Articles relevant to CBA research interests and activities

• Theory of evolution Brief explanation of the theory of evolution, and the misunderstandings that causes its sometimes controversial reputation.
• Listen and learn: The language of science and scepticism Clarifying several terms used in scientific speech.
• What is biodiversity and why does it matter? Explanation on the importance of biodiversity and some suggested resources for helping to protect it.
• Wilderness, and why it matters Explaining the value of the Tasmanian 'wilderness zones'.
• Extinction: just how bad is it and why should we care? An explanation of the current extinction crisis and its future impact.
• What is biological classification? An explanation of biological classification and taxonomy.

Climate Change

• Past, present, future: how human evolution and climate are linked A look at the relationship between human civilization and the planet's climate.
• Mass extinctions and climate change: why the speed of rising greenhouse gases matters An analysis of past extinction events that had been brought on in some part by high levels of carbon dioxide, and what we can (or can't) learn from them.
• It's true: 97% of research papers say climate change is happening A statistical analysis of climate change consensus within the scientific community.
• Radical overhaul needed to halt Earth's sixth great extinction event An argument for the case that we are in a mass extinction event, how this will effect life on earth, and what we can do about it.
• Climate change is affecting all life on Earth - and that's not good news for humanity An article that gives examples of the small ways in which organisms are changing due to climate change and what that means for humanity.

Indigenous conservation and land management

• Remote Indigenous communities are vital for our fragile ecosystems Indigenous Protected Areas in remote sections of the country contribute greatly to preserve Australia's unique biodiversity.
• Indigenous ranger programs are working in Queensland - they should be expanded The Queensland Indigenous ranger program has done a lot of good of indigenous communities and local ecosystems, but proportionately, they should be doing more.

Invertebrates and Microscopic Organisms

• Don't overlook what's underfoot - save the bugs and germs 95% of organisms are generally too small for us to notice, but that doesn't mean they aren't important parts of Australia's ecosystems.
• Even 'environmentally protective' levels of pesticide devastate insect biodiversity It's been found that 'safe' levels of pesticide use in Australia and Europe are still causing a regional loss of biodiversity in non-pest insects. It is necessary to find a way to protect both crops and insects.
• Ignoring invertebrate conservation is simply spineless It's no secret that humans don't view invertebrates with the same compassion we may give to larger animals, but they're a part of our world's ecosystem. We will need to establish empathy for them going forward.

Policy and Conservation

• By slashing environment spending, the government is slashing opportunities The environment is an important part of Australia, and cutting funding for environmental spending may have many detrimental effects on the Australian lifestyle.
• Australia is underfunding biodiversity conservation Many countries do not spend enough on biodiversity conservation, but Australia is doing worse than most. 
• Australia among the world's worst on biodiversity conservation Australia is not doing well when it comes to biodiversity conservation - which is why we should not be defunding things like the Long-Term Ecological Research Network (LTERN).
• A 21st-century government must care for our nature and our future Prime Minister Turnbull wants a '21st century government' for Australia. What would that look like in terms of environmental conservation?
• More than 1,200 scientists urge rethink on Australia's marine park plans Scientists have come together to voice their dissatisfaction with the new marine park plans.
• Government needs to front up billions, not millions, to save Australia's threatened species Saving Australian threatened species is going to cost more than is currently getting spent, and we need to broaden our perceptions of what is worth saving.
• Australia's species need an independent champion The new Threatened Species Commissioner needs to look out for the organisms best interests - and be unbiased in policy.
• Science can influence policy and benefit the public - here's how When scientists and policy makers listen and give each other what they need, the environment benefits. Here is an example of such a scenario.

National Parks

• The future for biodiversity conservation isn't more national parks Nonnative feral animals in national parks have a severe detrimental effect on conservation efforts. The solution to this problem will take more than just funding national parks.
• Biodiversity crisis demands bolder thinking than bagging national parks This article is a response to the previous article. National parks are valuable to Australian conservation efforts, but they will require more funding to deal with the issues they are facing.
• Too good to lose: how to reverse the species declines at Kakadu The situation is dire at Kakadu national park, but with attention and care, the park can move in a positive direction, setting an example for other national parks to follow.

Agriculture and Conservation

• A global juggling act: feeding the world, saving species As the world's population grows, so does the need for agricultural expansion. We need to find a way to protect both our food security and our threatened species.
• Biodiversity and farming: finding ways to co-exist Two different initiatives in direct conflict with one another, both with the intent of building a better future. Moving forward means figuring out how to support both.
• Moving beyond pro/con debates over genetically engineered crops GMOs are controversial, but they have revolutionized the way we think about agricultural problems. 
• Hunting, fishing and farming remain the biggest threats to wildlife Agricultural practices are important to human civilization, but detrimental to the environment. It is vital that we endeavor to make our agricultural industry more environmentally friendly.
• Here's a good news conservation story: farmers are helping endangered ecosystems This initiative to incentivize farmers to help conserve wildlife on their land has had a positive effect on both wildlife and farmers.

Conservation Solutions

• Nature's hidden wealth is conservation's missed opportunity Biomimicry is an untapped well of potential for business owners - and we need to show them that to incentivize conservation.
• Farming carbon can be a win for wildlife, if the price is right Carbon forests could help preserve and promote biodiversity - if we're willing to put in the funds and the research.
• Want to stop biodiversity loss? Give animals property rights An argument for the reformation of property based conservation by giving animals rights over their habitats.
• 'Gene drives' could wipe out whole populations of pests in one fell swoop An explanation of the controversial pest control method gene drives, and potential stumbling blocks regarding implementation.

Aquatic ecosystems

• Australia's new marine parks plan is a case of the Emperor's new clothes Criticism of the proposed new plans for marine parks.
• Sustainable aquaculture is possible, with the right science Marine ecosystems are varied and unique, and science and management will need to work together to keep them sustainable.
• Climate change threatens global fish stocksClimate change warming the oceans has already had a noticeable effect on certain fish populations.
• We all live downstream - it's time to restore our freshwater ecosystems A look at the importance of fresh water to humanity and to freshwater organisms, and how we can help protect and restore freshwater ecosystems.

Threatened Ecosystems

• Without action, Asia-Pacific ecosystems could lose a third of their value by 2050 Outlining the importance and benefits of an increase in ecosystem services, especially for developing countries.
• Climate change could empty wildlife from Australia's rainforests Discussing the dangers of climate change to tropical regions.
• EcoCheck: Australia's vast, majestic northern savannas need more care Discussion of threats to northern Australian ecosystems.
• Australia's south west: a hotspot for wildlife and plants that deserves World Heritage status Discussing the interesting geological and biological landscape of the Australian southwest, and its importance to the country's biodiversity.
• Protecting Australia's Lake Eyre basin means getting our priorities right Examining the importance of the Lake Eyre basin in Australian biodiversity, and how we should be prioritizing conservation efforts.

Conservation in Changing Climate

• Let's get serious about protecting wildlife in a warming world An overview of what we have already done and what we must continue to do to protect the world's ecosystems, especially the tropics.
• Species affected by climate change: to shift or not to shift? A discussion about the reasons for and issues with relocating endangered species.
• Should we move species threatened by climate change? Moving threatened species to a more habitable location is one method of conservation. This article relates an example pertaining to the Tuatara.
• We can't save all wildlife, so conservation laws need to change Conserving ecosystems through climate change requires an understanding that preserving an environments 'natural' state is not always feasible.
• Climate change will transform the bush … and we'll have to think big to cope An article focused on all the ways climate change will change Australia, and how we will have to deal with it.
• How we can help nature adapt to climate change A list of ten things everyday folks can do to help ecosystems adapt to climate change, put together by the website VicNature 2050.
• Climate change will create new ecosystems, so let's help plants move Suggestions for how to help conserve ecosystems.
• How the warming world could turn many plants and animals into climate refugees Looking at the function of refugia during times of harsh climactic conditions and examining their future function during climate change.

Threatened Species

• World failing to meet biodiversity targets: study Explanation and implications of a study of biodiversity in 168 countries around the world.
• Meet the Australian wildlife most threatened by climate change A study of threatened species in Australia to determine which are the most threatened by climate change, and what we can do to help them.
• Protecting endangered species we don't know much about An article highlighting some endangered species that we did not know existed until recently, and what we are doing to help them.
• Threat of extinction demands fast and decisive action Case study of two initiatives to help endangered animals - one that succeeded and one that failed - and what we can learn from them.
• Let's get this straight, habitat loss is the number-one threat to Australia's species Discussion of the impact of habitat clearing and the need for legislation to protect habitats of threatened species.
• The numbers are in: Australia must do more to protect migratory birds Findings from the use of the Red List Index in regards to the taxon survival of birds.
• To save Australia's mammals we need a change of heart Examining the disturbing trend of extinctions since European settlement in Australia, and the changes necessary to change the rate.
• Australian endangered species A series looking at endangered species in Australia.

Cost Effective Conservation

• Adapt or die: where in the world we should start on cost-effective conservation A study examining different parts of the globe to find the environments most likely to remain stable during climate change.
• Spending to save: what's the best use of our conservation dollar? Case study of an approach to economically sound conservation spending.

Invasive Species

• Invasive predators are eating the world's animals to extinction - and the worst is close to home A look at the impact of invasive species on endemic animals (especially on islands), and which species are the worst offenders.
• Feral animals are running amok on Australia's islands - here's how to stop them A study on the costs and effectiveness of removing invasive species from Australia's islands.

(Initial list compiled by Emily Rodrigo, CBA Intern, 2018)