/environment/ en /environment/news/list/2025/10/23/tracing-the-rapid-spread-of-the-fox-across-australia New research reveals that red foxes colonised Australia in just 60 years. Environment Institute Deputy Director Associate Professor Damien Fordham says the findings help explain past biodiversity losses and provide vital data to prevent future extinctions, offering a new framework for tracking other invasive species such as cats. Read the full study published in Diversity and Distributions, and article for The Conversation here. October 23 2025 Marilia Jean Belperio /environment/news/list/2025/10/23/tracing-the-rapid-spread-of-the-fox-across-australia /environment/news/list/2025/09/30/environment-institute-members-share-insights-on-the-harmful-algal-bloom-at-the Dr Dominic McAfee, Future Making Fellow and Professor Andrew Lowe, Director, Environment Institute were invited to appear at the Federal Senate Inquiry for the harmful algal bloom (HAB), alongside EI members Professors Luke Mosley and Ivan Nagelkerkern. Professor Lowe spoke of the need to restore both marine and terrestrial ecosystems to help stop sediment and nutrient run off from the land - by restoring waterways and riverine systems - and soak up nutrients and sediments that enter coastal waters – by restoring shellfish reefs and seagrass ecosystems. Dr McAfee has been working closely with communities, traditional landowners, and school students on community-based restoration projects. One of these projects is creating oyster baskets to help shellfish ecosystem restoration in the Port River in partnership with the OzFish �������� Chapter. October 20 2025 Marilia Jean Belperio /environment/news/list/2025/09/30/environment-institute-members-share-insights-on-the-harmful-algal-bloom-at-the /environment/news/list/2025/10/16/dr-phillipa-mccormack-on-reforming-australias-outdated-environment-laws Environment Institute Future Making Fellow Dr Phillipa McCormack co-authored a recent article for The Conversation, outlining key recommendations for how Australia’s environment laws should be reformed. The Albanese Government has indicated it is close to striking a deal with the Coalition on new environmental laws, which must deliver substantial improvements. In the article, they provided various recommendations for the reform, covering topics like an independent watchdog, habitat protection, climate change, First Nations voices, logging, and the need for defined targets. October 16 2025 Marilia Jean Belperio /environment/news/list/2025/10/16/dr-phillipa-mccormack-on-reforming-australias-outdated-environment-laws /environment/news/list/2025/09/12/pfas-breakthrough-say-goodbye-to-the-forever-chemical Research led by Dr Cameron Shearer is pioneering new ways to break down PFAS, the persistent “forever chemicals” polluting soil and water. Dr Shearer and his team have found that light-activated catalyst technology can degrade PFAS into harmless compounds, offering a sustainable approach for environmental remediation and safer communities. The work is also featured in the new PFAS and Microplastic Capability Statement, highlighting pollution detection, degradation technologies, and sustainable chemical solutions. October 14 2025 Marilia Jean Belperio /environment/news/list/2025/09/12/pfas-breakthrough-say-goodbye-to-the-forever-chemical /environment/news/list/2025/10/08/bandi-bushcare-awarded-nature-foundation-habitat-restoration-and-protection The Bandi Bushcare project, led by the Friends of Brownhill Creek members Dr Jamin Packer, Environment Institute member, and Dr Rosslyn (Rossi) von der Boch were awarded Gold award for the Nature Foundation Habitat Restoration and Protection Award. Their project titled “Bandi Bushcare: Habitat Restoration and Protection in Wirraparinga-Brownhill Creek” promotes a community of volunteers that protect and create habitat for the endangered southern brown bandicoot (marti) in the Brownhill Creek Recreation Park. October 8 2025 Marilia Jean Belperio /environment/news/list/2025/10/08/bandi-bushcare-awarded-nature-foundation-habitat-restoration-and-protection /environment/news/list/2025/09/12/15-million-year-old-fossil-shells-reveal-traces-of-colour-patterns-in-south University of �������� PhD candidate Mahala Fergusen, together with Environment Institute members Dr Liz Reed and Assoc. Prof. Diego García-Bellido, examined fossil shells from the Murbko Marl. They discovered 18 different species responded to UV light, displaying stripes, bands, and chevrons that had been hidden for millions of years. Through the use of UV light, this study has provided a better understanding of molluscs but also a vivid reminder of South Australia’s oceanic past. September 23 2025 Marilia Jean Belperio /environment/news/list/2025/09/12/15-million-year-old-fossil-shells-reveal-traces-of-colour-patterns-in-south /environment/news/list/2025/09/16/new-research-on-governance-challenges-for-ecosystem-based-adaptation-in Environment Institute member Professor Melissa Nursey-Bray has co-authored a new article examining the governance challenges of implementing ecosystem-based adaptation (EbA) in Bangladesh. The paper, written with Syed Mohammad Aminur Rahman and Md. Masud-All-Kamal, explores how wetlands, which are vital for biodiversity and community resilience, are increasingly under threat from climate change and ecological degradation. September 16 2025 Marilia Jean Belperio /environment/news/list/2025/09/16/new-research-on-governance-challenges-for-ecosystem-based-adaptation-in /environment/news/list/2025/09/10/global-collaboration-in-action-united-nations-association-x-environment The Environment Institute was honoured to host Jay Jethwa, Vice President of the World Federation of United Nations Associations, whose visit strengthened connections between the UN system and universities, particularly around the Sustainable Development Goals. Jay also delivered a keynote address at the special event ‘Biodiversity Matters’, co-hosted with UNASA and DFAT. The event was MC’d by Martin Haese, opened by Dr Susan Close MP and convened by Institute Director Professor Andrew Lowe, the panel featured Jay Jethwa, Jill Collins (DFAT), Tim Jarvis AM, and Craig Wilkins, with closing remarks from The Hon. Robert Hill AC. The event was held in honour of Lidia Moretti, President of the South Australian chapter of the United Nations Associations. September 12 2025 Marilia Jean Belperio /environment/news/list/2025/09/10/global-collaboration-in-action-united-nations-association-x-environment /environment/news/list/2025/09/04/how-hard-is-the-algal-bloom-hitting-south-australia-impacts-on-marine-life Our Environment Institute members have been active in the Harmful Algal Bloom (HAB) space. Discover the devastating effects of HABs on marine life, human health, and ecosystems. Learn which species are safe, the scale of destruction, and the solutions scientists are testing for recovery. September 12 2025 Marilia Jean Belperio /environment/news/list/2025/09/04/how-hard-is-the-algal-bloom-hitting-south-australia-impacts-on-marine-life /environment/news/list/2025/09/10/what-does-the-future-hold-for-our-planet In the latest issue of Lumen, Director Professor Andrew Lowe responds to alumni readers’ questions about the future, from climate change and biodiversity loss to water security and government inaction. At the Environment Institute, our researchers are working to create real solutions to these challenges — combining world-leading science, citizen engagement, and education to drive lasting impact. September 10 2025 Marilia Jean Belperio /environment/news/list/2025/09/10/what-does-the-future-hold-for-our-planet