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Issue 298: February 2023

Eyes on the environment

From navigating climate change to tackling toxic contaminants - our scientists are responding to the biggest environmental challenges we face in Australia and overseas.

In this issue, learn about some of the innovative technologies that are being used in response to these pressures to monitor our environment, including climate change model projections and game-changing eDNA technology. We also cover some exciting new waste initiatives in development, including managing the growing problem of polystyrene waste.

We hope you enjoy the latest sustainability stories from CSIRO.

Unravelling ENSO mysteries on ice

A new study reveals that projected changes in the tropical Pacific can influence the Southern Ocean: specifically, an increasingly stronger El Niño may accelerate the melting of Antarctica’s ice shelves and ice sheets.

Revolutionising environmental monitoring using eDNA

Environmental DNA (eDNA) is a game-changer for monitoring biodiversity. New Australian/New Zealand guidelines for working with eDNA will support end-users taking up this exciting technology.

Meet the scientist helping Australia and India tackle common water quality challenges

CSIRO environmental toxicologist Dr Anu Kumar is leading a project tracking pollutants in the Ganges.

Radioactive waste isn’t going away. We’ve found a new way to trap it in minerals for long-term storage

We have invented a fast process to capture radionuclides from liquid waste for disposal and long-term storage.

Solving the polystyrene problem with science

Our scientists are working on a ground-breaking portable device to upcycle polystyrene into high-value raw materials with zero waste.

Sweet opportunity for Australian mushroom growers

Queensland’s sugar cane industry already produces around 95% of Australia’s sugar – but thanks to a new collaboration facilitated by CSIRO, it’s also fertile ground for home-grown exotic Asian mushrooms.