Daily Links Oct 12

Beyond EPA’s Clean Power decision: Climate action window could close as early as 2023
As the Trump administration repeals the U.S. Clean Power Plan, a new study from the University of Michigan underscores the urgency of reducing greenhouse gas emissions–from both environmental and economic perspectives.
https://www.eurekalert.org/pub_releases/2017-10/uom-bec101117.php

World will need ‘carbon sucking’ technology by 2030s, scientists warn
New methods to capture and store emissions, such as planting more forests and pumping carbon underground, are currently costly and need testing
https://www.theguardian.com/environment/2017/oct/11/world-will-need-carbon-sucking-technology-by-2030s-scientists-warn

Tony Abbott’s 17 different core climate change beliefs
Bernard Keane
https://www.crikey.com.au/2017/10/11/tony-abbotts-17-different-core-climate-change-beliefs/

Timely warnings about climate change
Russell Grenning
Many scientists managed to smoothly change tack from dire predictions of global cooling in the 1970s to global warming in the 2000s.
http://www.onlineopinion.com.au/view.asp?article=19343

Hard to know what Tony Abbott wants on climate and comeback
James Campbell
WHAT does Tony Abbott want? It’s the question everyone would like answered. Is he out there making trouble because he wants to be a wrecker or is he trying to come back?
http://www.heraldsun.com.au/news/opinion/james-campbell/hard-to-know-what-tony-abbott-wants-on-climate-and-comeback/news-story/94c96bacbec4b5c40632d6761a918e4d

Abuse of Tony Abbott proves a point
Andrew Bolt
THE screams of abuse tell me Tony Abbott hit the target with his speech saying global warming may not be so bad.
http://www.heraldsun.com.au/news/opinion/andrew-bolt/andrew-bolt-abuse-of-tony-abbott-proves-a-point/news-story/381aa72c89f51ffefc36c4d5565d4545

Abbott draws a line in the energy sand
Terry McCrann
http://www.heraldsun.com.au/business/terry-mccrann/tony-abbott-draws-a-line-in-the-energy-sand/news-story/a1c7a04338644406faf472dc319a129c

Telstra unveils its big battery – it’s nearly 10 times bigger than Tesla’s
Never mind Tesla’s big battery in SA, Telstra has 1GWh of battery storage in its current fleet, and plans to put it to use on
http://reneweconomy.com.au/telstra-unveils-its-big-battery-its-nearly-10-times-bigger-than-teslas-29761/

‘Every risk’ electricity prices will rise without clean energy target
The head of Australia’s biggest energy retailer urges the Federal Government to immediately implement a clean energy target if it wants energy prices to fall.
http://www.abc.net.au/news/2017-10-11/clean-energy-target-needed-to-cut-energy-prices-origin/9037534

Mining could help Australia lead the way on driverless cars
Australia is well positioned to adapt to the new world of driverless vehicle technology given its widespread use in the resources sector, according to Bill Clinton’s transport czar in the 1990s.
http://www.abc.net.au/news/2017-10-11/mining-australia-lead-way-on-driverless-cars-rodney-slater/9038516

How Blockchain technology could help you become your own energy mogul
It’s called peer-to-peer trading and it’s fast becoming a reality in Australia, with start-ups across the country trialling ways to counter power bill hikes by putting the power of energy generation into the hands of consumers.
http://www.abc.net.au/news/2017-10-11/blockchain-technology-fuels-peer-to-peer-energy-trading-start-up/9035616

‘Climate change is real’: energy minister hits out at Tony Abbott
Josh Frydenberg brings up former PM’s own record in response to Liberal colleague’s provocative speech to a group of climate-change sceptics
https://www.theguardian.com/australia-news/2017/oct/11/climate-change-is-real-energy-minister-hits-out-at-tony-abbott

Turnbull should stand and fight Abbott on climate: Lib statesman
http://www.theage.com.au/federal-politics/political-news/liberal-statesman-tells-malcolm-turnbull-to-stand-and-fight-tony-abbott-on-climate-20171011-gyypm7.html

‘Too much idiocy’ over energy
PM rejects calls from two of our most renowned economic reformers to wind back Australia’s commitment to Paris climate accord.
http://www.theaustralian.com.au/national-affairs/malcolm-turnbull-rejects-calls-to-wind-back-commitment-to-paris/news-story/dfe5213c9aa45ef567eb19c0a2506c4b

Blackouts could save PM’s skin
Graham Richardson
There may be a way for Malcolm Turnbull to prolong his leadership or even rescue his tenure in the top job.
http://www.theaustralian.com.au/opinion/columnists/graham-richardson/summer-of-blackouts-could-save-malcolm-turnbulls-skin/news-story/56b398bcd17506e1b530899331200ada

Energy crisis drags down infrastructure report card
Jennifer Hewett
http://www.afr.com/opinion/energy-crisis-drags-down-australias-infrastructure-report-card-20171011-gyytg3

Should we take responsibility for energy policy away from the government?
Bernard Keane
If kicking the politicians out of policymaking is good enough in monetary policy, why isn’t it good enough in energy?
https://www.crikey.com.au/2017/10/11/should-we-take-responsibility-for-energy-policy-away-from-the-government/

A shift to clean energy will come but politics remain vile until the next election
Simon Holmes à Court
The Coalition is fighting battles against each other, the opposition, consumers, facts and future. It can’t end well for them or for us
https://www.theguardian.com/commentisfree/2017/oct/12/a-shift-to-clean-energy-will-come-but-politics-remain-vile-until-the-next-election

Not quite selling off the farm
Jan Davis
Figures on foreign investment in Australian properties not all they are made out to be
http://www.themercury.com.au/news/opinion/talking-point-not-quite-selling-off-the-farm/news-story/aa76ee1317712abdf310d6b84363d48c

Analysis paralysis over CET has proved disastrous
Canberra Times editorial
The time has come, as Dr Finkel said on Monday, “to take the red pill” in the form of a CET and begin Australia’s orderly transition to a cleaner energy market.
http://www.canberratimes.com.au/comment/ct-editorial/analysis-paralysis-over-the-clean-energy-target-has-proved-disastrous-20171011-gyyr5k.html

Cutting migration isn’t the answer
Nerida Conisbee
There’s no doubt that the more people there are living in Sydney and Melbourne, the higher property prices go.
http://www.theaustralian.com.au/business/property/cutting-migration-wont-help-housing/news-story/533921c809a42eabc8dc3c9700559931

Lakes Oil offers peace deal to Victorian Government to end lawsuit and fix gas woes
A GAS giant involved in a long-running stand-off with the Victorian government has offered a peace deal which it claims can resolve the state’s potential supply woes.
http://www.heraldsun.com.au/news/lakes-oil-offers-peace-deal-to-victorian-government-to-end-lawsuit-and-fix-gas-woes/news-story/7ee97e348738e026fe0b70990610a794

Toxic pollution flowing to Kirra Beach from Gold Coast Airport run-off
Low-level toxic contamination in Coolangatta Creek on the southern Gold Coast will prompt signage urging no swimming where it flows onto Kirra Beach.
http://www.abc.net.au/news/2017-10-11/toxic-pollution-flowing-to-kirra-beach-from-gold-coast-airport-/9038472

What happens when the mines leave a regional town?
When AGL pulled out of Gloucester, they left a legacy fund of $2 million for the community. The business sector is celebrating, yet the town remains divided.
http://www.abc.net.au/news/2017-10-11/what-happens-when-the-mines-leave-a-regional-town/9035906

‘Shocking’ spike in Hunter Valley’s coal-linked air pollution fails to prompt action.
Air pollution from the Hunter Valley coal mines gets so bad for Wendy Wales on occasion that she has called neighbours warning them of a bushfire, mistaking the dust for smoke.
http://www.smh.com.au/environment/shocking-spike-in-hunter-valleys-coallinked-air-pollution-fails-to-prompt-action-20171010-gyydsx

Sydney council to get tough on share bikes
A Sydney council has warned companies operating dockless share bikes in the city to ensure they’re locked up or face fines.
http://www.heraldsun.com.au/news/breaking-news/sydney-council-to-get-tough-on-share-bikes/news-story/7b93af399e2e882ccf91b98dd3fc4b3e

Bradfield Oration: Government backs ‘game-changing’ rail link for Campbelltown-northwest
THE NSW government has offered its strongest backing yet for a north-south rail link through Sydney’s fastest growing region.
http://www.dailytelegraph.com.au/projectsydney/bradfield-oration-government-backs-gamechanging-rail-link-for-campbelltownnorthwest/news-story/7637c5c95b27c87604f7324ce7118fdf

Glencore calls in the AEC
Matthew Stevens
http://www.afr.com/business/glencore-invites-the-aec-to-oaky-north-20171011-gyytef

Pacific Highway koala holocaust
Sue Arnold
The NSW Government is ignoring its own guidelines to build a Highway upgrade through nationally important population of koalas.
https://independentaustralia.net/life/life-display/pacific-highway-koala-holocaust,10807

‘Free Energy’ Goes Begging At Illawarra’s BlueScope Steel
Lee Rhiannon
Cogeneration – the process of creating useful heat and electricity at the same time – is the obvious route to securing a future for the Port Kembla steel works. The owners just need to invest in the technology, and the environment
https://newmatilda.com/2017/10/11/free-energy-goes-begging-at-illawarras-bluescope-steel/

Is Sydney really full?
Alan Davies
It’ll make mistakes like it always has, but Sydney’s problem with growth isn’t about physical capacity. The issue is most existing home owners don’t want things to change
https://blogs.crikey.com.au/theurbanist/2017/10/11/is-sydney-really-full/

How a mosaic of green spaces can help save threatened species
After years of work, animals are finally returning to Mount Gravatt Conservation Reserve, and it’s all part of a wider plan to use green spaces big and small to save threatened wildlife.
http://www.abc.net.au/news/2017-10-11/call-for-wildlife-corridors-as-animals-return-to-brisbane/9033566

Battery ‘boom’ as Queenslanders move to slash power bills
Some Queensland homeowners are rewiring parts of their homes and shelling out thousands of dollars for Tesla and other hybrid battery systems to cut their power bills and ensure they’re not left in the dark.
http://www.abc.net.au/news/2017-10-11/power-prices-queenslanders-turn-to-batteries-to-cut-bills/9035006

Toxic chemicals could have spread
MORE tests are being conducted after fears were raised a toxic chemical contamination originating at the Gold Coast Airport could have spread further.
http://www.couriermail.com.au/news/national/toxic-chemical-found-in-waterway-but-could-have-spread-to-groundwater-on-the-southern-gold-coast/news-story/2a3407854a1bb02eccf2eed52e97b99f

Mayor cops abuse over mine
A NORTH Queensland mayor who supports the Adani mine says she is being swamped with phone calls from abusive activists in Sydney and Melbourne refusing to give their name.
http://www.couriermail.com.au/news/queensland/townsville-mayor-jenny-hill-cops-anonymous-abuse-over-adani-stance/news-story/45eab887e2c738b5e1e714327996a4e8

Move to clip power giant’s wings
CASHED-up power giants AGL, Energy Australia and Origin face being forced to dismantle their empires to boost competition and slash energy prices.
http://www.couriermail.com.au/news/queensland/power-prices-calls-for-energy-companies-to-dismantle-their-empires/news-story/d2b4ddc77b20dca0e4d7016ae2dc12f8

Greens plan would see communities write their own neighbourhood plans
http://www.smh.com.au/queensland/greens-plan-would-see-communities-write-their-own-neighbourhood-plans-20171011-p4ywex.html

Left leaders must get serious about vile acts
Courier Mail editorial
THE moral superiority that the Left of politics in this country feels it has over all others is now manifesting into truly vile acts. Look no further for evidence than the abuse hurled at this Queensland mayor.
http://www.couriermail.com.au/news/opinion/editorial-left-leaders-must-get-serious-about-vile-acts/news-story/77b6e4892383956ea37c8e0d7db53b1e

Labor pandering to One Nation could turn up the heat on energy crisis
Bill O’Chee
http://www.smh.com.au/queensland/labor-pandering-to-one-nation-could-turn-up-the-heat-on-energy-crisis-20171010-p4yweg.html

Atomic spears that pierced a desert heart
ARTISTS have broken their silence on the impact of nuclear testing in the State’s far northwest decades ago in a work for the Tarnanthi indigenous contemporary visual arts festival.
http://www.adelaidenow.com.au/news/south-australia/artists-from-the-apy-lands-unveil-striking-maralinga-work-at-tarnanthi/news-story/917d881a605de821c7e6034f0d14b705

SA trial to slash power costs
Some of SA’s top energy users will trial a new technology platform this summer, aimed at slashing power costs and delivering greener and more reliable supply.
http://www.adelaidenow.com.au/business/origin-and-tempus-in-sa-power-trial-for-cheaper-greener-and-more-reliable-power/news-story/5021b6ce22527eea9fc9b3cd21a59236

Wanted: Bright ideas to drive tourism in parks
AN ECO-LODGE on the Eyre Peninsula, adventure hub on Kangaroo Island and dining experiences at popular parks are among 18 new ideas designed to boost nature-based tourism in South Australia.
http://www.adelaidenow.com.au/business/call-for-private-investments-in-south-australias-prime-nature-parks-to-drive-naturebased-tourism/news-story/4ee44767eef61e73a31080b5dda097f4

Huge dumped fish haul prompts sea net ban call
THE dumping of a massive catch of WA salmon next to a Yorke Peninsula town jetty has caused community outrage
http://www.adelaidenow.com.au/news/south-australia/calls-to-ban-sea-nets-after-thousands-of-dead-fish-found-dumped-off-ardrossan-jetty/news-story/2050a17b1edbc66de3a7865ad065b81d

10,000 electric cars highlight steep path to India’s ambitions
Prime Minister Narendra Modi has kicked off India’s race to turn all new passenger car sales electric by 2030.
http://www.dailyclimate.org/t/1251925125133585070

How the coffee industry is about to get roasted by climate change.
By 2100, more than 50 per cent of the land used to grow coffee will no longer be arable.
http://www.environmentalhealthnews.org/t/1251925125133585031

Netherlands to close all coal-fired generation by 2030
Netherlands decision to close coal plants include those only completed in 2015 – the phase-out combines with rise of renewables and the impact of improved efficiency that put old models at risk.
http://reneweconomy.com.au/netherlands-close-coal-fired-generation-2030/

Study exposes the dark side of coffee cultivation in Uganda
New research led by Kelly Austin, associate professor of sociology at Lehigh, explores unequal exchange in the coffee industry. She cites a range of negative consequences that coffee cultivation contributes to, including: malaria vulnerability, decreased participation in schooling, gender inequalities, and environmental degradation in Bududa, Uganda.
https://www.eurekalert.org/pub_releases/2017-10/lu-set101117.php

‘Air-breathing’ battery could cut costs of renewable energy storage
‘Air-breathing’ battery can store electricity for months, for about a fifth the cost of current technologies
https://www.eurekalert.org/pub_releases/2017-10/miot-bc101117.php

Analysis: Metal supplies unlikely to seriously hamper battery use
Rise of electric vehicles and grid storage may cause bottlenecks, but no showstoppers, analysis suggests.
https://www.eurekalert.org/pub_releases/2017-10/miot-ams101117.php

Organic/inorganic sulfur may be key for safe rechargeable lithium batteries
We have come a long way from leaky sulfur-acid automobile batteries, but modern lithium batteries still have some down sides. Now a team of Penn State engineers have a different type of lithium sulfur battery that could be more efficient, less expensive and safer.
https://www.eurekalert.org/pub_releases/2017-10/ps-osm101117.php

Low-cost battery from waste graphite
Batteries of the future
https://www.eurekalert.org/pub_releases/2017-10/sflf-lbf101117.php

On the road to fire-free, lithium-ion batteries made with asphalt
https://www.eurekalert.org/pub_releases/2017-10/acs-otr101117.php

Researchers mimic two natural energy processes with a single catalyst
Researchers at Kyushu University have produced a metal complex catalyst that can perform as both a fuel cell and a solar cell
https://www.eurekalert.org/pub_releases/2017-10/kui-rmt101017.php

Cities taking narrow approach to start adapting to climate change see benefits
As U.S. cities begin to plan to adapt to impacts from climate change, local decision makers face difficult choices about how to even get started.
https://www.eurekalert.org/pub_releases/2017-10/uok-ctn101017.php

Fukushima evacuee to tell UN that Japan violated human rights
Mitsuko Sonoda will say evacuees face financial hardship and are being forced to return to homes they believe are unsafe
https://www.theguardian.com/environment/2017/oct/11/fukushima-evacuee-un-japan-human-rights

Despite Trump, American companies are still investing in renewable energy
Surveyed corporations stated that Trump’s election had no impact on their decision to buy renewable energy
https://www.theguardian.com/environment/climate-consensus-97-per-cent/2017/oct/11/despite-trump-american-companies-are-still-investing-in-renewable-energy

Donald Trump sought a near tenfold increase in US nuclear arsenal: NBC
http://www.theage.com.au/world/donald-trump-sought-nearly-tenfold-increase-in-us-nuclear-arsenal-nbc-20171011-gyz6ec.html

Giving up hope won’t save the planet. Ending poverty might.
Jane Goodall
We haven’t inherited this planet from our parents; we’ve borrowed it from our children.
http://www.environmentalhealthnews.org/t/1251925125133585037

It’s time to nix neonics.
David Suzuki
If we care about the quality and security of our food sources — and the species and ecosystems they rely on—the time for neonics is over.
http://www.environmentalhealthnews.org/t/1195107355338417135

What needs to be done to stop wildfires in drought-killed forests.
A century of fire suppression followed by the worst drought in recorded history has put California’s forest landscapes and water supply at risk.
http://www.environmentalhealthnews.org/t/1251925125133585066

Bycatch Responsible for Decline of New Zealand Sea Lion
Getting caught in fishing nets is a major cause of death for the increasingly endangered New Zealand sea lion, according to new research from the University of Otago, Massey University and the University of Toronto.
http://www.enn.com/wildlife/article/52824

Refugees – and forests – benefit as Kenya’s herders torch an invader.
Residents that are battling to find grazing for their cattle can now also earn cash hacking down Prosopis juliflora, a fast-growing invasive species and turning it into charcoal.
http://www.environmentalhealthnews.org/t/1251925125133585035

The Seabin: the debris-sucking saviour of the oceans
This new device literally sucks rubbish from the water’s surface, and it’s starting with Portsmouth harbour
https://www.theguardian.com/environment/shortcuts/2017/oct/11/the-seabin-the-debris-sucking-saviour-of-the-oceans

Better Managing Plastic Waste in a Handful of Rivers Could Stem Plastics in the Ocean
Massive amounts of plastic bits that are dangerous to aquatic life are washing into the oceans and into even the most pristine waters.
https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2017/10/171011091754.htm

Climate change predicted to reduce size, stature of dominant Midwest plant, study finds
The economically important big bluestem grass — a dominant prairie grass and a major forage grass for cattle — is predicted to reduce its growth and stature by up to 60 percent percent in the next 75 years because of climate change, according to a study involving Kansas State University researchers.
https://www.eurekalert.org/pub_releases/2017-10/ksu-ccp101117.php

Herbivores help protect ecosystems from climate change
Plant-eating critters are the key ingredient to helping ecosystems survive global warming, finds new UBC research that offers some hope for a defence strategy against climate change.
https://www.eurekalert.org/pub_releases/2017-10/uobc-hhp100617.php

New conservation method empowers indigenous peoples
Scientists study success of subsistence activities in rural Amazon
https://www.eurekalert.org/pub_releases/2017-10/fm-ncm100617.php