Daily Links Oct 31

We have come a long way – of course we’re not there yet – when the Chairman of Nissan Europe writes an op ed piece for The Age such as this.

 

http://www.theage.com.au/comment/collective-action-is-vital-to-keep-the-electric-car-revolution-on-the-road-20171029-gzaexx.html


Top Post
Freeing up the huge areas set aside for parking can transform our cities
Dorina Pojani, The University of Queensland; Iderlina Mateo-Babiano, University of Melbourne; Jonathan Corcoran, The University of Queensland, and Neil Sipe, The University of Queensland
Cities around the world are starting to rethink the vast areas of land set aside for parking. The convergence of several trends likely will mean this space becomes available for other uses.
https://theconversation.com/freeing-up-the-huge-areas-set-aside-for-parking-can-transform-our-cities-85331

Today’s Celebration
Chiang Kai-shek’s Birthday  Taiwan
King’s Birthday      Cambodia
National Flag Day      Ecuador
Nevada Day      United States of America
Beltane (Southern Hemisphere)  Paganism
Samhain (Northern Hemisphere)  Paganism
Hallowe’en         Capitalism
Howl-o-ween       http://www.worldanimalprotection.org.au/news/help-animals-having-howling-good-time-halloween
Magic Day         https://www.daysoftheyear.com/days/magic-day/
500th Anniversary of the start of the Reformation    https://www.christianreformation500years.info/
Centenary of the Battle of Beersheba     https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Battle_of_Beersheba_(1917)
More about Oct 31       https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/October_31  

Climate Change
Bonn, the global climate village: Bigger, greener … better?
The UN city of Bonn is getting ready to host the global climate conference. With just a few days before the start of COP23, what do participants, activists and residents expect?
http://www.dw.com/en/bonn-the-global-climate-village-bigger-greener-better/a-41140215

Red Sea is warming faster than global average
“The global rate of ocean warming has many consequences for life on this planet. Now we are learning that the Red Sea is warming even faster than the global average,” says KAUST PhD student of marine science, Veronica Chaidez.
https://www.eurekalert.org/pub_releases/2017-10/kauo-rsi103017.php

Are the grandkids worth it? Climate change policy depends on how we value human population
If the human population continues to grow, more pressure will be put on carbon dioxide emissions — leaving future generations vulnerable to the effects of climate change. To head this off, greenhouse gas emissions must be reduced, but that could cost billions of dollars or more over the next few decades, a dilemma plaguing today’s policymakers.
https://www.eurekalert.org/pub_releases/2017-10/puww-atg102517.php

Global atmospheric CO2 levels hit record high
UN warns that drastic action is needed to meet climate targets set in the Paris agreement
https://www.theguardian.com/environment/2017/oct/30/global-atmospheric-co2-levels-hit-record-high

Four key signs to watch at COP23, the Bonn climate conference
Paul Caballero David Waskow and Christina Chan
Two years after the world joined together to forge the Paris Agreement on climate change, representatives from around the globe will convene on November 6 for the next round of United Nations talks.
http://reneweconomy.com.au/four-key-signs-watch-cop23-bonn-climate-conference-97382/

New data gives hope for meeting the Paris climate targets
Dana Nuccitelli
Global carbon pollution appears to be close to peaking
https://www.theguardian.com/environment/climate-consensus-97-per-cent/2017/oct/30/new-data-gives-hope-for-meeting-the-paris-climate-targets

National
Could Tesla have bigger plans for Australia than the Big Battery?
A comment posted, and then deleted, by Tesla marketing has piqued interest in the EV maker’s plans for Australia.
http://reneweconomy.com.au/could-tesla-have-bigger-plans-for-australia-than-the-big-battery-50369/

“Shame on you:” Frydenberg admits he doesn’t have rooftop solar
60 Minutes interview reveals Australia’s energy and environment minister has not installed rooftop solar at his family home – and why.
http://reneweconomy.com.au/shame-frydenberg-admits-doesnt-rooftop-solar-32155/

Joyce out, Canavan in, Roberts out – What High Court ruling means for climate, renewables
High Court decision removes Australia’s deputy PM, and leaves Turnbull government with a minority government. But what does it mean for clean energy and climate policy?
http://reneweconomy.com.au/updated-joyce-out-canavan-in-roberts-out-what-high-court-ruling-means-for-climate-renewables-20175/

Baosteel dips toe back into Australian coal
Baosteel dips its toe back into the Australian mining sector for the first time since its disastrous $1.4b takeover of Aquila Resources.
http://www.afr.com/business/mining/baosteel-dips-toe-back-into-australian-coal-20171030-gzb1gq

Labor plans to force Australian mining companies to disclose taxes paid overseas
Mandatory reporting regime would apply to large Australian oil, gas and mining companies working overseas
https://www.theguardian.com/australia-news/2017/oct/31/labor-plans-to-force-australian-mining-companies-to-disclose-taxes-paid-overseas

Labor demands Barnaby Joyce be kept from water portfolio, release of secret Coalition agreement
http://www.adelaidenow.com.au/news/south-australia/labor-demands-barnaby-joyce-be-kept-from-water-portfolio-release-of-secret-coalition-agreement/news-story/633b4212bb75d4e8024e3d58b90246dc

Best dockless bike revealed
oBike, Reddy Go, Ofo or Mobike? There is a huge variety in the quality, price and availability of dockless bikes in Australian cities.
http://www.theaustralian.com.au/news/nation/users-guide-to-choosing-the-right-dockless-bike/news-story/ff40f3d8b919a1d2b27efaaaf0f2b181

Voters prefer price cut to Paris
One in two Australians believes the Paris accord should be dumped if that helps deliver cheaper power, Newspoll finds.
http://www.theaustralian.com.au/national-affairs/newspoll/voters-prefer-cut-in-power-prices-to-paris-climate-accord/news-story/52debc51d1a5c0fda935cf15259e8289

Climate peace in our time?
Barry Ladbrook
Pressure could mount to set a significantly tighter emissions target for the electricity sector – which does not bode well for a climate truce.
http://reneweconomy.com.au/climate-peace-time-95110/

For a document with no substance, the NEG has earned a lot of fans
John Quiggin
NEG is so miraculous that it’s garnering positive reaction from both sides of the field; quite a feat for an eight page document with zero figures
https://www.crikey.com.au/2017/10/30/for-a-document-with-no-substance-the-neg-has-earned-a-lot-of-fans/

Know your NEM: Climbing a wall of worry over wind and solar
David Leitch
Wind and solar PV account for 54 per cent of demand in South Australia since the closure of Hazelwood, and the grid is still functioning.
http://reneweconomy.com.au/know-nem-climbing-wall-worry-wind-solar-28436/

Buying fresh potatoes and carrots all year round is destroying Australia’s soil
Bill Cotching, University of Tasmania
Would you be shocked by a supermarket without carrots, potatoes or broccoli, at any time of year? But harvesting in the off-season does serious damage to our soil.
https://theconversation.com/buying-fresh-potatoes-and-carrots-all-year-round-is-destroying-australias-soil-85075

Why we’re building a climate change game for 12-year-olds
Inez Harker-Schuch, Australian National University and Will J Grant, Australian National University
Players in the climate science game ‘CO2peration’ become a particle of sunlight, and travel on a journey to find out why we have liquid water at Earth’s surface.
https://theconversation.com/why-were-building-a-climate-change-game-for-12-year-olds-85983

Don’t mention the war … or the carbon tax
Ian Verrender
Basil Fawlty couldn’t have done it better. Scott Morrison wants attention on company tax cuts, but a Productivity Commission report ignores that completely, instead calling for a carbon price to fix Australia’s “appalling energy mess”. But that’s something the Treasurer would rather not mention.
http://www.abc.net.au/news/2017-10-30/ian-verrender-productivity-report-energy-crisis-carbon-tax/9097630

Political brawls leave energy out in the cold
Peter Boyer
Politics is beating policy while electricity planning goes begging
http://www.themercury.com.au/news/opinion/talking-point-political-brawls-leave-energy-out-in-the-cold/news-story/be8e139c94be9fe4c67a5aad8818bbe9

Victoria
Graph of the Day: Victoria nears 50% renewables over weekend
Hot and windy Spring weather saw Victorian solar and wind power generate enough to meet to 44.6 per cent of local demand on Sunday.
http://reneweconomy.com.au/graph-of-the-day-victoria-nears-50-renewables-over-weekend-45143/

‘Earthship’ rises from the ashes of Black Saturday
Made of beer cans, glass, old tyres and mudbrick, Victoria’s first “radically sustainable Earthship” is built to withstand a raging bushfire.
http://www.abc.net.au/news/2017-10-30/kinglake-black-saturday-survivor-builds-earthship/9091972

ACT
Would you drive an electric car in exchange for free parking?
A senior bureaucrat suggests offering free parking and use of transit lanes to Canberra drivers who make the switch to electric cars, in an attempt to bolster battery-powered autos.
http://www.abc.net.au/news/2017-10-30/electric-cars-parking-canberra-environment/9100254

Queensland
Parties must stop ‘dirty’ Adani and back a sun-powered future: ACF
Queensland needs a government that will stop companies digging up and burning more dirty coal and embrace a clean energy future, the Australian Conservation Foundation (ACF) has declared as the state heads to the polls.
http://www.newsport.com.au/2017/october/parties-must-stop-dirty-adani-and-back-a-sun-powered-future-acf/

“Minister for Adani” is back – and pushing for mega coal mine and new coal generator
Matt Canavan says his immediate priority is to get NAIF funding for the Adani coal mine and a new coal-fired generator in north Queensland.
http://reneweconomy.com.au/minister-for-adani-is-back-and-pushing-for-mega-coal-mine-and-new-coal-generator-17654/

Anti-Adani protests dog Palaszczuk’s regional Queensland campaign
Carmichael mine opponents disrupt campaign as LNP leader Tim Nicholls fends off questions about One Nation
https://www.theguardian.com/australia-news/2017/oct/30/anti-adani-protests-dog-palaszczuks-regional-queensland-campaign

Adani bought India flights for mayors funding $30m company airstrip
Rockhampton Mayor Margaret Strelow received more than $1,600 in hospitality gifts from Adani during an official trip to India earlier this year, the council’s register reveals.
http://www.abc.net.au/news/2017-10-30/adani-bought-india-flights-queensland-mayors-funding-airstrip/9100332

Dangerous storms and 4cm hailstones expected to batter south Queensland
Hailstones, flash flooding and winds gusting at speeds greater than 125km/h forecast in worst of the storms
https://www.theguardian.com/australia-news/2017/oct/30/dangerous-storms-and-4cm-hailstones-expected-to-batter-south-queensland

Tilapia threat likened to march of cane toads
The threat posed by a pest fish in a major far north Queensland river is compared with the march of the cane toad into the Northern Territory.
http://www.abc.net.au/news/rural/2017-10-30/tilapia-threat-far-north-queensland-likened-cane-toad/9094114

Catholic, Anglican bishops unite in opposition to Adani mega-mine
It may have the Turnbull and Palaszczuk governments firmly in its corner, but the Adani super-mine is facing a formidable new opponent: the Christian faith.
https://www.brisbanetimes.com.au/politics/federal/catholic-anglican-bishops-unite-in-opposition-to-adani-megamine-20171030-gzaqxf.html

Queensland Election 2017: Business groups push for less tax, cheaper energy and reduced red tape
http://www.couriermail.com.au/news/queensland/state-election-2017/queensland-election-2017-business-groups-push-for-less-tax-cheaper-energy-and-reduced-red-tape/news-story/d8a1ef22da4a45e88e338683e4ceeb45

Proposals set out for $300m wind farm
AS the gigantic wind-turbine components are rumbling across the Tablelands to Mount Emerald, another wind farm is moving into its community engagement phase.
http://www.cairnspost.com.au/news/cairns/proposed-300million-kaban-green-power-hub-a-hot-topic-in-ravenshoe/news-story/cddb658e2c2c0b8193fedea0601a5485

Queensland toads no match for ‘gladiator’ West Australian counterparts
http://www.smh.com.au/queensland/queensland-toads-no-match-for-gladiator-west-australian-counterparts-20171030-p4ywpt.html

The ‘deal-breakers’: One Nation’s five balance of power demands
http://www.smh.com.au/queensland/the-deal-breakers-one-nation-s-five-balance-of-power-demands-20171030-p4ywq2.html

Knuth will put crocs on agenda
Expect a lot more talk about crocodile management as they calendar creeps ever closer to November 25.
http://www.cairnspost.com.au/news/cairns/kaps-knuth-pledges-to-play-kingmaker-on-croc-issue/news-story/1bc7c818a74094c22a50baa15d25abcc

Adani protests ‘could influence undecided voters’ in Queensland election
A former Liberal insider says a strong and sustained anti-Adani protest could have a strong influence on the growing number of Brisbane residents who don’t yet know which way they will vote.
http://www.abc.net.au/news/2017-10-31/adani-protests-could-influence-undecided-queensland-voters/9102064

Labor needs to head left, and drop Adani, to win Queensland poll
Adrian Barnett
Queensland Premier Annastacia Palaszczuk today called the state election for 25 November, about two months before the three-year anniversary of Labor’s shock win in …
http://reneweconomy.com.au/labor-needs-to-head-left-and-drop-adani-to-win-queensland-poll-11642/

Queensland poll to be stress test for future of renewables in Australia
Giles Parkinson
 Queensland election means delay for major renewables and storage tender, but will also be major litmus test for future of industry in Australia.
http://reneweconomy.com.au/queensland-poll-to-be-stress-test-for-future-of-renewables-in-australia-22708/

South Australia
Gupta-owned Zen Energy plans 1GW solar and storage in South Australia
UK billionaire Sanjeev Gupta has moved quickly to leverage his new investment in Australian renewable energy and storage company Zen Energy, announcing plans for 1 gigawatt of “dispatchable” renewable generation in South Australia.
http://reneweconomy.com.au/gupta-owned-zen-energy-plans-1gw-solar-and-storage-in-south-australia-92904/

Dangerous groundwater contamination levels found at and near RAAF Edinburgh but no clear health threat
http://www.adelaidenow.com.au/messenger/north-northeast/dangerous-groundwater-contamination-levels-found-at-and-near-raaf-edinburgh-but-no-clear-health-threat/news-story/50a0ef422f6bfe30a843bf7bb751ecee

Tasmania
Relief as season’s second orange-bellied parrot female spotted
An ornithologist is going out on a limb with an early prediction that the orange-bellied parrot will survive for at least another season after the arrival of another female in Tasmania’s south-west.
http://www.abc.net.au/news/2017-10-30/orange-bellied-parrot-survival-boost-with-arrival-second-female/9100910

Light rail push wins priority project listing
THE bid for a public transit light rail service for Hobart’s Northern Suburbs has been given a boost while a rail heritage group plans to return rail car and steam train journeys to the idle line.
http://www.themercury.com.au/news/politics/hobarts-northern-suburbs-light-rail-push-wins-priority-project-listing/news-story/93b98fe27d4c018970fee745080e60ed

Northern Territory
Why is Darwin dominated by air conditioned, concrete-bunker-type houses with small backyards?
Is it the developers, the home owners, or are greater forces at play? We investigate why the majority of Darwin homes no longer have a distinct tropical aesthetic.
http://www.abc.net.au/news/2017-10-31/curious-darwin-top-end-housing/9098446

Western Australia
No WA gas without GST reform: Wyatt
WA shouldn’t have to rescue eastern states from their gas “policy failures” without getting GST relief, says WA Treasurer Ben Wyatt.
http://www.afr.com/business/energy/wa-support-for-a-westeast-gas-pipeline-not-guaranteed-treasurer-ben-wyatt-20171030-gzaurk

Sustainability
Californians are keeping dirty energy off the grid via text message
When power demand rises, OhmConnect sends out a text to customers: cut your energy use and you’ll earn money. It’s keeping demand spikes under control.
https://insideclimatenews.org/news/30102017/energy-saving-demand-response-avoid-peaker-plants-coal-gas-pge

Glyphosate exposure trends demand a public health driven response
A study out this month once again highlights the need for bolstered monitoring and regulation of pesticide use and risks—this time the alarm bells are ringing over the world’s leading herbicide, glyphosate.
http://www.ehn.org/analysis-glyphosate-exposure-trends-demand-a-public-health-driven-response-2502467074.html

China’s air pollution is hindering its ability to produce solar power
The country is using more solar power to mitigate air pollution, a move hindered by the very same bad air.
https://qz.com/1114835/chinas-air-pollution-is-hindering-its-ability-to-produce-solar-power/

Lawmakers and local activists support environmental justice bill
Clean air and water are guaranteed rights under the Massachusetts Constitution, and lawmakers and activists hope these rights will soon become law.
http://www.thesunchronicle.com/news/local_news/lawmakers-and-local-activists-support-environmental-justice-bill/article_0f14eb41-6b52-50ab-90f2-93eda84a9aa2.html

Microscopic defects make batteries better
Rice University-led study reveals unknown details about common lithium-ion battery materials
https://www.eurekalert.org/pub_releases/2017-10/ru-mdm102617.php

Cobalt and Tungsten Key to Cheaper, Cleaner Hydrogen
Electrolysis, splitting the water molecule with electricity, is the cleanest way to obtain hydrogen, a clean and renewable fuel. Now, researchers have designed a new catalyst …
https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2017/10/171030134637.htm

Building a sustainable future: Urgent action needed
We need to act urgently to increase the energy efficiency of our buildings as the world’s emerging middle classes put increasing demands on our planet’s energy resources. These are the findings of a new report, published in MRS Energy & Sustainability by authors Matthias M. Koebel, Jannis Wernery and Wim J. Malfait.
https://www.eurekalert.org/pub_releases/2017-10/cup-bas103017.php

US’ Power Supply Has Capacity to Adapt to Climate Change
Scientists have found that climate change ultimately will have a negative effect on the reliability of electricity generation in the United States, but today’s infrastructure may be more adaptable to …
https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2017/10/171030123410.htm

Iran fulfilling nuclear commitments: IAEA
Iran is fulfilling its commitments under the nuclear deal with world powers and UN inspectors are facing no problems in their verification efforts, the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) director-general says.
http://www.heraldsun.com.au/news/breaking-news/iran-will-keep-producing-missiles-rouhani/news-story/a2c08a399bf8e9c1dd131b2414cad2f8

UN energy forum shuns nuclear
The UN has blocked the nuclear industry from participating in an international forum on clean energy.
http://www.theaustralian.com.au/business/un-accused-of-bias-as-energy-forum-excludes-nuclear/news-story/ec0d7eaa39da6fcb3a11dc1ac8f18800

Is there a future for ‘pro-nuclear environmentalism’?
Jim Green
Nuclear lobbyists – especially the self-styled ‘pro-nuclear environmentalists’ – are few in number. So how much longer can they keep flogging a dead horse?
http://reneweconomy.com.au/is-there-a-future-for-pro-nuclear-environmentalism-94038/

Freeing up the huge areas set aside for parking can transform our cities
Dorina Pojani, The University of Queensland; Iderlina Mateo-Babiano, University of Melbourne; Jonathan Corcoran, The University of Queensland, and Neil Sipe, The University of Queensland
Cities around the world are starting to rethink the vast areas of land set aside for parking. The convergence of several trends likely will mean this space becomes available for other uses.
https://theconversation.com/freeing-up-the-huge-areas-set-aside-for-parking-can-transform-our-cities-85331

Cooking to fight climate change – 12 simple tips to get you started
Paloma Duran
What you eat doesn’t only affect your own health – it also affects our planet’s health.
http://www.ipsnews.net/2017/10/cooking-fight-climate-change/

Collective action is vital to keep the electric car revolution on the road
Paul Willcox
http://www.theage.com.au/comment/collective-action-is-vital-to-keep-the-electric-car-revolution-on-the-road-20171029-gzaexx.html

Nature Conservation
Parched Cape runs out of time
The Cape’s water crisis is a humanitarian disaster in the making from which South Africa certainly cannot recover.
https://www.businesslive.co.za/bd/opinion/editorials/2017-10-30-editorial-parched-cape-runs-out-of-time/

A massive floating dumpsite has appeared in the Caribbean
In an area which is supposed to be one of the most pristine dive sites in the Caribbean, a massive floating pile of plastic garbage that stretches for kilometres has just appeared.
http://www.abc.net.au/news/2017-10-31/plastic-garbage-covering-caribbean-waters/9099188

Maelor Himbury