Date: 18 October 2018 at 08:46:02 AEDT
To: Undisclosed recipients:;
Subject: Daily Links Oct 18
Post of the Day
Eliminating emissions in India and China could add years to people’s lives
In a recent study, researchers from Harvard University wanted to know how replacing coal-fired powerplants in China and India with clean, renewable energy could benefit human health and save lives in the future. The researchers found that eliminating harmful emissions from powerplants could save an estimated annual 15 million years of life in China and 11 million years of life in India.
https://www.eurekalert.org/pub_releases/2018-10/hjap-eei101718.php
Today’s Celebration
Alaska Day – United States of America
National Flag Day – Chile
National Independence Day – Azerbaijan
Persons Day – Canada
Dussehra – Hinduism
Climate Change
Could carbon-capture technology be a silver bullet to stop climate change?
Few companies specialize in carbon removal and the tools they produce are currently still expensive
Global warming could bring back the plague, diseases
Global warming could reawaken ancient diseases — even the Black Death — according to an Oxford University professor.
https://www.thesun.co.uk/tech/7504069/black-death-plague-climate-change-frankopan-oxford/
Arctic greening thaws permafrost, boosts runoff
A new collaborative study has investigated Arctic shrub-snow interactions to obtain a better understanding of the far north’s tundra and vast permafrost system.
https://www.eurekalert.org/pub_releases/2018-10/danl-agt101718.php
Arctic ice sets speed limit for major ocean current
Scientists at MIT have now identified a key mechanism, which they call the ‘ice-ocean governor,’ that controls how fast the Beaufort Gyre spins and how much fresh water it stores.
https://www.eurekalert.org/pub_releases/2018-10/miot-ais101718.php
Global Weirding with Katharine Hayhoe: What about the ozone hole
What ever happened to that hole in the ozone layer? They fixed that right? Find out on this episode of Global Weirding.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wLRsFkwYaMw
Republican lawmakers react to the IPCC report – ‘we have scientists’ too!
Dana Nuccitelli
Journalists grilled GOP politicians on climate change. It didn’t go well
National
‘No more hiding’: Morrison government set emissions data deadlines
The federal government will be less able to delay the release of embarrassing national carbon pollution figures after the Senate approved rolling deadlines for the quarterly data.
EV charging stations added to Google Maps
Google Maps will now tell you where your nearest EV charging stations is – its charging speed, and its availability. You’re welcome.
https://reneweconomy.com.au/ev-charging-stations-added-to-google-maps-98916/
Origin shareholders deliver stunning statement on anti-climate lobbying
Resolution calling on Origin to review membership of business groups lobbying against climate change initiatives receives 46 per cent support. “Massive”, say activists.
PM admits Australia Paris target toothless, Coalition completely at sea on energy
Prime Minister Scott Morrison confirms Australia will not be pulling out of Paris climate agreement: Why? There is no need, because it will have precisely zero impact on anything.
Environment minister accused of misleading House and insulting former Kiribati president
Witnesses say Melissa Price made disparaging remarks and said ‘For the Pacific, it’s always about the cash’
Landmark work on frog extinction crisis wins at PM’s science prizes
Lee Berger wins Frank Fenner prize for life scientist of the year while ANU emeritus professor Kurt Lambeck wins prime minister’s prize for science
OZ says power prices falling 20pc per year [$]
Copper miner OZ Minerals expects to lock in electricity price falls of 20 per cent per year when it finalises a new power contract in coming weeks.
https://www.afr.com/business/mining/oz-minerals-eyes-20pc-power-price-falls-per-year-20181017-h16r7c
If you love feeding magpies, your kindness could be killing them
Many people believe the way to a magpie’s heart is through its stomach, but the bad news is that treats often have the potential to harm them and their young.
https://www.abc.net.au/news/2018-10-18/these-foods-could-be-hurting-your-backyard-magpies/10365712
Solar to send bills through roof [$]
Energy consumers are set to pay nearly $2 billion for rooftop solar installation subsidies next year, hiking bills by up to $190.
‘He changed the future’: The Ian Kiernan I knew
Kim McKay
Kiernan would have loved having a Sydney Harbour ferry named after him.
Nobody understands climate change like farmers [$]
Jim McDonald
I’ve worked on my farm since the 1970s, and climate change scares me to death. I’ve had my light bulb moment, now I need politicians to have their own.
Why a wetland might not be wet
Deborah Bower et al
Wetlands in Australia are often dry. They may look unassuming but it’s a vital part of their vibrant lifecycle.
https://theconversation.com/why-a-wetland-might-not-be-wet-103687
Politics no game for charities [$]
Australian editorial
Former Labor MP Gary Johns has mastered the art of giving advice while appearing not to.
Victoria
Total Eren hopes to nearly double Victoria’s biggest solar farm, add storage
Total Eren says it may nearly double size of Victoria’s biggest solar plant, and add storage, as it flags push to become major player in Australian market.
New airport roads to streamline cars, rail at least a decade away
While a rail service is still more than a decade away, work will start next year on the latest road improvements at Melbourne Airport.
New South Wales
Renew Estate wins approval for 120MW solar farm and battery near Wagga Wagga
Renew Estate wins development approval for a 120MW solar farm near Wagga Wagga, with plans to add 40MWh of battery storage
Sydney Metro project reaches milestone as boring machines begin to drill
One of five drilling machines — each the size of two Airbus A380s — that will tunnel underneath Sydney to construct two metro railways is launched by the Premier.
https://www.abc.net.au/news/2018-10-17/sydney-metro-tunnel-nsw-drilling-begins/10385840
‘Embarrassing’: Santos fined for using CSG water without a permit
Santos has been fined by the NSW environmental watchdog for using water from its controversial $3 billion coal seam gas project for irrigation without approval.
Re-imagining Sydney with 3 CBDs: how far off is a Parramatta CBD?
Tooran Alizadeh
The Greater Sydney metropolis is envisaged as having three CBDs by mid-century, but an assessment of the proposed Central City around Parramatta shows how much work is needed to make that a reality.
https://theconversation.com/re-imagining-sydney-with-3-cbds-how-far-off-is-a-parramatta-cbd-102197
Queensland
Benefit gig for a Great Barrier Reef conservation group to be held at The Jack in Cairns
Cairns-based musos are plugging in their amps and tuning their guitars ahead of a benefit gig for a Great Barrier Reef conservation group at The Jack Hotel this weekend.
Environmental champion dies, aged 91 [$]
Renowned conservationist Margaret Thorsborne AO has died, leaving a legacy of environmental protection from the Torres Strait to the Cassowary Coast.
Minister backs flawed train figures [$]
Transport Minister Mark Bailey backed Queensland Rail’s punctuality data despite revelations it used selective figures to improve the result.
State to pick up bill for Linc mess [$]
Linc Energy’s contaminated former gas mine on Queensland’s Darling Downs is set to be given to the state government.
Technology will ensure smooth ride into the future [$]
Sue Johnson
Brisbane is famous for its year-round sunshine, outdoor culture and active residents. It’s no wonder the population is forecast to double by 2060. So how do we ensure our Sunshine State continues to be one of the world’s most liveable cities and doesn’t crumble under the pressure of such significant growth?
South Australia
Virtual reality training ahead of early fire season in South Australia
South Australia’s Country Fire Service is testing virtual reality gaming technology to train firefighters, as the state prepares for an early start to fire season following a dry winter.
Waste plant in box seat [$]
The waste plant owned by three northern councils is set to emerge a big winner from the recycling crisis involving China, receiving a $250,000 grant to upgrade its machinery.
Poison soil warning for Bay after contamination spread [$]
A containment zone proposed would stop harmful chemicals spreading and causing serious health problems after the discovery volatile substances from former dry cleaner.
Battery smart, diesel dumb: The huge costs of South Australia’s dirty back-up plan
Giles Parkinson
The South Australia Liberal government is to conduct a tender to lease out the state’s emergency back-up diesel generators, following a special investigation that has uncovered the eye-watering costs of the machinery.
Tasmania
Dam fine result for Hydro Tasmania [$]
HydroTasmania has recorded a profit of $168 million for the 2017-18 financial year, according to the state-owned company’s annual report.
Salmon off menu, says sustainable seafood guide [$]
Tasmanian salmon has been downgraded to a “Say No”, but growers say the assesment is “misinformed and irresponsible”.
Northern Territory
‘We don’t want fracking on our land’: NT traditional owners’ concerns dominate Origin Energy AGM
Origin Energy promises Territory-based Indigenous residents and traditional owners that it will better communicate with them, and will gain their consent before beginning planned gas fracking projects.
NT Aboriginal rangers get money for fires
Aboriginal rangers will be given more funding to better manage burning off land to reduce emissions and create jobs, the NT government says.
https://au.news.yahoo.com/nt-aboriginal-rangers-money-fires-082407414–spt.html
Western Australia
Ultra-rare mineral found in WA crater
A West Australian student has discovered a rare mineral while reviewing old drill core samples from what may be the nation’s biggest meteorite impact crater.
https://www.sbs.com.au/news/ultra-rare-mineral-found-in-wa-crater
Mandurah to spark power revolution
A $200,000 Tesla battery that will store power from residential solar panels in Mandurah for use during peak times could revolutionise how energy is supplied to West Australians.
Ultrasound sheds new light on Ningaloo’s pregnant green sea turtles
CSIRO scientists use ultrasound to find out if green sea turtles are pregnant, then to help researchers figure out where the vulnerable species will go to nest and feed.
https://www.abc.net.au/news/2018-10-18/science-using-ultrasound-to-track-pregnant-turtles/10384098
Secret rivers run deep in WA desert
The eastern third of the Pilbara is almost entirely desert, and we are right on the edge of the Great Sandy Desert.
https://thewest.com.au/travel/wa/secret-rivers-run-deep-in-west-australian-desert-ng-b88946216z
Sustainability
Bahrain applies to Green Climate Fund to help clean up waste from fossil fuels
Oil-rich kingdom says money is needed to protect against water scarcity but request sparks strong criticism and fears over the fitness of the public fund
The Warrior Society rises: How a mercury spill in Canada inspired a movement
Nearly 50 years ago, a corporation poisoned First Nations people and land. They’re still fighting for justice.
https://www.theguardian.com/global/2018/oct/16/canada-first-nations-ojibway-warrior-society
Eliminating emissions in India and China could add years to people’s lives
In a recent study, researchers from Harvard University wanted to know how replacing coal-fired powerplants in China and India with clean, renewable energy could benefit human health and save lives in the future. The researchers found that eliminating harmful emissions from powerplants could save an estimated annual 15 million years of life in China and 11 million years of life in India.
https://www.eurekalert.org/pub_releases/2018-10/hjap-eei101718.php
Understanding Water’s Role in Antibiotic Resistance Emergence and Dissemination in Africa
Greater access to antibiotic drugs, together with their misuse and overuse, has accelerated the emergence of antibiotic resistant bacteria worldwide.
https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2018/10/181010124938.htm
Japan plans to flush Fukushima water ‘containing radioactive material above permitted levels’ into the ocean
The water contains radioactive material well above legally permitted levels, according to the plant’s operator and documents seen by The Telegraph.
Are microplastics in the environment truly harmful?
Investigators who analyzed the published literature have found significant gaps in our understanding of the effects of microplastics — plastic particles less than 5mm in size — in the environment.
https://www.eurekalert.org/pub_releases/2018-10/w-ami101618.php
Nature Conservation
The world’s largest organism, known as ‘the trembling giant’, is collapsing
The largest organism on earth is a giant underground root system that sends up thousands of genetically identical clone aspen trees. But it’s collapsing, according to researchers.
https://www.abc.net.au/news/science/2018-10-18/pando-aspen-clone-utah-collapse/10383562
World Heritage Sites threatened by rising sea levels
In the Mediterranean region, there are numerous UNESCO World Heritage Sites in low-lying coastal areas. In the course of the 21st century, these sites will increasingly be at risk by storm surges and increasing coastal erosion due to sea-level rise.
https://www.eurekalert.org/pub_releases/2018-10/ku-whs101718.php
Weedkiller wars: The battle for farming’s future
A US jury and the World Health Organisation have determined that glyphosate might cause cancer. But the legal and PR fight over the herbicide is far from resolved.
Madagascar guides fret about the future as loggers destroy forests
Tourist guide Nabe worries about his future as slash-and-burn farming and decades of logging slowly destroy his livelihood.
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