Daily Links Aug 2

Scientists draw new connections between climate change and warming oceans
Earth scientists exploring how ocean chemistry has evolved found similarities between an event 55 million years ago and current predicted trajectories of planet temperatures, with regards to inputs of CO2 into the atmosphere and oxygen levels in the oceans. As the oceans warm, oxygen decreases while hydrogen sulfide increases, making the oceans toxic and putting marine species at risk.
https://www.eurekalert.org/pub_releases/2018-08/uot-sdn080118.php

An optimist’s guide to solving climate change and saving the world
We asked experts what policies they would put in place to fight climate change and got some unexpected answers.
https://www.vice.com/en_us/article/3kyp8y/an-optimists-guide-to-solving-climate-change-and-saving-the-world

Was this the scorcher that finally ended climate denial?
Michael McCarthy
The blazing summer of 2018 has led to a shift in tone from some rightwing sceptics who can no longer deny the obvious.
https://www.theguardian.com/commentisfree/2018/aug/01/heatwave-climate-denial-summer-2018-sceptics

Climate change denial won’t even benefit oil companies soon
Phil McDuff
The damage caused by our addiction to burning fossil fuels will be so widespread that nobody stands to gain.
https://www.theguardian.com/commentisfree/2018/jul/31/climate-change-denial-oil-companies-fossil-fuels

‘Replacing plastic with plastic’: What shoppers think about Coles handing out free bags
We asked our audience on Facebook Messenger how they felt about Coles handing out reusable plastic bags “indefinitely”. Some were glad Coles was wearing the extra cost, but others said it was counterproductive.
http://www.abc.net.au/news/2018-08-01/coles-choosing-to-hand-out-plastic-bags-has-audience-divided/10060446

Energy policy key to renewables, prices
The Energy Security Board has released its final design of the National Energy Guarantee ahead of meeting of ministers.
https://www.heraldsun.com.au/news/breaking-news/minister-keeping-faith-in-energy-policy/news-story/98692311f9b7d675e0e1882f90a77349

Something missing’: Final national energy paper omits modelling data
The final report from the Energy Security Board on the government’s energy policy does not contain detailed modelling, an absence that could complicate approval.
https://www.brisbanetimes.com.au/environment/climate-change/something-missing-final-national-energy-paper-omits-modelling-data-20180801-p4zuuu.html

ESB full modelling shows wind and solar at standstill from 2022 with NEG
Modelling to be released in support of National Energy Guarantee will show that wind and solar developments at a standstill for most of next decade.
https://reneweconomy.com.au/esb-full-modelling-shows-wind-and-solar-at-standstill-from-2022-with-neg-45153/

Energy guarantee to drive slight renewables increase, but emissions will also rise
Energy Security Board issues final advice in bid to convince states to endorse Turnbull’s policy
https://www.theguardian.com/australia-news/2018/aug/01/energy-guarantee-to-drive-slight-renewables-increase-but-emissions-will-also-rise

Snowy 2.0 could get green bank funding [$]
CEFC chairman Steven Skala also revealed that some of the green bank’s projects could be opened up to green investors to recycle capital.
https://www.afr.com/business/energy/hydro-energy/clean-energy-finance-corporation-could-help-fund-snowy-20-20180801-h13f9j

Australian ‘recyclable house’ references iconic galvanised steel woolsheds
When builder Quentin Irvine came to build a house for his own family in Beaufort, Victoria, he knew it had to be a home that would live on forever – even if it was demolished one day, every piece would be able to be recycled.
https://www.allhomes.com.au/living/australian-recyclable-house-references-iconic-galvanised-steel-woolsheds-20180731-h13bth-755625/

Liberals in green power NEG standoff [$]
The PM’s centrepiece energy policy faces an 11th-hour threat from dissatisfied ­Coalition MPs who’ve attacked new modelling.
https://www.theaustralian.com.au/national-affairs/liberals-in-green-power-standoff/news-story/5beaebed53a2619dbf05c61178dee330

I was a regular Coles customer too – until today
Louise Williams
I know you’re super sensitive about anything that might get in the way of a customer’s unimpeded pathway to the checkout. But your latest decision is wrong.
https://www.brisbanetimes.com.au/environment/sustainability/i-was-a-regular-coles-customer-too-until-today-20180801-p4zux4.html

Why Coles’ plastic bag backflip leaves us worse off than before
Kim Borg and Edwin Ip
Offering free lightweight plastic bags causes excessive plastic use, while banning lightweight bags can increase the use of heavier plastic bags (such as bin liners). Coles’ decision brings out the worst of both worlds.
https://theconversation.com/why-coles-plastic-bag-backflip-leaves-us-worse-off-than-before-100891
 
NEG in the air as Nationals go for coal, and Barnaby goes nuts
Giles Parkinson
Frydenberg says final agreement on NEG may be more than a month away, as Labor watches Coalition in-fighting, with Nationals digging in for coal and Barnaby Joyce saying any shift of emissions burden to the rural sector would be the final straw.
https://reneweconomy.com.au/neg-in-the-air-as-nationals-go-for-coal-and-barnaby-goes-nuts-56379/

It’s about time super funds came clean on climate
Julien Vincent
The superannuation industry should not be allowed to be opaque when it comes to managing major risks.
https://www.brisbanetimes.com.au/business/banking-and-finance/it-s-about-time-super-funds-came-clean-on-climate-20180801-p4zuy0.html

NEG signals pain for partyroom [$]
Simon Benson
Malcolm Turnbull and Josh Frydenberg may be heading for a world of Liberal partyroom pain with the NEG.
https://www.theaustralian.com.au/opinion/columnists/neg-design-signals-pain-ahead-for-partyroom/news-story/4ad2390545a3fd0e576377d0ed6e6eeb

How Gina Rinehart bought the IPA
Ross Jones
A feud within the Rinehart family has inadvertently exposed financial shenanigans by Australia’s foremost purveyors of climate change deception — the IPA. 
https://independentaustralia.net/politics/politics-display/how-gina-rinehart-bought-the-ipa,11749

Labor promises $530m to expand Hurstbridge line in marginal seats
Trains will run every six and a half minutes at Greensborough in Melbourne’s north-east, with the Andrews government promising to duplicate single sections of track running through marginal seats if it wins the November election.
https://www.theage.com.au/national/victoria/labor-promises-millions-to-expand-hurstbridge-line-track-through-marginal-seats-20180801-p4zuv6.html

Green bin revolution for Melbourne’s south-east
Bin day is to be transformed for hundreds of thousands of Melbourne households, who will be sending both food scraps and green waste to a new $65 million composting plant as early as next year.
https://www.theage.com.au/national/victoria/green-bin-revolution-for-melbourne-s-south-east-20180801-p4zuxi.html

Racehorse trainers returning to beaches a ‘savage blow’, environmental group says
A two-and-a-half-year battle for control of south-west Victorian beaches has ended in a “loss of liberty” for the community, according to a local environmental group.
http://www.abc.net.au/news/2018-08-02/racing-wins-as-horse-training-returns-to-beaches/10062394

Look what’s already in the garbage [$]
Heavy-duty plastic bags from Woolworths and Coles are being thrown out, destined­ for landfill, across Sydney despite the supermarket giants’ plans for them to be re-used to ­reduce plastic waste.
https://www.dailytelegraph.com.au/news/nsw/reusable-plastic-bags-dumped-in-bins-across-sydney/news-story/e1bc2a360a2ec9ce0ffd71f28d32a519

Warm, dry July was  fourth warmest on record for Queensland
Little rain for south-east Queensland as drought conditions continue across July
https://www.brisbanetimes.com.au/national/queensland/warm-dry-july-fourth-warmest-on-record-for-queensland-20180801-p4zutu.html

More than 100 Gold Coast koalas killed as a result of government policy
A Queensland Government policy to shift koalas to enable the building of a large shopping centre on the Gold Coast has seen more than 100 koalas die.
https://www.brisbanetimes.com.au/politics/queensland/government-policy-killed-hundreds-of-koalas-on-gold-coast-20180801-p4zuyw.html

City Plan amended to protect Brisbane’s heritage
Almost 60 pre-1911 homes, as well as several of Brisbane’s well-known landmarks, have been given permanent protection from development.
https://www.brisbanetimes.com.au/national/queensland/city-plan-amended-to-protect-brisbane-s-heritage-20180801-p4zuwa.html

Rubbish bins banished in school’s zero waste policy [$]
A Cairns school has declared war on waste, introducing a new policy — believed to be a Queensland first — that has helped drastically reduce plastic pollution.
https://www.cairnspost.com.au/news/yorkeys-knob-state-school-declares-war-on-waste-with-innovative-recycling-program/news-story/81f982e2377ee5b37f0ddd8b99bedaa5

LNP snap at croc policy [$]
The Palaszczuk Government has been forced to defend the three-month period its rangers take to catch “problem” crocodiles in Queensland’s waterways.
https://www.cairnspost.com.au/news/cairns/government-defends-threemonth-period-taken-by-rangers-to-catch-problem-crocodiles/news-story/dd5dd4183240fe25b369d3700e1aa13f

What you need to know about Queensland’s new drinks container refund scheme
Queensland’s drinks container refund scheme starts on 1 November, promising to reduce pollution, increase recycling, and give consumers 10 cents back for each eligible container. So how will it work? How can you make a buck? And what have been some of the pitfalls of similar schemes interstate?
http://www.abc.net.au/news/2018-08-02/what-you-need-to-known-queensland-new-container-refund-scheme/10062656

‘Living’ treasure: Aboriginal map of Lake Eyre Basin finally released
After 12 years and consultation with 71 language groups, the Lake Eyre Basin map finally sees the light of day.
http://www.abc.net.au/news/rural/2018-08-02/lake-eyre-basin-aboriginal-map-released/10061664

Questioning the ‘medical reason’ for a nuclear waste dump in Kimba, South Australia
Noel Wauchope
The radioactive waste resulting from Australian use of medical isotopes is only a very small fraction of the overall Lucas Heights’ wastes, all of which could easily be stored indefinitely at Lucas Heights.
http://www.onlineopinion.com.au/view.asp?article=19872

Great Aussie Bight may be oil opportunity
Resources Minister Matt Canavan says the Great Australian Bight is a long term prospect for making Australian self-reliant in oil production.
https://www.heraldsun.com.au/news/breaking-news/great-aussie-bight-may-be-oil-opportunity/news-story/0074fc05c60d510e9da4a8c0bf6ee33c

Rio Tinto’s new $2.7 billion ‘intelligent’ Pilbara mine a step closer
Rio Tinto is one step closer to pulling the trigger on its $2.7 billion Koodaideri iron ore mine in WA’s Pilbara region after approving $196 million to begin planning and engineering work.
https://www.watoday.com.au/business/companies/rio-tinto-s-new-2-7-billion-intelligent-pilbara-mine-a-step-closer-20180801-p4zuwl.html

‘Peak coal’ is getting closer, latest figures show
Dr Christine Shearer In the first half of 2018, retired capacity has nearly matched newly operating plants and the global pipeline for proposed coal is quickly eroding.
https://reneweconomy.com.au/peak-coal-getting-closer-latest-figures-show-26919/

UK retailers likely to face backlash for failing to curb plastic use, survey finds
Findings come as part of a pledge by the owners of Canary Wharf in London to become world’s first plastic-free commercial centre
https://www.theguardian.com/environment/2018/aug/01/retailers-likely-to-face-backlash-for-failing-to-curb-plastic-use-survey-finds

UK farmers allowed to take more water from rivers as heatwave continues
Environment secretary holds drought summit with farmers to address series issues of crop failure and lack of fodder for animals
https://www.theguardian.com/environment/2018/aug/01/uk-farmers-allowed-to-take-more-water-from-rivers-as-heatwave-continues

Nature holds key to nurturing green water treatment facilities
Scientists have pioneered an innovative new method to incorporate ecological processes to allow ‘green’ water treatment facilities.
https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2018/08/180801160047.htm

Degrading plastics revealed as source of greenhouse gases
Researchers from the University of Hawai’i at Manoa School of Ocean and Earth Science and Technology (SOEST) discovered that several greenhouse gases are emitted as common plastics degrade in the environment.
https://www.eurekalert.org/pub_releases/2018-08/uoha-dpr073018.php

In hot water: How summer heat has hit Nordic nuclear plants
This year’s unusually warm summer in the Nordic region has increased sea water temperatures and forced some nuclear reactors to curb power output or shut down altogether, with more expected to follow suit.
https://www.reuters.com/article/us-nordics-nuclearpower-explainer/in-hot-water-how-summer-heat-has-hit-nordic-nuclear-plants-idUSKBN1KM4ZR

Even the smallest urban green spaces can have a big impact on mental health
Can transforming scattered patches of urban blight into green spaces help to alleviate the blues?
https://www.mnn.com/health/fitness-well-being/blogs/tiny-urban-green-spaces-big-impact-mental-health-mood

Let’s follow New Zealand’s lead in how we measure well-being
Ben Martin
By requiring planners to consider impacts on society and the environment as well as economics, New Zealand is setting a much-needed example for other nations.
https://ensia.com/voices/gdp/

Fishing fleets travelling further to catch fewer fish
Industrial fishing fleets have doubled the distance they travel to fishing grounds since 1950, which means that they are now able to reach 90 percent of the global ocean, but are catching only a third of what they did 65 years ago per kilometer traveled.
https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2018/08/180801160053.htm