Daily Links Mar 30

Post of the Day

A major scorecard gives the health of Australia’s environment less than 1 out of 10

Albert Van Dijk et al

The report reveals the worst environmental conditions in many decades, if not centuries.

On This Day

Mar 30

Ecological Observance

Take A Walk In The Park Day

Coronavirus Watch

Confirmed cases: 3,980. Deaths: 16

Morrison just announced the two-person rule. What does it actually mean?

Scott Morrison’s announcement limiting gatherings to two people represents the most drastic social measures employed by the Federal Government. Here’s what it means for you.

National

‘Probably the worst year in a century’: the environmental toll of 2019

The annual Australia’s Environment report finds last year’s heat and drought caused unprecedented damage

NSW looks at new ways to tax electric cars

NSW Treasury officials are investigating ways to tax electric cars, to ensure “wealthy people” contribute to the upkeep of the state’s roads.

For public transport to keep running, operators must find ways to outlast coronavirus

Yale Z Wong

Many operators have lost almost all their fare revenue. Even those who operate on contract terms that reduce the impact of falling patronage must bear the costs of disinfection and other precautions.

Victoria

Spider crabs are marching into the bay, and divers want a fishing ban

If you peer into the waters of Port Phillip Bay near Blairgowrie and Rye, holiday towns on the fringes of Melbourne, you might see dark shapes trundling across the sandy sea floor.

New South Wales

Everyone is buying rice — so why is Australia’s biggest rice company struggling?

Panic buying is adding to the pressure on rice supplies at a time when drought and water reform have led to one of the smallest crops in the industry’s 70-year history in Australia.

Coal mining allowed under Sydney water reservoir for first time in 20 years

The Berejiklian government has given the nod for the extension of coal mining under one of Greater Sydney’s reservoirs, the first such approval in two decades.

Northern Territory

Darwin council plants seeds of dangerous tree management plan [$]

More than two years after Cyclone Marcus uprooted Darwin, the city council is continuing to restore and protect the city from dangerous trees.

Sustainability

Lights off for Earth Hour as virus cuts global carbon emissions

Despite coronavirus restrictions, Earth Hour has taken place across the world, starting from New Zealand, followed by Fiji and Australia, with lights switched off on famous buildings and regular homes to boost awareness of climate change.

The world before this coronavirus and after cannot be the same

Ian Goldin and Robert Muggah

The consequences will be far more severe and long lasting in poorer countries.

Coronavirus: what’s bad for us is ‘fantastic’ for planet [$]

Graham Lloyd

The COVID-19 pandemic has given the world a living example of what would happen if the hardline demands of climate-change activists were met.

Nature Conservation

UK wildlife enjoys humans’ lockdown but concerns raised over conservation

Animals are getting some peace and people are reconnecting with nature, but wildlife crimes may be going unnoticed

Whales face more fatal ship collisions as waters warm

North Atlantic right whales on the east coast and giant blue whales on the west coast of the United States, have been affected by warming ocean temperatures, researchers say.