Issue 284 – Facing the future
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Can precision health deliver on its promises?
Research by CSIRO has identified a looming risk that the emerging precision health industry could exacerbate, rather than fix, current health inequalities.
![An aerial photo of homes in Australia.](https://i0.wp.com/ecos.csiro.au/wp-content/uploads/2021/11/shutterstock_642167575-003-1.jpg?resize=385%2C256&ssl=1)
One million energy rating certificates on Australian Housing Data portal
The Australian Housing Data portal has now collected one million energy rating certificates from Australian homes, giving researchers, regulators, and industry associations an unprecedented snapshot of the energy efficiency of the nation’s housing stock.
![biodegradable straws](https://i0.wp.com/ecos.csiro.au/wp-content/uploads/2021/11/bio-straws.jpg?resize=385%2C256&ssl=1)
Are bio-derived plastics the solution to plastic pollution?
Do you know your biodegradable from your compostable plastics? We give you the rundown on plastic packaging alternatives and their eco credentials.
![An artist's rendition of a green outdoor hub with trees between buildings](https://i0.wp.com/ecos.csiro.au/wp-content/uploads/2021/10/Category-10-Belmont-Hub-small.jpg?resize=385%2C256&ssl=1)
Greening our cities
The urban greening movement is looking at ways to make our urban environment cooler, more comfortable and more socially connected. We spoke to CSIRO Interdisciplinary ecologist Dr Brenda Lin about best-practice urban greening.
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Facing the future of disaster resilience
Extreme events continue to challenge Australians under a changing climate. We explore the role of science in helping build our resilience as we prepare for future disasters and improve our response and recovery.
![spiny lobster](https://i0.wp.com/ecos.csiro.au/wp-content/uploads/2021/11/spiny-lobster-credit-laura-blamey-web-e1637117866134.jpg?resize=385%2C256&ssl=1)
A digital pathway for sustainable fisheries
An online tool called FishPath is paving the way for the sustainable management of fisheries worldwide.
![Close up of two hornworts, one growing flat along the ground, the only spikey.](https://i0.wp.com/ecos.csiro.au/wp-content/uploads/2021/11/hornwort_P9130026-RLP-398.2.jpg?resize=385%2C256&ssl=1)
Three new species of hornworts in Australia
Thanks to high rainfall and the keen eyes of two citizen scientists, Australia has three newly recognised species of hornworts.
![An aerial photo of an open cut mine.](https://i0.wp.com/ecos.csiro.au/wp-content/uploads/2021/11/cover.png?resize=385%2C256&ssl=1)
Critical energy minerals: Mining for opportunities in the energy transition
Our new critical energy minerals report uses the Physical Stocks and Flows Framework tool to look at three EV battery metals (cobalt, lithium and nickel) under three different EV uptake scenarios.