Nut Spas Russia
Slovak National Uprising Day Slovakia
International Day against Nuclear Tests http://www.un.org/en/events/againstnucleartestsday/
Individual Rights Day https://www.daysoftheyear.com/days/individual-rights-day/
More about Aug 29 https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/August_29
Climate Change
How climate change is a ‘death sentence’ in Afghanistan’s highlands.
Global warming should be taken as seriously as fighting insurgents, say those witnessing the savage impact first-hand.
http://www.environmentalhealthnews.org/t/2460133000469005530
Study: Katharine Hayhoe is successfully convincing doubtful evangelicals about climate change.
A new study finds that a lecture from evangelical climate scientist Katharine Hayhoe successfully educates evangelical college students, validating the “trusted sources” approach.
http://www.dailyclimate.org/t/2460133000469005507
Electricity consumption in Europe will shift under climate change
Rising temperatures due to greenhouse gas emissions will fundamentally change electricity consumption patterns in Europe.
https://www.eurekalert.org/pub_releases/2017-08/pifc-eci082417.php
It’s a fact: Climate change made Hurricane Harvey more deadly.
We can’t say that Hurricane Harvey was caused by climate change. But it was certainly worsened by it.
http://www.environmentalhealthnews.org/t/2460133000469005527
Could Hurricane Harvey deal a fatal blow to climate change skepticism?
Jared Keller Pacific Standard
A growing body of research suggests that perceptions of climate change are influenced by experience with climate-related natural disasters
http://www.dailyclimate.org/t/2460133000469005529
States dare to think big on climate change.
New York Times editorial
Washington is in denial, but California and nine Northeastern states are forging ahead.
http://www.environmentalhealthnews.org/t/2460133000469005503
National
Dirty deal on ‘green’ energy
20,000 GetUp! members have switched from ‘dirty’ retailers to a company that has no idea about the source of its power.
http://www.theaustralian.com.au/business/mining-energy/getup-pockets-2-million-with-a-dirty-deal-on-power-prices/news-story/5a76065bddfae60107b7c0a113a73392
Bid for gas export limits
The federal government is confident of imposing curbs on gas exports from January 1.
http://www.theaustralian.com.au/national-affairs/coalition-confident-of-gas-export-curbs-from-january-1/news-story/11a7175a1a32b07b2c83f397702cd716
Call on clean energy target by year’s end
Malcolm Turnbull is aiming to decide by the end of the year if or how the federal government will introduce a clean energy target.
http://www.heraldsun.com.au/news/breaking-news/call-on-clean-energy-target-by-years-end/news-story/dae6344cf15b8e9158356841fd6f90a4
APVMA’s pesticide approvals plummet to all-time low
The Australian Pesticides and Veterinary Medicines Authority’s latest performance results show the fourth consecutive slump in the number of pesticides approved by deadline.
http://www.weeklytimesnow.com.au/news/national/apvmas-pesticide-approvals-plummet-to-alltime-low/news-story/4ee73e88d0b6fc413a7256c32826b0ea
Turnbull accused of ignoring ‘easiest way’ to cut power prices
http://www.theage.com.au/federal-politics/political-news/power-companies-rebuke-turnbull-government-over-clean-energy-target-20170828-gy5i4m.html
Government has ‘no plans’ to fund coal power: PM
After spending a day touring the Snowy Hydro Scheme, Prime Minister Malcolm Turnbull backs away from an investment in coal power plants that could appease some in his party room hesitant to support a clean energy target.
http://www.abc.net.au/news/2017-08-28/malcolm-turnbull-says-no-plans-to-build-or-fund-coal-power/8850332
Renewables delivering – despite enemies and “lukewarm defenders”
Tristan Edis
Green Energy Markets Renewable Energy Index shows an industry delivering on its promise: fulfilling a large and growing part of Australia’s energy needs while also providing meaningful employment.
http://reneweconomy.com.au/renewables-delivering-despite-enemies-and-lukewarm-defenders-52800/
Know your NEM: Canberra fiddling while Rome burns on energy prices
David Leitch
The Federal Government has turned attention back to electricity prices and the little bits and pieces they are doing around compelling retailers to notify customers when the end of a discount period arrives are welcome.
http://reneweconomy.com.au/know-nem-canberra-fiddling-rome-burns-energy-prices-41937/
Clean green Turnbull pumps Snowy Hydro PR back uphill, reuses it
Bernard Keane
https://www.crikey.com.au/2017/08/28/clean-green-turnbull-pumps-snowy-hydro-pr-back-uphill-re-uses-it/
We’ll get burnt putting faith in the sun
Nick Cater
The same impulse that leads the environmentally chic to pay $40,000 for a vehicle that will drop more than half of its value in five years is encouraging soft-headed state administrations to pick technological winners in an uncertain race.
http://www.theaustralian.com.au/opinion/columnists/nick-cater/well-get-burnt-putting-faith-in-the-sun/news-story/bfb80855acbce3fbb622b6e463c7fd8c
Hinch wades right in on behalf of dugongs
Daniel Bateman
SENATOR Derryn Hinch believes he may be able to “shame” the Federal Government into taking stronger action to protect dugongs and sea turtles from being slaughtered in the wild.
http://www.cairnspost.com.au/news/cairns/senator-derryn-hinch-outlines-plan-to-protect-dugongs-from-being-slaughtered-in-the-wild/news-story/a26c95a66b949bcdbf0dd7833a5d600b
Let’s carry on Mabo’s legacy: improve the native title system while respecting land and culture
Jayde Geia
We need greater representation of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people in decision making roles. It’s the only way to ensure the best interests of our communities
https://www.theguardian.com/commentisfree/2017/aug/28/lets-carry-on-mabos-legacy-improve-the-native-title-system-while-respecting-land-and-culture
Victoria
Victoria proposes “hybrid” contracts for new wind and solar farms
The Victoria state Labor government is proposing a new “hybrid” contract for its 650MW large scale renewable energy action, combining a fixed payment with a “contract for difference” that will cap its exposure to the scheme.
http://reneweconomy.com.au/victoria-proposes-hybrid-contracts-new-wind-solar-farms-47934/
City council attacks plan to pump more cars into CBD
http://www.theage.com.au/victoria/a-fundamental-betrayal-city-council-attacks-plan-to-pump-more-cars-into-cbd-20170828-gy5qqw.html
Victoria is the latest state to take renewable energy into its own hands
Samantha Hepburn, Deakin University
https://theconversation.com/victoria-is-the-latest-state-to-take-renewable-energy-into-its-own-hands-83097
New South Wales
Sapphire Wind Farm seeks community investors in possible Australian first
Sapphire Wind Farm developer calls on community investors to take shares in what will be NSW biggest wind farm.
http://reneweconomy.com.au/sapphire-wind-farm-seeks-community-investors-in-possible-australian-first-20090/
Snowy Hydro to create 5000 jobs
THE PM’s “game-changing” Snowy Hydro 2.0 power station will create 5000 new jobs across NSW when construction starts next year.
http://www.dailytelegraph.com.au/news/nsw/snowy-hydro-20-power-station-creates-thousands-of-new-jobs-across-nsw/news-story/4d7cb8abe07e614f21dcd196354dded8
NSW on renewables: All talk, not much action
David Leitch
NSW has generally been a laggard in energy policy
http://reneweconomy.com.au/nsw-on-renewables-all-talk-not-much-action-12016/
ACT
The need to improve the train line between Canberra and Sydney
Canberra Times editorial
At what point, exactly, does pie-in-the-sky policy thinking turn into an evidence-based long-term policy agenda?
http://www.canberratimes.com.au/comment/ct-editorial/the-need-to-improve-the-train-line-between-canberra-and-sydney-20170828-gy5knk.html
Queensland
Adani will begin construction of its Carmichael coal mine in October
Company chairman Gautam Adani issued a statement overnight, confirming the start of works for the $16.5 billion project in Queensland’s Galilee basin, with the first coal to be produced by the facility in March 2020.
http://www.news.com.au/finance/business/mining/adani-will-begin-construction-of-its-carmichael-coal-mine-in-october/news-story/87691aee29ee43681323503aef1f7a70
Adani battle not over for EDO Qld
The Environmental Defenders Office (EDO) Queensland has said it will continue to examine the lawfulness of Adani’s Carmichael coal mine project desp…
https://www.lawyersweekly.com.au/wig-chamber/21763-adani-battle-not-over-for-edo-qld
LNP looks to feds for Queensland fast train study
https://www.brisbanetimes.com.au/politics/queensland/lnp-looks-to-feds-for-queensland-fast-train-study-20170828-p4yvle.html
Fast-moving fire threatens Queensland homes
https://www.brisbanetimes.com.au/national/queensland/qld-fast-moving-fire-threatens-qld-homes-20170828-p4yvlq.html
Glencore seeks coal mine sale
Glencore is looking to offload the Rolleston coal mine, as part of ongoing efforts to restructure its portfolio of assets.
http://www.theaustralian.com.au/business/mining-energy/glencore-looking-to-offload-rolleston-coal-mine/news-story/175068886385b3f47fa9986ce42cae4b
South Australia
S.A. calls tender for “next generation” renewables and storage
South Australia has announced plans to hold a tender for the “next generation” of renewable energy technologies, including projects that provide “firming” for current and pending wind and solar projects, bulk energy storage, and bio-energy.
http://reneweconomy.com.au/s-calls-tender-next-generation-renewables-storage-23440/
Projects wanted for $150m Renewable Technology Fund offered by SA Government
South Australian taxpayers will help fund energy storage and other technologies to prevent wind farms and other intermittent energy sources from undermining the security of the electricity grid.
http://www.abc.net.au/news/2017-08-28/expressions-of-interest-wanted-for-renewable-tech-fund/8849114
Silicon storage power bid ‘can cut bills‘
AN Adelaide company says it could help cut SA’s soaring power bills by 30 per cent if it was given the green light by a new State Government renewable energy fund.
http://www.adelaidenow.com.au/news/south-australia/jay-weatherill-looks-for-technologies-to-make-renewables-more-reliable-launches-rules-for-150m-taxpayerfunded-scheme/news-story/35dd1a303198144760e6a03c5381bce2
Tasmania
TasWater dam backflip notes
TASWATER continued to hold internal concerns about a dam proposal for the state’s East Coast just weeks before publicly backing the project, documents obtained by the Mercury reveal.
http://www.themercury.com.au/business/taswater-internal-concerns-about-buckland-dam-before-public-support-revealed/news-story/ca5bc3c3e3dcaf8faf1d6e74ae0b9c3b
Pulp mill not only way forward for North
It was the proposal that sunk a company and received national media attention.
http://www.examiner.com.au/story/4883495/pulp-mill-not-only-way-forward-for-north/?cs=97
Fine time to grasp the nettle
Peter Boyer
The work of the Tasmanian Energy Security Taskforce opens the door to bolder policies.
http://www.themercury.com.au/news/opinion/tasmanian-energy-security-report-a-good-opportunity-to-cut-fossil-fuel-emissions/news-story/26c9fab97a16af818d2a89a8022f7686
Western Australia
WA mulls three gigawatt-scale PV plants to export solar to Asia
Plans to build three gigawatt-scale solar farms in Western Australia’s Pilbara and Kimberley regions and sell their output to Indonesia via submarine cables, could soon be commercially viable.
http://reneweconomy.com.au/wa-mulls-three-gigawatt-scale-pv-plants-to-export-solar-to-asia-93596/
Trash to cash: How will the WA container deposit scheme work?
Soon in WA you’ll be able to exchange your cans and bottles for cold, hard, 10-cent pieces. Here’s what we know so far about how the scheme will work.
http://www.abc.net.au/news/2017-08-28/how-will-wa-deposit-container-scheme-work/8848674
Sustainability
Plastic bag-makers and users risk jail, fines as Kenya cracks down on pollution
Kenyans producing, selling or even using plastic bags will risk imprisonment of up to four years under new laws which manufacturers say will have “very severe” impacts on their industry.
http://www.abc.net.au/news/2017-08-28/kenya-imposes-worlds-toughest-law-against-plastic-bags/8850186
Why did we use leaded petrol for so long?
Leaded petrol was safe. Its inventor was sure of it.
http://www.environmentalhealthnews.org/t/-3246038150322295870
7 reasons we are facing a global water crisis.
But each year brings more solutions – like using wastewater for energy and monitoring groundwater levels more closely
http://www.environmentalhealthnews.org/t/2460133000469005510
WPI Researchers Demonstrate New Membrane Technology That May Help Make Hydrogen Fuel Cell Vehicles Viable
http://www.enn.com/energy/article/52297
Use of ethanol in vehicles reduces pollution by nanoparticles, study shows
http://www.enn.com/pollution/article/52293
A low-cost method for solar-thermal conversion that’s simpler and greener
Columbia Engineers and colleagues create a ‘dip-and-dry’ approach for selective solar absorbers that exhibit high-performance and durability
https://www.eurekalert.org/pub_releases/2017-08/cuso-alm082817.php
Solar hydrogen production by artificial leafs
Scientists analysed how a special treatment improves cheap metal oxide photoelectrodes
https://www.eurekalert.org/pub_releases/2017-08/hbfm-shp082817.php
Should BPA be canned?
Until manufacturers place a higher value on our health than on profits, as consumers we must take steps to reduce our exposure to plastics and toxic chemicals of all kinds.
http://www.environmentalhealthnews.org/t/2460133000469005519
Trash to Treasure: The Benefits of Waste-to-Energy Technologies
Using landfill waste to produce energy generates less greenhouse gases than simply letting the waste decompose. The study highlights the benefits of food waste as a potential source of …
https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2017/08/170827101845.htm
China fuelling US coal revival
As Trump pledged to end the coal sector’s long decline, shifting Chinese policy has boosted the fortunes of US producers.
http://www.theaustralian.com.au/business/mining-energy/china-fuelling-us-coal-revival/news-story/e54b6d1425dd7f0f83edf63137e8c7b6
Oil and gas wells as a strong source of greenhouse gases
New study proves methane leaks around North Sea boreholes
https://www.eurekalert.org/pub_releases/2017-08/hcfo-oag082817.php
James Hansen’s Generation IV nuclear fallacies and fantasies
Jim Green
Climate scientist James Hansen’s claims about Generation IV nuclear concepts simply don’t stack up
http://reneweconomy.com.au/james-hansens-generation-iv-nuclear-fallacies-and-fantasies-70309/
Houston, you have a problem, and some of it of your own making
Peter Hannam
As the oil and gas capital of the world, Houston should have known storms like Harvey were coming.
https://www.brisbanetimes.com.au/environment/climate-change/houston-you-have-a-problem-and-some-of-it-of-your-own-making-20170828-gy5cmy.html
Nature Conservation
It’s so absurd and crazy it might just work: China plants billions of trees in the desert.
Can a “Green Great Wall” stop sand from devouring the country?
http://www.environmentalhealthnews.org/t/2460133000469005508
Industrial farming is driving the sixth mass extinction of life on Earth, says leading academic.
‘Re-imagining a world with less stuff but more joy is probably the way forward,’ says Professor Raj Patel.
http://www.environmentalhealthnews.org/t/-3246038150322297476
Palm oil kills orangutans in Indonesia peat swamp.
The Tripa peat forest has been called the orangutan capital of the world, but its great apes are under threat by palm oil plantations gobbling up thousands of acres of native vegetation to instead grow the trees that produce the most consumed vegetable oil on the planet.
http://www.environmentalhealthnews.org/t/-3246038150322296992
US’s largest estuary facing increasing acidification risk
Chesapeake Bay, the largest estuary in the United States and one of the largest in the world, is facing new risks from a layer of highly acidified water some 10 to 15 meters below the surface, a new study has found.
http://www.enn.com/ecosystems/article/52295
Algae fortifies coral reefs in past and present
The Great Barrier Reef, and most other large reefs around the world, owe their bulk in large part to a type of red algae that grows on corals and strengthens them. New research led by Anna Weiss, a Ph.D. candidate at The University of Texas at Austin Jackson School of Geosciences, has found that ancient coral reefs were also bolstered by their bond with red algae, a finding that could help scientists better understand how reefs will respond to climate change.
https://www.eurekalert.org/pub_releases/2017-08/uota-afc082817.php
Sea Shepherd abandons ocean face-off with Japanese whalers
http://www.theage.com.au/federal-politics/political-news/sea-shepherd-permanently-abandons-antarctic-whaling-faceoff-over-japanese-military-fears-20170828-gy5phn.html
Climate may quickly drive forest-eating beetles north, says study
Pines in Canada and much of US at risk
https://www.eurekalert.org/pub_releases/2017-08/teia-cmq082417.php
Maelor Himbury