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Michael Slezak
Michael Slezak is the ABC's national science, technology and environment reporter. He has been the environment reporter for The Guardian in Australia, the Australian correspondent for New Scientist magazine, and he edited the anthology Best Australian Science Writing 2017. His investigations into bleaching on the Great Barrier Reef won him the United Nations Association of Australia Media Award for Climate Reporting in 2017, and he has won awards for his reporting on scientific breakthroughs in cancer research and underground drug development. You can contact him at slezak.michael@abc.net.au and he tweets at @mikeyslezak. PGP: https://bit.ly/2qas6MW
Latest by Michael Slezak
'It's not just me': How an idea to ditch school sparked a global climate movement that's giving kids hope
From the streets, to the courts, to the halls of power — school strikes may look smaller but students are finding other ways to fight for climate action and a better future.
Compostable coffee cups are a 'nice idea in theory' but not in practice, waste experts say
Sold and marketed as environmentally friendly, compostable food packaging has been exploding in popularity in Australia. But is it any better than the plastic it's replaced?
Climate disconnect grows wider as fossil fuel use soars to 'double' required level by 2030
The gap between climate rhetoric and fossil fuel use is growing, according to a UN report that warns the world's carbon budget has almost been used up.
'Irreversible, catastrophic impacts': UN warns humanity must act now to survive
A United Nations report warns the world is "perilously close" to triggering tipping points that could have "irreversible, catastrophic impacts for people and the planet" — but it's not too late to act.
Analysis
analysis:'Bitterly disappointed': The federal government's just had a big win against environmentalists in court
The Federal Court has ruled the government can approve coal mines without considering emissions. That's not sustainable in the long run, writes Michael Slezak.
Australia has had four years to learn from Black Summer. Are we better prepared for this fire season?
For the first time in three years, Australians face the risk of significant bushfires. Are we any better prepared for big fires than we were before Black Summer?
Analysis
analysis:The uncontroversial truth behind the Great Barrier Reef's 'good news'
If Australia wants to keep the Great Barrier Reef — not just off the "in danger" list, but also in existence — much more needs to be done, writes Michael Slezak.
First pelican breeding frenzy at lake since 1999 sustained by buying water from farmers, scientists say
A group of scientists finds despite billions of dollars spent on the Murray Darling Basin Plan, many of the indicators used to measure whether the environment is receiving enough water have been getting worse.
In 2020, a uni student launched a world-first case against the federal government. They’ve now reached an agreement
The federal government has agreed to settle a world-first court case accusing it of misleading investors by failing to disclose the risk climate change poses to its bonds.
Scientists say thousands of baby emperor penguins drowned or froze to death last year. Here's why
Thousands of baby emperor penguins drowned last year in Antarctica as sea ice broke up early and reached record lows, British researchers say, reinforcing dire predictions about the future survival of the species.
'It's going to get worse': Warnings for Australian summer after study shows climate change worsened Canada's wildfires
Canada’s record-breaking wildfires are significantly worse because of climate change, according to a rapid analysis by a leading team of scientists.
This coalmine is polluting three times as much as expected. And that's not unusual
An ABC analysis uncovers several examples of project approval being granted to coalmines based on environmental assessments that contained significant underestimates of their greenhouse gas pollution.
Analysis
analysis:Waiting for cheaper, better EVs to arrive? The government's new strategy will help, but here's why it may not be quick
The government has released its electric vehicle strategy, which is meant to help get more of the cars into Australia. But it's not yet clear how much further ahead we are than six months ago, writes national science and environment reporter Michael Slezak.
The 'massive piece of the puzzle' that will help the world navigate climate change
The world's climate scientists have issued what one expert says is a “final warning” before global warming exceeds 1.5C, threatening planetary systems human life depends on.
Sarah was allegedly 'spied' on by a government agency. Years later, it still hasn't given up her 'dirt' file
A government agency that allegedly spied on a woman to "dig up dirt" is slammed by Victoria's Information Commissioner, who says the agency should apologise for its response to her request for information about the alleged spying.
Gina Rinehart's company declared a political donation 444 days late, but will regulators investigate?
Gina Rinehart's company Hancock Prospecting declares a $150,000 political donation 444 days after the legal deadline, following questions from the ABC.
Proposal to protect 'one of the most unique environments on the planet'
An area roughly the size of Germany is set to be added to Australia's protected marine zones, safeguarding the future of millions of penguins, seals and sea birds on Macquarie Island.
The Liberals declared a $144,000 payment from a small mining club. It wasn't what it seemed
Gina Rinehart's company, Hancock Prospecting Pty Ltd, was behind a $150,000 payment to the Liberal Party, transferred via a third party, and not declared by the mining giant.
Considering switching to induction cooking? A chef, a cooking enthusiast, and an electrician weigh in
A chef, a cooking enthusiast, and an electrician give advice on what to consider if you're switching from gas to electric induction cooking.
How much money is a koala's home worth? In several states, there's a market that can tell you
A market where koala credits are traded is now central to the federal Labor government's plan for halting Australia's extinction crisis, but critics are not convinced that demand is strong enough to make a serious impact on the environment.
Traffic light ratings and a new 'tough cop': Australia's new environmental policy
The federal government has committed to a landmark overhaul of Australia's environment laws in a move Environment Minister Tanya Plibersek says will reverse the decline of Australia's environment.
'Pleased, but not satisfied': Emissions reduction falls short as government releases first 'climate change statement'
The federal government says it is on track to achieve a 40 per cent emissions reduction by 2030, which falls short of its projected target of 43 per cent.
Great Barrier Reef should be placed on World Heritage 'in danger' list
A UN delegation again recommends Australia's Great Barrier Reef be added to the World Heritage 'in danger' list, urging immediate and urgent action to protect it.
Chefs, doctors and property developers among new coalition calling to rid kitchens of gas cooking
For decades, "natural gas" has sold itself to families as the fastest and most efficient way to cook. But now there's a battle for your kitchen stove, and a push to get you to embrace electric.
Analysis
analysis:While climate change talks have had a win, pressure is mounting to cut support to the 'villain' in fossil fuels
As the 27th United Nations climate conference drew to a close on the weekend, there were fears it would end in total disaster. However, with a key advance made, COP27 may have been a big win, writes Michael Slezak.