Michael Slezak
Michael Slezak is an award-winning climate journalist, who reports across all ABC platforms. He's won several awards including a Walkley for his work on science, environment and climate change.
You can contact him at slezak.michael@abc.net.au.
Latest by Michael Slezak
Darwin Harbour Middle Arm expansion plan slammed by critics as 'extraordinary fossil fuel subsidy'
By climate journalist Michael Slezak
A multi-billion-dollar taxpayer-funded extension plan for Darwin Harbour is being slammed by Pacific neighbours and environmental groups, saying it represents a major fossil fuel subsidy.
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'It's basically dead': The legacy of decades of logging
An AI-based analysis of 20 years of logging by VicForests, shared exclusively with the ABC, shows for the first time the potential scale of failed regeneration in Victoria's state forests.
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Leaked documents reveal president of the UN's global climate negotiations used his role to push oil deals
By the climate team's Jess Davis and Michael Slezak
Leaked documents reveal the president of the UN's global climate negotiations COP28, planned to use his role to push oil deals with other countries.
'It's not just me': How an idea to ditch school sparked a global climate movement that's giving kids hope
By the climate team's Michael Slezak and Jess Davis
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.
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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?
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Climate disconnect grows wider as fossil fuel use soars to 'double' required level by 2030
By energy reporter Daniel Mercer and environment reporter Michael Slezak
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.
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'Irreversible, catastrophic impacts': UN warns humanity must act now to survive
By the Climate Team's Michael Slezak
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.
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Analysis
analysis:'Bitterly disappointed': The federal government's just had a big win against environmentalists in court
By national science, technology and environment reporter Michael Slezak
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?
By national science, technology and environment reporter Michael Slezak and the Specialist Reporting Team's Loretta Florance and Emily Laurence
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?
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Analysis
analysis:The uncontroversial truth behind the Great Barrier Reef's 'good news'
By national science, technology and environment reporter Michael Slezak
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
By national science, technology and environment reporter Michael Slezak and the Specialist Reporting Team's Loretta Florance
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.
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In 2020, a uni student launched a world-first case against the federal government. They’ve now reached an agreement
By the Specialist Reporting Team's Leonie Thorne and national science, technology and environment reporter Michael Slezak
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.
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Scientists say thousands of baby emperor penguins drowned or froze to death last year. Here's why
By national science, technology and environment reporter Michael Slezak and the Specialist Reporting Team's Mary Lloyd
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.
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'It's going to get worse': Warnings for Australian summer after study shows climate change worsened Canada's wildfires
By national science, technology and environment reporter Michael Slezak and the Specialst Reporting Team's Loretta Florance
Canada’s record-breaking wildfires are significantly worse because of climate change, according to a rapid analysis by a leading team of scientists.
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This coalmine is polluting three times as much as expected. And that's not unusual
By national science and environment reporter Michael Slezak
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
By national science and environment reporter Michael Slezak
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.
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The 'massive piece of the puzzle' that will help the world navigate climate change
By national science, technology and environment reporter Michael Slezak and the Specialist Reporting Team's Loretta Florance
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.
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Sarah was allegedly 'spied' on by a government agency. Years later, it still hasn't given up her 'dirt' file
By national science and environment reporter Michael Slezak
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.
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Gina Rinehart's company declared a political donation 444 days late, but will regulators investigate?
By national science and environment reporter Michael Slezak
Gina Rinehart's company Hancock Prospecting declares a $150,000 political donation 444 days after the legal deadline, following questions from the ABC.
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Proposal to protect 'one of the most unique environments on the planet'
By national science, environment and technology reporter Michael Slezak
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.
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The Liberals declared a $144,000 payment from a small mining club. It wasn't what it seemed
By national science and environment reporter Michael Slezak and the specialist reporting team's Loretta Florance
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.
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Considering switching to induction cooking? A chef, a cooking enthusiast, and an electrician weigh in
By national science, technology and environment reporter Michael Slezak
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
By national science, technology and environment reporter Michael Slezak
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.
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Traffic light ratings and a new 'tough cop': Australia's new environmental policy
By national science, technology and environment reporter Michael Slezak
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.
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'Pleased, but not satisfied': Emissions reduction falls short as government releases first 'climate change statement'
By national science, technology and environment reporter Michael Slezak
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.
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