Ocean acidification has been described as the evil twin of global warming and is becoming widely recognised as one of the top threats to coral reefs, explains Emily Shaw.
Shallow coral reefs may be even more susceptible to increasing acidity caused by heightened levels of carbon dioxide in the atmosphere and oceans than previously recognised.
New research by a team of scientists shows that black carbon aerosols and ozone, both man-made pollutants, are most likely pushing the boundary of the tropics further poleward.
A new study has found that record high sea-surface temperatures off northern Australia were also responsible for the downpour that devastated much of Queensland in December 2010.
A study shows carbon dioxide levels plunged by 40% before and during the formation of the Antarctic ice sheet, confirming the power of the gas to dramatically alter global climate.
A new report from the independent Climate Commission "should be a wake-up call for global and national action on greenhouse gas emissions", says UNSW climate scientist Professor Matthew England.