Post of the Day
To slow global warming, we need to plant trees. Here’s where
Researchers have identified nearly a billion hectares of unused land that is available for reforestation. They say planting trees there could buy us 20 years in the fight against climate change.
Today’s Celebration
Independence Day – Venezuela
Independence Day – Algeria
Independence Day – Cape Verde Islands
Peace & Unity Day – Rwanda
St. Cyril & Methodius Day – Slovakia, Czech Republic
Tynwald Day – Isle of Man
Fishermen’s Day – Marshall Islands
Constitution Day – Armenia
International Day against Drug Abuse and Illicit Trafficking
Climate Change
To slow global warming, we need to plant trees. Here’s where
Researchers have identified nearly a billion hectares of unused land that is available for reforestation. They say planting trees there could buy us 20 years in the fight against climate change.
Governments and firms in 28 countries sued over climate crisis – report
More than 1,300 legal actions over global heating brought since 1990, say researchers
Economic survey warns of climate change’s effects on water resources
The Economic Survey presented to parliament today by Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman recognises the big challenge posed by climate change on India’s farm sector and water resources.
Emission impossible? Harsh facts on climate change
How will the world cope as more extreme weather becomes the norm?
How extreme heat overwhelms your body and becomes deadly
Europe’s record-breaking heat wave serves as a warning of just how dangerous high temperatures can be.
Canada’s infrastructure, coastal communities most at risk from climate change: government study
Canada’s physical infrastructure and coastal communities could face significant damage over the next 20 years and top the list of areas most at risk by climate change, a government-backed study released on Thursday showed.
So long Clean Power Plan. It was nice knowing you.
Our guest in this Trump on Earth episode says if Trump’s replacement plan is eventually approved by the Supreme Court, it could hamstring future presidents from tackling climate change.
National
Coalition forced to explain conduct of Taylor and Frydenberg over endangered grasslands
Guardian Australia investigation revealed Angus Taylor met with the environment department even as it investigated a company he holds an interest in
Gas deal could risk business confidence
The gas industry has warned a deal between the Coalition and Senate crossbenchers to intervene in the sector could dent business confidence and threaten funding for the government’s $158 billion tax cut package.
AI to help name Australia’s anonymous flora and fauna
The CSIRO is planning to use artificial intelligence to identify and name its millions-strong collection of Australian animals and plants that will otherwise languish unrecognised for decades – even centuries.
Worried the High Court could keep you from the beach? It might be worth it
Emma Lee
If a climb is closed or a beach is restricted by traditional owners under Native Title, this is a gift to the public — a compact of our care towards you and our country
Is the AEMC reinventing the wheel to solve a simple problem?
David Leitch
AEMC is proposing a series of complicated rule changes to solve what most see as a simple problem – and it risks an unknown impact on the electricity market.
Trust the science, not the hype, about Roundup [$]
Fiona Simson
The problem with glyphosate, used in Roundup, is not any scientific research linking it to cancer; the problem is the haste with which facts have been cast aside in favour of sensationalist headlines, writes National Farmers Federation president Fiona Simson.
Power price threat to retirees [$]
Robert Gottliebsen
Industry super funds can help reform energy policy and ease a threat to retirees’ income.
We subscribe to movies and music, why not transport?
Benjamin Kaufman and Abraham Leung
From Apple Music to Netflix, subscription services are on the rise. It’s time transport followed suit.
Victoria
Charging stations for electric cars in Hobsons Bay
From early August residents with electric cars will be able to recharge their cars as part of a free trial in the Hobsons Bay Civic Centre carpark in Altona.
Planning for our waste needs into future – City of Casey
The City of Casey is proactively managing its landfill waste requirements by making plans to manage waste going into landfill now and into the future.
Victoria rooftop solar rebate in hot demand, with July quota filled in just days
Victorian households waiting to install half-price solar might have to wait another few weeks, after the July quota of the state government’s rooftop rebate was filled within days.
New South Wales
Sydney council to trial Roundup replacement after workers walk off job
Blacktown City staff refused to continue using glyphosate weedkillers due to cancer concerns
UN concerns about Warragamba dam plan labelled ‘extreme embarrassment’ for NSW
Unesco committee says proposal to raise wall incompatible with Blue Mountains world heritage listing
You could make a difference this July by simply catching the train to work, just as you normally would. A new initiative will see meals donated to those in need for each trip made on certain modes of Sydney transport.
ACT
New baby koala starting to poke its head out at Tidbinbilla Nature Reserve
The capital has a new addition to its small koala family at Tidbinbilla Nature Reserve and Canberrans are being urged to come visit.
‘An outrage’: Community raises concerns over Parkwood’s impact on Aboriginal, natural sites
The ACT government’s “develop everywhere possible” mentality is jeopardising Indigenous cultural and natural sites near the Ginninderry development, according to submissions on the project.
Time will tell if Stage 2 decision was wise
Canberra Times editorial
Only time will tell if the ACT government’s decision to press ahead with the second stage of the light rail project without waiting for the necessary approvals from the National Capital Authority is courageous or foolhardy.
Queensland
QRC welcomes APLNG domestic gas supply
The Queensland Resources Council (QRC) has welcomed the action by Australia Pacific LNG (APLNG) to supply 16.2 petajoules (PJ) of gas to the Australian manufacturing market.
Methane gas fears from dead mangroves more than hot air
A massive area of dead mangroves in the Gulf of Carpentaria is emitting eight times as much methane as live forests.
Fishing illegally? You could go to jail [$]
A Queensland father and son have copped a $19,000 fine as authorities reveal harsh new penalties and ever-more-sophisticated techniques as they ramp up their bid to catch and punish anyone fishing illegally.
South Australia
Mining bill passes SA Parliament but rebel MPs hopeful for inquiry
Landholders fight for independent review after the controversial Mining bill passes the Lower House.
Uranium among contaminants sparking proposed bore water ban
About 1,500 Adelaide residents and businesses are being told not to use groundwater because of contamination from uranium from a former mining laboratory and degreasing chemicals from nearby factories.
Huge solar and battery project wins development approval in South Australia
Plans to build a 500MW solar farm coupled with 250MW/1000MWh of battery storage north-east of Adelaide have won development approval from the South Australian government.
How to save the world, by South Aussie teens [$]
A class of SA high school kids has literally written the book on saving the world from climate change. But some of their proposals will be controversial.
Ban on using bore water at Thebarton [$]
Thebarton is the latest suburb where residents have been warned not to use the groundwater because of contamination fears.
Breeding cows to burp less will reduce methane in atmosphere, Adelaide Uni research shows [$]
Breeding polite cows that burp less is the secret to reducing the amount of greenhouse gas they produce, scientists say.
Tasmania
‘Blood money’: Call for rethink on offsets for windfarm eagle deaths
A wildlife expert says it is not known how many threatened eagles are being killed by windfarms in Tasmania, and says the problem is only going to get worse as the industry expands.
Easter comes early with Tasmania Zoo bilby arrivals
Forget about the bunny next Easter – two bilbies have arrived in Tasmania. The pair, both girls, are the only bilbies in the state, and can be seen by the public now at Tasmania Zoo.
Tree protection move angers farmers
The listing of two tree species as critically endangered has left farmers angry — and could threaten a plans for a new dam.
Northern Territory
Rogue Siamese fighting fish breeding by the thousands in Darwin’s Adelaide River
Once beloved tank-dwelling pets, fighting fish have been dumped and left to fend for themselves in croc-infested waters.
Western Australia
Minister knew controversial WA uranium mine approval could lead to extinction of species
When former Environment Minister Melissa Price approved a uranium mine in Western Australia the day before the federal election was called, she chose to set weak environmental conditions for the project despite knowing that decision could result in subterranean species going extinct.
W.A. residential solar PPA trial a big hit with home buyers
An Australia-first housing development trial offering drastically reduced daytime power costs through a residential solar PPA has seen 90% uptake from new home buyers.
Sustainability
Putin admits Russian submarine hit by deadly fire was nuclear-powered
For the first time, Russian President Vladimir Putin discloses that the military submarine that caught fire this week, killing 14 sailors, was indeed nuclear-powered, prompting his defence minister to assure him that its nuclear reactor had been contained.
Floating nuclear power plant will be key element on Northern Sea Route, says Rosatom
The Akademik Lomonosov has been officially handed over to the Russian state nuclear power company.
One thing you can do: Beat the heat efficiently
How do you win the battle against summer heat in a sustainable way?
How the world’s biggest businesses are fighting climate change
Big business is often accused of fuelling climate change. These five examples show it can also be part of the solution.
World’s largest single solar project now operational in Abu Dhabi
Mammoth 1.17 GW Noor Abu Dhabi solar park, claimed as the world’s largest single solar project – and one of the cheapest – has entered commercial operation.
Flying has an impact on the climate and everyone should use planes responsibly — that’s what even airlines say now. “Flight shaming” is making a difference.
China wrestles with the toxic aftermath of rare earth mining
China has been a major source of rare earth metals used in high-tech products, from smartphones to wind turbines. As cleanup of these mining sites begins, experts argue that global companies that have benefited from access to these metals should help foot the bill.
Walking and cycling to work makes commuters happier and more productive
Liang Ma and Runing Ye
In Australia, more than 9 million people commute to work every weekday. The distance they travel and how they get there – car, public transport, cycling or walking – can influence their well-being and performance at work.
Nature Conservation
Wide Sargasso seaweed: 5,500-mile algae belt keeps on growing
‘Great Atlantic Sargassum Belt’ now appears almost every year, forming largest record bloom
UNESCO gives Canada new deadline to preserve Wood Buffalo National Park
UNESCO praised Canada for measures it has taken to stop the deterioration of Wood Buffalo National Park but has expressed concern about impacts piling up from hydro development in British Columbia and dozens of oilsands projects in Alberta.
Vast swaths of lost tropical forest can still be brought back to life
A new study has once again emphasized the importance of restoring degraded tropical forests in the fight against climate change.
Zambia halts plans to dam the Luangwa River
More than 200,000 people had signed a petition calling for the legal protection of the river.