Antarctica
The devastating animal pandemic of ‘enormous concern’ to human health
The outbreak has killed millions of birds and half a billion poultry. Increasing cases in mammals – from cattle to polar bears – has WHO worried.
- by Angus Dalton
Latest
Sunburnt seals and penguins? Antarctica’s ozone layer the worst it’s been since 1970s
Seal pups and fledgling penguins could suffer sunburn and skin cancer, and it’s all down to volcanoes and bushfires.
- by Bianca Hall
New ice age: 10 unbelievable Antarctica experiences
From polar camping to exploring in a luxury sub, there’s no time like the present to super-size your visit to the White Continent.
- by Katrina Lobley
Video
Environment
Krill fishing in southern oceans threatens whale populations
Countries, including Australia, are pushing for regulation and more marine parks. (Footage: Sea Shepherd)
How humans are taking whale food and feeding it to cats and dogs
“It’s like a dystopian, post-apocalyptic David Attenborough documentary where you have penguins swimming on one side and a massive trawler on the other.”
- by Caitlin Fitzsimmons
What on Earth is happening to the weather? These charts help explain
Global temperature records were shattered last month and parts of WA recorded the world’s hottest temperature before storms and heat buffeted the east coast.
- by Laura Chung
Could you survive an Antarctic blizzard to look for mud? These scientists had no choice
Dr Richard Jones faced a dilemma: hunker down in the Antarctic wilderness or make a run for it?
- by Laura Chung and Angus Dalton
The ‘once-only’ opportunity to expand Australia’s size by almost 50 per cent
Cabinet documents reveal the Howard government moved quickly to lock in a claim over huge areas of the seabed across the Pacific, Indian and Southern oceans, including key areas off Australia’s Antarctic territory.
- by Shane Wright
How to understand the COP28 climate talks in four charts
As the world gathers for COP28 in Dubai, it is clear that climate change can no longer be viewed as just a “tragedy on the horizon”.
- by Nick O'Malley
Global fossil fuel subsidies double as 2023 expected to be hottest in 100,000 years
Scientists say record-breaking temperatures are making the world a dangerous place for life, with many planetary “vital signs” at extremes.
- by Miki Perkins
Vast Antarctic ice shelves shrinking as ocean warms
Scientists say about 70 of the 160 ice shelves that surround Antarctica have reduced in volume, releasing 7.5 trillion tonnes of freshwater into the ocean.
- by Miki Perkins