AAP News Stories

Australia's largest poultry producer has plunged its chicken farms and processing plants into lockdown to protect itself from a deadly avian flu strain.

Australian producers have been urged to game plan for a drier, warmer winter and spring, but not panic, following the declaration of an active El Nino.

A devastating strain of bird flu has wiped out more than 75 per cent of the southern elephant seal pup population on a remote sub-Antarctic island.

Scientists say an El Nino phase will bring drier weather, with some advocacy groups worried bushfire conditions could be primed for a tough summer.

For the pollinating stars of the insect world, resilience to extreme heat largely depends on nesting behaviours, with some native bees more exposed than others.

The Great Barrier Reef is set for a record funding boost but conservationists say the number one threat to its longevity - climate change - remains unaddressed.

Fire agencies in eastern states are alert to what could be an early start to the season as long range forecasts point to warmer and drier conditions than usual.

Emissions of climate-warming pollutants are at an all-time high, mainly from the burning of fossil fuels.

Time-poor educators are being left to muddle through the complex and emotionally-charged task of teaching climate change, with potentially harmful results.

Electrification, waste and building efficiency targets have been proposed by the leaders of international climate negotiations to keep a key goal within reach.

International climate talks will centre on electrification amid criticism the controversial fossil fuel phase-out agenda is largely missing in action.

Renewable electricity sources such as solar and wind are gaining on gas for a share of the worldwide energy market.