Daily Links Jul 17

Turning Trump’s trade war into a tool to fight climate change
What if countries responded to Trump’s tariffs by taxing imports based on their carbon footprint instead?
https://insideclimatenews.org/news/16072018/trade-war-trump-tariffs-border-tax-carbon-footprint-fossil-fuels-climate-change-analysis

Over a billion people struggle to stay cool as Earth warms
More than a billion people are at risk from a lack of air conditioning and refrigeration to keep them cool and to preserve food and medicines as global warming brings more high temperatures, a study showed on Monday.
http://news.trust.org/item/20180716040058-2j73u

A scientist’s final paper looks toward earth’s future climate
A NASA scientist’s final scientific paper, published posthumously this month, reveals new insights into one of the most complex challenges of Earth’s climate: understanding and predicting future atmospheric levels of greenhouse gases and the role of the ocean and land in determining those levels.
https://www.eurekalert.org/pub_releases/2018-07/nsfc-asf071618.php

Flipping the switch: Making use of carbon price dollars for health and education
A switch from subsidizing fossil fuel to pricing CO2-emissions would not only help to meet global climate targets but also create additional domestic public revenues.
https://www.eurekalert.org/pub_releases/2018-07/pifc-fts071318.php

Thawing permafrost microbiomes fuel climate change
A University of Queensland-led international study could lead to more accurate predictions or the rate of global warming from greenhouse gas emissions produced by thawing permafrost in the next 100 years. The study of the microorganisms involved in permafrost carbon degradation links changing microbial communities and biogeochemistry to the rise of greenhouse gas emissions.
https://www.eurekalert.org/pub_releases/2018-07/uoq-tpm071218.php

Getting to know the microbes that drive climate change
A new understanding of the microbes and viruses in the thawing permafrost in Sweden may help scientists better predict the pace of climate change.
https://www.eurekalert.org/pub_releases/2018-07/osu-gtk071618.php

Study: Reducing carbon emissions will limit sea level rise
A new study demonstrates that a correlation also exists between cumulative carbon emissions and future sea level rise over time — and the news isn’t good.
https://www.eurekalert.org/pub_releases/2018-07/osu-src071618.php

Comprehensive study: carbon taxes won’t hamper the economy
Dana Nuccitelli
But global warming will.
https://www.theguardian.com/environment/climate-consensus-97-per-cent/2018/jul/16/comprehensive-study-carbon-taxes-wont-hamper-the-economy

Exposing the climate science denial network behind Trump and May
Mat Hope
From Donald Trump to Theresa May, a powerful U.S.-UK network lobbies behind the scenes for climate science denial. 
https://independentaustralia.net/politics/politics-display/exposing-the-climate-science-denial-network-behind-trump-and-may,11696

Coal needed for decades to come: AEMO
Australian energy consumers will need to rely on coal-fired power for decades to come to help transition to renewables, the Australian Energy Market Operator says.
https://www.9news.com.au/national/2018/07/17/05/37/coal-needed-for-decades-to-come-aemo

King coal to rule for 20 more years [$]
The independent energy market operator has called for our coal-fired power plants to be operated for as long as possible.
https://www.theaustralian.com.au/business/mining-energy/king-coal-to-rule-for-20-more-years-says-independent-energy-market-operator/news-story/04c780de251789ed2240e79f882fc3de

Cost of replacing retiring coal plants put at $27bn [$]
Australia will need to spend up to $27 billion replacing retiring coal plants in the next two decades with the fossil fuel set to be ousted from the country’s national electricity market and replaced by a mix of solar, wind, storage and gas along with new investment in transmission.
https://www.theaustralian.com.au/business/mining-energy/cost-of-replacing-retiring-coal-plants-put-at-27bn/news-story/1e5af9f67ec51014cea6b1015db4bd92

Renewables will replace ageing coal plants at lowest cost, AEMO says
Forecast by energy market operator is a blow to Coalition MPs campaigning for new coal-fired generation
https://www.theguardian.com/australia-news/2018/jul/17/renewables-will-replace-ageing-coal-plants-at-lowest-cost-aemo-says

Voters back energy inquiry as Labor lead slips slightly – Guardian Essential poll
Less than a fortnight from super Saturday byelections, two-party-preferred vote tightens to 51%-49%
https://www.theguardian.com/australia-news/2018/jul/17/voters-back-energy-inquiry-as-labor-lead-slips-slightly-guardian-essential-poll

Electricity pricing inquiry a ‘disgrace’ that won’t cut power prices, says analyst
The competition regulator’s electricity pricing inquiry is “a political document” that is unlikely to lower prices and will cause a further retreat by investors, according to one leading analyst.
http://www.abc.net.au/news/2018-07-17/electricity-pricing-inquiry-a-political-document-analyst/9999520

Miners seek changes to NEG [$]
The mining industry wants unlimited use of carbon offsets enshrined in the National Energy Guarantee.
https://www.theaustralian.com.au/business/mining-energy/miners-push-for-unlimited-carbon-offsets-in-turnbulls-neg/news-story/bcb1e92bf9a6b7f34781ea7f2a6fda5e

‘Lift gas ban or industry stops’ [$]
The Turnbull government says gas prices on the east coast will rise further unless states lift their bans on gas production.
https://www.theaustralian.com.au/business/mining-energy/lift-gas-ban-or-prices-will-go-up-further-canavan-tells-states/news-story/2d3e9b5ac323cde012d6b3242a1f22e1

Australia has 35GW of solar farms in development pipeline
Big solar is well and truly booming in Australia in 2018, with new data from the Australian PV Institute confirming that there is a massive 35GW of solar farms in the nation’s planning and development pipeline.
https://reneweconomy.com.au/australia-35gw-solar-farms-development-pipeline-36362/

The Last Straw for Single Use Plastics in Australia
Eva Mackinley is the founder and CEO of The Last Straw, a campaign to reduce the use of the plastic straws in venues around Australia.
https://probonoaustralia.com.au/news/2018/07/last-straw-single-use-plastics-australia/

ACCC bells the cat on electricity
Graham Young
The ACCC Electricity supply and prices inquiry final report is a tacit acknowledgement that current strategies for CO2 abatement will not work at an affordable price.
http://www.onlineopinion.com.au/view.asp?article=19846

A gas cartel run amok
Bruce Robertson
Producers continued to starve the domestic market while making super profits off consumers.
https://reneweconomy.com.au/a-gas-cartel-run-amok-25377/

Know your NEM: New capacity casts a long shadow
David Leitch
The pipeline of wind and solar shows 3.3GW of wind and 3.4GW of solar PV either commissioning, under construction or certain to proceed. Add to that another 3GW of rooftop solar.
https://reneweconomy.com.au/know-nem-new-capacity-casts-long-shadow-70566/

ACT energy-efficiency ratings are a dog’s breakfast
The ACT is the only jurisdiction in Australia with a mandatory energy efficiency disclosure scheme. In theory, it is a committed advocate for more energy efficient, comfortable homes. But in reality, low compliance and minimal enforcement means that renters, landlords, buyers, and sellers are missing out on the potential benefits.
https://www.canberratimes.com.au/politics/act/act-energy-efficiency-ratings-are-a-dog-s-breakfast-20180711-p4zqtp.html

Bike share scheme needs a cautious approach
Canberra Times editorial
Given the patchy record of public bicycle sharing schemes in other cities, Canberra needs to exercise a high degree of caution in going down this path.
https://www.canberratimes.com.au/national/act/bike-share-scheme-needs-a-cautious-approach-20180716-p4zrri.html

Reefing tourists’ cash to fix coral [$]
A billionaire philanthropist believes Australia is undervaluing its Great Barrier Reef, and should be charging tourists more money to see it.
https://www.cairnspost.com.au/news/cairns/tourist-environmental-levy-should-bee-increased-to-help-subsidise-reef-restoration-projects/news-story/3850313ff1f6caee85b10b32c1069913

PFAS: Expert submits warning via federal inquiry that contamination more widespread than reported
A contamination expert is warning a federal parliamentary inquiry that the spread of potentially harmful chemicals once used in firefighting foam is likely to have affected many more parts of Australia than previously reported.
http://www.abc.net.au/news/2018-07-17/pfas-contamination-at-all-airports-expert-tells-federal-inquiry/10000540

Where you’ll find 1400 mining jobs in QLD [$]
Queensland mining sector is experiencing a jobs bonanza as confidence returns and strong coal prices create boom-like conditions in the Sunshine State. Here’s where the jobs are to be found.
https://www.couriermail.com.au/news/queensland/mining-jobs-are-up-for-grabs-as-queensland-coal-fields-head-to-new-boom/news-story/fdb8c34b3027f4754a631d48a5bb32c0

Stark warning for the future of Adelaide’s beaches [$]
Many prime tourist beaches in Adelaide could become inhospitable rocky shores in the coming decade because of ineffective efforts to arrest headlong coastal erosion, experts say.
https://www.adelaidenow.com.au/messenger/west-beaches/stark-warning-for-the-future-of-adelaides-beaches/news-story/16edf8a2ff424df341b234d8cbc7f9c3

Back off our parks! Backlash grows at green space bids [$]
Tea Tree Gully Council is facing a growing community backlash against the possible sale of two public reserves, with increasing numbers of residents questioning its commitment to its green space strategy.
https://www.adelaidenow.com.au/messenger/north-northeast/growing-backlash-at-sale-of-green-space-in-adelaides-north/news-story/c423694942dfee8830472c65b0ca78cd

Energy market operator backs a new interconnector with NSW to cut power prices in SA [$]
THE national electricity market operator has backed the construction of an interconnector with NSW to slash power prices and improve energy security in South Australia.
https://www.adelaidenow.com.au/news/south-australia/energy-market-operator-backs-a-new-interconnector-with-nsw-to-cut-power-prices-in-sa/news-story/5ac4359475556d2e53aea5a6e58b3bfa

Western Power ‘failed to learn lessons of fire’
Utility accused of not heeding the fatal lessons from Victoria’s Black Saturday bushfires in failing to inspect a decrepit private power pole
https://thewest.com.au/news/perth-hills/western-power-failed-to-learn-lessons-of-fire-ng-b88897138z

Cott considers dumping plastic
Cottesloe council will consider a proposal to ban everything from plastic bottles, cutlery and takeaway containers to plastic coffee cups and lolly wrappers from all town events.
https://thewest.com.au/politics/local-government/cottesloe-could-be-was-first-plastic-free-zone-ng-b88897309z

Cape Town’s harrowing journey to the brink of water catastrophe
This is what a water panic looks like in a major global city.
https://www.circleofblue.org/2018/world/cape-towns-harrowing-journey-to-the-brink-of-water-catastrophe/

Electric car batteries souped-up with fluorinated electrolytes for longer-range driving
Researchers at the University of Maryland (UMD), the U.S. Army Research Laboratory (ARL), and Argonne National Laboratory (ANL) have figured out how to increase a rechargeable battery’s capacity by using aggressive electrodes and then stabilizing these potentially dangerous electrode materials with a highly-fluorinated electrolyte.
https://www.eurekalert.org/pub_releases/2018-07/uom-ecb071618.php

How to build efficient organic solar cells
Twenty-five researchers from seven research institutes have put their heads together to draw up rules for designing high-efficiency organic solar cells. The research is led by Feng Gao, associate professor at Linkoping University, Sweden.
https://www.eurekalert.org/pub_releases/2018-07/lu-htb071618.php

You’ve heard of a carbon footprint – now it’s time to take steps to cut your nitrogen footprint
Ee Ling Ng, Deli Chen and Xia Liang
The University of Melbourne is the first institution in Australia to have its nitrogen footprint calculated – it’s 139 tonnes per year, mainly because of food production, energy use and transport.
https://theconversation.com/youve-heard-of-a-carbon-footprint-now-its-time-to-take-steps-to-cut-your-nitrogen-footprint-98762

Energy influence groups proliferate under Trump
Amy Harder
Informal energy coalitions are popping up more under President Trump than they have in the past, according to Washington consultants and new federal lobbying data.
https://www.axios.com/under-trump-energy-influence-groups-ramp-up-de0cd886-b467-45f6-9dbc-f993cbdcfbca.html?utm_source=newsletter&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=newsletter_axiosam&stream=top

The science and art of reef restoration
Adam Smith and Ian McLeod
Not everything humans put in the ocean is garbage. From walls of tyres to sunken sculptures, reef restoration is both a science and an art.
https://theconversation.com/the-science-and-art-of-reef-restoration-99933

Raising a child in a doomed world
Roy Scranton
Some would say our mistake was having our daughter in the first place.
https://www.nytimes.com/2018/07/16/opinion/climate-change-parenting.html

Chernobyl wolves could be spreading mutations into Europe
A new study raises the possibility that Chernobyl’s wolves could spread radiation-caused mutations to other European wolf populations.
https://www.nationalgeographic.com/animals/2018/07/chernobyl-wolves-radiation-mutation-animals

Yosemite fire could become major threat to national park, climate scientist warns
Climate scientist Daniel Swain believes the fire “is likely to burn for many days and may eventually become a major threat” to Yosemite National Park.
https://www.redding.com/story/news/2018/07/15/climate-expert-gives-dire-warning-yosemite-fire/786950002/

The Great Lakes contain as much plastic as the oceans
Plastic is often thought of as an ocean contaminant, but it’s in our freshwater lakes, too.
https://www.treehugger.com/clean-water/great-lakes-contain-much-plastic-oceans.html

Conservation groups ask for the release of more wolf packs
Twenty-five conservation groups are asking the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service to release three more wolf packs into the Gila Wilderness this summer.
http://www.santafenewmexican.com/news/local_news/conservation-groups-ask-for-the-release-of-more-wolf-packs/article_fd238242-9d5a-58b2-add5-8f86112053ce.html

Sorry AC/DC, rock and roll is noise pollution
A head-banging new study proves that loud music shakes, rattles and rolls the ecosystem (and that’s bad news for plants).
https://therevelator.org/ac-dc-noise-pollution/

This brand lets you help save the U.S. national parks
Parks Project, in collaboration with REI, funds a backlogged parks maintenance project with every purchase–and wants the younger generations to volunteer.
https://www.fastcompany.com/90200976/this-brand-lets-you-help-save-the-u-s-national-parks

LED light reduces cormorant and turtle bycatch, study finds
Both animals were less likely to get ensnared by fishing nets that shined green light, a new study found.
https://www.nationalgeographic.com/environment/2018/07/bycatch-led-green-light-fishing-net-environment/

How much trash is on Mount Everest?
So much trash and nowhere for it to go leads to a mountain of trash.
https://www.livescience.com/63061-how-much-trash-mount-everest.html

Almost every part of Canada’s largest national park deteriorating: federal study
An exhaustive federal study of Canada’s largest national park concludes almost every aspect of its environment is deteriorating.
http://www.thetelegram.com/news/regional/almost-every-part-of-canadas-largest-national-park-deteriorating-federal-study-226307/

Trump just remade ocean policy—here’s what that means
Among other things, the new order shifts focus from the environment to business interests and takes indigenous voices off the table.
http://www.nationalgeographic.com.au/nature/trump-just-remade-ocean-policyheres-what-that-means.aspx