Daily Links Nov 29

The ‘leader of the free world’ talks about the US Administration’s climate change report  “… a lot of people like myself, we have very high levels of intelligence but we’re not necessarily such believers … the air is incredibly dirty, and when you’re talking about an atmosphere, oceans are very small.” This guy is a blithering idiot but on this, as in so many things, his stupidity is dangerous. 

Post of the Day

Yes, Prime Minister, I’m striking from school: consider it a climate lesson

Veronica Hester

A 15-year-old Swedish girl started a global movement. Here’s why I’m joining it along with thousands of other students who care about the planet’s future.

https://www.canberratimes.com.au/national/yes-prime-minister-i-m-striking-from-school-consider-it-a-climate-lesson-20181127-p50iqd.html

 

Today’s Celebration

Liberation Day – Albania

Unity Day – Vanuatu

W.V.S. Tubman`s Birthday – Liberia

More about Nov 29

 

Climate Change

EU’s climate chief calls for net-zero emissions by 2050

The European Union’s climate chief called for the bloc to take the lead and aim for net-zero greenhouse gas emissions by 2050 in its climate strategy published on Wednesday, ahead of key U.N. talks on curbing global warming.

https://www.reuters.com/article/us-climate-change-eu/eus-climate-chief-calls-for-net-zero-emissions-by-2050-idUSKCN1NW212

 

Carbon capture and storage gets £20m ‘sensible reboot’

UK government scrapped £1bn plan in 2015 but now aims to build project within a decade

https://www.theguardian.com/environment/2018/nov/28/carbon-capture-and-storage-gets-20m-sensible-reboot

 

The baseless claim that climate scientists are ‘driven’ by money

Critics of a major United States climate report, including the president and conservative pundits, have dismissed its findings with several inaccurate claims.

https://www.nytimes.com/2018/11/27/us/politics/climate-report-fact-check.html

 

Brazil backs out of hosting 2019 climate change meeting

Brazil was an influential player in efforts to tame climate warming and mitigate its effects. It is now moving in the opposite direction.

https://www.nytimes.com/2018/11/28/world/americas/brazil-climate-meeting.html

 

COP24: Nationalism and the challenge of climate change

At a world gathering on climate change this weekend, nations will face a key political test: whether they can transcend the narrowness of nationalism in favor of cooperation. All eyes will be on the US and China.

https://www.csmonitor.com/World/2018/1127/COP24-Nationalism-and-the-challenge-of-climate-change

 

Here’s what everyone gets wrong about the climate report

Climate change already costs you, no data cherrypicking necessary.

https://grist.org/article/heres-what-everyone-is-getting-wrong-about-the-climate-report/

 

Stop letting Republicans lie on TV about climate science

Conservatives have been repeating the same handful of absurd talking points for years. Why aren’t reporters calling them out?

https://newrepublic.com/article/152397/stop-letting-republicans-lie-tv-climate-science

 

Human behavior might be the hardest part of climate change to predict

Whenever we talk about the consequences of climate change, we’re talking about probability.

https://fivethirtyeight.com/features/human-behavior-might-be-the-hardest-part-of-climate-change-to-predict/

 

How Trump is ensuring that greenhouse gas emissions will rise

Since his earliest days in office, President Trump has been taking steps that increase emissions of the heat-trapping greenhouse gases that are warming the planet to dangerous levels.

https://www.nytimes.com/2018/11/26/climate/trump-greenhouse-gas-emissions.html

 

Trump says his ‘very high levels of intelligence’ means he can’t believe in climate change, scientists despair

Trump dismisses the the findings of a 1600-page report into climate change.

https://www.newsweek.com/trump-says-his-very-high-levels-intelligence-means-he-cant-believe-climate-1234608

 

It’s not just America: Climate policies are stumbling worldwide

According to the UN, most major polluters are not on track to meet their Paris goals. But critics say that accounting may be too pessimistic.

https://www.theatlantic.com/science/archive/2018/11/how-hot-will-climate-change-make-earth/576700/

 

Climate change: The world is 6% warmer already, it’s time to act

David Leitch

Latest climate data shows the magnitude of human-caused emissions this century significantly affects projections for the second half of the century and beyond.

https://reneweconomy.com.au/climate-change-the-world-is-6-warmer-already-its-time-to-act-97103/

 

National

Transparency lost as Snowy Hydro fights for its future

Snowy Hydro refuses to identify the winning bids for the “game changing” wind and solar tender, and argues that the transmission costs of its proposed pumped hydro plan should…

https://reneweconomy.com.au/transparency-lost-as-snowy-hydro-fights-for-its-future-89968/

 

Australia shamed – again – on climate, as UNEP report calls for urgent action

Australia’s weak climate action highlighted in latest UNEP report that says countries should be tripling their pledges to limit warming to 2°C, and increase them 5-fold to meet 1.5°C…

https://reneweconomy.com.au/australia-shamed-again-on-climate-as-unep-report-calls-for-urgent-action-70775/

 

Coal power on way out, sooner rather than later, says AEMO

Australia’s remaining coal-fired power plants are on borrowed time, and are as likely to be retired sooner rather than later, the chief of Australia’s Energy Market Operator has confirmed, in a keynote speech outlining the core assumptions used to shape AEMO’s Integrated System Plan.

https://reneweconomy.com.au/coal-power-on-way-out-sooner-rather-than-later-says-aemo-38807/

 

Scott Morrison backs away from support for national energy guarantee

Prime minister says the Coalition never supported the Neg with an emissions reduction target of 45%

https://www.theguardian.com/australia-news/2018/nov/28/scott-morrison-backs-away-from-support-for-national-energy-guarantee

 

Australian populations of threatened bird species halves in 30 years

Migratory shorebirds populations down by average of 70% from 1985 to 2015

https://www.theguardian.com/environment/2018/nov/28/average-population-of-threatened-bird-species-falls-by-52-per-cent-in-30-years

 

Platypus populations across Australia under pressure with calls for more protection

The elusive and unique platypus is in trouble, with its numbers dropping by a third in the past 200 years. Scientists are now calling for their protection status to be elevated and a particular fishing trap to be banned.

https://www.abc.net.au/news/2018-11-29/playtypus-populations-across-australia-under-pressure/10560456

 

Explainer: When a bushfire creates a storm, firenadoes and dry lightning are just the start of the nightmare

Australia’s most devastating bushfires, like the ones burning across Queensland, fuel their own fury by creating apocalyptic thunderstorm clouds that whip up weather that’s the stuff of nightmares.

https://www.abc.net.au/news/2018-11-28/bushfire-storms-can-spark-fire-tornadoes-dry-lightning-and-more/10561832

 

Is the simple life of living off-grid calling you? The paperwork might make you think again

The idea of living a nomadic, off-grid lifestyle where you hunt and forage for food when you’re hungry, sleep when you’re tired and wake up with the sun might seem like a life full of freedom and clarity. But the reality is far less romantic.

https://www.abc.net.au/news/2018-11-28/into-the-wild:-what-to-consider-before-going-off-grid/10472884

 

Government urged to face policy ghosts of the past

Energy policy is the true miserable ghost of the coalition, the haunting mess that will not go away. It brought down Malcolm Turnbull, twice, and still divides the Liberal Party.

https://www.news.com.au/technology/environment/climate-change/government-urged-to-face-policy-ghosts-of-the-past/news-story/084bc1b6e1cec0673d499c53cd6f3a16

 

‘Nothing as cheap as coal’: Dick Smith rubbishes renewables, flags political tilt

Dick Smith says he will run for Federal Parliament after releasing a video parodying the prime minister.

https://www.sbs.com.au/news/nothing-as-cheap-as-coal-dick-smith-rubbishes-renewables-flags-political-tilt

 

Indigenous Land Corporation extends to sea

A new Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Land and Sea Future Fund will be set up to help acquire land for indigenous corporations.

https://www.sbs.com.au/news/indigenous-land-corporation-extends-to-sea

 

Australia will meet Paris climate targets despite Coalition ‘obstacles’: expert

One expert is optimistic about Australia meeting its Paris Agreement targets.

https://www.sbs.com.au/news/australia-will-meet-paris-climate-targets-despite-coalition-obstacles-expert

 

Energy chief calls for ‘first world country thinking’ on power transition

Australia’s energy market operator chief says the country needs to move beyond third world thinking to “first world country thinking” when it comes to the nation’s energy transition.

https://www.canberratimes.com.au/business/the-economy/energy-chief-calls-for-first-world-country-thinking-on-power-transition-20181128-p50ixs.html

 

Virtual power plants are the ‘Uberisation’ of batteries, says Sonnen chief

The head of battery maker Sonnen says Labor’s plan to ramp up solar and battery installation will help battery companies ‘uberise’ the market and provide enough power to rival the big generators.

https://www.canberratimes.com.au/business/the-economy/virtual-power-plants-are-the-uberisation-of-batteries-says-sonnen-chief-20181126-p50ier.html

 

ALP working on carbon plan [$]

Labor is working with big polluters on a new carbon trading scheme using a system of Abbott government emissions caps.

https://www.theaustralian.com.au/national-affairs/climate/industry-helping-to-shape-alp-emissions-policy/news-story/235b69b9aff5c6c862614209da439300

 

There’s a dim future unless we make electricity transition fair

Franziska Mey and Chris Briggs

Electricity prices have been at the centre of the “climate wars” over the past decade, but we’re really only just getting to the sharp end of the energy transition where workers lose jobs

https://www.abc.net.au/news/2018-11-28/mining-jobs-coal-energy-renewables-solar-power/10561364

 

Yes, Prime Minister, I’m striking from school: consider it a climate lesson

Veronica Hester

A 15-year-old Swedish girl started a global movement. Here’s why I’m joining it along with thousands of other students who care about the planet’s future.

https://www.canberratimes.com.au/national/yes-prime-minister-i-m-striking-from-school-consider-it-a-climate-lesson-20181127-p50iqd.html

 

Libs will be judge, jury on power [$]

David Uren

Scott Morrison’s ‘big stick’ against energy companies is truly draconian and sets a dangerous precedent.

https://www.theaustralian.com.au/opinion/libs-will-be-judge-jury-and-executioner-on-power/news-story/fdf4f1baecb1acda31c1ec9db376c27e

 

Victoria

Yarra River among deadliest Aust waterways

Melbourne’s Yarra River is among the top three deadliest waterways in the country, new data from Royal Life Saving Australia reveals. https://www.sbs.com.au/news/yarra-river-among-deadliest-aust-waterways

 

Energy Insiders Podcast: Victoria’s poll win and Labor’s energy plan

What does Victoria poll result mean for renewables, and has Labor got it right with its new energy plan?

https://reneweconomy.com.au/energy-insiders-podcast-victorias-poll-win-and-labors-energy-plan-70393/

 

New South Wales

‘We’re expecting more of these events to happen’: Why city shuts down in the rain

Train stations under water, drains that swell to over-flowing, roads that pool with water while clogging with cars.

https://www.smh.com.au/national/nsw/why-can-t-sydney-cope-when-it-rains-20181128-p50iyj.html

 

Council coal ban is full of hot air [$]

A Sydney council will investigate making its facilities take 60 per cent of their power from ­renewable sources by 2030 — a target that is twice as strict as the Paris Agreement.

https://www.dailytelegraph.com.au/news/nsw/sydney-councils-energy-target-twice-as-strict-as-paris-agreement/news-story/ff83acf56082b066cf27327719c189c8

 

Queensland

Catastrophic Queensland fire threat forces thousands to flee Gracemere

Thousands of residents from Gracemere have fled to Rockhampton in central Queensland as catastrophic fire conditions impact the region, with nearly 200 fires burning and no end in sight to the sweltering heat.

https://www.abc.net.au/news/2018-11-28/queensland-bushfire-emergency-as-thousands-evacuated/10563834

 

Great Barrier Reef: record heatwave may cause another coral bleaching event

42.6C temperature in Cairns broke a November record that has stood since 1900 by 5.4C

https://www.theguardian.com/environment/2018/nov/28/great-barrier-reef-record-heatwave-may-cause-another-coral-bleaching-event

 

Qld heatwave decimates bat population

Flying foxes are dying by the thousands in far north Queensland as a record-breaking heatwave blasts the region.

https://www.sbs.com.au/news/qld-heatwave-decimates-bat-population

 

Sydney storms could be making the Queensland fires worse

Claire Yeo

Storm clouds move over the Illawarra south of Sydney on Wednesday, November 28 2018. Sydney received more than a month’s worth of rain in just two hours, with Observatory Hill recording 84.6mm by 7am. The November average is 83.8mm.

 https://theconversation.com/sydney-storms-could-be-making-the-queensland-fires-worse-107789

 

South Australia

Tesla teams up with Energy Locals for S.A. virtual power plant

Energy Locals partners with Tesla for virtual power plant, lifting hopes that original 250MW plan can be achieved. But local solar manufacturer Tindo left out, and not happy.

https://reneweconomy.com.au/tesla-teams-up-with-energy-locals-for-s-a-virtual-power-plant-78123/

 

Power policy debacle has SA firms seeing red

South Australian businesses overwhelmingly want a coherent national energy and carbon emissions policy, but have little faith in our politicians to make this a reality, a survey by Business SA shows.

https://www.news.com.au/national/south-australia/a-national-energy-plan-is-vital-sa-businesses-say-but-are-not-hopeful-politicians-can-get-their-act-together/news-story/b6eb9adbb1b782bc6bf0c53d3012b78b

 

Call to halt new wind farms in SA

SA-Best has called for a halt to new wind farm developments to examine community concerns.

https://www.heraldsun.com.au/news/breaking-news/call-to-halt-new-wind-farms-in-sa/news-story/25a6b9fded9d5ed3ae5217491d24ff84

 

$15m recycling centre could draw more businesses [$]

A new $15 million recycling centre in Adelaide’s south could employ up to 35 people and attract other businesses to the region, if the project is approved.

https://www.adelaidenow.com.au/business/sa-business-journal/15m-recycling-centre-at-seaford-heights-could-draw-more-businesses-to-adelaides-south-southern-region-waste-resource-authority-says/news-story/f9f2aba4a8dd9cf8d9f8989e4b289f24

 

The Tesla battery, one year later – was it worth the charge?

The $90 million Tesla battery at Jamestown has been up and running for 12 months. But the jury is split on whether the project was worth it.

https://www.adelaidenow.com.au/business/sa-business-journal/tesla-battery-in-jamestown-sa-a-year-on-was-it-worth-it/news-story/50a6a4bf07380167946b12cec251518f

 

Even BP admit drilling in the Bight is risky business

Simon Black

An oil spill in the Great Australian Bight could see oil reaching all the way to the Great Ocean Road and Sydney’s Bondi Beach.

https://independentaustralia.net/environment/environment-display/even-bp-admit-drilling-in-the-bight-is-risky-business,12145


Tasmania

Tasmanian research reveals new links between air quality and diabetes

While the association between poor air quality and lung disease is well known, a study led by Tasmanian researcher Fay Johnston has revealed new links with diabetes.

https://www.examiner.com.au/story/5768781/tasmanian-research-reveals-new-links-between-air-quality-and-diabetes/?cs=7664

 

Tassie devils’ decline has left a feast of carrion for feral cats

Calum Cunningham et al

The decline of Tasmanian devils is having an unusual knock-on effect: animal carcasses would once have been gobbled up in short order by devils are now taking many days longer to disappear.

https://theconversation.com/tassie-devils-decline-has-left-a-feast-of-carrion-for-feral-cats-106859

 

Western Australia

Perth and Peel Cocky numbers stabilise

This year’s great cocky count found numbers of the iconic WA bird had stabilised.

https://www.canberratimes.com.au/environment/conservation/perth-and-peel-cocky-numbers-stablise-20181128-p50j06.html

 

Union calls for Labor heads to roll [$]

The powerful maritime union says the McGowan government’s approval of fracking is a ‘betrayal of labour values’.

https://www.theaustralian.com.au/national-affairs/state-politics/union-calls-for-wa-labor-heads-to-roll-after-fracking-ban-lifted/news-story/60426abcfa38154df8ab35ae6621f9f9

 

Sustainability

France turns to wind and solar as it plans to exit coal, and phase down nuclear

Macron plans to exit coal by 2022, and delay closure of 14 nuclear reactors while it completes a massive investment in wind and solar.

https://reneweconomy.com.au/france-turns-to-wind-and-solar-as-it-plans-to-exit-coal-and-phase-down-nuclear-93689/

 

Greenpeace Energy bids to buy German brown coal generators and replace with renewables

Greenpeace Energy, a German electric utility that runs independent of its titular founder, wants to buy out RWE’s lignite coal business and replace it with 8.2 GW worth of…

https://reneweconomy.com.au/greenpeace-energy-bids-to-buy-german-brown-coal-generators-and-replace-with-renewables-55525/

 

What could take the shine off of solar? A waste problem

Today’s renewable energy can either be tomorrow’s trash or tomorrow’s recycling.

https://www.ozy.com/acumen/what-could-take-the-shine-off-of-solar-a-waste-problem/90308

 

One in six pints of milk thrown away each year, study shows

Analysis suggests 116m tonnes of dairy products are wasted globally, with almost half lost before they even reach a store

https://www.theguardian.com/environment/2018/nov/28/one-in-six-pints-of-milk-thrown-away-each-year-study-shows

 

Global food system is broken, say world’s science academies

Radical overhaul in farming and consumption, with less meat eating, needed to avoid hunger and climate catastrophe

https://www.theguardian.com/environment/2018/nov/28/global-food-system-is-broken-say-worlds-science-academies

 

From Helsinki to San Huan Islands: The world’s most incredible homes that are built into nature

Dana Tomic Hughes

I’ve lived in apartments my entire life. Call me crazy (don’t worry, you won’t be the first), but I absolutely love living in a densely populated urban area, and the social nature of apartment living suits me to a tee.

https://www.allhomes.com.au/news/the-worlds-most-incredible-homes-that-are-built-into-nature-780792/

 

The Game-Changing Promise of a Green New Deal

Naomi Klein

I’ll get to the Green New Deal and why we need to hold tight to that lifeline for all we’re worth. But before that, bear with me for a visit to the grandstanding of climate politics past.

https://theintercept.com/2018/11/27/green-new-deal-congress-climate-change/

 

Nature Conservation

It’s a boy, and a bushfire: Video shows moment gender reveal party ignites 47,000 acres

The US Forest Service releases a video of the moment a gender reveal party set fire to the Coronado National Forest, costing millions of dollars in damages.

https://www.abc.net.au/news/2018-11-28/video-shows-us-gender-reveal-party-ignites-47,000-acre-wildfire/10563934

 

Diving force: experts join forces to save the world’s coral reefs

Specialist diving group teams up with British conservation charity to lower impact of scuba tourism on threatened reefs

https://www.theguardian.com/environment/2018/nov/28/diving-force-experts-join-forces-to-save-the-worlds-coral-reefs

 

Climate change could crash world’s largest cod fisheries

Atlantic and polar cod face a double whammy as the planet warms: rising ocean temperatures and acidification could cut reproduction by nearly two-thirds, study says.

https://insideclimatenews.org/news/28112018/atlantic-cod-climate-change-fish-population-crash-risk-arctic-food-web-impact-study

 

This blue-throated hummingbird is new to science — but already endangered

The blue-throated hillstar prefers grasslands on the Ecuadoran Andes, which is being rapidly lost to human activity, and researchers think the bird is likely already critically endangered.

https://news.mongabay.com/2018/11/this-blue-throated-hummingbird-is-new-to-science-but-already-endangered/

 

 

 

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