Daily Links May 16

Arctic oil “undrillable” amid global warming – UN’s ex-climate chief
An architect of the Paris climate agreement urged governments on Tuesday to halt oil exploration in the Arctic, saying drilling was not economical and warming threatened the environmentally fragile region.
http://news.trust.org/item/20180515060026-ms97q/

Why Alaska is crafting a plan to fight climate change: It’s impossible to ignore
Many solidly Republican states have resisted aggressive climate policies, but Alaska is already seeing the dramatic effects of global warming.
https://www.nytimes.com/2018/05/15/climate/alaska-climate-change.html

To get conservative climate contrarians to really listen, try speaking their language
Jamie Freestone, University of Queensland
People will listen more when they like what they’re hearing.
https://theconversation.com/to-get-conservative-climate-contrarians-to-really-listen-try-speaking-their-language-94296

Fixing nation’s population woes
The government is considering new rules for how migrants enter Australia. It may be radical, but we’ve already proven it works.
http://www.news.com.au/lifestyle/real-life/news-life/turnbull-government-is-considering-sending-new-migrants-to-rural-towns/news-story/02c472284ffc529d4180e7db4d857520

Lucrative, easy and on the rise: Animal smuggler warns of growing black market in native animals
A prolific animal smuggler, convicted of poaching animals for the black market, says Australians would be horrified if they knew how many animals are dying while being smuggled to cashed-up collectors in Europe and Asia.
http://www.abc.net.au/news/2018-05-15/black-market-demand-fuelling-native-animal-smuggling/9724140

Oil price rise likely to hit consumers with $4 billion headache and absorb tax cuts
Morgan Stanley argues the high fuel prices are likely to be sustained, driving up inflation and absorbing any benefit from the “modest” cuts.
http://www.abc.net.au/news/2018-05-15/oil-price-rise-to-torch-tax-cuts/9762154

ALP push for federal land laws [$]
Federal Labor has proposed new powers to crack down on tree-clearing across the country.
https://www.theaustralian.com.au/national-affairs/alp-push-for-federal-land-powers/news-story/d7e0953723afead25098a1c4adbf5473

Santos CEO breaks ranks on gas reservation [$]
Both the Santos and Woodside CEOs say the industry needs a rethink on gas reservation policies.
http://www.afr.com/business/energy/santos-ceo-kevin-gallagher-urges-rethink-on-nt-gas-reservation-20180515-h1032n

Electric cars ‘bad for oil’ [$]
A predicted surge in electric vehicle ownership poses a threat to the oil and gas sector but could improve energy security.
https://www.theaustralian.com.au/national-affairs/evs-bad-for-oil-and-gas-sector-good-for-energy-security/news-story/8fa14a8633048c2c71457071a5073578

Where’s your nearest public nuclear shelter? Sweden, probably
Apparently, even the government in Canberra still lacks a nuclear shelter. So, how exactly does Australia fare in terms of nuclear preparedness?
http://www.abc.net.au/news/2018-05-15/are-nuclear-bunkers-making-a-comeback/9735398

Turnbull government ‘knew for years’ about network rorts, letters show
The Abbott-Turnbull government was warned about the potential of consumers being gouged by electricity networks for more than three years but failed to act until now, letters obtained from two state governments show.
https://www.smh.com.au/politics/federal/turnbull-government-knew-for-years-about-network-rorts-letters-show-20180515-p4zffo.html

Recovery a dry run [$]
Irrigators and water brokers say its “impossible” for Federal Government to recover an extra 450,000 megalitres for the Murray Darling Basin environmental flows for $1.5 billion — equal to $3333 a megalitre.
https://www.weeklytimesnow.com.au/news/national/murray-darling-basin-recovery-a-dry-run/news-story/1d432104df13701c6c4380beed059977

Foreign influence bill to catch academics [$]
The Turnbull government’s planned crackdown on foreign influence is so sweeping and poorly drafted it would force thousands of people — including academics, authors and book publishers — to register as agents of other countries, according to analysis of the scheme by legal academic Anne Twomey.
https://www.theaustralian.com.au/business/legal-affairs/foreign-influence-bill-to-catch-academics/news-story/c6001594bbc3f5fd709072dbc20fd6e7

‘Pessimistic’: Millennials lose faith in the economy
The survey also shows that the concerns of millennials have shifted from crime, corruption, war and political tension last year to climate change, unemployment and income inequality this year.
https://www.brisbanetimes.com.au/business/workplace/pessimistic-millennials-lose-faith-in-the-economy-20180515-p4zfd0.html

It’s no surprise emissions keep going up. There’s no price on carbon
Greg Jericho
The only thing close to climate change policy is the national energy guarantee. It’s not enough.
https://www.theguardian.com/business/grogonomics/2018/may/15/its-no-surprise-emissions-keep-going-up-theres-no-price-on-carbon

Santos releases gas reservation genie [$]
Matthew Stevens
Kevin Gallagher’s domestic gas reservation proposal is a bold and clever tactic – but he’s largely talking about other people’s gas.
http://www.afr.com/opinion/columnists/santos-kevin-gallagher-releases-reservation-genie-20180515-h10386

Renewables: taking care of business
Louis Brailsford
More Australian businesses are making the switch to clean, affordable and reliable renewable energy than ever before. Businesses big and small are embracing renewables in record numbers, with commercial solar installations jumping 60 per cent over 2016 and 2017, according to SunWiz.
https://www.examiner.com.au/story/5399430/energy-that-really-takes-care-of-business/?cs=97

We must face the climate demon [$]
Peter Boyer says Australia is in denial about the serious ramifications of global warming.
http://www.themercury.com.au/news/opinion/talking-point-were-headed-back-to-the-pliocene-if-we-dont-face-climate-demon/news-story/9fe8f801a07bd59b389e582f63005b13

Federal money talks in Melbourne transport debate
Turnbull government wants to be in the driving seat in Melbourne’s congestion.
https://www.theage.com.au/politics/victoria/federal-money-talks-in-melbourne-transport-debate-20180515-p4zfgv.html

Pallas says ‘trust us’ despite no budget to build $16.5b North East Link
Treasurer Tim Pallas insists Victorians can trust Labor to keep its promise to build the North East Link, even though there is no money budgeted
https://www.smh.com.au/politics/victoria/pallas-says-trust-us-despite-no-budget-to-build-16-5b-north-east-link-20180515-p4zfe0.html

Feral cat uproar [$]
Victorian hunters have criticised the State Government over its likely decision to prevent them shooting feral cats on public land.
https://www.weeklytimesnow.com.au/news/victoria/feral-cat-uproar-victorian-hunters-criticise-state-government/news-story/6e4efedd966188098c2ad282241b801a

Is Melbourne Airport’s SkyBus up to the job?
Alan Davies
A rail line from Melbourne airport to the CBD will very likely be necessary one day, but an upgraded SkyBus can do the job in the short-to-medium term at vastly lower cost
https://blogs.crikey.com.au/theurbanist/2018/05/14/melbourne-airport-skybus-job/

Editorial: Light rail is back on track [$]
Telegraph editorial
Progress! Following months of slow or zero movement at key work sites for Sydney’s light rail, the pace has suddenly improved. But it seems it still won’t make the alread-delayed 2020 deadline and the Transport minister says the Spanish company is “stuffing around the taxpayer”.
https://www.dailytelegraph.com.au/news/opinion/editorial-light-rail-is-back-on-track/news-story/56f49a6c4d72cc93c78e09fd58caef47

Fatal attraction: the endangered marsupial killing itself with too much sex
An endangered marsupial found only in certain parts of Queensland has been placed on the Federal Government’s endangered list by having too much sex, researchers say.
http://www.abc.net.au/news/2018-05-15/the-endangered-marsupial-killing-itself-with-too-much-sex/9762116

Queensland’s population hits 5 million people today
The milestone is due to an increase in migration growth, particularly from New South Wales, and 60,000 babies being born in the past year.
http://www.abc.net.au/news/2018-05-15/queensland-population-hits-5-million/9762254

Wild crocodile egg harvesting to be allowed under a government plan
Up to 5000 crocodile eggs will be collected in Queensland under a proposed government plan, which would include selling crocodile skins overseas.
https://www.brisbanetimes.com.au/politics/queensland/wild-crocodile-egg-harvesting-to-be-allowed-under-a-government-plan-20180514-p4zf84.html

Coal vs. coral: The dredging threat to the Great Barrier Reef
As the Australian government pushes for the construction of a giant coal mine near the world’s largest coral ecosystem, Finnish scientists have developed a way to minimize the impact of dredging required to expand coal ports.
https://www.newsdeeply.com/oceans/articles/2018/05/14/coal-vs-coral-the-dredging-threat-to-the-great-barrier-reef

Brisbane is doomed by our addiction to our own cars
John Birmingham
Brisneylanders are getting back into their cars because whatever governments are doing with public transport isn’t working.
https://www.brisbanetimes.com.au/national/queensland/i-beat-brisbane-s-peak-hour-traffic-with-muffins-and-coffee-20180515-p4zfb5.html

Know your NEM: Firming output in South Australia
David Leitch
South Australia remains the most fascinating market, with all sorts of competing ideas and technologies to firm the state’s wind and solar output.
https://reneweconomy.com.au/know-nem-firming-output-south-australia-80625/

Malcolm Turnbull rocking Cradle Mountain with $30 million for cable-way
Prime Minister Malcolm Turnbull on Wednesday will announce $30 million in federal funding for the project, matching the state government’s funding commitment.
https://www.examiner.com.au/story/5402878/malcolm-turnbull-rocking-cradle-mountain-with-30-million-for-cable-way/?cs=95

Untarnished wonder emerges after deluge [$]
Those at the heart of Tasmanian bushwalking folklore know all too well the tale of a disappearing aqua coloured tarn on kunanyi/Mt Wellington.
http://www.themercury.com.au/news/tasmania/our-untarnished-natural-wonder-emerges-after-deluge/news-story/4881774139ae2d655e81e57adc45c2f2

Walkers line up for new Three Capes trek [$]
A four-day lodge walk along the Three Capes Track will be launched in September, with bookings for next season already close to selling out.
http://www.themercury.com.au/lifestyle/travel/walkers-line-up-for-new-three-capes-trek/news-story/4a59b482e46d0ce4c5ddff3e6bf7528f

Huon woodchip port step closer [$]
The State Government has granted Southwood Fibre consent to lodge a development application with the Huon Valley Council for a woodchip export facility on Crown land near Dover.
http://www.themercury.com.au/news/politics/huon-woochip-port-a-step-closer/news-story/b65240456ddcba789423b333f070f16f

Tyenna Valley traffic concerns …
Andrew Kellett and Bert Lawatsch
Do you enjoy a drive to Mt Field or the South West or perhaps you enjoy fly fishing in the Tyenna River? If so, I’m sure you are aware of the condition of the underfunded section of road from Maydena to Westerway …
http://tasmaniantimes.com/index.php?/weblog/article/tyenna-valley-traffic-concerns/

Gunner, Vowles at odds on gas policy [$]
Chief Minister Michael Gunner and NT Resources Minister Ken Vowles appear at odds over the issue of a domestic gas reservation policy
http://www.ntnews.com.au/business/gunner-vowles-at-odds-on-gas-policy/news-story/6da8a2537a17790cca05f1ea91ae47f7

Federal Environment Minister Josh Frydenberg accuses WA of misleading public on sharks
Tensions between Canberra and WA over the shark threat have erupted into open warfare, with Federal Environment Minister Josh Frydenberg accusing the State of fabricating excuses for its lack of action.
https://thewest.com.au/news/sharks/federal-environment-minister-josh-frydenberg-accuses-wa-of-misleading-public-on-sharks-ng-b88833166z

Chevron urges joint WA gas link [$]
Chevron Australia boss Nigel Hearne has called for a pipeline to link WA’s four big LNG projects to offshore gas resources.
https://www.theaustralian.com.au/business/mining-energy/chevron-calls-for-joint-pipeline-to-link-big-western-australian-lng-projects/news-story/08d413209cc5942c373fc9d28ed92fd2

Safety, verification questions hang over North Korea’s plan to close nuclear site
Shutting down North Korea’s nuclear test site is trickier than it might seem.
https://www.reuters.com/article/us-northkorea-missiles-nuclearsite/safety-verification-questions-hang-over-north-koreas-plan-to-close-nuclear-site-idUSKCN1IG0T5

UK parliament to remove single-use plastics from Westminster
Almost all single use plastics, including coffee cups, bags and water bottles will be replaced with compostable or reusable versions by 2019
https://www.theguardian.com/environment/2018/may/15/uk-government-to-remove-single-use-plastics-from-parliament

The world wants air-conditioning. That could warm the world
The number of units worldwide is predicted to soar by midcentury, and the electricity to power them will increase planet-warming emissions.
https://www.nytimes.com/2018/05/15/climate/air-conditioning.html

London considering car-free days in bid to tackle air pollution
City Hall sources say mayor is hoping to introduce separate car-free days in each borough this year, with ‘more ambitious plans’ for 2019
https://www.theguardian.com/environment/2018/may/15/london-considering-car-free-days-in-bid-to-tackle-air-pollution

North Korea will join ‘efforts for a total ban on nuclear tests’
North Korea will join international efforts to ban nuclear tests, its ambassador to the United Nations in Geneva, Han Tae Song, told the Conference on Disarmament on Tuesday.
https://www.reuters.com/article/us-northkorea-nuclear-tests/north-korea-will-join-efforts-for-a-total-ban-on-nuclear-tests-idUSKCN1IG28E

Even low concentrations of silver can foil wastewater treatment
Research has shed new light how an increasingly common consumer product component — silver nanoparticles — can potentially interfere with the treatment of wastewater.
https://www.eurekalert.org/pub_releases/2018-05/osu-elc051418.php

Thailand: Risk of chemical-caused illness among farmers on upward swing, study finds
The percentage of farmers at risk of developing health problems from their farm chemicals has risen over the past few years, according to the results of a large-scale study.
https://news.thaivisa.com/article/20480/risk-of-chemical-caused-illness-among-farmers-on-upward-swing-study-finds

Population overload: Are we in danger of outgrowing our planet? – Video
Earth’s population could reach 11 billion by 2100. Are we pushing the planet to breaking point? Or are fears of overpopulation overstated?
https://www.trtworld.com/video/roundtable/population-overload-are-we-in-danger-of-outgrowing-our-planet/5af459b148573b07fb661a86

Imagine a city lit by glowing trees instead of streetlights
Could genetically engineered trees that have been crossed with bioluminescent algae be the emissions-free lighting source of the future?
https://www.fastcompany.com/40571215/imagine-a-city-lit-by-glowing-trees-instead-of-streetlights

This could be the biggest advance in aluminum production in 130 years
Why Apple just joined a big push to change how we make aluminum, and slow climate change in the process.
https://www.washingtonpost.com/news/energy-environment/wp/2018/05/14/this-could-be-the-biggest-advance-in-aluminum-production-in-130-years/

Trump wants to expand oil drilling to 90 percent of our seas. We’re marching June 9 to stop him
David Helvarg, Bill McKibben
The March for the Ocean is promoting a rapid transition from drilling and spilling to clean, job-generating renewable energy.
https://www.thenation.com/article/trump-wants-to-expand-oil-drilling-to-90-percent-of-our-seas-were-marching-on-june-9-to-stop-him/

Wildfires may cause long-term health problems for endangered orangutans
Orangutans, already critically endangered due to habitat loss from logging and farming, may face another threat in the form of smoke from natural and human-caused fires, a Rutgers University-New Brunswick study finds.
https://www.eurekalert.org/pub_releases/2018-05/ru-wmc051418.php

Insurance turns to coral reefs and mangroves as ocean risks surge
Coral reefs, mangroves and even some fish could soon have their own insurance policies as the industry seeks new ways to boost protection for those affected by the ocean changes wrought by climate change.
https://in.reuters.com/article/insurance-climatechange-oceans/feature-insurance-turns-to-coral-reefs-and-mangroves-as-ocean-risks-surge-idINL5N1SL35Q

More than 100 organizations call on oil and gas industries, banks to opt out of Arctic drilling
Indigenous groups and institutional investors representing more than $2 trillion call for industries to keep the Arctic National Wildlife Refuge a “natural wonder.”
https://thinkprogress.org/anwr-advocates-write-letters-oil-gas-drilling-arctic-f5d22e55afaf/

Climate extremes are putting species in sync — and in danger
Growth rings in the ear stones of rockfish and the trunks of trees are giving researchers glimpses of the effects of climate change on biodiversity.
https://undark.org/article/climate-extremes-biodiversity/

Report: Toxic algae are growing threat to water, human health
Outbreaks of potentially harmful algae are a growing problem in waterways across the United States including Minnesota, according to a new report.
https://www.mprnews.org/story/2018/05/15/toxic-algal-blooms-increasing-threat-to-water-human-health

Why Iceland is set to resume whaling despite international opposition
Julia Jabour, University of Tasmania and Rachael Lorna Johnstone, University of Akureyri
Iceland is set to resume commercial whaling in June after a two-year hiatus, arguing that the moratorium put in place by the international community was never intended to be an open-ended ban.
https://theconversation.com/why-iceland-is-set-to-resume-whaling-despite-international-opposition-95642

The UK government wants to put a price on nature – but that will destroy it
George Monbiot
Defining Earth’s resources as ‘natural capital’ is morally wrong, intellectually vacuous, and most of all counter-productive.
https://www.theguardian.com/commentisfree/2018/may/15/price-natural-world-destruction-natural-capital