Issue 256

Phosphorus: a finite resource essential for life, critical for agriculture and food security

Strategic use of phosphorus fertilisers can ensure higher crop yields. High yields minimise the amount of land devoted to food production, maximise the use of scarce rainfall and help keep food supplies stable and relatively cheap. Getting the balance right is important in an increasingly crowded world.

Australians reach for the stars when it comes to energy efficient homes

Handy access to information is the key to encouraging Australians to go green in construction. But we still have a long way to go in making all homes as energy efficient as possible.

Turning around transport emissions growth

When economists think of the electric vehicle market and how it might turn back emissions they think in terms of fleet share. What will trigger the wholesale switch to electric vehicles in Australia - price, choice, vehicle standards?

Electric vehicles: Are we there yet?

Electric vehicles have the potential to help us cut carbon emissions and pollution, and improve grid inefficiency. While the change here has been slow so far, the advent of lower-cost models and more charging infrastructure could see more drivers plug in.