In order to avoid devastating climate change we need to reduce global emissions by at least 20 per cent by 2020, and Australia should be leading the way, according to Dr Barrie Pittock.

Australia is not the only country in the world whose economy and environment are threatened by water shortages, writes Colin Chartres.

A review has revealed that there is considerable international support for banning smoking in cars with children - and hitting offenders with higher fines.

A nationwide survey has revealed that one in five companies have no controls in place to protect their employees from workplace hazards, such as sun exposure.

Ocean power technologies will soon be ready for commercialisation, but funding will decide whether they're part of our sustainable future or end up on the scrap heap, writes Tom Deniss.

The world can no longer afford the profligate military consumption of carbon products, writes John Tomlinson.

Research using mock advertising has found that models of average weight worked as well as thin models – and also made people feel better about their bodies.

With clear-cut policies established, Generation 2 biofuels could be a solution to Australia's transport fuels shortage, writes Professor Robin J Batterham.

Experts believe a national biofuels institute could provide the initiative and support that Australia needs to create a viable transport fuel alternative.

The Australian biotech industry needs urgent attention! Don’t feed it when it’s dead, nurture it now and it will prosper, says Dr Anna Lavelle.

If the Government wants more innovative universities it needs to allow them to act independently and creatively, writes Don Watts.

Australia signed a convention 25 years ago and made a promise that we would protect our wetlands – and we’ve failed dismally. We now have a second and perhaps final chance to save these valuable ecosystems, but will we follow through on it, questions Professor Max Finlayson.

The current global financial crisis must not be allowed to detract Australia’s attention from the serious deterioration of the Earth’s atmosphere with its potential effects on future generations, believe Dr Barrie Bittock and Dr Andrew Glikson.

Dr Terry Cutler reflects on the Review of the National Innovation System and how long-term inaction on our failing system is putting Australia’s economic future at risk.

The way scientific research is funded in Australia’s universities puts an excessive emphasis on guaranteed results at the expense of adventurous ideas and major breakthroughs, writes Bryan Gaensler.