Papers in this section cover a wide range of environmental topics ranging from water, climate, soils and vegetation to issues on innovations in microbial balancing, bio-conversion and alternative energy. A number of papers will also cover science theory and policy.

These papers are designed to present ideas based on research experiences or observations that invoke a wider public discussion or investigation. Often in research and environmental consultancy, observations arise and experiences are encountered that are not explained in current theory or practices. Also, current belief systems in public science often stifle wider public debate, publication and media cover. The Internet and this website provide opportunities to discover new perspectives on environmental science through these discussion papers.

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Biological Disjuncts (120 KB)
This paper addresses the question of why organisms tend to form distinct groups such as species and a mechanism is discussed.

Evolutionary Direction II (1 MB)
This paper addresses the factors associated with changes in species and biological populations in relation to the direction of change over time. Conclusions are drawn as to the processes and outcomes and these are presented as postulates.

Water Directions (104 KB)
This paper addresses the water crisis in Australia and the failures within bureaucracy to properly plan and implement the strategies for water security. We do not have a crisis in water supply or water management technologies: we have a crisis in water governance. The paper proposes new approaches and actions for water production and management. This includes a 10 point plan to secure new water production, water use and recycling.

Primary Water (102 KB)
There is a looming water crisis in Australia, particularly for urban areas. Rural areas are also under pressure because they do not have access to the large water storages of major cities and regional towns. While some irrigation areas will mange on limited supplies many dryland farmers have had their groundwater supplies cut, and often this water is the main water that sustains their business. However, most Australians relies heavy on surface water supplies that will always be limited, and perhaps become increasingly polluted.

Australia has to become far more efficient at water use and minimise water wastage. These strategies alone will not the secure the water reserves that the Australian economy needs for nation building. There is a new source of water that is available for all Australians, yet is not part of the national water plan. However, firstly we must ask, how was water first produced within and on Earth, and in such great quantities, and does this production system still exist today?

Perceptions of the Fenner Conference (148 KB)
The considerations are based around the dichotomy between well defined objectives for production and ill-defined objectives for natural resources. Natural resource objectives are directed towards conceptual objective such as biodiversity because of the lack of a tangible objective other than having more trees. Integration of conservation and production involved partitioning the landscape between agriculture and native vegetation. This reflects the industry focus with agriculture and a monopoly on natural resource activities by public organisations. The conclusion discusses the likelihood of achieving the conference objectives given the existing organisational constraints.

ERIC's Reference Material (188 KB)
This statement is a one-page summary of ERIC's reference papers, map products and capability statements included on the website in the research papers section.

The Illusory Power of Peer Review (220 KB)
Public scientists consistently suggest that considerations contrary to theirs should be subject to peer review. Peer review is identified as maintaining scientific standards when the censorship involved in peer review is contrary to the basic requirement in science for openness. This note examines how peer review operates and its effect on Australian environmental science. Review of research activities is now conducted by some without science degrees. Combined with the secrecy and censorship associated with review this has resulted in science infrastructure being demolished with science being replaced by technology.

Degradation of Farming Systems (185 KB)
Historically societies have risen and fallen with their ability to produce quality food. Most current societies, but particularly the most industrialised, are experiencing a decline in health that mirrors the decline in agricultural systems. Crop productivity has increased but the environmental condition of agricultural regions has declined to the point of desertification. The decreased rainfall and increased temperatures associated with desertification are features of global warming.