The world’s largest collection of rice is now permanently funded
Like the “doomsday” seed vault in Norway, the purpose of the IRRI gene bank is to ensure we never find ourselves in a position where our food supply isn’t secure and diverse.
Australia & Oceania
This archive covers progress stories from Australia, New Zealand, and the Pacific Island nations. Expect reporting on environmental protection, Indigenous-led initiatives, public health advances, and policy wins that reflect the region’s distinct challenges and strengths.
In ‘world first’, ultra-cheap printable solar panels are launched in Australia
Less than one millimeter thick and held down with double-sided sticky tape, the panels are similar in texture to a potato chip packet and can be produced for less than $10 per square meter.
New Zealand to ban single-use plastic bags by next year
Single-use plastic bags are among the most common items found in coastal litter in New Zealand.
The island of Samoa to go 100% renewable by 2025
The local utility has worked with Tesla to install a key piece of that plan, battery storage, and also a software system that can control Samoa’s entire electricity supply.
Philippine city of Mandaluyong passes law against LGBT discrimination
The Philippine city of Mandaluyong has approved an ordinance to protect the rights of lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender people from discrimination, the latest in a slew of local laws passed across the country.
Australia is investing $379 million to save the Great Barrier Reef
The landmark plan includes funds for improving water quality by reducing pollution from farm fertilizer runoff, and encourage reef restoration by experimenting with laboratory-grown coral that is more durable at higher temperatures.
New Zealand bans new offshore drilling, citing climate change
“When it comes to climate change, our plan is clear,” said Ms. Ardern, a member of the center-left Labor Party. “We are committed to the goal of becoming a net zero emissions economy by 2050.”
South Australia to get world’s largest solar and wind powered hydrogen “superhub”
“The Superhub will enable Neoen to produce renewable hydrogen for overseas export markets, and create 300 construction and ongoing jobs for South Australia”
Australia could double its solar capacity by the end of 2018
The solar energy boom has been spurred by solar projects large and small, with multiple industrial projects paired with the appearance of solar panels on buildings all over the country.
New Zealand creates first climate change refugee visa program
Faced with the looming prospect of entire islands disappearing under rising sea levels, New Zealand is designing the world’s first climate change refugee visa program.