Where to start reading philosophy?
Want to contemplate some big questions this summer but don't know where to start? Here are some top picks from some of Australia's top philosophers.
Academic rigour, journalistic flair
Analysis and Comment
What role for the states on climate and energy policy? NSW enters the fray
In the absence of strong federal action on climate change, many states have developed their own climate and energy policies.
Vital Signs: economic game changers to watch for in 2017
My Christmas fiscal wish is that in 2017 both sides of politics treat the Australian public like adults.
Lessons in trust from America’s experience with electronic voting
Elections worldwide are becoming increasingly dependent on technology. But, typically, the electronic systems adopted suffer from weak transparency and scrutiny even when the outcome is challenged.
Fuel efficiency standards could help curb Australia’s persistently growing emissions
Australia's plan to bring fuel efficiency standards up to par with the US and Europe could see us say goodbye to regular unleaded, and hello to a useful way of cutting our rising greenhouse emissions.
Heart attack deaths more likely at Christmas
Christmas holidays can be a risky time for both your bank balance and your state of mind, but there is also some evidence indicating you are at higher risk of a heart attack or stroke.
Friday essay: Christmas poetry – a reflection
The beauty and delicacy of the Christmas story become in our consumerist hands a recipe for crassness and sentimentality. No surprise then, that poets are drawn to try to rescue it.
A very diplomatic Christmas: how to avoid a coup at the dinner table this year
Politics and religion at the dinner table, over Christmas with all the relatives – what could possibly go wrong?
How to tackle the rising tide of poaching in Australia’s tropical seas
Prized species such as sea cucumbers are increasingly being poached from Australian waters. But if foreign aid can give fishing crews alternative livelihoods, the problem could ease.
Five things you need to know about fitness trackers
Do fitness trackers work? For how long? And are they more than just a passing fad? We explore what you need to know about fitness trackers.
Downside of fitness trackers and health apps is loss of privacy
Apps and wearable devices promise greater participation and empowerment in health care. But what are we risking when we take part in this new era of participatory health?
Would you eat a 3D printed pizza?
3D printed food is already here, but not everyone is convinced it looks edible.
We must do something about jobs for young people in a world of automation
Young Australian jobseekers are facing a difficult future due to the loss of many traditional entry-level positions to automation. A solution may lie in bold policy ideas.
ASIC gives the banks cause for Christmas celebration
Just before everyone sits down for their Christmas dinner ASIC has handed two of Australia's big four banks a big present.
Should I worry if my child is pigeon-toed or duck-footed?
For the majority of children, in-toe or out-toe walking is just part of growth.
Rental housing policies trap children in poverty, so how low will we go?
Many children are living in low-income families that struggle to pay the rent to keep a roof over their heads. Unaffordable housing is fuelling childhood poverty, so where is the policy response?
Yes, the Arctic’s freakishly warm winter is due to humans’ climate influence
The end of 2016 has brought balmy Arctic temperatures and record low ice extent for the time of year. It's a freak event even by modern standards, and climate models point the finger firmly at humans.
Queensland communities remain lukewarm about coal seam gas: CSIRO survey
The latest survey of residents in coal seam gas regions reveals continuing lukewarm attitudes towards the industry.
Festive season survival tips for healthy eating
Healthy eating can still be delicious! Limit dietary blowout by going into the Christmas and holiday period with a plan.
When it comes to election campaigns, is the gambling lobby all bark and no bite?
The gambling lobby's failure to seriously influence the 2016 ACT election should embolden governments around Australia that have a mind to deal with gambling reform.
Podcasts
Politics with Michelle Grattan
Talking politics with politicians and experts, from Capital Hill.
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Business Briefing
Brief analysis of what's making news in Business and Economy.
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Change Agents
A podcast series about change and the people who make it happen
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Speaking with…
Ideas and analysis from the sharpest minds in the academic and research world.
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The year that was
The world’s words of the year pass judgement on a dark, surreal 2016
All over the world, people are trying to boil down their experiences of 2016 into a single word. The results speak for themselves.
Vital Signs: economic game changers to watch for in 2017
My Christmas fiscal wish is that in 2017 both sides of politics treat the Australian public like adults.
2016, the year that was: Business and Economics
Scandals, elections, budgets, 2016 had it all. Here's what made news in business and economics.
Climate change
Yes, the Arctic’s freakishly warm winter is due to humans’ climate influence
The end of 2016 has brought balmy Arctic temperatures and record low ice extent for the time of year. It's a freak event even by modern standards, and climate models point the finger firmly at humans.
Infographic: climate change and 2015’s year of wild weather
Climate change played a role in Australia’s hottest October and Tasmania’s big dry in 2015
Fossil fuel emissions have stalled: Global Carbon Budget 2016
World set for hottest year on record: World Meteorological Organization
FactCheck Q&A: as the climate changes, are 750 million refugees predicted to move away from flooding?
Melting glaciers, shifting biomes and dying trees in our national parks – yet we can take action on climate change
Cities
Rental housing policies trap children in poverty, so how low will we go?
Many children are living in low-income families that struggle to pay the rent to keep a roof over their heads. Unaffordable housing is fuelling childhood poverty, so where is the policy response?
In China, low-speed electric vehicles are driving high-speed urbanisation
The global road-building explosion is shattering nature
Getting smarter about city lights is good for us and nature too
In China, low-speed electric vehicles are driving high-speed urbanisation
Take a deep breath – here’s what 2016 revealed about the deadly dangers of air pollution
How blockchain will transform our cities
Why secure and affordable housing is an increasing worry for age pensioners
Turnbull’s report card on urban transport projects reveals narrow economic focus
Columnists
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“ Is there an ‘Australian Christmas’ that differs from the celebrations elsewhere?
Lauren Rosewarne -
“ With meteor showers, eclipses and epic space missions, it’s worth looking up in 2017
Alan Duffy -
Tony Walker — “Russia’s role in Syria means it has dealt itself back into a regional game”
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Pat McConnell — “Blockchain is more of a hindrance than a help to modern financial markets”
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Beth Webster — “National governments do not, and should not, behave like a private household”
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John Keane — “The Berlin violence bodes ill for an already troubled Germany, and for Europe”
Research and Expert Database
Editors’ Picks
Rising emissions
Australia’s carbon emissions and electricity demand are growing: here’s why
Over the past year Australia's greenhouse gas emissions from electricity rose 2.7%.
Christmas dinner
Festive season survival tips for healthy eating
Healthy eating can still be delicious! Limit dietary blowout by going into the Christmas and holiday period with a plan.
Quiz
The Conversation super summer quiz 2016
Have you been paying attention this year? Or have you spent 2016 safe and sound in your own world? Find out in our summer quiz as we look back at some of the memorable moments of the year.
Codeine products
Four reasons why codeine should not be sold without prescription
The Therapeutic Goods Administration (TGA) has called for submissions on the idea of deleting codeine from Schedule 3 (pharmacy only) availability and moving it to Schedule 4 (prescription only). From…
Explainer: what is the Australian monsoon?
The Australian monsoon delivers most of northern Australia's rainfall and is a vital feature of life in the region. But why does it occur?
Empathy
Friday essay: can looking at art make for better doctors?
Can empathy be taught to students in the healthcare professions? A groundbreaking project is using visual art to ensure they pay attention to the whole person, not just the disease.
Reading
Summer reading list: ten best children’s books of 2016
From the informative to the whimsical to the flat out hilarious, here are ten Australian books to keep your child's brain active through the holidays.
Quiz
Can you tell fact from fiction? Take The Conversation 2016 FactCheck quiz to find out
Who got it right and who got it wrong in 2016? Take The Conversation's 2016 FactCheck quiz to find out.
Beer
The price is not right: how much is too much for a beer at sporting events?
Overpriced and low-quality beer at sports stadiums leaves fans feeling exploited. Here's how that can change.
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Events
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Masterclass: How to raise capital — University of Technology Sydney
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