Daily Links Dec 21

Thank you most sincerely Maelor Himbury, for your excellent compilations of environment stories from across this wide browner land this year. We are more informed as a result of your work and rather than sink into a torpor, we are up for the fight as a result of being forewarned so forearmed for the challenges ahead. 
Best wishes to all for getting through the silly season.

This is the last Daily Links for 2018.

Have a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year.

We’ll be back with a bumper holiday edition on Jan 2.

 

Post of the Day

Ten feelgood environment stories you may have missed in 2018

Michael Hopkin

Let’s be honest – environment news isn’t always the jolliest, and 2018 was no exception. From climate change, to recycling, to energy policy, at times it has felt like we’ve been lurching from one crisis to the next. So here are ten upbeat environmental stories from this year that prove it’s not all doom and gloom.

https://theconversation.com/ten-feelgood-environment-stories-you-may-have-missed-in-2018-108759

 

Today’s Celebration

Forefather’s Day – United States of America

Buy Nothing Christmas

Humbug Day

Dalek Remembrance Day

Underdog Day

Don’t Make Your Bed Day

Alban Arthuan (Solstice) (Northern Hemisphere) – Celticism

Alban Heruin (Solstice) (Southern Hemisphere) – Celticism

Litha – Summer Solstice (Southern Hemisphere) – Paganism

Yule – Winter Solstice (Northern Hemisphere) – Paganism

More about Dec 21

 

Climate Change

Risks of ‘domino effect’ of tipping points greater than thought, study says

Scientists warn policymakers not to ignore links, and stress that ‘every action counts’

https://www.theguardian.com/environment/2018/dec/20/risks-of-domino-effect-of-tipping-points-greater-than-thought-study-says

 

Temperature check

Don’t privatize forests, educate people, writes Adesuwa Ero. In rural Nigeria, religious leaders think sinful behaviour is to blame for climate change

https://newint.org/features/2018/12/18/temperature-check

 

Climate change and the risk to civilisation: the doctors’ prescription

The human race needs to wean off its addiction to fossil fuels, urgently, say Doctors for the Environment.

https://www.canberratimes.com.au/environment/climate-change/climate-change-and-the-risk-to-civilisation-the-doctors-prescription-20181220-p50nfl.html

 

Trump is trying to pull the wool over our eyes about climate change—these knitters aren’t having it

The Tempestry Project invites you to spin a colorful yarn about rising temperatures.

https://www.nrdc.org/onearth/trump-trying-pull-wool-over-our-eyes-about-climate-change-these-knitters-arent-having-it

 

How right-wing nationalism fuels climate denial

As leaders like Donald Trump and Jair Bolsonaro call global warming a hoax, a new study shows the link between climate change denial and nationalism.

https://www.dw.com/en/how-right-wing-nationalism-fuels-climate-denial/a-46699510

 

How to make climate change doubters pay a political price

Leaders who refuse to acknowledge the public health consequences of air pollution, disease outbreaks, and drought will soon feel the wrath of voters at the polls.

https://foreignpolicy.com/2018/12/19/how-to-make-climate-change-doubters-pay-a-political-price/

 

New threat to ozone recovery

A new MIT study, published in Nature Geoscience, identifies another threat to the ozone layer’s recovery: chloroform — a colorless, sweet-smelling compound that is primarily used in the manufacturing of products such as Teflon and various refrigerants. The researchers found that between 2010 and 2015, emissions and concentrations of chloroform in the global atmosphere have increased significantly.

https://www.eurekalert.org/pub_releases/2018-12/miot-ntt121418.php

 

The top climate-related stories of 2018

Earth’s changing atmosphere and its global impacts wound up in the headlines time and again during 2018.

https://weather.com/en-IN/india/news/news/2018-12-19-the-top-climate-related-stories-of-2018

 

National

Renewables set to drive down power prices, but there’s a catch

A flood of new green energy projects is likely to drive down household electricity bills, according to new analysis by government policy adviser the Australian Energy Market Commission.

https://www.abc.net.au/news/2018-12-21/power-prices-to-drop-with-more-renewables-report-finds/10638102

 

Game changer: is private funding the only way to save national parks?

Private organisations and individuals are stepping in to protect vulnerable habitats but they are increasingly under pressure

https://www.theguardian.com/environment/2018/dec/21/game-changer-is-private-funding-the-only-way-to-save-national-parks

 

Charity Reputation Index Reveals High Levels of Public Trust in Sector

The Australian public’s level of trust in the charity sector remains high, according to the annual Charity Reputation Index, which named The Royal Flying Doctor Service as the country’s most reputable charity for the eighth year straight. 

https://probonoaustralia.com.au/news/2018/12/charity-reputation-index-reveals-high-levels-public-trust-sector/

 

Murray-Darling Basin water management faces ‘unique fraud risks’, audit reveals

Ernst & Young report previously withheld from the public says $3.2bn water fund poses serious risks

https://www.theguardian.com/australia-news/2018/dec/21/murray-darling-basin-water-management-faces-unique-risks-audit-reveals

 

National deadlock over fruit fly management

Despite several states experiencing millions of dollars in expenses as a result of fruit fly this year, the state and territory governments are yet to commit to a $16.9 million federal management strategy for the pest.

https://www.abc.net.au/news/rural/2018-12-20/national-fruit-fly-strategy-stalemate/10626228

 

Industry backs NSW call for Morrison government to require emissions cut

Australian Industry Group says an emissions reduction obligation in national policy is ‘vastly superior’ to separate state schemes

https://www.theguardian.com/australia-news/2018/dec/20/industry-backs-nsw-call-for-morrison-government-to-require-emissions-cut

 

Australian electricity prices set to dip

Australians will be paying slightly less for electricity in less than two years’ time, a new report has found.

https://au.news.yahoo.com/australian-electricity-prices-set-dip-130110228–spt.html

 

Green power’s price sugar hit [$]

Large-scale renewable power schemes will deliver short-term savings on bills but risk pushing up prices over time.

https://www.theaustralian.com.au/business/mining-energy/green-power-to-give-asugar-hit-to-bills/news-story/a9b82e8d3c25bd337c8dbc03e2384898

 

$500k climate donation to GetUp [$]

GetUp has received a $500,000 donation that will be used to help make climate change a hot button issue in the election.

https://www.theaustralian.com.au/national-affairs/climate/getups-500000-donation-to-change-poll-climate/news-story/214ebea45cb57f20f9adcc9d603c6a78

 

Dirty, but in demand: Coal is Australia’s most valuable export in 2018

It is the first time coal has overtaken iron ore in value since the mining boom five years ago.

https://www.brisbanetimes.com.au/business/the-economy/coal-is-australia-s-most-valuable-export-in-2018-20181220-p50nd4.html

 

State of the climate 2018

Bureau of Meteorology (Australia), Commonwealth Scientific and Industrial Research Organisation (CSIRO)

This biennial report on climate change finds that the variations Australia is experiencing include increased extreme heat events, warmer oceans, rising sea levels, changes in rainfall patterns, and a long-term increase in extreme fire weather and length of the fire season. These effects are predicted to continue in the decades ahead.

http://apo.org.au/node/211776

 

Coalition risks repeat of Victorian disaster [$]

Phillip Coorey

The federal Coalition’s tin ear on emissions risks a repeat of the Victorian disaster in the most populous state.

https://www.afr.com/news/nsw-is-a-whole-aviary-of-chirping-canaries-for-the-liberals-20181218-h199r9

 

Once again, the Liberals find themselves on the wrong side of history

Waleed Aly

We’ve reached a point now where states of both political stripes, business groups and environmentalists are landing on a rough consensus that emissions simply must be reduced.

https://www.canberratimes.com.au/politics/federal/once-again-the-liberals-find-themselves-on-the-wrong-side-of-history-20181220-p50nf0.html

 

Crystal ball backlit by renewables [$]

Judith Sloan

Predictions of future energy prices should be taken with a grain of salt.

https://www.theaustralian.com.au/opinion/columnists/judith-sloan/hard-to-read-crystal-ball-backlit-by-renewables/news-story/4ea2fcd6c513b2fbb1d74dcb012abb0a

 

Victoria

A day in the life of a ranger

Australia has more than 500 national parks covering 28 million hectares – almost 4% of the country. Protecting and maintaining these treasures falls to our park rangers, who undertake a multifaceted role that includes protecting biodiversity, managing visitors and maintaining facilities and paths.

https://www.theguardian.com/environment/video/2018/dec/19/a-day-in-the-life-of-a-ranger-video

 

Victorian fire service sheds volunteers

Victoria’s Country Fire Authority lost 1090 volunteers last financial year and employee costs for both the state’s fire services jumped due to pay deals.

https://www.sbs.com.au/news/victorian-fire-service-sheds-volunteers

 

Daylesford is about to get a new $50 million lakeside resort

The health retreat and spa will feature 100 self-contained units for guests who can also enjoy kayaking and bushwalks.

https://www.domain.com.au/news/50-million-daylesford-lakeside-resort-project-approved-793413/

 

Victoria in worst hep A outbreak since modern sewerage

A preventable infection that turns sufferers yellow is making an “unusual” resurgence in Victoria, with health authorities reporting the state’s worst outbreak of hepatitis A since the introduction of modern sewerage.

https://www.theage.com.au/national/victoria/victoria-in-worst-hep-a-outbreak-since-modern-sewerage-20181220-p50nja.html

 

Melbourne population set to reach 12 million [$]

Melbourne already feels full and congested with a population of five million. But government experts are predicting it will get much bigger by this mid-century.

https://www.heraldsun.com.au/news/victoria/abs-tips-that-melbournes-population-will-hit-12-million-by-2066-if-high-migration-and-fertility-rates-continue/news-story/2c6204b303a8f4230719cbec464053dd

 

New South Wales

Parramatta light rail now one step closer

The Parramatta light rail is officially signed off and construction to connect Westmead to Carlingford will begin in the new year, with the two successful contractors named.

https://www.abc.net.au/news/2018-12-20/parramatta-light-rail-one-step-closer/10638054

 

‘Catastrophe’ declared in NSW

A destructive storm that caused havoc in New South Wales caused extensive damage and millions of dollars of damage.

https://www.news.com.au/technology/environment/nsw-coast-weather-warning-very-dangerous-destructive-winds-and-giant-hail/news-story/0eb9a907832e9375dab7385d1fbf4b30

 

Premier ramps up push to stand apart from PM

Premier Gladys Berejiklian said her government would continue to “stand on its own two feet” after it launched a rebuke of the federal government’s intransigence on climate change and energy policy.

https://www.smh.com.au/politics/nsw/premier-ramps-up-push-to-stand-apart-from-pm-20181220-p50ngk.html

 

Cabinet fury at Energy Minister’s emissions push [$]

Anna Caldwell

NSW residents struggle under hefty power prices, but the state’s half-energy-half-arts minister thinks a pie-in-the-sky zero emissions future is pretty as a picture

https://www.dailytelegraph.com.au/news/opinion/anna-caldwell-nsw-cabinet-seethes-at-energy-ministers-emissions-target-plan/news-story/bb2d07adc39cb81234644fae185d4446

 

Keep NSW moving by taking brake off the gas [$]

Matt Canavan

Australia has world-class manufacturing facilities that provide high-paying and rewarding employment — but they need secure access to resources such as gas.

https://www.dailytelegraph.com.au/news/opinion/matt-canavan-more-gas-facilities-vital-to-save-manufacturing-jobs/news-story/784efc9d6a1478020ca9136786807130

 

Less hype, more analysis on climate change plans [$]

Australian editorial

It looks as if NSW Energy Minister Don Harwin is a fair-weather friend to coal. Not long ago he invited the coalmining bosses to a party marking his 20 years in parliament

https://www.theaustralian.com.au/opinion/editorials/less-hype-more-analysis-on-climate-change-plans/news-story/1ebbb24e3ecdcf72fc212ef898960fe0

 

ACT

Higher prices for renewable energy drive ACT electricity bill increase

Despite falling wholesale electricity prices, Canberrans will pay more due to higher prices for renewable energy and increased distribution costs.

https://www.canberratimes.com.au/national/act/higher-prices-for-renewable-energy-drive-act-electricity-bill-increase-20181220-p50nct.html

 

The ACT is in the slow lane to transport reform

Canberra Times editorial

Canberra is no longer a city of 100,000 people with access to a never-ending flow of funds from a generous Federal government.

https://www.canberratimes.com.au/national/act/the-act-is-in-the-slow-lane-to-transport-reform-20181219-p50n95.html

 

Queensland

Insurance companies pressured not to cover Adani’s Carmichael mine

One of the big stumbling blocks for Adani’s proposed Carmichael coal mine has been securing finance from lenders to build the project, and now there may be another problem.

https://www.abc.net.au/news/2018-12-20/adani-carmichael-mine-potential-insurers-under-pressure/10637528

 

Adani ordered to pay almost $12m for work on scrapped Carmichael rail line

Judgment details how ‘payment difficulties’ emerged in contract between AECOM and Adani subsidiary

https://www.theguardian.com/environment/2018/dec/20/adani-ordered-to-pay-almost-12m-for-work-on-scrapped-carmichael-rail-line

 

Adani tries to kick off Carmichael [$]

Heavy earth-breaking machinery has finally arrived at the site of the nation’s most hotly contested open-cut coalmine.

https://www.theaustralian.com.au/business/mining-energy/adani-tries-to-get-things-moving-at-carmichael-coalmine/news-story/41676a3d00fff7040aad63f0602d561b

 

Land-clearing figures show 314,000 hectares felled in Great Barrier Reef catchment

More than 700,000 hectares cleared over two years, 40% of it in reef catchment, before stricter laws were passed

https://www.theguardian.com/environment/2018/dec/20/land-clearing-figures-show-314000-hectares-felled-in-great-barrier-reef-catchment

 

Genex secures funding for hydro project

Genex Power shares have jumped as much as 12.5 per cent after the renewable energy generator secured funding to build a hydro energy plant in North Queensland.

https://www.heraldsun.com.au/business/breaking-news/genex-secures-funding-for-hydro-project/news-story/94ea51b18ee1a5d6bd8a488153fde43f

 

Heatwave set to blaze across Queensland

Scorching weather is predicted over the next few days in Queensland, with temperatures set to soar over 40 degrees Celsius in the state’s western interior, the Bureau of Meteorology says.

https://www.abc.net.au/news/2018-12-20/heatwave-weather-across-queensland/10634450

 

The drought is ripping money out of Queensland farms

On average nationally, drought conditions will eat nearly $70,000 of broadacre farm cash income this year.

https://www.brisbanetimes.com.au/national/queensland/the-drought-is-ripping-money-out-of-queensland-farms-20181220-p50nj0.html

 

Three suspected Irukandji stings in SEQ

An expert warns the problem will only get worse for the south-east as sea temperatures rise.

https://www.brisbanetimes.com.au/national/queensland/the-problem-will-get-worse-three-suspected-irukandji-stings-in-seq-20181220-p50nk6.html

 

Incitec Pivot warns of Gibson plant closure due to high gas prices [$]

Incitec Pivot has again warned it could be forced to close its Gibson Island manufacturing plant in Queensland if it cannot get its hands on cheaper long-term supplies of gas.

https://www.theaustralian.com.au/business/companies/incitec-pivot-warns-of-gibson-plant-closure-due-to-high-gas-prices/news-story/028021cee95da4f300eee70430aaf324

 

South Australia

High levels of PFAS contamination linked to firefighting boat

South Australia’s Metropolitan Fire Service (MFS) says a boat is to blame for “highly elevated” levels of PFAS in the blood of several firefighters from a suburban station, after eggs laid on the site were initially suspected to have caused the contamination.

https://www.abc.net.au/news/2018-12-20/high-levels-of-pfas-contamination-linked-to-mfs-boat/10640806

 

More than 100 galahs believed to have been poisoned [$]

More than 100 galahs — and dozens of other birds — have died from suspected poisoning near Lake Alexandrina, prompting an investigation by Biosecurity SA. https://www.adelaidenow.com.au/business/sa-business-journal/biosecurity-sa-investigating-more-than-100-galah-deaths-near-lake-alexandrina/news-story/62b11c2f0b1f23e611cdc9d7bba92e05

 

Natural gas boost for Mount Barker [$]

Work on a new $33 million, 40km gas pipeline is likely to begin late next year, extending the existing network to Mount Barker, which is set to almost double its population by 2036.

https://www.adelaidenow.com.au/business/sa-business-journal/agn-to-build-new-33m-40km-gas-pipeline-to-mount-barker/news-story/dd7f7a56ffbaafe2bbec14a58947186e


Tasmania

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Northern Territory

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Western Australia

WA turns from deficit to surplus, with extra cash poured into public transport

The State Government announces a return to surplus of more than $1 billion, one year earlier than expected — with the extra money to be committed to its key transport plan Metronet.

https://www.abc.net.au/news/2018-12-20/wa-government-budget-surplus-confirmed-in-mid-year-review/10638726

 

Sustainability

Russia’s Putin says threat of nuclear war should not be underestimated

Russian President Vladimir Putin said on Thursday that the threat of nuclear war should not be underestimated, but that he hoped that common sense would prevail.

https://www.reuters.com/article/us-russia-putin-nuclear/russias-putin-says-threat-of-nuclear-war-should-not-be-underestimated-idUSKCN1OJ11R

 

Ten feelgood environment stories you may have missed in 2018

Michael Hopkin

Let’s be honest – environment news isn’t always the jolliest, and 2018 was no exception. From climate change, to recycling, to energy policy, at times it has felt like we’ve been lurching from one crisis to the next. So here are ten upbeat environmental stories from this year that prove it’s not all doom and gloom.

https://theconversation.com/ten-feelgood-environment-stories-you-may-have-missed-in-2018-108759

 

A mountain of evidence on air pollution’s harms to children

A new study led by researchers at the Columbia Center for Children’s Environmental Health (CCCEH) organizes the available scientific evidence on the effects of air pollution on children’s health. The paper in the journal Environmental Research is the first comprehensive review of the associations between various fossil fuel combustion pollutants and multiple health effects in children in the context of assessing the benefits of air pollution and climate change policies.

https://www.eurekalert.org/pub_releases/2018-12/cums-amo122018.php

 

Climate change could hit potato industry hard, researchers find

Potato crops do not perform well in high temperatures, according to a new research paper, and that could be a problem as the weather warms with climate change.

https://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/prince-edward-island/pei-climate-change-potato-industry-1.4952282

 

New Study First to Predict Which Oil and Gas Wells Are Leaking Methane

A new study is the first to predict — with up to 87 percent accuracy — which oil and natural wells are most likely to be leaking methane.

https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2018/12/181220104611.htm

 

Design schemes to help buildings outlast climate change

As climate change intensifies, architects, designers, and scientists are devising better ways to deal with almost anything nature throws our way.

https://www.popsci.com/design-to-outlast-climate-change

 

What does the violence against women act have to do with climate change?

Climate disasters lead to more intimate partner violence.

https://grist.org/article/what-does-the-violence-against-women-act-have-to-do-with-climate-change/

 

The massive CO2 emitter you may not know about

Cement is the source of about 8% of the world’s carbon dioxide emissions. How can this be changed?

https://www.bbc.com/news/science-environment-46455844

 

These are the ways plastics can mess up your body

Plastics are putting our health at risk in tons of different ways.

https://www.teenvogue.com/story/how-plastics-can-mess-up-your-body?verso=true

 

Packaging is killing us, and the holidays are the worst

We send and receive a ton of packages every day. What’s the effect on the planet? And is anyone trying to fix it?

https://www.popularmechanics.com/science/environment/a24676408/packaging-waste-christmas-holidays/

 

A lung-inspired design turns water into fuel

Scientists at Stanford University have designed an electrocatalytic mechanism that works like a mammalian lung to convert water into fuel. Their research, published Dec. 20 in the journal Joule, could help existing clean energy technologies run more efficiently.

https://www.eurekalert.org/pub_releases/2018-12/cp-ald121318.php

 

To create a truly great city, we have to ban the car

New York City is at the forefront of breaking car dominance in America. But internationally, it’s bringing up the rear.

https://www.outsideonline.com/2376966/rest-world-done-cars-were-not

 

Air pollution may be making us less intelligent

Barbara Maher

Air pollution is bad for our heart and lung health – and a new study says it may be bad for brain health, too.

https://theconversation.com/air-pollution-may-be-making-us-less-intelligent-106212

 

Let’s not screw the planet for novelty slippers. Try these 10 plastic-free Xmas gifts

Clara Williams Roldan

You may be concerned that we’re dwindling the Earth’s resources on plug-in slippers and inflatable flamingo drink-holders for that pool you don’t have. Here’s 10 plastic-free gift alternatives.

https://www.abc.net.au/news/2018-12-21/plastic-free-gift-giving/10639500

 

The plastic we should be banning next [$]

Jane Fynes-Clinton

In the wake of the plastic bag ban, it’s time to turn our sights to other environmental menaces that are causing immense harm to our oceans.

 

Nature Conservation

Japan considering leaving the IWC and resuming commercial whale hunting

Japan is considering leaving the International Whaling Commission to resume commercial hunts after unsuccessfully campaigning for decades to gain support for the cause.

https://www.abc.net.au/news/2018-12-20/japan-reportedly-to-withdraw-from-whaling-commission/10638664

 

Marine life worse off inside ‘protected’ areas, analysis reveals

Findings expose ‘big lie’ behind European marine conservation, scientists say

https://www.theguardian.com/environment/2018/dec/20/marine-life-worse-off-inside-protected-areas-analysis-reveals

 

Plastic pollution discovered at deepest point of ocean

High levels of contamination in Mariana Trench show how pervasively planet has been contaminated

https://www.theguardian.com/environment/2018/dec/20/plastic-pollution-mariana-trench-deepest-point-ocean

 

They helped inspire Darwin’s work on natural selection. Now they’re at risk from it

In the era of climate change, the creatures of these remarkable islands that featured in the Origin of Species are facing their biggest evolutionary test.

https://www.brisbanetimes.com.au/world/south-america/the-creatures-of-galapagos-which-inspired-charles-darwin-face-their-biggest-evolutionary-test-20181219-p50n7h.html

 

The environmental message in ‘Aquaman’ grounds the otherwise wacky superhero movie

In the DC Extended Universe, Arthur Curry is already a hero on land. But in Aquaman, out Dec. 21, the destined prince must go home again and be the hero the ocean needs.

https://www.bustle.com/p/the-environmental-message-in-aquaman-grounds-the-otherwise-wacky-superhero-movie-15546899

 

Forests, like humans, require a balanced diet

The world’s forests are on a fast food diet of carbon dioxide, which is currently causing them to grow faster. But a researcher finds evidence suggesting that forest growth may soon peak as the trees deplete nitrogen in the soil over longer growing seasons.

https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2018/12/181219115539.htm

 

Now for something completely different …

At Christmas, embrace your year’s failures – it’s therapeutic

Neil Jeyasingam

Achievement brings happiness, but we accomplish nothing without encountering some failures along the way.

https://www.canberratimes.com.au/national/at-christmas-embrace-your-year-s-failures-it-s-therapeutic-20181217-p50mq0.html

 

Maelor Himbury

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