Issue 231

Native Australian bees hone in on the prize

Native Australian bees have taken out the prize for Small Publishers' Adult Book of the Year at the 2017 Australian book awards - with some thanks to former CSIRO entomologist Tim Heard.

Reclaiming our rivers from feral carp

Five years ago, ECOS reported on new research investigating the potential for a biological control to manage the problem of carp in the Murray-Darling river system. The ongoing research is now part of a $15m national plan.

Managing carbon emissions in Kenya

Using the same methodology used in Australia's greenhouse gas emissions accounting system, Kenya is now keeping track of its carbon emissions and leading the way in Africa.

Maybe we can, but should we? Deciding whether to bring back extinct species

De-extinction is closer to reality than you think. 'Decision science' can help examine the feasibility of bringing species back and likely impact on existing environmental and species management programs, and help answer those nagging questions: 'Because we can, does it mean we should?', and 'what happens if we do?'

Small farms need protection to safeguard nutrients and diversity

Industrial-scale agriculture that focuses on increased yields might not be the answer to feeding the world's growing population. New research suggests the UN's Sustainable Development Goals require a discussion on quality over quantity, where smaller farms are recognised as the nutrient power house.

Tasmanian irrigators pioneer high-tech, localised water management

Modern technology and old-fashioned community connectedness are transforming irrigation practices in a little corner of Tasmania.

New research centre focuses on the ‘ocean hemisphere’

It is now recognised that the world's oceans play a pivotal role in climate. China and Australia are collaborating with a $20-million investment in a new research centre that will examine the importance of southern hemisphere oceans and how they influence climate change.