Precinct at Boggo Road Urban Village, Brisbane, due for completion in 2011.

CSIRO Climate Adaptation Flagship launched

CSIRO launched a multi-million dollar research program in Canberra today which is designed to boost Australia’s ability to adapt to the impacts of climate change.

Report – adapting farming to climate change

CSIRO today released a national overview of climate change impacts and adaptation options for Australian agriculture.

Tropical forest sustainability: a climate change boon

Improved management of the world’s tropical forests has major implications for humanity’s ability to reduce its contribution to climate change, according to a paper published today in the international journal, Science.