As Australia prepares to transition to renewable energy, some residents are banding together to create their own energy infrastructure. The community of Bannister is hoping these projects can educate others about renewable energy.

Global efforts to mitigate climate change are coming into focus ahead of the United Nations Climate Change Conference - or COP28 - in November. Many countries have shifted their targets since the Paris Agreement, which aims to avoid catastrophic temperature rises by limiting global warming to well below 2 degrees. So where does Australia stand on its net zero targets in comparison to the rest of the world?

Once Varroa mite-free, Australia has now surrendered its fight against the deadly honeybee parasite. The parasitic mites continue to endanger honeybee populations, threatening pollination and potentially whole colonies.

Australia has become one of the first in the world to sign UN High Seas Treaty, a landmark to protect vast swathes of the ocean which no country officially owns. Environmental groups say the treaty will help reverse biodiversity losses and ensure sustainable development, but there is still a long way to go before implementation.

The World Health Organisation is warning of a potential disease outbreak in the eastern Libyan city of Derna, after the disastrous floods that hit the area on September 11, leaving thousands dead. Meanwhile, the United Nations Secretary General Antonio Guterres has called on the leaders of the wealthiest nations to face the existential threat of climate change that created an 'awful hellscape' in Libya.

The death toll in Libya continues to rise to devastating heights, with the Red Crescent reporting more than 11,300 fatalities. Experts say that the Mediterranean storm that dumped torrential rain on the Libyan coast is the latest extreme weather event to carry some of the hallmarks of climate change.

The government has announced a suite of major tobacco industry reforms as they fight the serious health impacts of smoking. But at the same time, the Albanese government are being accused of neglecting the health of the environment, with the Greens and Independents attacking Labor's climate policy.

Australians are being told to expect warmer and drier conditions this summer. But the Bureau of Meteorology is still holding out from declaring a El Nino event - for the moment.

Former Defence Force Chief Admiral Chris Barrie, from the Australian Security Leaders Climate Group, tells SBS's Biwa Kwan that while he was pleased when there was a change of government in in May last year, he's been pretty disappointed with their performance so far regarding climate change.

The G20 has issued its strongest statement yet in Russia's invasion of Ukraine, condemning the use of force for territorial gain. But while reaching a consensus on Ukraine dominated the G20 meeting, economic development - and climate change – also figured prominently on the agenda.