Clare Peddie

I've been working on story about the toxic algal bloom spreading off the South Australian coast. I just went back and looked at how hot the waters off the coast of Australia were getting starting in September 2024. Here's the visual:

Preliminary results from computer modelling suggests the harmful algal bloom that has been killing marine life will return with a vengeance after winter and spread. 👉 theconversation.com/south-a...

As the federal government fumbles on nature law reform, the states are forging ahead

South Australia’s new Biodiversity Act will achieve things no federal or state law has done before. It shows states and territories can achieve ambitious reform.

The algal bloom in SA is a warning to coastal communities, as well as tourism, seafood and aquaculture industries. It’s a sign of what’s to come as the oceans warm.

Why is southern Australia in drought – and when will it end?

Southern Australia is suffering some of the lowest rainfall levels on record. The drought won’t break until the return of low pressure systems bringing heavy rain.

From nuclear to nature laws, here’s where new Liberal leader Sussan Ley stands on 4 energy and environment flashpoints

Past policy positions and musings of new Liberal leader Sussan Ley offer insights into future directions on renewable energy, environment laws, and more.

How maximum security prison inmates and officers worked together to create a farm behind bars

Inside one of Australia’s maximum-security prisons, inmates and prison officers have created an indoor farm, growing herbs and leafy greens for the on-site café.

Australian honeybees are under attack by mites and beetles. Here’s how to keep your backyard hive safe

Varroa mites and small hive beetles are threatening Australian honey producers. Here’s how backyard beekeepers, and everyday honey lovers, can help.

Well, the @greens.org.au get it!

Greens to push for 1pc environmental allocation in federal budget www.abc.net.au/news/2025-04...

Note the ancient tree. We are losing these across huge areas of Australia at an alarming rate. These irreplaceable, keystone ecological structures support 300-400 species in Australia. Most endangered species require such hollows for homes. Failure in funding for mngmt & research urgently needed.

Brisbane 2032 is no longer legally bound to be ‘climate positive’. Will it still leave a green legacy?

Brisbane 2032 was supposed to be the first ‘climate-positive’ Olympic Games. But a quiet change to the host contract puts the commitment in doubt.

Protecting salmon farming at the expense of the environment – another step backwards for Australia’s nature laws

After shelving plans to reform Australia’s nature laws, the prime minister wants to walk back existing protections with new legislation introduced this week.

Synchronised bleaching: Ningaloo and the Great Barrier Reef are bleaching in unison for the first time

A marine heatwave has hit Ningaloo Reef hard – and the northern Great Barrier Reef is now bleaching too.

Mystery solved: our tests reveal the tiny algae killing fish and harming surfers on SA beaches

A harmful algal bloom of Karenia mikimotoi made dozens of surfers sick and killed seadragons, fish and octopuses on two South Australian beaches.

Why build nuclear power in place of old coal, when you could have pumped hydropower instead?

Research reveals most of the sites the Coalition has earmarked for nuclear power plants would be suitable for pumped hydropower plants.

The promise of green iron, steel and ammonia is keeping the green hydrogen dream alive

With the right leadership, Australia can turn green hydrogen’s stumbles into a global triumph for heavy industry.

Golf courses can be safe havens for wildlife and beacons of biodiversity

Managed well, golf courses can bring nature back to our cities. Here’s how to balance the good and bad for urban biodiversity.

Labor’s dumping of Australia’s new nature laws means the environment is shaping as a key 2025 election issue

Hopes for environmental law reform during the current term of federal government have been dashed, so what lies ahead for ‘nature positive’ next term?

Poison baits were used on 1,400 feral cats, foxes and dingoes. We studied their fate to see what works Feral cats, foxes and dingoes are routinely baited to protect wildlife and livestock. But does it matter what kind of bait is used? Do cats ignore it?

Yong Foo, Dan Noble and I wrote a piece for @theconversation.com @aunz.theconversation.com

Have a read.

Poison baits were used on 1,400 feral cats, foxes and dingoes. We studied their fate to see what works theconversation.com/poison-baits...

The world’s second largest freshwater crayfish was once plentiful in Australia’s longest river – we’re bringing it back

The Murray crayfish disappeared from large parts of its range over the past 40 years. Now a community-driven reintroduction program is bringing the iconic species back.

Inspired by last year’s WOMADelaide Planet Talk featuring acoustic ecologist Andrew Skeoch. Love this!

La Niña back this summer? Not likely – and unofficial declarations are jumping the gun Reports of a rare summer La Niña are premature. It is also foolish to look at such climate drivers in isolation. But seasonal forecasting is becoming more complicated as the planet warms.

La Niña declarations seem to pop up in the media every other week. @andrewkingclimate.bsky.social and I set the record straight.

theconversation.com/la-nina-back...

Mind-bending, body-snatching, blood-sucking: parasites are bizarre yet vital for life on Earth An ecologist shares his passion for parasites. From their vital roles in nature, to strange super powers and extraordinarily complex life cycles, parasites are natural wonders worthy of protection.

The more we learn about parasites the more we’re amazed. I wrote about them. theconversation.com/mind-bending...

This summer will likely be wetter and warmer for most Australians, bureau forecast says Get set for a hotter and wetter summer this season in Australia. The long-range forecast from the Bureau of Meteorology today points to above average rainfall, especially in December, and warmth.

Get set for a hotter and wetter summer this season in Australia. The long-range forecast from the Bureau of Meteorology today points to above average rainfall, especially in December, and warmth.

Humans are killing off the old and wise animals that hold nature together. Here’s what must change Like big, tall trees in old-growth forests, older animals are irreplaceable. Pulling them out leaves the ecosystem less resilient to future shocks. It’s time for ‘longevity conservation’ measures.

Like big, tall trees in old-growth forests, older animals are irreplaceable. Pulling them out leaves the ecosystem less resilient to future shocks. It’s time for ‘longevity conservation’ measures.

Troubled waters: how to stop Australia’s freshwater fish species from going extinct New research reveals a third of Australia’s freshwater fishes are at risk of extinction. That means 35 species should be added to the national list of 63 threatened species, bringing the total to 98.

A third of Australia’s freshwater fishes are at risk of extinction, research reveals. That means 35 species should be added to the national list of 63 threatened species, bringing the total to 98. Let’s save the ornate rainbowfish and the longnose sooty grunter.
theconversation.com/troubled-wat...