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.

Molecule of the human hormone glucagon

Australian scientists regenerate diabetics’ damaged cells to produce insulin

By / / Good news links

For many years, research has focused on identifying novel therapies that stimulate beta-cell growth and function to restore insulin production in type 1 diabetics. Now, researchers at the Baker Heart and Diabetes Institute in Melbourne have brought us a step closer to making this a reality, regenerating damaged pancreatic cells so they can produce insulin and functionally respond to blood glucose levels. The novel therapeutic approach has the potential to become the first disease-modifying treatment for type 1 diabetes.

Break Free From Fossil Fuels flyer

Australia and Norway to stop overseas fossil fuel financing

By / / Good news links

Australia and Norway have formally joined the Clean Energy Transition Partnership (CETP), a historic alliance aiming at ending international public subsidies for fossil fuels. The CETP was launched during COP26 in Glasgow and has grown to include 41 countries and organizations, signaling a significant step forward in combating the climate catastrophe.

Charging an EV, for article on Australia EV market share

EVs exceed 10% of monthly auto sales in Australia for first time ever

By / / Good News For Humankind

Australia’s EV market hit a milestone in September 2023, with plug-in vehicles making up 10.6% of new car sales — the first time the country has crossed double digits in a single month. That meant nearly 10,000 plug-in cars found new homes, led by the Tesla Model Y, which outsold every passenger car except two utes. The shift reflects more than new models on lots: salary sacrifice schemes, Chinese automakers expanding their reach, and access programs for public sector workers are bringing EVs to buyers who once found them out of reach. With transport responsible for nearly a fifth of Australia’s emissions, this kind of broad-based momentum is exactly what the climate transition looks like when it finally clicks into gear.