Daily Links Dec 23-Jan 2

Climate change is driving people from home. So why don’t they count as refugees?
The treaty that defines the status of refugees was written with the Second World War in mind. Now, research shows that weather shocks are forcing millions to move.
https://www.nytimes.com/2017/12/21/climate/climate-refugees.html

7 years before Russia hacked the election, someone did the same thing to climate scientists
“Why does this story sound so darned familiar?”
http://www.ehn.org/7-years-before-russia-hacked-the-election-someone-did-the-same-thing-to-climate-scientists-mother-jones-2519721517.html

The 4 ways we can hope to make some climate progress in 2018
Can we slow our use of coal as we rapidly ramp up our use of electric vehicles? And can the rest of the world–and the rest of the U.S.–back up rhetoric about the climate?
https://www.fastcompany.com/40506988/the-4-ways-we-can-hope-to-make-some-climate-progress-in-2018

2017 was a terrible year of climate disasters — and too many media outlets failed to tell the story
From hurricanes to heat waves to wildfires and beyond, 2017 has been a terrifying year of disasters in the U.S. And too many media outlets have missed a key part of the story
https://www.mediamatters.org/blog/2017/12/20/2017-was-a-terrible-year-of-climate-disasters—-and-too-many-media-outlets-failed-to-tell/218890

Rising humidity can worsen impact of higher temperatures
High humidity will magnify the effects of rising heat from South America to India, affecting people’s ability to work and even survive, unless greenhouse gas emissions are substantially cut in coming decades, according to U.S. researchers.
http://news.trust.org/item/20171227104358-yq0rg/

From Fijian child to Kenyan ‘evangelist’: Five climate heroes of 2017
Action to address worsening climate threats has gathered pace globally, from business boardrooms to city mayors’ offices to kitchen dining tables.
http://news.trust.org/item/20171228011004-73u7l/

Can agriculture and the climate fix their ‘unhappy marriage’ in 2018?
Agriculture, forestry and other land uses together account for nearly a quarter of the greenhouse gas emissions heating up the planet.
http://news.trust.org/item/20171228080738-fua9t/

Charcoal remains could accelerate CO2 emissions after forest fires
Charcoal remains after a forest fire help decompose fine roots in the soil, potentially accelerating CO2 emissions in boreal forests.
http://www.enn.com/ecosystems/article/53525

US government climate report looks at how the oceans are buffering climate change
A key chapter of the US Global Change Research Program Report deals with how the oceans are being impacted by human carbon pollution
https://www.theguardian.com/environment/climate-consensus-97-per-cent/2017/dec/26/us-government-climate-report-looks-at-how-the-oceans-are-buffering-climate-change

Polar ice is disappearing, setting off climate alarms
The short-term consequences of Arctic (and Antarctic) warming may already be felt in other latitudes. The long-term threat to coastlines is becoming even more dire.
https://insideclimatenews.org/news/27122017/arctic-antarctic-sea-ice-sheets-2017-year-review-glaciers-disappearing-polar-records

Year of reckoning for climate change
Simone Aloisio
Our communities should continue to prepare for this new normal as best we can, while we try to work with the global community to solve the problem.
http://www.vcstar.com/story/opinion/editorials/2017/12/23/year-reckoning-climate-change/977606001/

2017 was the year climate denial died
Leo Barasi
Reality has killed climate denial – but apathy will still condemn the world to dangerous global warming unless it is confronted.
https://www.businessgreen.com/bg/opinion/3023569/2017-was-the-year-climate-denial-died

Climate action is good business
Sarah Barker
YOU may have noticed a change in the emphasis of your morning coffee read. The press has begun to devote serious column space to the issue of ‘climate change’ — including in the business pages.
http://www.couriermail.com.au/rendezview/climate-action-is-good-business/news-story/13f250e50b44a2a80626725288197050

From ‘angry summer’ to ‘weird winter’: 2017 was riddled with extreme weather
Amanda McKenzie
Australia is the land of droughts and floods, but they are becoming more frequent and forceful. The window of opportunity to act on climate change is closing
https://www.theguardian.com/commentisfree/2017/dec/28/from-angry-summer-to-weird-winter-2017-was-riddled-with-extreme-weather

Fighting climate change, and building a world to withstand it
Adam Rogers
The past year was one of the worst on record for natural disasters. Blame greenhouse gases, and start planning for a hotter future.
https://www.wired.com/story/planning-climate-change/

Coral Reefs, assisted evolution and geo-engineering
Gwynne Dyer
We are probably going to end up trying to regulate the temperature of the entire planet, with megadeaths as the penalty if we fail. But by then there will be no alternative. Welcome to the future.
http://www.merrittherald.com/dyer-coral-reefs-assisted-evolution-geo-engineering/

Cost of Snowy Hydro expansion could hit nearly $12 billion
http://www.theage.com.au/federal-politics/political-news/building-and-buyouts-full-cost-of-snowy-hydro-expansion-could-hit-nearly-12-billion-20171220-h08cnc.html

Ipsos poll: Only 18 per cent think Turnbull government is doing a good job on climate change
http://www.smh.com.au/national/ipsos-poll-only-18-per-cent-think-turnbull-government-is-doing-a-good-job-on-climate-change-20171222-h09e5t.html

People power will shape Australia’s energy market in 2018
http://www.theage.com.au/business/consumer-affairs/what-are-energy-trend-that-will-shape-2018-20171222-p4yy00.html

Miners end the year on a major high
http://www.theage.com.au/business/miners-end-the-year-on-a-major-high-20171229-p4yy3y.html

‘Cut bills or lose more jobs’
High energy costs will force more plant closures and job losses as prices continue to increase, says ACCC’s Rod Sims.
http://www.theaustralian.com.au/business/mining-energy/cut-power-bills-or-lose-more-jobs-accc-chiefs-warning-on-energy-costs/news-story/746e86d3186423f42b129b81b65e1b0b

Voters are burning politicians who won’t ditch coal
Richard Denniss
http://www.canberratimes.com.au/comment/voters-are-burning-politicians-who-wont-ditch-coal-20171222-h098qa.html

Christmas a way to hide bad policy decisions
Peta Credlin
Take Tuesday’s backflip by Energy Minister Josh Frydenberg to include international carbon credits in Australia’s energy policy.
https://www.dailytelegraph.com.au/rendezview/christmas-a-way-to-hide-bad-policy-decisions/news-story/37c694d8dc113544bcfd6efa95d48b84

Walking mightn’t be good for you if it’s through Australia’s polluted city streets
Lidia Morawska, Queensland University of Technology
The beneficial effects of walking are reduced by the detrimental effects of inhaling polluted air.
https://theconversation.com/walking-mightnt-be-good-for-you-if-its-through-australias-polluted-city-streets-88772

Why every town should build its own big battery
Dean Spaccavento
http://www.examiner.com.au/story/5135728/why-every-town-should-build-its-own-big-battery/?cs=97

Seeing red on buried emissions toll
Peter Boyer
I’d rather not keep coming back to this issue year after year, but it’s getting to me. Climate change is not just some trivial idea to be tossed aside at will. It’s real and it’s dangerous, and in failing to take their reporting obligations seriously the minister and his leader are seriously negligent.
http://www.themercury.com.au/news/opinion/talking-point-seeing-red-on-buried-emissions-toll/news-story/0486c1616f2f2ac07dd3f89432c007e2

Home battery cost-benefit relies on non-financial pluses
Ben Potter
Batteries, solar panels and other “behind the meter” energy are tipped to be a major part of the electricity system in the not-too-distant future. But better battery economics are needed to spread the technology beyond highly-motivated and well-heeled customers to a wider market. At the moment they’re not quite there on a strict cost-benefit analysis, except in sunny South Australia.
http://www.afr.com/news/home-battery-costbenefit-relies-on-nonfinancial-pluses-20171219-h07jbt

Transportation of containers by rail – unfinished business
David Kirby
We are all familiar with container trucks. They are massive, and when fully laden may weigh more than 30 tonnes. It is a no-brainer that containers should be carried by rail through congested suburbs.
https://www.brisbanetimes.com.au/opinion/transportation-of-containers-by-rail–unfinished-business-20171227-h0ahg8.html

Plenty of energy went into doing nothing about our energy crisis
Petra Stock
Look to Australia’s states and territories, not Canberra, to see where the good news on energy policy is.
https://www.brisbanetimes.com.au/opinion/plenty-of-energy-went-into-doing-nothing-about-our-energy-crisis-20171220-h083zi.html

How the Turnbull government stole Christmas
Graeme McLeay
The Turnbull Government may have hoped releasing Australia’s latest greenhouse gas emissions together with the 2017 Climate Reportwould pass unnoticed.
http://www.onlineopinion.com.au/view.asp?article=19489

Australians set to get a more affordable, reliable energy system
Josh Frydenberg
The fact that this summer South Australia and Victoria have installed expensive, polluting diesel generators that guzzle up to 80,000 litres an hour, just to ensure the lights stay on, is indicative of the challenges we face. But out of this vicious cycle of increased prices and reduced stability there is now hope.
https://www.dailytelegraph.com.au/news/opinion/australians-set-to-get-a-more-affordable-reliable-energy-system/news-story/e730545db46be2534c56ec9b5f871779

A great year for clean energy in Australia ends, while bad news for coal continues
Simon Holmes à Court
In 2017 Australian energy politics was just a sideshow. The real story, driven by the states and the private sector, is more interesting and much more positive
https://www.theguardian.com/commentisfree/2017/dec/31/a-great-year-for-clean-energy-in-australia-ends-while-bad-news-for-coal-continues

Generator sales rise as Victorians warned to be power prepared
http://www.heraldsun.com.au/news/victoria/victorian-power-supply-concerns-see-spike-in-generator-sales/news-story/96dea25bb30653db3dd681582cc94b20?nk=107fb26d04b3c55d0feb51144a870b0a-1514144787

St Kilda foreshore trashed: Thousands gather on beach, leave trail of destruction
http://www.theage.com.au/victoria/st-kilda-foreshore-trashed-thousands-gather-on-beach-leave-trail-of-destruction-20171225-h0a1a4.html

Solar farm threat to Goulburn Valley orchards
http://www.weeklytimesnow.com.au/news/national/solar-farm-threat-to-goulburn-valley-orchards/news-story/89f8ad06b229bd8be5d0c9fee710d0bb

National Trust wants Government to save Mt Buffalo Chalet
The historic Mt Buffalo Chalet will mark the 11th anniversary of its closure next month as its future remains up in the air. And the National Trust has warned time to save the chalet is ticking away.
http://www.weeklytimesnow.com.au/news/national/national-trust-wants-government-to-save-mt-buffalo-chalet/news-story/35570c6467a650bc0b8fcac7cb3a7796

Fire that razed Cheltenham parkland was suspicious
http://www.theage.com.au/victoria/police-investigate-suspicious-cheltenham-blaze-20171227-p4yy2n.html

$6.7 billion West Gate Tunnel contract released
http://www.theage.com.au/victoria/67-billion-west-gate-tunnel-contract-released-20171229-h0bc4z.html

West Gate project in doubt
The future of Melbourne’s proposed $6.7bn West Gate Tunnel is in doubt after the ­opposition threatened to scuttle the project.
http://www.theaustralian.com.au/national-affairs/state-politics/west-gate-tunnel-project-in-doubt-over-cost-threat/news-story/6b9c14bd9747573eec72a146f8d2881e

Solar-powered CCTV cameras failing due to lack of sunlight
https://www.dailytelegraph.com.au/news/nsw/criminals-and-illegal-dumpers-have-no-fear-of-cctv-cameras-with-eight-not-working-due-to-lack-of-sunlight-exposure/news-story/dca3af6dca61da0cbf8171241118eaa2

Statewide STD screening amid fears disease could wipe out koalas
https://www.dailytelegraph.com.au/news/nsw/statewide-std-screening-amid-fears-disease-could-wipe-out-koalas/news-story/8594784135342004bc5a1616df89f248

Environment chief Barry Buffier resigns
The head of the environmental watchdog has resigned after a year of intense scrutiny, in which he referred the body to the Independent Commission Against Corruption.
http://www.smh.com.au/nsw/environment-chief-barry-buffier-resigns-20171226-h0a7f1.html

Move them or lose them: Sydney councils crack down on dumped share bikes
http://www.smh.com.au/nsw/bike-sharing-companies-have-three-months-to-comply-with-new-council-rules-20171219-h070vi.html

Waste glut looms for NSW as China closes the door
http://www.smh.com.au/nsw/waste-glut-looms-for-nsw-as-china-closes-the-door-20171228-h0aw5f.html

Quolls to be reintroduced to the mainland in the wilds of Booderee
Plans are ramping up to reintroduce 100 eastern quolls to Booderee National Park in Jervis Bay over the next four years.
http://www.canberratimes.com.au/act-news/quolls-to-be-reintroduced-to-the-mainland-in-the-wilds-of-booderee-20171223-h09qiv.html

Tourism boss wants to open Queensland national parks to eco-tourism
Queensland’s pristine national parks could be opened up for tourists, potentially allowing eco-resorts, accommodation and attractions, as part of a push to help the Sunshine State reclaim its mantle as Australia’s tourism capital.
http://www.couriermail.com.au/news/queensland/tourism-boss-wants-to-open-queensland-national-parks-to-ecotourism/news-story/a07e336bb923447c1d84b93e822e4971

Third solar farm on the horizon for Mareeba Shire
http://www.cairnspost.com.au/news/third-solar-farm-on-the-horizon-for-mareeba-shire/news-story/43663c29ba58d248db91668f2cae0cfav

Wesfarmers doesn’t need coal sale cash to help Coles or Bunnings UK
Wesfarmers chief executive Rob Scott says the company does not need to rely on the $700 million proceeds from the sale of the group’s Curragh coal mines to bolster Coles’ defences in its battle with Woolworths, or accelerate the rollout of the Bunnings chain in Britain.
http://www.afr.com/business/retail/wesfarmers-doesnt-need-coal-sale-cash-to-help-coles-or-bunnings-uk-20171226-h0a5a1

State approval to dredge Trinity Inlet could be given by early 2018
http://www.cairnspost.com.au/news/state-approval-to-dredge-trinity-inlet-could-be-given-by-early-2018/news-story/ba7c0c5948d864f116d4d47b936cd1ce

Reef watchdog finds severe reef damage from Australian Border Force patrol boat grounding
http://www.cairnspost.com.au/news/reef-watchdog-finds-severe-reef-damage-from-australian-border-force-patrol-boat-grounding/news-story/fed9d88f139ad885c19c7f6209687027?nk=7fc54c172f7e428ba50bead15ee816eb-1513972645

Adani: Palaszczuk Government not ruling out loan to rival Aurizon for Galilee Basin rail line
http://www.couriermail.com.au/news/queensland/queensland-government/adani-palaszczuk-government-not-ruling-out-loan-to-rival-aurizon-for-galilee-basin-rail-line/news-story/2f17fb6e7dcfdbf1f8d90bd4a155dbd4

Scientists developing early warning and early detection for irukandji.
CSIRO scientists are testing the waters off Cairns northern beaches as they develop sensors that will detect irukandji jellyfish
http://www.cairnspost.com.au/business/scientists-developing-early-warning-and-early-detection-for-irukandji/news-story/03b12a34587041aea2f351aecf145e70

Environmental group boss raises concerns over coral recovery after Australian Border Force boat collision in FNQ
http://www.cairnspost.com.au/news/cairns/environmental-group-boss-raises-concerns-over-coral-recovery-after-australian-border-force-boat-collision-in-fnq/news-story/f92b92b0f0f7e4e983e66ee27016d4ea

Cassowary road warnings
Cassowary sightings around Kuranda, near Cairns, for the first time in about six months has prompted calls for road users to slow down and be aware.
http://www.news.com.au/technology/science/animals/rainforest-animals-on-the-hunt-for-food-along-kuranda-roads/news-story/fa0d62afd96523e94a57cbfaa0b9a64f

Brisbane cycling boom: Inner-city workers ride bikes to work to beat traffic jam
http://www.couriermail.com.au/news/queensland/brisbane-cycling-boom-innercity-workers-ride-to-work-to-beat-traffic-jam/news-story/8ffb987491dbccd3f603be229434c008

Queensland Government Adani loan veto: Adani CEO Jeyakumar Janakaraj says it was ‘blindsided’
http://www.couriermail.com.au/business/adani-boss-says-it-was-blindsided-by-queensland-government-loan-veto/news-story/7eb24ffee801c099369fee84fd99bd7a

Adani coal megamine: Palaszczuk Government dismisses complaints about NAIF veto impact
http://www.couriermail.com.au/news/queensland/queensland-government/adani-coal-megamine-palaszczuk-government-dismisses-complaints-about-naif-veto-impact/news-story/2f3ea27c7ce3383ea3c50d4b789cf558

Adani urges coal miners to fight activists or Hunter Valley will be next
Adani’s Jeyakumar Janakaraj has stepped up his rhetoric against anti-coal activists
http://www.couriermail.com.au/news/queensland/adani-urges-coal-miners-to-fight-activists-or-hunter-valley-will-be-next/news-story/b3f24f4ccbd8416861f312d46b25d1e3

The Numbers Don’t Stack Up: W&J’s Rights on the Chopping Block for Adani’s ‘Non Viable’ Project
John Quiggin
https://newmatilda.com/2017/12/24/the-numbers-dont-stack-up-wjs-rights-on-the-chopping-block-for-adanis-non-viable-project/

Premier’s hypocrisy at heart of sorry saga
Courier-Mail editorial
Annastacia Palaszczuk began her official holiday yesterday, secure in the knowledge that she achieved precisely what she set out to in the immediate weeks after being sworn in again as Queensland’s premier. And that’s mostly because those commitments amounted to really not much, other than penning a letter to prevent Indian miner Adani from receiving a federal loan.
http://www.couriermail.com.au/news/opinion/editorial-premiers-hypocrisy-at-heart-of-sorry-saga/news-story/67e68370debffebde47f048ec1bdc74a

Cashing in on green assets will come at a cost
Graeme Bartrim
The National Parks Association of Queensland fully supports the notion that national parks are important for humans but believes activities should be compatible with the purpose of nature conservation.
http://www.couriermail.com.au/news/opinion/opinion-cashing-in-on-green-assets-will-come-at-a-cost/news-story/4d55954570b4df07ee1219a3f24de7ed

Tesla’s giant lithium-ion battery in South Australia outperforms Gladstone Power Station
http://www.couriermail.com.au/news/queensland/teslas-giant-lithiumion-in-south-australia-outperforms-gladstone-power-station/news-story/9dd098d2aaae3c2ff3860e1a282bb851

Thebarton residents protest West Torrens council decision to cut down trees on George St
http://www.adelaidenow.com.au/news/south-australia/thebarton-residents-protest-west-torrens-councils-cutting-down-of-16-trees-on-george-st/news-story/f0817e99e1afc317142022a06b59a5af

Royal Commission needed into Port Augusta power station closure: Mayor
http://www.adelaidenow.com.au/news/south-australia/royal-commission-needed-into-port-augusta-power-station-closure-mayor/news-story/ba3d4d6a9c8a21fd6c1adc7ee258ffb2

Public transport projects co-ordinated to avoid traffic chaos under SA Liberals policy
http://www.adelaidenow.com.au/sa-election/public-transport-projects-coordinated-to-avoid-traffic-chaos-under-sa-liberals-policy/news-story/edc4684d8bb5f9c717834860d8d3e37b

Water plans must deliver on promise
Advertiser editorial
SA Water should be applauded for its push to embrace renewable technology and try to reduce its net energy bills to zero dollars by 2020.
http://www.adelaidenow.com.au/news/opinion/the-advertiser-editorial-december-23-water-plans-must-deliver-on-promise/news-story/8eeab06a1243970422ea30e0435e549f

Licence buybacks planned to boost SA fish stocks
About one-third of South Australia’s commercial long-line and net fishing licences are to be bought back in an effort to bolster snapper, whiting and garfish stocks.
http://www.abc.net.au/news/2017-12-27/fishing-licence-buybacks-to-boost-stocks-sa-government-says/9287758

Power station dust smothers Port Augusta — but it’s not ash says Flinders Power manager
http://www.adelaidenow.com.au/news/south-australia/power-station-dust-smothers-port-augusta-but-its-not-ash-says-flinders-power-manager/news-story/09a3bb3f6c0a3448847c4d20bb46bc14

Walking the Kangaroo Island Wilderness Trail
http://www.news.com.au/feature/special-features/kangaroo-island-wilderness-trail-walk-sas-bestkept-secret/news-story/8d23ec70334bb0443ce5278bfda0c45f

French nuclear test tensions threatened Olympic Dam expansion plans, declassified Cabinet documents reveal
http://www.adelaidenow.com.au/news/south-australia/french-nuclear-test-tensions-threatened-olympic-dam-expansion-plans-declassified-cabinet-documents-reveal/news-story/527ebf99b9dedafc1aeec8a8ef1b64e7

There’s no benefit in stalling the Murray Darling Basin Plan
Neil Andrew
For people reliant on the water resources of the Murray-Darling Basin – and that includes more than a million South Australians – the close of 2017 is notable for several reasons. The MDBA finalised a number of commitments crucial to the continued rollout of the Murray-Darling Basin Plan.
http://www.adelaidenow.com.au/news/opinion/neil-andrew-theres-no-benefit-in-stalling-the-murray-darling-basin-plan/news-story/2167705967a7ca93c8cab15a8b9d9122

River Murray Royal Commission findings and recommendations cannot be applied to the other states
Dean Jaensch
http://www.adelaidenow.com.au/news/opinion/dean-jaensch-river-murray-royal-commission-findings-and-recommendations-cannot-be-applied-to-the-other-states/news-story/973dc5d8a72893f56b6c66aadf5983f5

Serious questions remain on the state government’s handling of the O-Bahn tunnel
Trevor Farrant
http://www.adelaidenow.com.au/news/opinion/trevor-farrant-serious-questions-remain-on-the-state-governments-handling-of-the-obahn-tunnel/news-story/a8931f9b6c6c7983d202e20c671f215e

Calls for helicopter flights to be banned from Freycinet
A push to ban helicopter flights over one of the state’s most popular natural tourist attractions will be considered by the Parks and Wildlife Service.
http://www.themercury.com.au/news/tasmania/calls-for-helicopter-flights-to-be-banned-from-freycinet/news-story/baf9ac3a09ae87776b0fc68f927149f7

What happens when a rural town becomes the mountain bike capital of Australia?
A mountain bike riding boom in a small Tasmanian country town is showing other rural communities how to balance tourism, forestry and the environment.
http://www.abc.net.au/news/2017-12-26/mountain-bike-trails-driving-major-change-in-derby/9276384

King Island residents oppose Tassal’s exploration of salmon farming off Nine Mile Beach
http://www.themercury.com.au/business/king-island-residents-oppose-tassals-exploration-of-salmon-farming-off-nine-mile-beach/news-story/e6ce5ef3b31367dc0a3c37463d9c3ff9

Parks and Wildlife releases new visitors guide
http://www.examiner.com.au/story/5143778/parks-and-wildlife-releases-new-visitors-guide/?cs=95

Bruny Island residents call for urgent action on visitor waste
http://www.themercury.com.au/news/tasmania/bruny-island-residents-call-for-urgent-action-on-visitor-waste/news-story/347d7f22a860a9595f611e23d89c6009

Former world surfing champ comes out in opposition to planned fish farm
Former world surfing champion Tom Carroll has joined the opposition to a planned salmon farm for King Island.
http://www.themercury.com.au/news/tasmania/former-world-surfing-champ-comes-out-in-opposition-to-planned-fish-farm/news-story/972c1a29602c8e4c370149fe9bd62cbb

Australia’s first major hydro-electric town has a new buyer
The site of Australia’s first major hydro-electric town is set to enter a new phase, thanks to the renewable energy push in Tasmania.
http://www.themercury.com.au/business/australias-first-major-hydroelectric-town-has-a-new-buyer/news-story/1bc78302a69ddc3a2854515517d6630e

Robert Morris-Nunn’s eco-resort at Recherche Bay is being held up over lease dispute
http://www.themercury.com.au/business/robert-morrisnunns-ecoresort-at-recherche-bay-is-being-held-up-over-lease-dispute/news-story/1ba51846383ad06b3f7d71768b625ef1

Groups raise fears of Statewide Planning Scheme on public land
Planning Minister Peter Gutwein says the statewide planning scheme will not result in over-development on public land after conservation and community groups raised fears over its impact on Tasmania’s parks and reserves.
http://www.themercury.com.au/news/tasmania/groups-raise-fears-of-statewide-planning-scheme-on-public-land/news-story/3dcff772d835d39b2980b04380372c8a

Tourism and development leaders believe the best way to conserve Tasmania is to allow sensible development
The best way to conserve Tasmania’s special values, heritage and wilderness is by allowing sensible development — tourism and development leaders argue.
http://www.themercury.com.au/news/tasmania/tourism-and-development-leaders-believe-the-best-way-to-conserve-tasmania-is-to-allow-sensible-development/news-story/0a23fd796f788006ae21f75a70c176f7

Time to sit down and talk
Tasmania’s global edge as a wild and unspoilt island can only be enhanced by abandoning  conflict and building a consensus approach to the state’s environment, conservation groups and developers agree.
http://www.themercury.com.au/news/tasmania/time-to-sit-down-and-talk/news-story/43d09f2644326e44bdd65ac8d64f9fb9

Battle to tame the Prosser sands
Peter Boyer
The little beach near Port Arthur where my family used to camp over summer was the perfect place for a boy to play out fantasies about coastal engineering.
http://www.themercury.com.au/news/opinion/talking-point-battle-to-tame-the-prosser-sands/news-story/f0ffcc1768a2803102fde5cffb3a2e3c

Only a clear vision can protect what makes Tasmania great
Sophie Underwood
To achieve its full potential, and protect what’s special about the state, Tasmania needs to develop a set of guiding principles through which we can navigate a path towards a sustainable, equitable and prosperous society.
http://www.themercury.com.au/news/opinion/talking-point-only-a-clear-vision-can-protect-what-makes-tasmania-great/news-story/3ac4b6551843a949d0b34368bc830357

Investors and tourists lining up for more
Elise Archer
The Hodgman Liberal Government came to office promising to transform Tasmania into the environment tourism capital of the world, ensuring more people of all abilities could enjoy what our beautiful state has to offer.
http://www.themercury.com.au/news/opinion/talking-point-investors-and-tourists-lining-up-for-more/news-story/c96bc737f8387c1ab5079db71198b034

Greens pledge to introduce flat $1 fares to use public buses to remove more vehicles from Queensland roads
http://www.cairnspost.com.au/news/greens-pledge-to-introduce-flat-1-fares-to-use-public-buses-to-remove-more-vehicles-from-queensland-roads/news-story/0fc825de0c24d725a720190b1dbfe9ed

Northern Territory government condemned over mine’s huge toxic dump
Environmental groups ask whether government can ever adequately regulate the Macarthur River Mine, after reactive waste rock was dumped in wrong place
https://www.theguardian.com/australia-news/2017/dec/22/northern-territory-says-no-report-exists-from-investigation-into-huge-toxic-dump

Tensions over Labor’s 50 per cent renewable target led to dissolution of Territory generation board
Tension between Territory Generation and its shareholder the Northern Territory Government over the utilities wholesalers role in Labors 50 per cent renewable target has led to the dissolution of its board.
http://www.ntnews.com.au/business/tensions-over-labors-50-per-cent-renewable-target-led-to-dissolution-of-territory-generation-board/news-story/3ddbf1f30be5b46fded0ba640070fbc9

Miner hit in native title case
Kimberley Land Council chief executive Nolan Hunter said the decision was critical to securing future agreements nationwide.
http://www.theaustralian.com.au/national-affairs/indigenous/sheffield-resources-loses-landmark-native-title-case/news-story/12350a004e22fdda34c8d1eca32d80e3

Report: Perth families to be ‘overcharged’ for water bills in 2018
Perth families will be slugged $400 more than they should be paying in water bills next year, says the State’s economic watchdog.
https://thewest.com.au/politics/state-politics/report-perth-families-to-be-overcharged-for-water-bills-in-2018-ng-b88699376z

Wishing for a low-waste Christmas and a sustainable new year
Whether it’s food, alcohol or gifts, the holiday season is typically a time of excess. But there’s a growing appetite from shoppers for gifts and packaging that won’t leave as much of a mark on the environment.
http://www.abc.net.au/news/2017-12-25/christmas-gifts-sustainable-low-waste-options-popular/9284808

WA is easily Australia’s great white capital: CSIRO
http://www.watoday.com.au/wa-news/wa-is-easily-australias-great-white-capital-csiro-20171224-h09vqr.html

More must be done to protect south coast beachgoers: MP
http://www.watoday.com.au/wa-news/more-must-be-done-to-protect-south-coast-beachgoers-mp-20171227-h0ag2f.html

See photos taken on illegal visits to Chernobyl’s dead zone
Thirty-one years after the worst nuclear disaster in history, a group of self-proclaimed “stalkers” makes illegal trips into the abandoned radioactive city.
https://www.nationalgeographic.com/travel/destinations/europe/ukraine/exclusion-zone-chernobyl-ukraine/

Why the prospect of ‘Peak Oil’ is hotly debated
Technological advances driven by the threat of climate change could mean the world’s thirst for petroleum tops out sooner than companies such as Exxon Mobil Corp. or giant producers like Saudi Arabia are banking on.
https://www.bloomberg.com/news/articles/2017-12-22/why-the-prospect-of-peak-oil-is-hotly-debated-quicktake-q-a

Academics at odds on fracking
Two new studies, both published last week, pull the fracking conversation in two different directions and shed light on a complex matter that scientists still wrangle over.
http://thetimes-tribune.com/news/academics-at-odds-on-fracking-1.2282319

Bali’s ‘garbage emergency’: Beaches buried under plastic as 100 tonnes removed each day
Bali’s palm-fringed Kuta beach has long been a favourite with tourists seeking sun and surf, but nowadays its golden shoreline is disappearing under a mountain of garbage.
https://au.news.yahoo.com/a/38434281/bali-beaches-buried-under-plastic-garbage-kuta-and-seminyak/

Trump’s busy year on energy and environment
President Trump and a trio of cabinet members have made headway in their campaign for American fossil fuel “energy dominance.” This might slow renewable energy, but it won’t bring back coal.
https://www.npr.org/2017/12/22/570548757/trumps-busy-year-on-energy-and-environment

Georgia, facing ‘difficult dilemma,’ keeps nuclear project alive
Regulators approved plans to continue building the only two nuclear reactors still under construction in the country, despite delays and overruns.
https://www.nytimes.com/2017/12/21/climate/georgia-vogtle-nuclear.html

‘Safe’ levels? Small amounts of air pollution linked to more death for senior citizens: Study
Elderly people have a higher risk of dying after short-term exposure to particulate air pollution and ozone, according to a new study from Harvard.
http://www.ehn.org/safe-levels-small-amounts-of-air-pollution-linked-to-more-death-for-senior-citizens-study-2519387578.html

Norway leads way on electric cars: ‘it’s part of a green taxation shift’
Nearly a third of all new cars sold in the country this year will be plug-in models and experts expect that share to skyrocket
https://www.theguardian.com/environment/2017/dec/25/norway-leads-way-electric-cars-green-taxation-shift

How green are electric cars?
Norway, the world leader in electric car take-up, can boast that the vehicles are clean because they’re almost exclusively run on hydropower. But how environmentally friendly is an electric car if its ultimate energy source is an oil-fired power plant?
https://www.theguardian.com/football/ng-interactive/2017/dec/25/how-green-are-electric-cars

Electric and plug-in hybrid cars whiz past 3m mark worldwide
Rapid growth is due to falling battery costs, government incentives and car makers competing to build new models
https://www.theguardian.com/environment/2017/dec/25/electric-and-plug-in-hybrid-cars-3m-worldwide

Love solar power but got no rooftop? “Shared solar” is coming for you
Shared solar is a way for non-rooftop folks to directly support clean energy, while also supporting local jobs and economic development.
https://www.vox.com/2016/3/24/11297054/shared-solar

Fighting climate change with bioenergy may do ‘more harm than good’
As nations try to stem emissions to keep the world from warming more than 2 degrees Celsius in line with their commitments towards the Paris Accord, replacing fossil fuels with renewable alternatives is widely seen as a big step in the right direction.
https://news.mongabay.com/2017/12/fighting-climate-change-with-bioenergy-may-do-more-harm-than-good/

Fracking to begin in earnest in 2018 after tough year for industry
Firms leading UK push for shale gas say ‘we will see results next year’ after 12 months of opposition, protests and a ban in Scotland
https://www.theguardian.com/environment/2017/dec/25/fracking-start-2018-shale-gas-uk-industry-protests

China exceeds target for household gas projects, but some left freezing
China’s Ministry for Environmental Protection said it had completed coal-to-gas and coal-to-electricity projects for 3.9 million households or 25,220 villages, exceeding a target of 3.1 million houses for 2017 in northern Chinese regions.
https://www.reuters.com/article/us-china-pollution-gas/china-exceeds-target-for-household-gas-projects-but-some-left-freezing-idUSKBN1EJ0GX

$180bn investment in plastic factories feeds global packaging binge
Colossal funding in manufacturing plants by fossil fuel companies will increase plastic production by 40%, risking permanent pollution of the earth
https://www.theguardian.com/environment/2017/dec/26/180bn-investment-in-plastic-factories-feeds-global-packaging-binge

No change to NK nuclear policy in 2018
North Korea will continue to enhance its nuclear capabilities in the future, the North’s state media says, declaring the communist state an “invincible” and “responsible” nuclear power.
http://www.heraldsun.com.au/news/breaking-news/no-change-to-nk-nuclear-policy-in-2018/news-story/203f47685f2c372a051f6f9833ca7a84

So long, UNESCO! What does US withdrawal mean for the environment?
In an uncertain world, UNESCO’s environmental, sustainability and peace programs benefit all nations; Trump’s U.S. pullout most deeply hurts Americans, say experts.
https://news.mongabay.com/2017/12/so-long-unesco-what-does-u-s-withdrawal-mean-for-the-environment/

Renewables generated triple the power of coal in 2017, UK figures show
As the worst-polluting coal plants near the end of their life, the focus must turn to tackling gas dependency, says analysis firm
https://www.theguardian.com/environment/2017/dec/28/renewables-power-coal-2017-uk-figures

Tesla lithium battery demand fuels Bolivian hopes
Bolivia, home to 25 per cent of world lithium reserves, hopes it can tap into Tesla’s popularity to boost development.
http://www.afr.com/business/mining/tesla-lithium-battery-demand-fuels-bolivian-miners-hopes-competes-with-pilbara-20171227-h0arzp

A Philippines grandmother fought to get a toxic coal stockpile out of her neighborhood. Three bullets stopped her
Gloria Capitan was shot to death last summer after campaigning against a coal stockpile. That was only the beginning.
http://www.latimes.com/world/asia/la-fg-environmental-activists-philippines-20171228-htmlstory.html

Vive la résistance: 10 ways people stood up for the planet in 2017
Fighting pipeline construction, reaffirming commitments to the Paris accord, and suing the EPA were among many acts of defiance.
http://grist.org/article/vive-la-resistance-10-ways-people-stood-up-for-the-planet-in-2017/

Why Americans are using a lot less water
The average American has cut daily use by 6 gallons. Efficiencies in states like California and Texas – which are experiencing droughts – can serve as models for other states to reduce consumption.
https://www.csmonitor.com/Environment/2017/1226/Why-Americans-are-using-a-lot-less-water

Utility-scale solar installations can avoid using farmland, study says
A new study finds that developing solar energy arrays on alternative sites like buildings, lakes, and contaminated land would allow California to meet its 2025 electricity demands without sacrificing farmland.
http://e360.yale.edu/digest/utility-scale-solar-installations-can-avoid-using-farmland-study-says

New model considers an extra factor to improve our prediction of nuclear fission
https://www.eurekalert.org/pub_releases/2017-12/tiot-nmc122717.php

Is this the future? Dutch plan vast windfarm island in North Sea
Advanced plans by Dutch power grid aims to build power hub possibly at Dogger Bank whose scale would dwarf current offshore sites
https://www.theguardian.com/environment/2017/dec/29/is-this-the-future-dutch-plan-vast-windfarm-island-in-north-sea

What’s the ideal number of humans on Earth?
Despite our best efforts, Earth continues to gamely welcome our rapidly expanding population, barring the occasional earthquake. Whether the planet might be a little better off with fewer of us is a different question, a freighted one.
https://gizmodo.com/whats-the-ideal-number-of-humans-on-earth-1821527028

Top 10 HAPPY environmental stories of 2017
The past year may have seemed like doom and gloom for the environment, but there was plenty to be thankful for.
https://news.mongabay.com/2017/12/top-10-happy-environmental-stories-of-2017/

Will 2018 be the year of solar or coal?
The two will battle for market share. Only one will win.
https://www.forbes.com/sites/brianpotts/2017/12/30/will-2018-be-the-year-of-solar-or-coal/#1b91783243f4

Vehicles are now America’s biggest CO2 source but EPA is tearing up  regulations
Transport overtook power generation for climate-warming emissions in 2017 but the Trump administration is reversing curbs on auto industry pollution
https://www.theguardian.com/environment/2018/jan/01/vehicles-climate-change-emissions-trump-administration

New Year’s Eve: Are fireworks harming the environment?
In some countries, it’s not New Year’s Eve without a night sky full of fireworks. But how bad are these colorful explosions for the environment? And what are the health effects?
http://www.dw.com/en/new-years-eve-are-fireworks-harming-the-environment/a-41957523

Pope Francis hated 2017 too, calling it a ‘wasted’ year of death and lies
Speaking at an evening vespers service in St. Peter’s Basilica, the Pope said humanity had “wasted and wounded” the past year “in many ways with works of death, with lies and injustices.”
http://www.newsweek.com/pope-francis-2017-year-death-lies-767033

World demographics are changing profoundly: What does it mean for the 21st century?
Joseph Chamie
The revolutionary demographic changes that the world continues to experience are impacting virtually every aspect of human life, including the environment.
http://www.truth-out.org/news/item/42902-world-demographics-are-changing-profoundly-what-does-it-mean-for-the-21st-century

Keep calm: reasons to head for the park not the beach
Ross Gittins
I’m much attracted by the American biologist Edward O. Wilson’s hypothesis of biophilia, that humans have an innate tendency to seek connection to nature, for its calming effects.
http://www.smh.com.au/comment/keep-calm-reasons-to-head-for-the-park-not-the-beach-20171223-h09pzg.html

Supersized cities: residents band together to push back against speculative development pressures
Jason Twill, University of Technology Sydney
City residents all around the world are getting together to create housing tailored to their needs and budgets, instead of being developed for maximum profit.
https://theconversation.com/supersized-cities-residents-band-together-to-push-back-against-speculative-development-pressures-77553

The article that changed my view … of how civil disobedience helps the planet
Suganshi Ropia
Suganshi Ropia says a piece she read after the signing of the Paris Climate Agreement helped her realise we shouldn’t wait to make our voices heard
https://www.theguardian.com/environment/2017/dec/29/article-that-changed-my-view-how-civil-disobedience-helps-planet

Will 2018 be a better year for US environment policy?
Peter Dysktra
Columnist Peter Dysktra offers some optimism—but expects more of the same in the coming year
http://www.ehn.org/will-2018-be-a-better-year-for-u-s-environment-policy-2520710204.html

Why a better transportation system is good for your health
Bill Ravanesi
We need a shift to a modern transportation system that increases electric cars, trucks, and buses, expands public transit and ride sharing, and builds walkable, bike-able, transit-oriented communities accessible to all of residents. These solutions can mean fewer delays, safer travel, improved health and fewer climate impacts.
http://orleans.wickedlocal.com/opinion/20171231/why-better-transportation-system-is-good-for-your-health

People can handle the truth about the environment
Mark Buchanan
Scientists don’t need to sugar-coat it.
https://www.bloomberg.com/view/articles/2017-12-27/people-can-handle-the-truth-about-the-environment

Failing our forests: in two years we’ve lost enough trees to cover Spain
Fire. Oil palm. Cattle. Soy. Rubber. Wood. New data from Global Forest Watch shows that forest destruction is on the rise globally, in spite of a slate of pledges and commitments.
https://www.theguardian.com/environment/radical-conservation/2017/dec/22/failing-our-forests-in-two-years-weve-lost-enough-trees-to-cover-spain

UN poised to move ahead with landmark treaty to protect high seas
Waters outside national boundaries are currently unregulated, devastated by overfishing and pollution. 140 countries back the motion to establish a treaty
https://www.theguardian.com/environment/2017/dec/22/un-poised-to-move-ahead-with-landmark-treaty-to-protect-high-seas

Experts to China: Cooperate or South China Sea fisheries may collapse
A group of experts that includes geopolitical strategists as well as marine biologists is calling on disputing parties to come together to manage and protect the sea’s fish stocks and marine environment.
https://news.mongabay.com/2017/12/experts-to-china-cooperate-or-south-china-sea-fisheries-may-collapse/

How Sea Shepherd lost battle against Japan’s whale hunters in Antarctic
The Southern Ocean was a sanctuary – but now Japan’s boats have military hardware and conservationists can no longer track them
https://www.theguardian.com/environment/2017/dec/23/sea-shepherd-loses-antarctic-battle-japan-whale-hunters

‘I have a lot of enemies’: the Honduran marine park rangers facing death threats
The tropical island of Roatán is a gold mine for tourism and fishermen but those protecting the reef want tougher laws to turn the area into a no-take zone
https://www.theguardian.com/environment/2017/dec/27/i-have-a-lot-of-enemies-the-honduran-marine-park-rangers-facing-death-threats

How the fight to save a bird species shows how to bridge the red/blue divide
A plan to save the sage grouse was a rare instance where ranchers, the timber industry, scientists, landowners and environmentalists all agreed on something
https://www.theguardian.com/environment/2017/dec/27/how-the-plight-to-save-a-bird-species-shows-how-to-bridge-the-redblue-divide

How did half of the great Florida coral reef system disappear?
Overfishing, development and pollution have all contributed to the reef’s decline, but climate change is its biggest threat. UN targets must be met to stop ocean acidification
https://www.theguardian.com/environment/2017/dec/27/how-did-half-of-the-great-florida-coral-reef-system-disappear-climate-bleaching

A classic Darwinian ecological hypothesis holds up — with a twist
New research shows that a long-held hypothesis about the factors that govern species ranges largely holds true, but may be the result of a previously underappreciated ecological mechanism.
https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2017/12/171226105136.htm

The Caribbean is stressed out
But there is hope, according to data from 25-year monitoring program
https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2017/12/171228170643.htm

Paper giant and its ‘suppliers’ are essentially one and the same, investigation finds
An investigation by The Associated Press has uncovered ownership ties between one of the world’s largest paper producers and more than two dozen tree-plantation companies linked to devastating fires and deforestation in Indonesia.
https://news.mongabay.com/2017/12/paper-giant-and-its-suppliers-are-essentially-one-and-the-same-investigation-finds/

‘Coral bleaching is getting worse … but the biggest problem is pollution’
Conservationists are battling to save the 700-mile Mesoamerican Barrier Reef in the Caribbean suffering the effects of mass tourism and global warming.
https://www.theguardian.com/environment/2017/dec/27/coral-bleaching-is-getting-worse-but-the-biggest-problem-is-pollution

“This is not a symbolic action” — Indigenous protesters occupy oil platforms in radicalized fight against pollution in the Amazon
Oil companies have polluted the waters the Peruvian Amazon for decades. Tired of false promises, indigenous groups are taking on the industry.
https://theintercept.com/2017/12/27/peru-amazon-oil-pollution-indigenous-protest/

Alarming link between fungicides and bee declines revealed
Fungicides are found to be the strongest factor linked to steep bumblebee declines, surprising scientists and adding to the threats to vital pollinators
https://www.theguardian.com/environment/2017/dec/29/alarming-link-between-fungicides-and-bee-declines-revealed

‘It’s a perverse system’: how Colombia’s farmers are reforesting their logged land
In the wake of Colombia’s peace deal, the rush to clear Amazon jungle for cattle ranches and coca caused deforestation to soar. A new scheme hopes to enable farmers to make a sustainable living from the forest
https://www.theguardian.com/environment/2017/dec/29/its-a-perverse-system-how-colombias-farmers-are-reforesting-their-logged-land

Spades, saplings and sheep: Iceland battles to restore long-lost forests
Planting trees is “among the least painful ways” to meet the country’s goal to slash carbon emissions, experts say.
http://news.trust.org/item/20171225200102-53e7c/

Nice to meet you: amazing new animal species discovered in 2017
Photos
https://www.theguardian.com/environment/gallery/2017/dec/29/nice-to-meet-you-amazing-new-animal-species-discovered-in-2017-in-pictures

Prepare for the global bananapocalypse
Stephen Mihm
The bananapocalypse is coming. That’s the likelihood that sometime in the next decade, bananas may disappear, victims of a fungal pathogen known as Panama Disease.
http://www.smh.com.au/comment/prepare-for-the-global-bananapocalypse-20171225-h0a2p2.html

Ice will return but extinctions can’t be reversed. We must act now
Mark Urban
We have to develop digital forecasts of species’ responses to climate change, design robust strategies to protect as many as possible, and help nature to adapt
https://www.theguardian.com/environment/2017/dec/28/ice-will-return-but-extinctions-cant-be-reversed-we-must-act-climate-change

AI is learning from our encounters with nature – and that’s a concern
Andrew Robinson, Australian National University
Does big data threaten how humans explore the natural world? We need to protect our impulses to observe, compare, play, discover and love, no matter what technological capabilities are available.
https://theconversation.com/ai-is-learning-from-our-encounters-with-nature-and-thats-a-concern-88484

New laws that will affect Australia
From January 1 and beyond, there are a raft of changes coming that will change how we live in Australia. This is what will affect you.
http://www.news.com.au/finance/money/costs/new-laws-and-changes-that-will-affect-australia-from-january-1-2018-and-beyond/news-story/85825f4092834190a292a828aacb7c3d