Plus, why did eyes roll when Australia's environment ministers agreed to urgently reduce packaging waste? And what does a soon to be rat-free island in the Timor Sea have in common with an Antarctic penguin?

Also this week, choosing which parts of Australia to prioritise for nature restoration, and inventing a better way to make green hydrogen.

Earthed is a news and chat pod for people who like Australia's native plants and animals and who don't like climate pollution. Hosted by Murray Griffin and Dr Franziska Curran.

Links this issue:

The Electrifying Australia website - https://electrifyaustralia.org.au/case-studies

Jenny Edwards from Rewiring Australia talking about Tradies Day - https://www.linkedin.com/posts/jenergy27_electrifyaustralia-activity-7506603755468152832-wAX0

David Pocock talking about a new home electrification scheme - https://www.instagram.com/reels/DdYHQBPBYDG/

A new national renewable energy scorecard - https://ieefa.org/articles/ieefa-launches-australian-renewable-energy-scorecard

An Australian Conservation Foundation expose report on deforestation for beef production - https://canopy.acf.org.au/asset/333bfb8f-5189-4818-b5f9-d83af92e8db2/Bulldozers-and-broken-promises.pdf

In-cray-dible news on spiny crayfish - https://www.environment.nsw.gov.au/news/in-cray-dible-news-freshwater-biodiversity

'I've got chills, there multiplying ...' - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RYk0_U7kf3g

Also this week, there's good news about a tiny native animal called the red-tailed phascogale. And there's some welcome progress on a NSW solar farm project that can power 119,000 homes. We also learn how renewable energy has saved the City of Sydney $8 million dollars. And we find out why snakes and giant snails went to Parliament House last week!

Earthed is a quick, weekly round-up of climate of climate, nature and sustainability news from around Australia. It's hosted by climate and sustainability communications consultant Murray Griffin and sustainability consultant Franziska Curran. If you enjoy this episode please follow the show, and rate it!

Links this issue:

Frank Jotzo's suggestions for reforming how we manage carbon pollution from big emitters - https://theenergy.co/articles/how-to-create-stronger-signals-for-decarbonisation-investment

Waste plastic and packaging -

https://boomerangalliance.org.au/media-release/industry-recycling-and-environmental-leaders-unite-in-call-for-national-packaging-reform/

The cost of abandoning transmission projects in Victoria -

https://nexaadvisory.com.au/web/wp-content/uploads/2026/09/Nexa-Advisory-Delay-is-putting-Victorias-energy-security-at-risk.pdf

The City of Sydney saves $8 million thanks to renewable energy - https://news.cityofsydney.nsw.gov.au/articles/renewable-energy-deal-saved-us-8-million

Mt Gibson sanctuary webinar - reintroducing native animals https://www.australianwildlife.org/news-and-resources/webinars/ten-species-in-ten-years-restoring-wildlife-to-the-wheatbelt

This week, we've got an update on two extraordinary marine species found in Australian waters. We talk about some amazing industrial projects that aim to cut carbon pollution. Also in this episode: How renewable energy is helping the NSW town of Mudgee improve local wetlands; New records for solar energy; Plans to bring the platypus back to an urban river; And a new inquiry into data centre water use.

Earthed is a quick, weekly round-up of climate of climate, nature and sustainability news from around Australia. It's hosted by climate and sustainability communications consultant Murray Griffin and sustainability consultant Franziska Curran. If you enjoy this episode please follow the show, and rate it!

Links this issue:

Overshooting 1.5 degrees: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bneWeHu2UkU

How hosting renewable energy is making it possible for Mudgee to improve a local wetland:

https://www.energyco.nsw.gov.au/news/landfill-legacy-putta-bucca-wetlands-expansion-gets-underway

https://www.facebook.com/reel/2340178603422287

Victoria's plans to generate huge amounts of electricity offshore. How a helicopter fitted with a special camera is being used to monitor for bird flu outbreaks. An exciting event in the small Western Australian town of Hyden. Plus, we hear about some brave bilbies that are striking out on their own. And we ask: can koalas change the colour of their ears? Plus, we've got a new segment we're trying out on the show - let us know what you think!

Earthed is a quick, weekly round-up of climate of climate, nature and sustainability news from around Australia. It's hosted by climate and sustainability communications consultant Murray Griffin and sustainability consultant Franziska Curran. If you enjoy this episode please follow the show, and rate it!

Links this issue:

Greenhouse gas emissions quarterly update https://www.dcceew.gov.au/climate-change/publications/national-greenhouse-gas-inventory-quarterly-updates

Kev Bradley from the Save the Bilby Fund: https://national-bilby-day-2026.raiselysite.com/

'What's in my bag ?'clip: https://www.dcceew.gov.au/about/news/national-science-week-2026#transcript

Grazier and carbon farmer Mac Drysdale: https://www.linkedin.com/posts/ganeaustralia_agribusiness-carbonprojects-australianfarming-activity-7498138995294355457-SZ7L

A very big turbine blade!: https://www.facebook.com/reel/838529242400197

https://www.tiktok.com/@qube.holdings/video/7644045230576094481

Hay's mayor Carol Oataway: https://www.linkedin.com/posts/the-next-economy_haynsw-regionaldevelopment-economictransition-activity-7495703550854086656-NTvP

In this episode: Why thousands of penguins are being vaccinated and microchipped, and how a renewable energy deal will keep a big smelter that employs 1,000 people open for business.

Plus, we look at government efforts to cut carbon pollution by substituting biofuels for diesel and jet fuel, and substituting biogas for fossil gas.

And we talk about an exciting wind and solar project in Queensland!

Also in this episode we chat about a record season for Turtlewatch, and an attempt to fix the housing crisis affecting a threatened species of possum.

And find out what makes Nullarbor cave spiders so unusual!

Earthed is a quick, weekly round-up of climate of climate, nature and sustainability news from around Australia. It's hosted by climate and sustainability communications consultant Murray Griffin and sustainability consultant Franziska Curran. If you enjoy this episode please follow the show, and rate it!

Links this issue:

New EPBC Act environmental standards: https://www.dcceew.gov.au/environment/epbc/epbc-act-reform/standards

Turtle hatchlings head out to sea:

https://www.facebook.com/reel/9095412460585836

New government discussion papers:

The Safeguard Mechanism - 2026-27 Safeguard Mechanism Review

Biofuels - https://consult.dcceew.gov.au/securing-australias-cleaner-fuels-industry-consultation

Renewable gas - National Renewable Gas Policy

This week we celebrate National Landcare week – and the community benefits of being involved while also highlighting some of the pressure groups are under. Also, more concerning updates on bird flu, but there are other things we can and should be doing now to protect Australia's wildlife.

Plus, ACT consults on how to manage the shift away from fossil fuels in a recent consultation paper. And we also look at what's actually involved in releasing environmental flows into our river systems – with the example of the Lower Lachlan River in NSW.

Follow Earthed if you like this episode and want a quick, weekly round-up of climate of climate, nature and sustainability news from around Australia.

Earthed is hosted by climate and sustainability communications consultant Murray Griffin and sustainability consultant Franziska Curran, and the Earthed team also includes Chris Dansie and Sophie Sideris.

Links we mention in this episode -

Peter Garrett talking about Landcare:

https://www.facebook.com/reel/2478192176018497

Landcare survey results:

https://landcareaustralia.org.au/media-release/new-survey-reveals-australians-are-finding-purpose-through-landcare-but-local-groups-are-under-pressure/

The head of the Invasive Species Council, Jack Gough, on risk from bird flu:

https://invasives.org.au/media-releases/shocking-government-list-reveals-1-in-5-australian-birds-and-mammals-face-high-to-extreme-bird-flu-risk/

Paul Cavanagh on the benefits of hosting wind farms: https://www.theland.com.au/video/agricultural-news/xatktly/how-wind-turbines-saved-this-farmers-country/

Sundown solar farm's recent approval by the NSW Independent Planning Commission: https://www.ipcn.nsw.gov.au/news/sundown-solar-farm-approved-subject-conditions https://sundownsolarfarm.com.au https://www.planningportal.nsw.gov.au/major-projects/projects/sundown-solar-farm

The ACT government consultation paper on how to phase out fossil gas use by 2045

https://www.cmtedd.act.gov.au/open_government/inform/act_government_media_releases/suzanne-orr-mla-media-releases/2026/consultation-begins-to-support-electrification

Environmental flows and the example of the Lower Lachlan River in NSW where Winter environmental watering is underway!

https://www.dcceew.gov.au/cewh/resources-media/news/lachlan-environmental-flow-targets-key-floodplains

Clean Energy Finance Corporation data showing energy efficiency loans have helped Australian households slash energy bills by up to 80 per cent.

https://www.cefc.com.au/media/media-release/two-years-on-heuf-households-are-saving-up-to-80-on-energy-bills/

Australian Energy Market Commission (AEMC) advice on data centres including the need to match their energy consumption with renewables:

https://www.aemc.gov.au/news-centre/media-releases/data-centres-bring-clean-firm-energy-be-flexible-and-pay-their-way-aemc-advises-ministers

It's true - lots of farmers want to host wind and solar farms. Also in this episode, why 7,500 Western Australian beehives are on their way to South Australia. Plus, get ready for the 'threatened species bake-off'!

Also: there's more money to fight invasive species; and it's time for a rethink on how we manage marine parks. And meet Terry the Seal - has he been 'on the tinnies'?

Follow Earthed if you like this episode and want a quick, weekly round-up of climate of climate, nature and sustainability news from around Australia.

Earthed is hosted by climate and sustainability communications consultant Murray Griffin and sustainability consultant Franziska Curran, and the Earthed team also includes Chris Dansie and Sophie Sideris.

Links we mention in this episode -

About the MangroveWatch citizen science program:

https://www.linkedin.com/posts/jockrmackenzie_eurekaprizes-eurekaprizes2026-innovationincitizenscience-ugcPost-7488143616289177600-uovN/

Why the Hunter transmission line is a major clean energy project:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=avCethCFLdA

The Golden-Shouldered Parrot cake! https://www.instagram.com/p/DOI0-XyDbcS/?img_index=1

Threatened species bake-off details: https://www.dcceew.gov.au/about/news/2026-threatened-species-bake-off-coming-soon

How companies have responded to a proposed ban on dangerous rat poisons:

https://birdlife.org.au/news/bird-killing-poisons-to-be-pulled-from-australian-shelves/

What Fortescue is doing to move away from diesel at its Elinawa mine:

https://www.linkedin.com/posts/fortescue_another-seven-reasons-diesels-days-are-numbered-ugcPost-7488169860229701632-Vzzy?utm_source=share&utm_medium=member_desktop&rcm=ACoAAALIZVUBZanZq8zw5_e9hl8sFR87pYlCb6I

Australia's first nature repair project: https://www.linkedin.com/posts/introducing-the-first-registered-project-ugcPost-7488453519377809409-rls-/

An amazing contaminated site clean-up: https://www.linkedin.com/posts/one-of-the-most-contaminated-sites-in-ugcPost-7487735998194302976-ygCs/

Greening Australia - fighting climate change by planting trees:

https://www.facebook.com/reel/1007645115216753

The Greater Glider recovery plan:

https://www.dcceew.gov.au/sites/default/files/documents/national-recovery-plan-greater-gliders.pdf

The West Vic Brolga article on farmers who host or want to host wind and solar farms:

https://www.westvicbrolga.com.au/p/farmers-hosting-wind-turbines-take-their-case-to-parliament

The deceptive nature of the Queen of Sheba orchid:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SxaKXI5reAc&t=13s

Terry the Seal!:

https://www.facebook.com/reel/2210202526431738

The subnivium: https://www.tern.org.au/news/science-in-the-snow-the-benefits-and-challenges-of-collecting-data-in-australias-toughest-winter-conditions/

A long-running groundwater conservation project has clocked up some big wins. And conservation organisation Bush Heritage has acquired an extraordinary new property.

Plus, the government is disbanding its 'Climate Active' program (possibly keeping one small part of it).

In other news:

• Major wind and solar farms are advancing.
• A new report says Australian governments spend four times as much supporting fossil fuels, compared to renewables.
• A new initiative aims to expand koala habitat and earn carbon credits.

Here's the links and clips we mention:

Info about the Wanarra acquisition: https://www.bushheritage.org.au/places/wanarra

The text of the Global Initiative for Information Integrity on Climate Change https://www.unesco.org/en/information-integrity-climate-change/cop30declaration?hub=780

Climate Action Against Disinformation: https://caad.info

Great Artesian Bore Rehabilitation Program: https://www.facebook.com/reel/2040235616854143

Link to the Boiling Cold news service: https://www.boilingcold.com.au/triangle-energy-fails-due-to-200m-oil-field-clean-up-bill-off-wa/

The ACF clip about the Woodside Federal Court case: https://www.facebook.com/reel/1998083880817002

WWF's Nature as the Foundation for Net Zero report https://assets.wwf.org.au/image/upload/f_pdf/Ricardo_Story_Advisory_WWF-Australia_report_Nature_as_a_Foundation_to_NZ_Economy_21042026_final

WWF's fossil fuels report https://wwf.org.au/news/2026/fossil-fuels-receive-four-times-more-government-support-than-renewables-new-report/

A new vaccine will better protect koalas against a deadly disease, a tree-planting project near Mission Beach will help local cassowaries, and a proposed massive new wind farm in central Queensland - capable of powering half a million homes - has reached an important milestone.

Plus we talk about what to do with old coal mines, and look at what an environmental organisation is doing to protect tiny thumbnail-sized frogs that are found only in one Queensland cloud forest.

Also in this episode, a new report again confirms solar and onshore wind are the cheapest options to supply Australia with power. And we go for a quick surf with WA Premier Roger Cook and Transport Minister Rita Safioti!

Links in this episode:

Check out some amazing nature audio, including a clip from Mt Lewis National Park, at Wild Ambience - http://www.wildambience.com/.

Do you want to see a cassowary eating a dead possum? And lots of other fabulous cassowary images? Of course you do! Check out the Mission Beach Cassowaries Facebook page - https://www.facebook.com/groups/missionbeachcassowaries/.

We talk in this episode about a WA report that attempts to value the state's conservation estate. You can find the report here - https://www.dbca.wa.gov.au/management/parks/social-research.

And here's a short reel about the new koala vaccine program, featuring koala 'Bamse' (it's Norwegian for teddy bear) - https://www.instagram.com/reels/Da3oNDAzwYU/.

It doesn't look like a typical grid battery and it operates on CO2 - and one is going to be built in Victoria's Latrobe Valley.

Also in this episode, why politicians last week went to the opening of a refurbished tank, how a new University of Tasmania seagrass nursery will give the endangered red handfish a helping hand, and why you will soon be able to get your groceries delivered in an electric truck.

Plus, two new wind farms advance towards environmental approval, and two programs that breed threatened native animals and release them into the wild reach new milestones.

And how is Queensland doing in its efforts to improve water quality in the Great Barrier Reef, and how well is Victoria doing in cutting waste?

Links mentioned in this episode:

Release the bettongs!: https://www.facebook.com/reel/843597411885754

The Preston electric bus depot: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gW_vUb5d6I0

A great new episode of the Surfers for Climate 'Politics in the Pit' pod featuring Chris Bowen - check it out!: Apple https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/politics-in-the-pit-with-chris-bowen/id1596869888?i=1000775598470 and

How well is NSW's nature credits market working? https://www.ipart.nsw.gov.au/documents/media-release/media-release-nsw-biodiversity-credits-market-findings-and-recommendations-7-july-2026

Report on water quality in the Great Barrier Reef: https://www.marineconservation.org.au/wp-content/uploads/2026/05/AMCS_water-pollution-report2.pdf

Report on waste levels in Victoria: https://www.epa.vic.gov.au/circular-economy-market-report

Earthed is a quick, weekly round-up of climate of climate, nature and sustainability news from across Australia, for people who care about conservation, climate action, sustainability, and cutting waste and pollution.

It's hosted by climate and sustainability communications consultant Murray Griffin and sustainability consultant Franziska Curran.

If you enjoy this episode please follow the show, rate it, and share it with a friend or your network! And check out our website at earthed.au.