Daily Links Aug 7

Post of the Day
Children are highly vulnerable to health risks of a changing climate
Children and adolescents are more vulnerable to climate-related disasters because of their anatomic, cognitive, immunologic, and psychologic differences compared to adults. Researchers set out some specific challenges associated with the impacts of climate change on the world’s 2.3 billion children and suggest ways to address their under-prioritized needs.
https://www.eurekalert.org/pub_releases/2018-08/cums-noc080618.php

Today’s Celebration
Battle of Boyaca – Colombia
Independence Day – Ivory Coast
Labor Day – Samoa
Youth Day – Kiribati
More about Aug 7 – https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/August_7

Climate Change
Domino-effect of climate events could push Earth into a ‘hothouse’ state
Leading scientists warn that passing such a point would make efforts to reduce emissions increasingly futile
https://www.theguardian.com/environment/2018/aug/06/domino-effect-of-climate-events-could-push-earth-into-a-hothouse-state

Risk of uninhabitable areas: climate study
Global warming of 2 degrees Celsius could trigger a domino effect of environmental processes, leading to “uninhabitable” areas of earth, new research warns.
https://au.news.yahoo.com/risk-uninhabitable-areas-climate-study-190010874–spt.html

Children are highly vulnerable to health risks of a changing climate
Children and adolescents are more vulnerable to climate-related disasters because of their anatomic, cognitive, immunologic, and psychologic differences compared to adults. Researchers set out some specific challenges associated with the impacts of climate change on the world’s 2.3 billion children and suggest ways to address their under-prioritized needs.
https://www.eurekalert.org/pub_releases/2018-08/cums-noc080618.php

Wetter soil is leading to reduced methane gas absorption
A new paper from researchers at the Advanced Science Research Center (ASRC) at The Graduate Center of The City University of New York finds that the existing effects of global warming are decreasing the soil’s ability to absorb methane gas.
https://www.eurekalert.org/pub_releases/2018-08/asrc-wsi080118.php

On climate change, it’s time to start panicking
Matthew Rozsa
The crisis over global warming warrants an unparalleled response
https://www.salon.com/2018/08/05/on-climate-change-its-time-to-start-panicking/

The GOP and Big Oil can’t escape blame for climate change
Dana Nuccitelli
The New York Times magazine blames ‘human nature,’ but fingers have already been pointed at the true culprits
https://www.theguardian.com/environment/climate-consensus-97-per-cent/2018/aug/06/the-gop-and-big-oil-cant-escape-blame-for-climate-change-dana-nuccitelli

National
Abbott policies reduced effectiveness of foreign aid to combat climate change
Government report says change in priorities from 2013 saw a loss of expertise and project oversight
https://www.theguardian.com/australia-news/2018/aug/07/abbott-policies-reduced-effectiveness-of-foreign-office-work-on-climate-change

Get party room behind NEG and we’ll talk, states and ACT warn Frydenberg
Governments play for time as federal minister faces uphill battle to win backing for his flagship energy policy
https://www.theguardian.com/australia-news/2018/aug/06/josh-frydenberg-spurns-emissions-compromise-in-national-energy-guarantee

Climate change contributing to drought: PM
Malcolm Turnbull has dismissed suggestions from Barnaby Joyce that Australia’s global climate change commitments are pointless in helping farmers.
https://au.news.yahoo.com/climate-change-contributing-drought-pm-173323404–spt.html

Aussies’ fears over rising power bills
A significant majority of Australians fear coal and power lobbies are blocking the development of renewable energy needed to cut electricity bills.
https://www.news.com.au/finance/economy/australian-economy/survey-reveals-australians-fears-over-rising-power-bills/news-story/31cd7c6a26e1f829aebc5094febe2480

EnergyAustralia cashes in on higher prices
Higher wholesale power prices have provided a windfall for EnergyAustralia in the first half despite the loss of 60,000 retail customers.
https://www.afr.com/business/energy/electricity/power-price-hikes-fuel-bonanza-for-energyaustralia-20180806-h13mdl

Population debate about more than just migrant numbers [$]
A growing population has clear benefits but it does present challenges for quality of life that cannot be ignored.
https://www.afr.com/opinion/columnists/population-debate-about-more-than-just-migrant-numbers-20180731-h13elt

Global wind energy giants blast weak emissions target in national plan
The company that created coal-fired power is urging Australia’s government to be more ambitious when it comes to the NEG cutting energy emissions.
https://www.brisbanetimes.com.au/business/the-economy/global-wind-energy-giants-blast-weak-emissions-target-in-national-plan-20180806-p4zvqm.html

That’s a big call’: Littleproud’s climate change comments draw jeers on Q&A
The Agriculture Minister was on fire. But a question from farmer Meg stumped him.
https://www.canberratimes.com.au/entertainment/tv-and-radio/that-s-a-big-call-littleproud-s-climate-change-comments-draw-jeers-on-q-and-a-20180807-p4zvw8.html

Energy stalemate deepens as governments dig in over climate action
Hopes of a swift end to Australia’s climate policy paralysis have been dashed after the Turnbull government refused to capitulate to the states’ appeal for compromise on the landmark energy plan, including their demand that accelerated emissions reductions be made easier.
https://www.canberratimes.com.au/politics/federal/energy-stalemate-deepens-as-governments-dig-in-over-climate-action-20180806-p4zvvd.html

Labor MP backs NEG, coal [$]
A federal Labor MP says new coal-fired power stations can be part of the energy mix.
https://www.theaustralian.com.au/national-affairs/labor-mp-backs-neg-with-new-coal-plants/news-story/f1a6756abe26d4e78ffa99ca06f6fb56

NEG savings figures ‘incredible’ [$]
The federal government’s peak energy body has been accused of overstating savings on residential electricity bills.
https://www.theaustralian.com.au/business/neg-savings-figures-incredible/news-story/ae025f2070068cc8d10f533203a50f49

Ancient virus defends koalas against new viral attacks
New study in koalas uncovers how virulent retroviruses become harmless bits of ‘junk DNA’ over time.
https://www.eurekalert.org/pub_releases/2018-08/uoic-avd080118.php

Dry, fragile continent has its limits [$]
Pauline Hanson
Only business, universities and property developers profit from artificially high population growth.
https://www.theaustralian.com.au/opinion/our-dry-fragile-continent-cant-sustain-current-immigration-levels/news-story/5ca829564730cc8bdb72b23bdb106a41

Carbon dioxide is good [$]
Ian Plimer
Politicians are in the thrall of green ideology and it is costing us dear.
https://www.theaustralian.com.au/opinion/repeat-after-me-carbon-dioxide-is-good-for-us/news-story/3351d99047e42ab2719250ec26aa6931

NEG could be worse than nothing [$]
Judith Sloan
The PM’s signature energy policy is a dog’s breakfast that won’t keep its promise on power bills.
https://www.theaustralian.com.au/opinion/columnists/judith-sloan/compromised-neg-could-be-worse-than-doing-nothing/news-story/829b3e9d979520c96f08115122d7fc8f

Labor states court voters’ anger [$]
Australian editorial
Energy users need certainty after years of policy paralysis.
https://www.theaustralian.com.au/opinion/editorials/labor-states-court-voters-anger-over-power-deal/news-story/b9b9d63e4dcd6e70d1a1e96143f13932

Emissions policy is under attack from all sides. We’ve been here before, and it rarely ends well
Marc Hudson
Josh Frydenberg and Malcolm Turnbull both know that the history books make for uncomfortable reading when it comes to emissions policy.
https://theconversation.com/emissions-policy-is-under-attack-from-all-sides-weve-been-here-before-and-it-rarely-ends-well-101103

Energy (In)security Board and its modelling spreadsheet
David Leitch
The NEG will produce just 1 GW – $2bn of new investment in 10 years. It is barely credible. Perhaps the ESB should be renamed the Energy Insecurity Board.
https://reneweconomy.com.au/energy-insecurity-board-and-its-modelling-spreadsheet-72226/

NEG promises death of wind and solar, and even battery storage
Simon Holmes À Court
NEG modelling promises death of large scale solar and wind projects, as well as battery storage under government target, and does not make the case for price falls.
https://reneweconomy.com.au/neg-promises-death-of-wind-and-solar-and-even-battery-storage-83047/

Victoria
Melbourne needs a rail link to Sydney more than an airport train
Steven Lewis
A good thing is not always the best thing.
https://www.brisbanetimes.com.au/national/melbourne-needs-a-rail-link-to-sydney-more-than-an-airport-train-20180806-p4zvrp.html

New South Wales
NSW Greens plan to ban plastic bags
The NSW Greens are expected to introduce a bill to state parliament which will ban plastic bags and phase out other plastic products over the next five years.
https://au.news.yahoo.com/nsw-greens-plan-ban-plastic-bags-173453778–spt.html

Queensland
Sea Shepherd sets sights on stopping Adani coal mine
The conservation group is training its sights on campaigning to stop Adani’s Carmichael coal project but Federal MP George Christensen says the activists should “stick to what they know”.
http://www.abc.net.au/news/2018-08-06/sea-shepherd-sets-sights-on-stopping-adani-coal-mine/10073662

Want to help the Great Barrier Reef? Go diving (from your loungeroom)
A new citizen science project is calling for people all across Australia contribute valuable data on the Great Barrier Reef — and you can do it from the comfort of your very home.
http://www.abc.net.au/news/science/2018-08-06/virtual-reef-diver-great-barrier-reef/10069510

Hundreds of safe-cycling enthusiasts to descend on Brisbane
There is hope that the arrival of hundreds of international visitors with an interest in safer cycling will spur enthusiasm for the completion of Brisbane’s cycling projects.
https://www.brisbanetimes.com.au/national/queensland/hundreds-of-safe-cycling-enthusiasts-to-descend-on-brisbane-20180727-p4ztwl.html

‘Don’t match’: Analysis of Reef Foundation raises fresh funding doubts
The Great Barrier Reef Foundation, a non-profit body controversially granted $443 million dollars, appears to have exaggerated its ability to raise funds.
https://www.brisbanetimes.com.au/environment/climate-change/don-t-match-analysis-of-reef-foundation-raises-fresh-funding-doubts-20180805-p4zvlr.html

Significant’ Brisbane trees to be saved [$]
Dozens of trees in some of Brisbane’s leafiest suburbs will be protected from developers under a push from the council to protect the city’s character.
https://www.couriermail.com.au/news/queensland/significant-brisbane-trees-to-be-saved-under-new-council-push/news-story/3672a3716f312e2916feb86358dd9834

Karl Stefanovic in stoush over support for Great Barrier Reef Foundation
KARL Stefanovic has been criticised by a fellow journalist over comments about an organisation amid a “developing scandal”.
https://www.news.com.au/technology/environment/karl-stefanovic-in-stoush-over-support-for-great-barrier-reef-foundation/news-story/0e4651abe719068fdf3222cf11e2bc38

South Australia
Why did South Australia council reject solar, wind hydrogen hub?
Why did Port Pirie council vote to reject half-billion dollar project in wind, solar and storage when the only poll showed massive support?
https://reneweconomy.com.au/why-did-south-australia-council-reject-solar-wind-hydrogen-hub-33306/

Tasmania
Plan to phase out bottled water clears hurdle [$]
Hobart City Council will consider phasing out bottled water from all council operations and introduce a tap water refill program.
https://www.themercury.com.au/news/tasmania/hobart-city-council-a-model-for-australia-on-its-war-against-plastic-pollution-says-alderman/news-story/7cdf9396fab1f2e9520f4827dd274281

How polluted is the River Derwent?
Is it still unsafe to eat the fish and take a dip in the Tasmanian capital’s waterway? Curious Hobart finds out.
http://www.abc.net.au/news/2018-08-07/curious-hobart-river-derwent-pollution-levels/10051026

Western Australia
Author Tim Winton joins push for World Heritage listing of Dampier rock art
Author Tim Winton adds his voice to the campaign for Aboriginal rock art on Western Australia’s Dampier Archipelago to be World Heritage listed.
http://www.abc.net.au/news/2018-08-06/tim-winton-joins-push-for-world-heritage-listing-of-rock-art/10071998

Sustainability
Beijing churns out 25,000 tonnes of rubbish daily — here’s how it deals with it
After shutting the door to Australia and the world’s scrap imports, China is now waging a rubbish revolution on the home front to deal with a mounting waste crisis.
http://www.abc.net.au/news/2018-08-07/how-beijing-deals-with-waste-crisis/10078026

Could bees be the key to the world’s plastic problem?
There’s a buzz among researchers across the Tasman as they recruit native Australian bees to fight the war on waste by helping create a new bioplastic.
http://www.abc.net.au/news/2018-08-07/australian-native-bees-help-worlds-plastic-pollution/10025664

Nuclear power takes a hit as European heatwave rolls on
Nuclear reactors shut down or curbed in France, Sweden and Finland, as record heat threatens either the safety of the power plants, or the health of nearby river systems….
https://reneweconomy.com.au/nuclear-power-takes-a-hit-as-european-heatwave-rolls-on-87477/

Global wind & solar capacity surpasses 1 Terawatt
In 2007 the solar PV industry could only boast 8 GW worth of installed capacity. Fast-forward a decade and we see wind and solar accounting for more than…
https://reneweconomy.com.au/global-wind-solar-capacity-surpasses-1-terawatt-91295/

How you recycle plastic is about to change
The global market for recycling has changed dramatically over the last year.
https://www.alleghenyfront.org/how-you-recycle-plastic-is-about-to-change/

Plastics: Are we putting our kids at risk?
Pediatricians want parents to reduce children’s exposure to plastic.
https://www.iol.co.za/pretoria-news/plastics-are-we-putting-our-kids-at-risk-16416382

How oil leaks into everyday life
Crude oil comes from an oxygen-free conversion by way of algae and seabed microorganisms. The hydrocarbons are found in gas, heating oil and all sorts of common products these days.
https://www.dw.com/en/how-oil-leaks-into-everyday-life/g-44963730

Healthcare not very green compared to other industries
Compared to big corporations in other sectors of the economy, most healthcare organizations – even large ones – appear to be falling short when it comes to finding ways to protect the environment, a new study suggests.
https://in.reuters.com/article/us-health-hospitals-sustainability/healthcare-not-very-green-compared-to-other-industries-idINKBN1KR23D

Fusion start-ups think they can revolutionize energy in the coming decades?
With the help of venture capital funding and new technologies, a cadre of companies want to connect fusion energy to the grid in the next 20 years. But is it realistic?
https://cen.acs.org/energy/nuclear-power/Fusion-start-ups-think-revolutionize/96/i32

Hydropower dams: What’s behind the global boom?
The collapse of a newly built dam in Laos has shone a spotlight on a worldwide construction boom.
https://www.bbc.com/news/world-45019893

Environmental toxics seen posing risk to pregnant women and their babies
Experts worry about chemicals in plastics, vehicle exhaust and some cosmetics additives.
https://www.washingtonpost.com/national/health-science/environmental-toxins-are-seen-as-posing-risks-during-pregnancy/2018/08/03/770fab98-7643-11e8-9780-b1dd6a09b549_story.html?utm_term=.0391681c8989

Here’s how many times you actually need to reuse your shopping bags
Trevor Thornton
Buying reusable bags every time you shop is worse than just using plastic.
http://theconversation.com/heres-how-many-times-you-actually-need-to-reuse-your-shopping-bags-101097

Nature Conservation
Indonesia demands cleanup after coal spill pollutes beach
Fishermen and environmental activists in Indonesia are demanding accountability after a barge spilled 7,000 tonnes of coal off the Sumatra coast, polluting beaches, damaging coral and impacting marine life.
https://news.mongabay.com/2018/08/indonesia-demands-cleanup-after-coal-spill-pollutes-beach/

Research shows how carbon-filled oceans affect a tiny but important organism
They’re impossible to see with the naked eye. They’re difficult to pronounce.
https://phys.org/news/2018-08-carbon-filled-oceans-affect-tiny-important.html

Maelor Himbury