The nature of nature

Changing the dictionary definition of nature from “as opposed to humans” to “including humans” would encourage people to use the word in a way that reflects how humans are intertwined with the whole web of life.

How nature matters

Nature is more than just a means to some human end, and the Federal government’s reform of the EPBC Act should recognise the full scope and diversity of nature’s value.

Does nature have rights?

Reform to laws pertaining to the protection of the natural world over offer a chance to reset humanity’s relationship with nature.

Our need for nature

Getting out and about in nature is good for our minds as well as our bodies, and maintaining wild spaces for the public to explore in our increasingly developed cities should be a planning priority.

Protect nature to prevent pandemics

COVID-19 has shown the world that human health and environmental health are intricately linked.

Nature is a public good

As the health of Australia’s environment continues to decline, the federal government is wagering on the ability of private markets to help solve the problem. So is this a wise move? The evidence is not at all encouraging.

Confessions – Visions of beauty: Petaurus breviceps

The sugar glider (Petaurus breviceps) is one of Australia’s most iconic marsupials. Threatened by habitat destruction across its diminishing range, author Mark Nicol recalls encounters with these and other Australian fauna on a once idyllic South Australian wildlife haven.

The fraying patchwork of nature

Relentless land clearing for agriculture, mining and urbanisation is isolating and disconnecting Earth’s protected natural areas from each other, a new study shows.

Surprise! It’s a praying mantis

A new study has for the first time illuminated the evolutionary history of the bizarre anti-predator defence – the praying mantis startle display – and suggests that the element of surprise may be key to its success. 

Limiting the loss of nature

With only about half the Earth’s land remaining covered by natural vegetation, a University of Queensland-led team has proposed an international goal to halt its continued destruction.

Restoring the balance of nature

A group of international conservationists is urging governments across the globe to adopt a new approach to address the impact of economic development on the natural world.

Let’s use our nature strips for nature

Given that more than a third of our public green space is nature strip, many small actions of residents by planting and caring for appropriate trees can add up to substantial positive change for wildlife and the human environment.