Post of the Day
The doom of fossil fuel investments
There is a very short window of time to get out of pure-play oil and gas company investments without substantial losses. It is imperative to sell them now.
https://cleantechnica.com/2018/11/18/the-doom-of-fossil-fuel-investments/
Today’s Celebration
Revolution Anniversary – Mexico
Teacher’s Day – Vietnam
Dia da Consciencia Negra – Brazil
Climate Change
‘Mind-blowing’: Hazards to multiply and accumulate with climate change
Humanity is already enduring cumulative effects from climate change and damages will continue to mount along with carbon emissions, a new study has found.
London’s climate rebellion surges on
Tobi Thomas reports on the climax to last week’s wave of mass action led by the now global Extinction Rebellion movement.
https://newint.org/features/2018/11/19/londons-climate-rebellion-surges
Nature could suck up 21 percent of our greenhouse emissions (with a little help)
Marshes, farmland, and forests: We need all carbon-sucking ecosystems on deck.
https://grist.org/article/trees-natural-solutions-climate-change-carbon/
Ask a Scientist: How to deal with a climate-change skeptic
An event, co-hosted by the Climate Museum and Columbia University’s Earth Institute, stations scientists with “climate-communication tips” in prominent and iconic public spaces around the city.
https://www.newyorker.com/news/dispatch/ask-a-scientist-how-to-deal-with-a-climate-change-skeptic
Local drivers of amplified Arctic warming
IBS scientists show that in terms of the cause of the Arctic amplification, local greenhouse gas concentrations, and Arctic climate feedbacks outweigh other processes. This study disproves the previously suggested hypotheses, that emphasized the role of transport of heat from the tropics to the poles as one of the key contributors to the amplified warming in the Arctic.
https://www.eurekalert.org/pub_releases/2018-11/ifbs-ldo111618.php
Current climate models underestimate warming by black carbon aerosol
Researchers in the School of Engineering & Applied Science have discovered a new, natural law that sheds light on the fundamental relationship between coated black carbon and light absorption.
https://www.eurekalert.org/pub_releases/2018-11/wuis-ccm111918.php
One simple reason we aren’t acting faster on climate change?
Images like that of a polar bear on a melting ice field are iconic. But in terms of getting people to act on climate change, they may be ineffective. Here’s why.
http://www.bbc.com/future/story/20181115-why-climate-change-photography-needs-a-new-look
Greenhouse gasses triggering more changes than we can handle
A new study published in Nature Climate Change provides one of the most comprehensive assessments yet of how humanity is being impacted by the simultaneous occurrence of multiple climate hazards strengthened by increasing greenhouse gas emissions. This research reveals that society faces a much larger threat from climate change than previous studies have suggested.
https://www.eurekalert.org/pub_releases/2018-11/uoha-ggt111518.php
Major natural carbon sink may soon become carbon source
Peatlands in some parts of the world, including Canada, Siberia and Southeast Asia, have already turned into significant carbon sources. The same fate may be coming soon for the Peruvian peatlands.
https://www.eurekalert.org/pub_releases/2018-11/pu-mnc111418.php
National
Importing gas to replace domestic supply could push emissions up 20%, AGL says
Energy company says importing LNG will firm up renewable energy projects but critics say gas is already more expensive than clean alternatives
Michael McCormack announces extra $500m for water projects
Labor says plan is a ‘thought bubble’ and attacks Coalition’s record on building dams
‘Enough, enough, enough’: PM to cut Australia’s migration intake
Prime Minister Scott Morrison says he expects to reduce Australia’s migration intake.
https://www.sbs.com.au/news/enough-enough-enough-pm-to-cut-australia-s-migration-intake
Govt seeks power over energy firms: report
The government is reportedly pushing a new bill that will allow the Treasurer to order energy companies to restructure or sell assets to bring prices down.
https://www.sbs.com.au/news/govt-seeks-power-over-energy-firms-report
Big coal seasoned to China’s winter bans [$]
Australia’s coal miners have responded with seasoned calm to news that three of China’s coastal provinces have been ordered to suspend imports.
https://www.afr.com/business/energy/big-coal-seasoned-to-chinas-winter-bans-20181119-h182kb
Labor plan to cut power prices and emissions [$]
Labor says the certainty created by having an energy policy and the falling cost of renewable energy means emissions can be cut and prices lowered at the same time.
https://www.afr.com/news/labor-says-it-can-lower-power-prices-and-emissions-20181118-h181jo
Breeding program to save honeyeaters achieves new success in the wild
A national program to ensure the survival of the critically endangered regent honeyeater reports a first, with a captive-bred male bird attracting a female in the wild and raising two chicks.
Herpes will devastate carp, but survivors will tough it out [$]
“Carp orgies” would spread herpes to wipe out the aquatic pest – but after suspected plagues of rotting fish and rivers of blood, the survivors will emerge immune to the virus and simply repopulate the Murray, research warns.
Labor to exploit Morrison’s coal obsessions in new energy policy
Federal Labor is preparing to launch its energy policy – some six months out of a likely election date – with an expected attack on the Coalition government’s efforts to support new investment in coal generation, and details finally of its own plan to achieve its target of 50 per cent renewables by 2030.
https://reneweconomy.com.au/labor-to-exploit-morrisons-coal-obsessions-in-new-energy-policy-44395/
Turnbull is blind to global warnings on climate plans [$]
Australian editorial
If you buy into a consensus view on grand problems such as climate change, it can lull adherents into a false sense of what is actually happening in the real world.
Know your NEM: The impact of Federal ALP policy, some speculation
David Leitch
A 50 per cent renewable energy target from Labour would be trivial in terms of new project and investment requirements. But it would have an impact on coal.
https://reneweconomy.com.au/know-your-nem-the-impact-of-federal-alp-policy-some-speculation-35698/
New renewables cost data shuts door on coal power’s CCS escape route
Bob Burton
Latest power generation costs data reveals that coal industry’s preferred climate escape route of promoting CCS on coal power plants has disappeared as a financially viable option.
Victoria
‘Massive cruelty’: Fury as ‘dozens of brumbies starve’ in Victorian national park
An action group claims as many as 50 wild horses have been allowed to die in agony after flooding in Barmah National Park, and is demanding the state do more to alleviate the misery of the animals.
https://www.abc.net.au/news/2018-11-19/barmah-brumbies-dying-prompts-call-for-action/10493746
Australia’s ‘most important bird’ takes a step back from extinction
Werribee Zoo has successfully hatched plains-wanderer chicks in captivity, bringing the genetically unique bird a step back from the brink of oblivion.
Calls for a tram turbocharge in lead up to the election
Melbourne needs 25 new trams every year – more than double the current intake – but trams are yet to feature in the race to pledge road and rail projects.
Dan vows to ban energy phone call pests [$]
Energy retail pests would be banned from bombarding families with phone calls, and penalties for wrongful disconnections would be doubled if Labor is re-elected.
Calls for solar panel subsidies to be scrapped [$]
Many households have taken advantage of state government subsidies for solar panels. But the policy is flawed according to an influential lobby group. Here’s why.
Canary in the coalmine: inside the Latrobe Valley’s ongoing power battle [$]
Kurt Johnson
Nationally, the war over climate change may have frozen, but in the Valley it runs hot. This is one to watch at the Victorian election.
https://www.crikey.com.au/2018/11/19/latrobe-valley-coal-power/
Give us more trams, not freeways or trains
John Hearsch
Without major tram investment, people in the inner and middle suburbs will find it increasingly difficult to access jobs and services.
New South Wales
Deer hunting restrictions relaxed in NSW, but farmers say more red tape needs to be cut
Deer hunting just got easier in NSW — but not for everyone. Pastoralists needing to cull “rampant pests” still need to take “unnecessary extra steps” to do so. Meanwhile, an MP has renewed calls to allow hunting in national parks.
https://www.abc.net.au/news/2018-11-19/nsw-lifts-some-deer-hunting-restrictions/10510186
More than 900m containers recycled since NSW deposit scheme introduced
The amount of plastic rubbish being found in NSW waterways has declined since a container deposit scheme was introduced almost a year ago, with residents returning more than 900 million items.
Why burning trees to make electricity may not be a good choice
Biomass, or burning forests for electricity, is being recommended to the NSW Government as a renewable energy. But is it a good choice for tackling climate change?
ACT
Government revives bid to dump corridor preserved for Monash Drive
The Barr government has revived a push to drop a corridor reserved for a future bypass from the blueprint of Canberra, saying light rail and the Majura Parkway have rendered the road unnecessary.
Queensland
Toxic time bomb still ticking in our homes [$]
The shocking toll from asbestos-related illnesses continues to rise in Queensland, with builders and renovators front and centre in the firing line.
South Australia
Third battery storage maker to set up factory in South Australia
Canada’s Eguana Technologies become third major battery storage company to announce manufacturing facilities in South Australia.
https://reneweconomy.com.au/third-battery-storage-maker-to-set-up-factory-in-south-australia-73704/
Infigen says its Tesla big battery will be ready by April, more “firming” to follow
Listed renewables developer Infigen Energy says the Tesla big battery that is being built next to its Lake Bonney wind farm will be ready for by around April next year, and more in “firming” technologies are certain to follow.
SA Labor’s coal gas policy backflip [$]
Labor wants a coal project that it supported while in government banned because it is offensive to the site’s traditional owners.
Yorke Peninsula bushfire downgraded [$]
A bushfire threatening a Yorke Peninsula town has been bought under control following a mass Country Fire Service response — but locals are advised to remain cautious and alert.
Could this be Adelaide’s transport future? [$]
Jodie van Deventer
In Amsterdam’s centre, it’s easier to get around on foot, bike or scooter than in a car. In Paris, it’s electric scooters. There’s a transport revolution out there, writes Jodie van Deventer. Is this where Adelaide needs to head?
Tasmania
Scientists quit fish farm panel over Storm Bay expansion approval
Two eminent scientists quit the Tasmanian Government’s salmon advisory board in protest at the recent decision to approve the expansion of the salmon industry in Storm Bay.
Choppers fly past a barrage of flak [$]
Anglers, bushwalkers and the Commonwealth’s own heritage advisory body told the Federal Government of their strong opposition to the Lake Malbena development ahead of its approval.
Northern Territory
Intelligent bins ready to help Palmerston play it smart [$]
Intelligent bins that can tell council when they’re full are one of the things on the way for Palmerston through a $1 million “Smart Cities” grant
Western Australia
Woodside stakes out pipe plan [$]
Woodside’s Browse LNG project off WA has entered the approvals process for the third time in the past 10 years.
WA’s Synergy says fossil fuel generators not coping with rooftop solar boom
Synergy says demand “starts and stops” caused by rooftop solar had disrupted operations at its 240MW gas-fired Cockburn power station – one of its newer plants.
Sustainability
California wildfire smoke becomes health hazard as cities become world’s most polluted
Smoke masks. Eye drops. No outdoor exercise. That is how Californians have been trying to cope with smoke from wildfires choking the state, but experts say an increase in serious health problems may be almost inevitable for vulnerable residents as the disasters become more commonplace.
https://www.abc.net.au/news/2018-11-18/california-wildfires-smoke-sparks-health-concerns/10508830
The doom of fossil fuel investments
There is a very short window of time to get out of pure-play oil and gas company investments without substantial losses. It is imperative to sell them now.
https://cleantechnica.com/2018/11/18/the-doom-of-fossil-fuel-investments/
Groups say “innovative” mine land reclamation could spur economic development
A report identifies 20 proposals that could convert abandoned mining operations that were never cleaned up into new economic opportunities.
Dead fish to power cruise ships
Norwegian company to fuel liners with biogas made from leftovers of fish processing
https://www.theguardian.com/environment/2018/nov/19/dead-fish-to-power-cruise-ships-norwegian-biogas
Bio jet fuels good for the climate, but technologies need tweaking
As much as 20 per cent of jet fuel burned in Norway in 2030 could be biofuel made from the country’s forest residues. This alone could cut greenhouse gas emissions from Norway’s aviation sector by 17 per cent.
https://www.eurekalert.org/pub_releases/2018-11/nuos-bjf111918.php
ICYMI: Plastic film covering 12% of China’s farmland pollutes soil
China will expand its agricultural use of environment-damaging plastic film to boost crop production even as authorities try to curb soil pollution, a government scientist said.
ICYMI: The biggest source of plastic trash you’ve never heard of
From acres of sheeting to miles of twine, farms use billions of pounds of plastic each year. What can we do to reduce the impact?
https://ensia.com/features/the-biggest-source-of-plastic-trash-youve-never-heard-of/
Lack of Toilets Putting Half a Billion Children in Danger
The health and education of 620 million children around the world is being threatened by a lack of decent toilets, new research warns. https://probonoaustralia.com.au/news/2018/11/lack-toilets-putting-half-billion-children-danger/
How Germany′s coal phaseout is becoming an international movement
Germany’s Hambach Forest has become a symbolic battlefield and magnet for the global climate protection movement. Over past months, hundreds of people from abroad have traveled there to call for an end to coal.
https://www.dw.com/en/how-germanys-coal-phaseout-is-becoming-an-international-movement/a-46157905
The world may be doomed, but Jonathan Franzen’s new book argues love and empathy are the only way forward
Author Jonathan Franzen is hard on climate deniers but also on those who embrace that it’s happening but still believe collective action can change its course.
Google data shows public interest in conservation is rising
The public’s interest in conservation is rising. Based on an adapted version of Google Trends — which tracks user searches on Google — the results show that people search for conservation just as often as they do for climate change.
https://www.eurekalert.org/pub_releases/2018-11/puww-gds111918.php
A water-sensitive approach for cities to tackle the global sanitation crisis
Benedito Braga
World Toilet Day, is about inspiring action to tackle the global sanitation crisis.
Private vehicles are to blame for Delhi’s pollution
Manini Chatterjee
People like us, who dominate discourse in the media, have refused to accept that the fumes from our own cars are a major factor.
Big Oil v the planet is the fight of our lives. Democrats must choose a side
David Sirota
The industry has political supremacy even in left-leaning states, but immediate action can hold off an environmental state of emergency.
https://www.theguardian.com/commentisfree/2018/nov/15/climate-change-democrats-oil-gas
Nature Conservation
Explainer: Why does Donald Trump think raking forests will prevent fires?
Donald Trump suggests California copies Finland by “raking” forest floors to avoid a repeat of the deadly fires affecting the state. But Finland doesn’t use that strategy to manage its vast forest reserves.
Gruesome discovery of Czech tiger farm exposes illegal trade in heart of Europe
A haul of fresh pelts and rotting remains marks the end of a five-year probe into an international crime ring. Authorities fear it points to a wider problem in Europe
Surge in marine refuges brings world close to protected areas goal
Reserves cover more than five times area of US, says report, but enforcement is often poor
Habitat loss threatens all our futures, world leaders warned
Biodiversity experts say mass extinction of wildlife is as big a danger as climate change.
https://www.theguardian.com/world/2018/nov/17/habitat-loss-biodiversity-wildlife-climate-change
From the Arctic to the tropics: Researchers present unique database on Earth’s vegetation
Which plant species grow where — and why? In a new study in Nature Ecology & Evolution, an international research team presents the world’s first global vegetation database which contains over 1.1 million complete lists of plant species for all terrestrial ecosystems.
https://www.eurekalert.org/pub_releases/2018-11/mh-fta111518.php
Powerful new map depicts environmental degradation across Earth
University of Cincinnati geography professor Tomasz Stepinski created a new world map showing dramatic changes in land use over the last quarter century. Stepinski turned high-resolution satellite images from the European Space Agency into one of the most detailed looks so far at how people are reshaping the planet.
https://www.eurekalert.org/pub_releases/2018-11/uoc-pnm111918.php
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