Trees make major contributions to all urban landscapes, such as streetscapes, roadsides, parks and gardens, as well as private dwellings. The significance of trees comes not only from their large size, but also from their long life spans
The vast majority of Indigenous people will never come into contact with the criminal justice system in Australia. However, Indigenous people remain over-represented in detention across all Australian jurisdictions.
A few years ago, a survey asked several hundred Americans what they feared more: death, or running out of money during retirement. Three out of five respondents stated the latter. The proportion was particularly high for those aged between 44 and 49 years who had dependents: in this age group, four out of five respondents reported that the lack of retirement savings was a bigger fear for them than death
Artificial intelligence (AI) is impacting society in varied ways as researchers and practitioners are using it to gain new insights into different problems and to open up new business opportunities. Its use has expanded from industry and manufacturing, to areas of sustainability such as land, water, biodiversity, urban transportation, waste, energy supply and housing. AI has revolutionised and will continue to shape the way experts find solutions to problems in these areas
For Australians, our sense of space and place are central to our identity and culture. From the first inhabitants of Australia to the diverse range of migrants who have made their way here, this country represents a freedom and way of life that is envied the world over. Yet Australians cannot afford to be complacent. The summer of 2012–2013 has seen temperatures skyrocket and very large, destructive bushfires
When I was a child, I was by no means alone in having Albert Schweitzer (1875–1965) as one of my great heroes. Organist, philosopher, physician and humanitarian, he inspired the world as a medical missionary in Africa. Early in life, he determined to pursue his interests in music, theology and ethics up to the age of 30
Aussie youth media is on the rise. There has been an explosion in online media outlets aimed at younger audiences. New local startups include Junkee, Broadsheet and Spook. Such sites offer proof of dramatic changes in the way young people access news and information. They are created, edited and staffed by young journalists who set their own agendas. More often than not, this means a visually rich, quirky mix of politics and pop culture, serious commentary and laughs, street-smart advice and buyer guides
The rhythms of life: conversation, the roll of the train, rain on the roof and the pulse of music. For most of us, these are taken for granted; sound is how we sense the world, how we interact with others. Sound adds colour to life, alerts us to opportunity or to threat, and evokes the romance or the danger in a motion picture
Since the 1970s multiculturalism has served as a category that has widened the conceptual framework of public policy, cultural philosophy and aesthetic practice. After 2001 it has slid into the twilight zone of a zombie concept. The current bout of simplistic slogans and jingoistic dismissals of multiculturalism are not new in content
Australia, along with much of the rest of the world, faces the challenging task of balancing the need to reduce greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions, while at the same time nurturing a vibrant and sensibly competitive society and economy — this to and fro debate continues to dominate Australian federal politics even in 2018