Research of the environmental sciences is dedicated to discovering and understanding how our planet works as a system, how ecosystems and species are formed and continue to evolve. We look at how our planet relates to the universe around us and the impacts of human behaviour. Particular strengths include our research into climate change, environmental policy and natural resource management. Many of our environmental sciences academics provide solutions and advice to government, industry and not-for-profit organisations.
UNSW scientists have discovered a way of checking chemical markers present in keratin such as quills, feathers and hair to determine if animals are being illegally trafficked.
The highly successful NSW and ACT Regional Climate Modelling project has enabled organisations to plan for future climate change in a consistent and systematic way.
Dr Jodi Rowley explains why frogs are so vital for healthy ecosystems, how she is working to conserve them and the positive impact she has already made to the study of amphibians in Southeast Asia.
Scientists are asking local communities to help restore endangered Posidonia seagrass meadows by collecting shoots that naturally become detached after large storms.
Three decades of surveying waterbirds in Australian rivers and wetlands by Professor Richard Kingsford has strongly influenced national water management policy and practice.
The world-first genome will help scientists understand how the toad spreads, how its toxin works and provide new avenues to try to control its population.
UNSW material scientists address the problem of lead leaching into the drinking water of Australian households by creating a new, lead-free brass alloy that will be used to make plumbing parts.