Date: 9 October 2018 at 08:30:11 AEDT
To: Undisclosed recipients:;
Subject: Daily Links Oct 9
Post of the Day
The UN’s 1.5°C special climate report at a glance
The highlights of the report are presented below
https://theconversation.com/the-uns-1-5-c-special-climate-report-at-a-glance-104547
Today’s Celebration
Army & Navy Day – Azerbaijan
Columbus Day – Dominican Republic
Dia de Communidad – Spain
Independence Day – Uganda
Independence of Guayaquil Day – Ecuador
National Dignity Day – Peru
Leif Erikson Day – United States of America
Han’Gul / Korean Alphabet Day – South Korea
Navrati – Hinduism
headspace day – http://www.headspaceday.org.au/
World Post Day – http://www.un.org/en/events/postday/
More about Oct 9 – https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/October_9
Climate Change
Americans win Nobel Economics Prize for work on climate change and technology
William Nordhaus and Paul Romer win the 2018 Nobel Economics Prize for work in integrating climate change and technological innovation into economic analysis, the Royal Swedish Academy of Sciences says.
An ice-free Arctic and no Barrier Reef: UN report lays climate risks bare
The Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change warns the world must virtually eliminate coal power stations by 2040, or face dire consequences — including complete loss of the Great Barrier Reef.
http://www.abc.net.au/news/science/2018-10-08/ipcc-climate-change-report/10348720
Climate crisis spurs UN call for $2.4 trillion fossil fuel shift
The world must invest $2.4 trillion in clean energy every year through 2035 and cut the use of coal-fired power to almost nothing by 2050 to avoid catastrophic damage from climate change, according to scientists convened by the United Nations.
Scientists just laid out paths to solve climate change. We aren’t on track to do any of them
The planet could see a global temperature rise of over 1.5°C as early as 2030.
https://www.yahoo.com/news/scientists-just-laid-paths-solve-045004042.html
We have 12 years to act on climate change before the world as we know it is lost. How much more urgent can it get?
Making myriad small changes to our lives and pressuring politicians to pursue green policies is the only way to lessen the life-threatening damage we’ve already created.
The UN’s 1.5°C special climate report at a glance
The highlights of the report are presented below
https://theconversation.com/the-uns-1-5-c-special-climate-report-at-a-glance-104547
How the UN climate panel got to 1.5C threshold – timeline
Five reports and an agreement: the IPCC has been raising the climate alarm for 30 years
Global sea level could rise 50 feet by 2300, study says
Global average sea-level could rise by nearly 8 feet by 2100 and 50 feet by 2300 if greenhouse gas emissions remain high and humanity proves unlucky, according to a review of sea-level change and projections by Rutgers and other scientists.
https://www.eurekalert.org/pub_releases/2018-10/ru-gsl100518.php
World leaders ‘have moral obligation to act’ after UN climate report
Even half degree of extra warming will affect hundreds of millions of people, decimate corals and intensify heat extremes, report shows
Geoengineering may be used to combat global warming, experts say
IPCC authors suggest there is high agreement that injection of chemicals into stratosphere could help limit rises
https://www.theguardian.com/environment/2018/oct/08/geoengineering-global-warming-ipcc
Little-noticed treaty could help delay climate catastrophe
2016 Kigali amendment on hydrofluorocarbons could reduce warming by a small but crucial 0.5C
Energy sector’s carbon emissions to grow for second year running
IEA head says growth in renewables needs to be paired with coal plant closures
Crazy ideas for plan B: Seven ways to engineer the climate
Once thought to be crazy ideas on the fringe of science, new technology could be used to develop a desperate plan B.
Climate change aid ‘not reaching those who need it most’
Money aimed at combatting climate change is not reaching the Pacific’s poorest and most vulnerable, a development agency says.
How to prevent climate change to avoid natural disasters and pollution
Chad Frischmann is convinced he can feed the hungry, curb global warming, and educate today’s young minds, all while cooling the planet down for future generations. He explained this plan, called Project Drawdown, to an audience at TED Conference headquarters in New York.
https://www.businessinsider.com/how-to-prevent-climate-change-natural-disasters-pollution-2018-10
Claims of 70 problems found with key temperature dataset used by climate models [$]
An audit of the key temperature dataset used by climate models claims to have identified more than 70 problems which the Australian author said made it “unfit for global studies”.
New UN report outlines ‘urgent, transformational’ change needed to hold global warming to 1.5°C
Mark Howden and Rebecca Colvin
A landmark report from the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change, commissioned at the breakthrough 2015 summit that brokered the Paris climate agreement, outlines what’s at stake in the world’s bid to limit global temperature rise to 1.5℃.
The Guardian view on climate change: a global emergency
Guardian editorial
The consequences of catastrophic warming will be political and even military, not just environmental
Limiting warming to 1.5C is possible – if there is political will
Christiana Figueres
The UN’s climate change report shows every fraction of a degree matters but world governments now have the chance to deliver a safer future
We must reduce greenhouse gas emissions to net zero or face more floods
Nicholas Stern
The world heating up by even 1.5C would have a brutal impact on future generations
8 things you need to know about the IPCC 1.5˚C report
Kelly Levin
How can the world achieve its temperature goal of limiting average global warming to 1.5°C to 2.0°C? And what happens if it doesn’t?
https://reneweconomy.com.au/8-things-you-need-to-know-about-the-ipcc-1-5%cb%9ac-report-75011/
Stopping Climate Change Is Hopeless. Let’s Do It.
Auden Schendler and Andrew P. Jones
It begins with how we live our lives every moment of every day.
https://www.nytimes.com/2018/10/06/opinion/sunday/climate-change-global-warming.html
Climate change report new scares to grab your money [$]
Terry McCrann
The latest Intergovernmental Panel for Climate Change report is nothing more than extremism.
Spare us this climate claptrap [$]
Judith Sloan
Here we go again — a group of henny penny scientists telling us the world is about to be transformed in a bad way unless we act.
Panel inhabits another universe [$]
Graham Lloyd
As with all IPCC reports, the latest one comes loaded with political intent.
Population begets congestion [$]
Australian editorial
One element of population policy driving the work of Alan Tudge as he outlines his vision as Minister for Cities, Urban Infrastructure and Population is planning.
National
Destruction of threatened species habitat taking place on ‘scandalously huge scale’
Environment groups tell Senate inquiry there’s ‘massive and pervasive non-compliance with legislation’
Labor, Coalition square off in Great Barrier Reef election [$]
The report by the International Panel on Climate Change lays out a stark challenge to the coal industry if the world is to limit global temperature increases 1.5 C and save the Great Barrier Reef from total destruction.
https://www.afr.com/news/labor-coalition-square-off-in-great-barrier-reef-election-20181008-h16dfv
Morrison vows no money for climate conferences and “all that nonsense”
Morrison responds to IPCC report by declaring that he had no intention of spending money on global climate conferences and “all that sort of nonsense.”
Mining sector, Morrison government on the defensive over IPCC report
Australia’s mining industry and the Morrison government have rejected an international climate report that demands nations phase out all coal-fired power by mid-century.
Climate-change report emboldens Labor, green groups to pressure PM [$]
Scott Morrison faces pressure from Labor and green groups to cut emissions more deeply amid uncertainty over how Australia will meet its Paris targets after a new report called for coal-fired power to be phased out by 2050.
Call to action as Australian recycling rates ‘stagnate’
Australia’s national recycling body has urged governments to address stagnating recycling rates and lagging energy capture from waste, warning the nation is “now at a crossroads”.
The documents Glencore doesn’t want the ATO to keep
They’re the documents that Glencore wants to keep from the Tax Office – the emails, the board briefings, the step plans and PowerPoint presentations that detail how the Swiss trading group moved $30 billion of resource projects out of the Australian tax net after a $16 billion writedown.
Buy now, pay later app aims to be Afterpay for rooftop solar
One of the main reasons households don’t install solar panels is because they believe the upfront costs are too high.
Prime Minister Scott Morrison says nuclear would be considered if the investment case stacks up
PRIME Minister Scott Morrison says he is willing to do “whatever it takes” to bring down power bills, and would consider going nuclear if he was convinced it made economic sense.
Australia has two decades to avoid the most damaging impacts of climate change
Iain Stewart
Australia has just two decades to put itself on the path to zero greenhouse emissions.
The political will to prevent climate change is lacking, even as the cost climbs
David Crowe
Australians are being presented with another startling contrast between colossal risk and paltry action over climate change.
The many tried and tested methods I used to get rid of possums in my backyard
Danny Katz
Possums have the cutest, sweetest little marsupial faces you’ve ever seen, and you’re definitely not allowed to smack those sweet little marsupial faces with the back of a shovel – according to the Wildlife Act 1975. So I had to try something less animal-deadly to stop possums from eating my entire backyard.
Victoria
Victorian Government approves Congupna solar farm
The Victorian Government approves a new solar farm for northern Victoria that could power more than 20,000 homes, while three other projects in the same area are undergoing further assessment.
http://www.abc.net.au/news/2018-10-08/congupna-solar-farm-approved-northern-victoria/10352160
Mirvac, Evergen’s smart home saves money, the grid [$]
The first thing the monitoring system in Lisa Zimmerman’s energy-smart house does if the battery is filled early on a hot day is to check if the hot water needs firing up or the air conditioning can be turned on ahead of the afternoon peak.
https://www.afr.com/news/energysmart-home-saves-money-shores-up-grid-20181005-h16alu
Labor promises refunds for train delays if it wins election
As Sydney commuters are set to endure more train delays and cancellations, Luke Foley has made a timely pledge.
Horse lovers fight to save Bogong brumbies [$]
At night Clay Baird can usually still spot the last of the brumbies of the Bogong High Plains. Critics claim the horses are causing too much damage, but Mr Baird is among a chorus of campaigners who say the animals should be saved. Here’s why.
Draft – Solar energy facilities: design and development guidelines
Department of Environment, Land, Water and Planning (Vic)
The Victorian government has developed these draft guidelines to help outline the assessment and development process for large-scale solar energy facilities in Victoria. The document includes an outline of requirements for planning and assessing new solar energy facility proposals for councils and developers.
New South Wales
‘Horrified’ ecotourists find brumbies’ bodies littered along Snowy River
A number of wild horses have died due to starvation in the lower parts of Kosciuszko National Park, reigniting debate over brumby management.
http://www.abc.net.au/news/rural/2018-10-08/dead-brumbies-in-snowy-river-spark-debate/10351254
Maoneng reaches financial close on 250MW Sunraysia solar farm
Financing secured for 250MW solar farm near Balranald that will be one of the biggest in Australia.
https://reneweconomy.com.au/maoneng-reaches-financial-close-on-250mw-sunraysia-solar-farm-97281/
Queensland
Reef at risk if heat still rises: report
As a global climate report is released, scientists say 70 per cent of the Great Barrier Reef is at risk even if drastic action is taken to reduce emissions.
Years of ‘disruption’ ahead with 10 Brisbane projects
Residents can expect years of disruption as more than $17 billion worth of infrastructure is to be delivered by 2026.
LNP politician kills harmless snake, posts on Facebook
An opposition backbencher is under fire over allegations he killed a harmless snake.
Kuranda Range fix review [$]
Australia’s Deputy Prime Minister says any construction to extend of the National Highway in Cairns is “probably too far off”, as there needs to be a business case first.
Inquiry call over reef contracts for firms with links to chairman [$]
The chief government agency responsible for managing the Great Barrier Reef awarded taxpayer-funded contracts worth more than $6 million to two not-for-profit companies with links to its chairman, Russell Reichelt.
South Australia
Why SA’s crops and fish stocks face ruin [$]
Limiting global warming to 1.5 degrees above pre-industrial levels would make a “massive” difference in SA, Flinders University Professor Corey Bradshaw explains, following the release of the latest report from the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change.
Ships, renewables energise SA as new golden age looms [$]
Hopes of a manufacturing renaissance are being buoyed by warships and confidence in renewable energy after the disaster expected with Holden’s closure failed to eventuate.
KI seaport plan ‘could threaten dolphins, whales’ [$]
A seaport at Kangaroo Island’s Smith Bay would drive away southern right whales and dolphins and create a “nightmare” for businesses, environmental and tourism groups say.
Designs revealed for KI’s luxury eco-tourism resort [$]
Plans for a luxury eco-tourism property on Kangaroo Island — complete with imported caravans, sculpture garden, a function area and cafe — have been released for public comment.
Tasmania
Scientists map ‘feeding stop’ seamounts off Tasmanian coast
A chain of seamounts — underwater mountains rising 3 kilometres from the seafloor — are proving a magnet for whales and other marine life in waters off the Tasmanian coast.
http://www.abc.net.au/news/2018-10-08/seamounts-mapped-off-tasmanian-coastline/10351572
Is Tasmania’s iconic park being loved to death?
Cradle Mountain tourism operators are calling for a cap on visitor numbers, worried that the iconic spot is in danger of becoming too popular.
http://www.abc.net.au/news/2018-10-09/cradle-mountain-tour-operators-keen-for-visitor-cap/10352320
PM energised over Battery of Nation plan [$]
Prime Minister Scott Morrison has talked up his support for Tasmania’s Battery of the Nation project in a national interview with Sydney shock jock Alan Jones.
Northern Territory
X
Western Australia
Pilbara wind and solar plans jump to 11GW as Macquarie provides capital
Plans for a huge wind solar hybrid project in the Pilbara region in north-western Australia have jumped from 9GW to 11GW, with Macquarie Group jumping on board to provide development capital.
Residents fight to save Kenwick wetland
Up to 50 people joined the protest to stop the clearing of the Kenwick site, which they say is home to rare and endangered birds, insects and plant life.
Sustainability
Impact Investing Key to SDGs
Impact investing has emerged as a key way to unlock the private capital needed to achieve the Sustainable Development Goals.
https://probonoaustralia.com.au/news/2018/10/impact-investing-key-sdgs/
New materials are powering the battery revolution
Research is finding better ways to make batteries both bigger, smaller, lighter batteries that charge in minutes and store enough energy to power a device for days.
https://reneweconomy.com.au/new-materials-are-powering-the-battery-revolution-38134/
Research team develops corn that can grow in dry conditions
AN international research team has discovered they can increase production of this food, particularly in the face of drought.
Military research raises concerns about bioterror attack … by insects
An ongoing US military research project that is exploring a new biotechnology to genetically modify mature crops has some scientists worried.
https://www.cnn.com/2018/10/05/health/insects-gene-editing-crops-darpa/index.html
When yesterday’s agriculture feeds today’s water pollution
Water quality is threatened by a long history of fertilizer use on land, scientists find.
https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2018/10/181008114616.htm
App helps to clean up city’s filthy streets
SOME people really take community service seriously. Shocked by San Francisco’s littered streets, this guy is cleaning up his city at the click of a button.
Five ways to reduce waste and save money when renovating
On average, renovating a home generates far more waste then building a new one from scratch. It’s easy to change that. Here’s how.
https://www.domain.com.au/advice/five-ways-reduce-waste-save-money-home-renovation-769488/
The grim reality about China ‘s building boom and coal burning
The basic fact remains that the extent of global warming depends on China’s emission control, or lack of it, more than any other single factor.
https://reneweconomy.com.au/the-grim-reality-about-china-s-building-boom-and-coal-burning-62270/
China coal clamps no surprise: Yancoal [$]
A recent clampdown on Chinese coal imports was no surprise, according to major Australian exporter Yancoal.
https://www.afr.com/business/mining/yancoal-says-china-coal-clamps-were-no-surprise-20181008-h16cjn
Stop worrying and trust the evidence: it’s very unlikely Roundup causes cancer
Ian Musgrave
The common weed killer Roundup (glyphosate) is back in the news after a US court ruled it contributed to a man’s terminal cancer (non-Hodgkin lymphoma). Following the court’s order for manufacturer Monsanto to compensate the former school ground’s keeper US$289 million, more than 9,000 people are reportedly also suing the company.
Nature Conservation
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