Post of the Day
The simple fact that makes my 20 years of climate activism seem a colossal failure
Tim Flannery
The new and carefully planned rebellion by the young generation forces us earlier generations of climate activists to re-examine our strategy. So should we all become climate rebels?
Today’s Celebration
Prince’s Day – Netherlands
National Heroes’ Day – Angola
Birthday of Crown Prince Tupoutoʻa ʻUlukalala – Tonga
Constitution Day (Citizenship Day) – USA
Operation Market Garden Anniversary – Netherlands
Sybirak’s Day – Poland
Marathwada Liberation Day – Maharashtra
Melilla Day – Spain
International Country Music Day
Climate Change
Communities unite to halt government nuclear push
More than 50 community groups have warned the federal government that nuclear energy has no role to play in Australia’s energy future as public submissions to a federal inquiry into nuclear power close.
‘Like a sunburn on your lungs’: how does the climate crisis impact health?
Children, pregnant women and the elderly are the most at risk from extreme weather and heat – but the impact is already felt across every specialty of medicine
Effects of climate change on Jordan
BBC Arabic’s Rami Ruhayem has been to Jordan – an already arid country – to see how climate change is affecting it.
Plan to ban ivory and rhino horn sales could be undermined by exemptions, activists warn
Conservationists warn any exemptions from a proposed ban on the domestic trade of ivory and rhino horn will undermine the spirit of the policy, as there are limited resources to enforce the prohibition.
Can the rest of the world save itself from climate breakdown without the US?
With Trump expected to skip the UN climate summit, the question will be: what’s possible if the most powerful nation is pulling away from action?
We need more realistic experiments on the impact of climate change on ecosystems
When it comes to the impact of climate change on ecosystems, we still have large knowledge gaps. Most experiments are unrealistic because they do not correspond to projected climate scenarios for a specific region. Thus, we lack reliable data on what ecosystems might look like in the future, as a team of biodiversity researchers show.
How terrorists leverage climate change
In the era of climate change, the wall between the natural hazards and terrorism is crumbling.
How does climate change affect agriculture in our region?
We can live off the land – until we can’t. Climate change is fundamentally changing the way farmers produce food, right down to the soil itself.
UK will see four heatwaves a year and twice as many flash floods by 2070s, Met Office predicts
The UK will experience increasingly extreme weather by the 2070s, including four heatwaves a year and almost twice the amount of current flash flooding, according to new data from the Met Office.
Atlantic Ocean may get a jump-start from the other side of the world
A key question for climate scientists in recent years has been whether the Atlantic Ocean’s main circulation system is slowing down, a development that could have dramatic consequences for Europe and other parts of the Atlantic rim. But a new study suggests help may be on the way from an unexpected source — the Indian Ocean.
Climate signature identified in rivers globally
For decades geoscientists have been trying to detect the influence of climate on the formation of rivers, but up to now there has been no systematic evidence. A new study discovers a clear climatic signature on rivers globally that challenges existing theories
Climate change expected to accelerate spread of sometimes-fatal fungal infection
Valley fever is endemic to hot and dry regions like the southwestern United States and California’s San Joaquin Valley, but a new study predicts climate change will cause the fungal infection’s range to more than double in size this century, reaching previously unaffected areas across the western U.S.
Climate change is the defining issue of our time – we’re giving it the attention it deserves
Nicole Hasham
The Conversation is committed to delivering responsible, evidence-based journalism that helps readers understand the world’s most pressing issues.
Five climate change science misconceptions – debunked
Mark Maslin
Misinformation and lies are regularly used to undermine the science of climate change – here’s how to see through the fog.
Why carbon dioxide has such outsized influence on Earth’s climate
Jason West
I am often asked how carbon dioxide can have an important effect on global climate when its concentration is so small – just 0.041% of Earth’s atmosphere. And human activities are responsible for just 32% of that amount.
Caroline Hickman
Eco-anxiety is likely to affect more and more people as the climate destabilises. Already, studies have found that 45% of children suffer lasting depression after surviving extreme weather and natural disasters. Some of that emotional turmoil must stem from confusion – why aren’t adults doing more to stop climate change?
Despite the hype, politicians are going cold on climate [$]
Graham Lloyd
This month was supposed to be the one in which a global push for higher political ambition on climate change took flight.
The simple fact that makes my 20 years of climate activism seem a colossal failure
Tim Flannery
The new and carefully planned rebellion by the young generation forces us earlier generations of climate activists to re-examine our strategy. So should we all become climate rebels?
Mad as hell, and not prepared to take it any more
Peter Boyer
Friday’s Global Climate Strike is a chance to shake the complacency of leaders and governments who refuse to take climate change seriously
National
ACCC repeats call to scrap solar rebate as Taylor re-heats “big stick” policy
ACCC again argues for the early abolition of a solar rebate, while Angus Taylor re-heats ‘big stick’ energy legislation.
Frogs blocking dam construction: Deputy PM
Australia’s Deputy Prime Minister has come out swinging against environmental impact studies getting in the way of building dams and major projects.
Fijian prime minister calls on Australia to be ‘far more ambitious’ on climate
Frank Bainimarama wants the two countries to ‘unite behind the science’ of limiting global heating to 1.5C
Coalition backbenchers sign off on ‘big stick’ energy laws but fear amendments
Some Liberals are concerned about the power to break up big companies being extended economy-wide
Nationals MPs snub launch of farming group’s climate change report
Australia’s agricultural production will fall and food insecurity will rise without a climate strategy, report warns
Dam construction not meeting population growth [$]
Australia can hold 25 per cent less water per person now than two decades ago as population growth outstrips new dam construction, prompting fears of a storage crisis.
Climate ‘freight train’ leaves CEOs no choice [$]
Atlassian co-founder Mike Cannon-Brookes has pushed back at government demands that business should stay away from so-called activist causes. “The economic impact of climate change is coming at us like a freight train,” he said.
Wong, Shorten stick to target [$]
Bill Shorten and Penny Wong have launched a staunch defence of Labor’s ambitious 2030 emissions reduction target.
This is what climate change looks like in Australia – in pictures
These images show the devastating effects of more frequent and severe weather events on the continent’s ecosystems and wildlife.
Setting only long term zero carbon targets is code for “we’re doing nothing now”
David Leitch
Zero carbon by 2050 is code for “ we aren’t going to do anything to decarbonise today”. And Labor should stick to its interim targets.
Sally Sherwen and Therésa Jones
Billions of bogong moths are setting out from Queensland, but not reaching Victoria. We need citizen scientists to help figure out where they’re ending up.
The shocking change that is forcing entire towns to shut down
Tony Matthews
What happens when climate change causes extreme events to become chronic, potentially rendering some communities unviable?
Morrison government’s big stick should be pointing at itself
Peter Hartcher
Australia is facing uncertain times with no energy policy or substantial plan for dealing with shocks like the attack on the Saudi refinery.
Greens’ challenge aptly described by Paddy Manning, but with no solutions in sight
Marc Hudson
Paddy Manning’s new book charts the challenges faced by the Greens (and greenies in general) with admirable clarity and detail.
It’s the National party annual conference – so rural! So woop woopesque!
First Dog on the Moon
Just because many of us use disastrous farming strategies doesn’t mean we shouldn’t be able to keep doing it. Those latte humpers don’t understand!
Victoria
New modelling exposed grid problems that forced solar farms to cut output
Modelling around a potential line trip led to concerns about system strength in western Victoria and led to severe curtailment of five big solar farms.
Metricon’s first energy saver display home has opened in south-east Melbourne
Metricon Homes has launched its first energy saver display home, which was developed in participation with our Zero Net Carbon Homes program. The new display home opened as part of Sustainable House Day yesterday, at Kaduna Park Estate in the south-east suburb of Officer.
Funding for Port of Apollo Bay
Colac Otway Shire Council has welcomed the State Government’s funding announcement of more than $1.35 million which will allow the dredging and other important upgrades of Apollo Bay Harbour.
Four key councils say case for North East Link not convincing
The planning by the authority behind the North East Link toll road has been so bad that it should be done over, four councils opposed to elements of the project say.
Dump costs land in taxpayers’ lap [$]
‘Mammoth’ work to remove a contaminated waste stockpile near Geelong is under way.
Bushfire threat leaves no room for complacency
Age editorial
There is a genuine risk that individually and as a community we underestimate the chances and over time forget the danger.
New South Wales
Lightning fears as 50 bushfires burn across NSW [$]
Emergency warnings have been issued for two out of control bushfires burning in northern NSW with fears a thunderstorm on Tuesday will bring dangerous lightning. In contrast, Sydney is preparing to be lashed by up to 40mm of rain.
ACT
ACT to phase out gas as it launches next stage to zero carbon strategy
The ACT government has unveiled the next phase of its strategy towards zero net emissions, saying it will look to phase out the use of gas, electrify all new government-owned buildings and support the further adoption of emissions-free transport options.
Predators take to the skies to remove Parliament House pests
Defecating ducks and chip-stealing magpies have prompted Federal Parliament House’s gardeners to bring in some predatory birds to scare them away.
Canberra businesses give staff day off to join climate strike
Canberra businesses will be leading the way at the local edition of the global climate strikes on Friday, as the Canberra Business Council backed them to speak up on social issues.
Car free days included in ACT’s Climate Change Strategy
The government will consider introducing car free days to parts of Canberra as it attempts to “Copenhagenise” the city.
Canberra acts ‘first’ in the climate emergency
Penny D Sackett
On Monday, the ACT government released its Climate Change Strategy 2019-2025, just a few months after declaring a climate emergency in May, the first Australian state or territory to do so. The document contains several more Australian “firsts,” reflecting the government’s desire to lead climate action. Is this new strategy needed, and what does it mean for Canberrans?
Queensland
Another solar farm starts up in Queensland as daytime prices stuck near zero
Another solar farm joins Queensland’s electricity grid as day-time wholesale prices remain at or below zero for lengthy periods.
Dry and gusty storms could spark new Queensland fires
Only a couple of millimetres of rain are expected to fall in storms forecast for Queensland’s Darling Downs this afternoon, but the BOM warns lightning and strong winds could ignite more fires.
Survival plan sprouts leafy lifeline for endangered myrtle
Logan City Council has taken steps to ensure the survival of an extremely rare local species of tree.
More than 5000 mining jobs needed in Queensland by 2024: report
The peak body for the mining industry has warned a skills shortage looms if the government does not boost training.
Why my coal miner father would applaud the Global Climate Strike
Brisbane Anglican Bishop John Roundhill reflects on what three generations of his family’s coal-mining forebears would think about climate change and the current state of the Earth.
RSPCA swayed $6m koala deal [$]
Graham Quirk has put responsibility for buying a treeless Brisbane block as a ‘koala corridor’ on an unnamed RSPCA officer.
Why we’ll soon be eating more farmed fish [$]
Queenslanders should expect to eat more farmed rather than wild fish in the coming years, a committee hearing into new fishing laws has heard.
New mine promising 1000 jobs [$]
A new Queensland coal mine tipped to create almost 1000 jobs will be officially opened today, and Premier Annastacia Palaszczuk couldn’t be happier.
South Australia
Mountain of net waste grows as fishing and recycling industries look for solutions
Ghost netting in South Australia’s pristine waters is causing a headache for the local council and the fishing, tourism, and recycling industries.
Reservoirs opening up — but you’ll need permit for fishing [$]
You will need a permit to fish in the state’s reservoirs as the State Government opens them up — but not for other activities, which will be free of red tape.
$13m wetlands plan to help fix dirty River Torrens [$]
The Torrens could look a whole lot healthier under a $13 million proposal for a series of wetlands along the waterway.
‘Don’t commercialise our parks with honeybees’ [$]
Forget fancy eco-lodges – debate about commercial interests taking over our national parks is now extending into the insect world.
Tasmania
Climate Tasmania hosts forums on proposed climate amendments
Climate Tasmania held a community meeting in Launceston on Monday, giving the public an insight into what legislation the group wants the state government to adopt to address global warming.
Ben Lomond could be more than winter destination
Under a striking blue sky, with people enjoying what is probably the last good dump of snow for the 2019 season, the prospect of Ben Lomond National Park as a tourism destination seems bright.
Outage repair remains on track, says Basslink [$]
Basslink is confident it will have the Bass Strait power cable back up and running on schedule.
Northern Territory
‘We walk with our heads high’: the women who care for country by fighting fire with fire
There’s no shortage of work for Australia’s Indigenous rangers – and no shortage of women who’d like to do it – but funding security is needed
Western Australia
Resurgent WA mining sector needs another 10,700 workers [$]
The ‘conservative’ estimate is based on 30 new projects entering production in the next four years and does not include the construction jobs needed to build the mines.
Australian first maps out significant Aboriginal places [$]
The release of the Gnarla Boodja Mili Mili, which means “our country on paper”, makes Perth the first city in Australia to map out significant Aboriginal places in its CBD.
Sustainability
$1m a minute: the farming subsidies destroying the world – report
‘Perverse’ payments must be redirected to measures such as capturing carbon, report says
New route to carbon-neutral fuels from carbon dioxide
A new way to convert carbon dioxide into the building block for sustainable liquid fuels was very efficient in tests and did not have the reaction that destroys the conventional device.
Combination of wood fibers and spider silk could rival plastic
The unique material outperforms most of today’s synthetic and natural materials by providing high strength and stiffness, combined with increased toughness.
Algae and bacteria team up to increase hydrogen production
A University of Cordoba research group combined algae and bacteria in order to produce biohydrogen, fuel of the future
How those researching adaptation to climate change might reduce their own carbon footprints
Scientists who work with communities most affected by climate change might find it hard to adjust their air-travel habits, but they can still make meaningful changes.
Are existing laws enough to cope with accelerating environmental change?
Do you think that major statutory reform is necessary address global environmental challenges? Think again. Newly published research published today in the Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences by a group of environmental law scholars explores the untapped capacity of existing environmental and natural resources management statutes to address accelerating environmental change in the absence of major legislative reform.
Scientists have developed organic solar cells optimized to convert ambient indoor light to electricity. The power they produce is low, but is probably enough to feed the millions of products that the internet of things will bring online.
Harnessing tomato jumping genes could help speed-breed drought-resistant crops
Once dismissed as ‘junk DNA’ that served no purpose, a family of ‘jumping genes’ found in tomatoes has the potential to accelerate crop breeding for traits such as improved drought resistance.
Reduce, reuse, recycle: The future of phosphorus
When Hennig Brandt discovered the element phosphorus in 1669, it was a mistake. He was really looking for gold. But his mistake was a very important scientific discovery. What Brandt couldn’t have realized was the importance of phosphorus to the future of farming.
California tops list of US states with the worst air pollution
The US ranks 10th worldwide when it comes to air quality. Within the US, California has the worst air pollution.
The oil industry vs. the electric car
Electric vehicles could make up nearly half the fleet of passenger cars and trucks by 2040. But oil and gas companies are striking back.
Keeping the city cool isn’t just about tree cover – it calls for a commons-based climate response
Abby Mellick Lopes and Cameron Tonkinwise
Trees and the shade they provide are one of the best ways of cooling cities. But they also present challenges that are best resolved by managing this shared resource as part of an urban commons.
Nature Conservation
Indonesia hoping for wet season to dampen forest fires as toxic haze spreads over neighbours
As bushfires rage across Australia and the Amazon, Indonesia’s neighbours are again complaining of transboundary haze from forest fires on the islands of Sumatra and Borneo.
A modelling tool to rapidly predict weed spread risk
A new statistical modelling tool will enable land management authorities to predict where invasive weed species are most likely to grow so they can find and eliminate plants before they have time to spread widely.
Study shows importance of tailoring treatments to clearly defined weed control objectives
A new study shows that working smarter, not harder, can lead to better control of invasive weeds. And the first step is to clearly define your weed control objectives.
New technology allows fleets to double fishing capacity — and deplete fish stocks faster
Technological advances are allowing commercial fishing fleets to double their fishing power every 35 years and put even more pressure on dwindling fish stocks, new research has found.
Hope for coral recovery may depend on good parenting
Scientists discover coral pass beneficial algal symbionts to offspring to help them cope with rising ocean temperatures. The process occurs during reproduction sans nuclear DNA. It’s the first time this has been observed.
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