Wominjeka! Science reporter Jacinta Bowler back in the hot seat, as we rocket towards the end of the year at frightening speed. 
 

There's plenty of good news when it comes to renewable energy. 
 

In 2024, 36 per cent of Australia's electricity generation was renewable, and that number is set to increase again in 2025. 
 

Dozens of countries are significantly decreasing their emissions while still seeing a lift in their economy. Australia is one of them.
 

And yet it's still not enough.
 

Fossil fuels emissions are still increasing, and are projected to hit another record high in 2025, according to the latest carbon budget report.
 

Meanwhile, political parties are still arguing over whether "net zero" is a good idea. 
 

That's despite the remaining carbon budget we have to stay under 1.5 degrees of warming is almost completely gone.
 

So, is there a way to keep us from catastrophe? And why is it never as simple as it seems? Our newsletter friend, environment reporter Peter de Kruijff, unpacks the science that underpins why net zero is necessary. 
 

In other not-so-good news, I've been looking at CSIRO's latest round of major job cuts.
 

This is just the tip of the iceberg for science funding in Australia. 
 

With the invention of wi-fi, the discovery of pulsars and so much more under our belt, Australia is known as a country of innovators. 
 

But with continued cuts to science, is Australia losing our edge?
 

In audio land, things are a little more upbeat. 
 

Belinda Smith from Lab Notes looks at how long-range weather forecasts are made, while the Science Show's Robyn Williams focuses on who won this year's Bragg Prize for Science Writing. 
 

That's it from me this week, but there's heaps of good stuff down below. 
 

And if you want to continue the conversation, or share a scientific thought or photo, send us an email.
 

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Australia is known as a country of innovators, but with a combination of brain drain, continuous cuts, and a loss of critical science projects, is Australia losing its edge?

Despite rising CO2 emissions, there are hopes for exponential growth in renewable energy take-up as major emitters like China near a peak for greenhouse gas creation.

Councils are voting to remove fluoride from drinking water — so why did we add it in the first place, and how can you protect your teeth if you're losing access to it?

The huge range of dog breeds that exists today is often thought of as a modern phenomenon, but new research suggests this vast diversity started thousands of years ago.

Astronomers have discovered the famous Seven Sisters or Pleiades star cluster, which is featured in many Aboriginal songlines, is surrounded by a huge, hidden stellar family.