Post of the Day
Want to slow down climate change? Plant a tree
A new comprehensive study shows planting more trees and preserving fields and wetlands can help to combat climate change.
http://www.wbur.org/news/2018/11/15/want-to-slow-down-climate-change-plant-a-tree
Today’s Celebration
Anniversary of Huaripampa – Peru
Correction Day – Syria
Sint Eustatius Day – Sint Maarten / St. Martin, St. Eustatius
International Day for Tolerance
World Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease Day
Climate Change
Climate change could make world ‘uninsurable’
Insurance giant IAG has warned a failure to reduce carbon emissions could result in a world that is “pretty much uninsurable”.
Want to slow down climate change? Plant a tree
A new comprehensive study shows planting more trees and preserving fields and wetlands can help to combat climate change.
http://www.wbur.org/news/2018/11/15/want-to-slow-down-climate-change-plant-a-tree
Climate change: Combat it by cutting beef and lamb, report says
A new report by a British government advisory body has called for a 20%-50% cut in the number of sheep and cattle to help combat climate change.
https://www.cnn.com/2018/11/15/health/beef-lamb-diet-climate-scli-intl/index.html
Explainer: how the Antarctic Circumpolar Current helps keep Antarctica frozen
The Antarctic Circumpolar Current provides a barrier to heat that keeps warm subtropical waters away from Antarctica. Yet, there are a few places where the heat gets through.
The Earth is in a death spiral. It will take radical action to save us
George Monbiot
Climate breakdown could be rapid and unpredictable. We can no longer tinker around the edges and hope minor changes will avert collapse
National
Extreme heat and drought could cause summer blackouts, energy market operator says
Heatwaves can limit generator capacity and lead to equipment failures, Aemo warns
Longer fire seasons threaten to disrupt US-Australia firefighting cooperation
Longer bushfire seasons in Australia and the US threaten to disrupt the sharing of vital personnel and equipment between the two countries, fire experts and coordinators have revealed.
Greens policy would outlaw thermal coal as it is ‘no longer compatible’ with human life
Under Greens policy, it would no longer be legal to dig, burn or ship thermal coal by 2030
‘Nothing to hide?’ Oil and gas lobby pushes to limit data on its emissions
Booming LNG sector is driving Australia’s rising emissions, but lobby group claims reporting emissions would damage international competitiveness
Minerals Council backs Coalition’s plan to underwrite new power generation
Lobby group says replacement of Liddell coal-fired power station must be government’s focus
Quit Paris now: ex-mining chiefs [$]
A new lobby group started by Hugh Morgan and other former mining chiefs rejects consensus on man-made global warming
The dirty truth: How polluted is your postcode?
On the fringes of Australia’s biggest cities, people work, live, and play next to some of the nation’s biggest polluters. And while you might not notice it, researchers say it’s taking a toll.
https://www.abc.net.au/news/2018-11-16/australian-pollution-mapped-by-postcodes/10478620
Land rights vs native title: A ticking timebomb for Indigenous conflict
Heidi Norman
Land rights and native title are two very different systems — and they have the potential to pit Aboriginal groups against one another. The political response to this urgent problem? There hasn’t been one.
Victoria
Eastern Victoria to dodge El Nino, but hot, dry summer looms elsewhere
While parts of the country sweat on the prospect of an El Nino event this summer, those heading to east of the state should pack an umbrella.
Greens‘ toxic internal culture [$]
Stephen Conroy
In this final week of Victorian election campaigning, Labor must shatter the myth that voting for the Greens is safe.
New South Wales
‘Our homes are unliveable’: WestConnex causing depression, asthma, residents claim
According to her psychologist, Kate Cotis’s battle with WestConnex over the ongoing noise and pollution from the construction — and her concern over what effect the four-lane toll road’s proximity to her home will have — has led to a mental health condition.
‘Paranoia’: NSW government denies gagging critics of feral horse plan
The Berejiklian government rejects claims it gagged scientists due to address a conference on the damage in the Kosciuszko National Park from feral horses.
Summer in Sydney? Better keep that umbrella within reach
What’s good news for farmers and firefighters may be less so for those aiming for a summer of sunshine and surf.
Cut numbers, boost our skills [$]
Telegraph editorial
Every Australian city is an immigration success story. This is especially so in Sydney, where waves of post-war immigration particularly helped expand and enrich our home.
Queensland
Sixfold increase in Queensland’s water dividends
The opposition has slammed the level of dividends flowing from water entities to the state government, which have gone from $8.1 million to $47.8 million.
‘Keep your hands off’: Uproar tree clearing riles residents
Residents say a thin wedge of bushland at Greenslopes should remain.
Drought-hit outback town shores up water supply with desalination
Queensland town Ilfracombe will introduce a temporary desalination plant next month in a bid to tackle its ongoing issues with water supply.
Koala carnage a sorry part of our history
Grantlee Kieza
The Australian National University estimates the current population of koalas to be less than 1 per cent of the population that existed before the fur trade almost wiped them out.
South Australia
How we can power through summer [$]
South Australia is “well placed” to withstand summer power demands without blackouts, though the state could be vulnerable if there are problems in Victoria, the Australian Energy Market Operator says.
Seafood industry continues to call for Senate inquiry into seismic surveys
A Norwegian company that plans to drill for oil in the Great Australian Bight has prompted fisheries to renew calls for a probe into a practice they say could damage their businesses.
https://www.abc.net.au/news/2018-11-16/seafood-industry-calls-seismic-testing-inquiry/10376510
Leigh Creek gas trial hits a hiccup [$]
Leigh Creek Energy has been granted a four week suspension of the trial period for its underground gasification project in the Far North, as it looks at options to reignite the underground coal resource
‘Hands off our green space’ [$]
Protesters are rallying to save another patch of green space in the northern suburbs under threat of development.
KI’s new $4m drawcard for nature lovers [$]
A $4 million plan for new accommodation on Kangaroo Island aims to draw more people to experience the island’s multi-day wilderness trail.
Water safety must be a primary focus [$]
Advertiser editorial
Water is largely a back-of-mind issue – for most South Australians we turn on a tap and expect it to come out, and be safe to drink.
Tasmania
Drilling rig’s presence in Hobart sparks fears for endangered spotted handfish
A drilling platform that featured in the 1998 Hollywood blockbuster Armageddon is being parked in Ralphs Bay for three months for repairs — but environmentalists are concerned about the impact on the critically endangered spotted handfish in the area.
Kings Meadows convict site labelled ‘highly significant’ amid calls for report’s release
Historical and archaeological groups have called for further action after the discovery of a former Tasmanian convict site this month.
Eco-resort knockers put progress in peril: Premier [$]
Premier Will Hodgman has called on Tasmanians to support eco-tourism operators as concerns mount over a proposed luxury development within World Heritage-listed wilderness.
Northern Territory
Majority of NT coastline could be shut to all fishing
The traditional owners of vast tracts of the Northern Territory coastline threaten to close off access to all fishing if negotiations with the Gunner Government are not salvaged by December.
Inpex boss touts potential expansion of Darwin gas project ahead of opening
On a tour of the $55-billion Inpex LNG gas processing facility the day before its opening, Inpex chief executive Takayuki Ueda says “there seems to be room for the expansion of our project”
https://www.abc.net.au/news/2018-11-15/inpex-ceo-in-darwin-ichthys-abe-shinzo-lng-gas/10500242
Uncertainty over how ‘croc free’ Kakadu lake could be safely monitored
A pledge to rid a Top End lake of saltwater crocodiles for future tourism would need a “20-foot fence” and “massive expenditure”, according to an expert.
https://www.abc.net.au/news/2018-11-15/jabiru-crocodile-crocs-lake-proof-kakadu-masterplan/10493444
Hope for Kakadu funding with PM’s visit [$]
When Prime Minister Scott Morrison jets out of Darwin tonight he will leave behind a tinge of hope that critical funding for Kakadu is not far off
Western Australia
A springtime scorcher is coming tomorrow — a taste of the hot summer on the way for Perth
Perth may not have recorded a single day over 38 degrees Celsius last summer but this season is shaping up to be a scorcher, with above average temperatures expected over much of Western Australia.
https://www.abc.net.au/news/2018-11-15/bom-weather-outlook-forecasts-hot-summer-for-perth/10500910
Half of Australia’s emissions increase linked to WA’s Gorgon LNG plant
Carbon emissions from nation’s largest LNG development were meant to be captured. More than two years on, the storage still hasn’t started
Bushfire threatening lives in WA’s north
A watch and act bushfire warning remains in place for people in some parts of Western Australia’s Pilbara region.
https://www.sbs.com.au/news/bushfire-threatening-lives-in-wa-s-north
National infrastructure tsar gives green light to Perth Metronet plan
The nation’s infrastructure tsar has given the green light to two key elements of the State Government’s Metronet plan, saying they will deliver nationally important economic benefits.
Sustainability
What is the future of humanity? Physicist Michio Kaku believes it’s out of this world
What will the future of humanity look like? Renowned physicist Michio Kaku predicts it will be in space — and says we may not have any choice in the matter if we want to avoid extinction.
The new green superpower? Oil giant Kazakhstan tries to wean itself off the black stuff
Kazakhstan is rich with oil, gas and coal but Nursultan Nazarbayev, its president for life, has committed the country to a dramatic shift from fossil fuels to green energy.
Supermarkets still produce thousands of tonnes of plastic bags
Greenpeace says retailers failing to take responsibility for reducing footprint
Renewable energy is surging, but not fast enough to stop warming
Wind and solar costs have plummeted, but global energy demands will continue to rise.
UK’s backup power subsidies are illegal, European court rules
Surprise judgment means government must halt capacity market scheme
World cities with ambitious plans to tackle air pollution
Two more German cities – Essen and Gelsenkirchen – are to join the list of urban areas set to ban older diesel vehicles. Europe’s plans to tackle pollution are familiar, but other countries are also stepping up efforts.
https://www.dw.com/en/world-cities-with-ambitious-plans-to-tackle-air-pollution/g-46304540
Looking to be eco-friendly for life? It’s all in your head
Climate activists hope a new app that tries to take advantage of behavioural science could bridge the gap between people’s good intentions and actions
Volatile times: Oil’s implosion is about more than the sanctions on Iran
Stephen Bartholomeusz
The environment in which global financial markets are operating has become extraordinarily volatile and unpredictable. The gyrations in the oil price provide a good example.
The children are rioting in the streets! They are deadly serious and perhaps our last hope
First Dog on the Moon
The Earth is in danger and help is not coming. No one will save you except you.
Children in the car era: bad for them and the planet
Hulya Gilbert et al
The private car is the default transport option for many families. This reduces physical activity and increases greenhouse gas emissions, with unhealthy results for their children and the environment.
https://theconversation.com/children-in-the-car-era-bad-for-them-and-the-planet-105377
Nature Conservation
Saving the Amazon has come at the cost of Cerrado deforestation: study
The benefits of zero-deforestation agreements in the Amazon are being offset by the spillover of deforestation and native vegetation loss into other biomes.
This unique Andean ecosystem is warming almost as fast as the Arctic
One science team is finding out why – and investigating what a warmer, drier future will mean for biodiversity and water supply in Latin America.
https://blogs.ei.columbia.edu/2018/11/15/paramos-ecosystem-climate-change/#.W-3KIM1xljc.twitter
Who is David Bernhardt? (and why every environmentalist should care.)
The man who’s likely to replace Ryan Zinke as Interior secretary is a seasoned Washington insider—and (surprise!) a former lobbyist for Big Oil and Big Ag.
https://www.nrdc.org/onearth/who-david-bernhardt-and-why-every-environmentalist-should-care
Humans reshaping evolutionary history of species around the globe
Swallows are evolving smaller, more manoeuvrable wings to help them dodge buildings and vehicles.
Now for something completely different …
Why you like coffee, and I choose tea – it’s in the genes
Daniel Liang-Dar Hwang
Why does it cost so much to put a tea in a pot of hot water, anyway?
https://theconversation.com/why-you-like-coffee-and-i-choose-tea-its-in-the-genes-106854
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