Post of the Day
During COVID-19, nature has taught us what we need to do to help it
Jane Caro
We yearn to see our world clean and bright and bursting with a variety of life. Yet we humans weigh very heavily on the landscape.
On This Day
International Day of the Celebration of the Solstice
Ecological Observance
Arbor Day – Cuba
Coronavirus Watch
Confirmed cases: 7,436. Deaths: 102
What’s changing under Victoria’s tightened coronavirus restrictions?
Due to Victoria’s unfortunate coronavirus pandemic relapse, the state’s health authorities are tightening up restrictions again. Here’s what it means for you.
‘Wildly off-base’: how did Australia get its coronavirus modelling so wrong?
Although early coronavirus modelling was inaccurate, experts say it did make us see what could happen if we did nothing
COVID-19 affects adolescent and young adults sexual and reproductive health
Social distancing and limited access to contraceptive and abortion care during the COVID-19 pandemic is affecting the sexual and reproductive health of adolescents and young adults according to a new study. The researchers address how these challenges, as well as peer and romantic relationships, are being navigated.
Climate Change
‘Tipping point’: Greta Thunberg hails Black Lives Matter protests – video
Reflecting on the protests that have swept the globe in recent weeks, the Swedish climate activist told the BBC: ‘It feels like we have passed some kind of social tipping point where people are starting to realise that we cannot keep looking away from these things. We cannot keep sweeping these things under the carpet, these injustices.’
Climate crisis threatens future of global sport, says report
Study says heatwaves, fires and floods, and rising sea levels pose major threat over coming years
Why the Mediterranean is a climate change hotspot
MIT analysis uncovers the basis of the severe rainfall declines predicted by many models.
World has six months to avert climate crisis, says energy expert
International Energy Agency chief warns of need to prevent post-lockdown surge in emissions
Matching-commitment agreements to incentivize climate action
Many countries are failing to comply with the non-binding commitments of the Paris Agreement, making it increasingly clear that we have to reconsider how to ensure collective action to limit global warming to less than 2°C above preindustrial levels. A new IIASA-led study supports a different approach to designing an international climate agreement that would incentivize countries to cooperate.
MC Hammer puts into shocking focus our inaction on climate change
Michael Slezak
For thirty years we’ve completely failed to lower global emissions, despite the urging of top scientists. We don’t have the luxury of failing for another 30.
National
Chief scientist joins calls for Australia to dramatically boost energy efficiency
Alan Finkel calls saving electricity the ‘best form of generation’ as groups push for efficiency measures to lead economic recovery
Australia’s COVID-19 recovery must question our breakneck population growth
Hamish Burns
While some advocate for population growth, the COVID-19 shutdown has proven some benefits to curbing social expansion.
Victoria
Cops ‘pleased’ as Melbourne climate protesters avoid hefty coronavirus fines
Stopping traffic in short bursts and gathered in groups of no more than 20, only a few of the climate change protesters were fined.
Foreign ownership of Victorian water hits whopping high [$]
A shocking report has revealed just how much of our water is now owned by overseas interests, with China continuing to buy up to buy up precious Australian resources.
New South Wales
Fury over 850 CSG wells planned for NSW’s most fertile land [$]
A proposed $3 billion project to drill 850 coal seam gas wells between Narrabri and Gunnedah would be a “climate crisis” according to farmers in north west NSW, who hold grave fears for the future of livestock, cropping and human drinking water.
Queensland
Frecklington: ‘Don’t rip it up, let’s reuse it’ [$]
Mining companies are filling in dams that drought-stricken Queensland farmers desperately need, in a rehabilitation scheme the LNP calls “silly”.
Tasmania
How two decisions in Victoria could make the Tasmanian forest conflict worse
In the past six months, about 25 activists have been arrested for various protests in Tasmanian forests. Now, two forestry decisions in neighbouring Victoria are being closely watched for whether they’ll mean more conflict for the island state.
Northern Territory
Meet Vicki — she’s the early warning system for the health of Australia’s bees
Vicki Simlesa is quite simply the most important beekeeper in the Northern Territory.
Sustainability
Light pollution is bad for us and for wildlife. So what can we do to solve the problem?
Our love of light is keeping our neighbours awake — and not just the human ones. Just how bad is the problem, and what can we do to solve it?
Simulating wind farm development
Engineers have devised a model to describe how, in the process of establishing wind farms, interactions between developers and landowners affect energy production costs.
New system uses wind turbines to defend the US national grid from power cuts
A ‘smart’ system that controls the storage and release of energy from wind turbines will reduce the risk of power cuts and support the increase of wind energy use world-wide, say researchers.
The exhaust gas from a power plant can be recovered and used as a raw reaction material
Energy-saving CO2 capture technology with H2 gas is developed by integrating the CO2 separation and conversion process
Human activity on rivers outpaces, compounds effects of climate change
The livelihoods of millions of people living along the world’s biggest river systems are under threat by a range of stressors caused by the daily economic, societal and political activity of humans — in addition to the long-term effects of climate change, researchers report.
Like antibiotic-resistant bacteria, some herbicide-resistant weeds can’t be killed by available chemicals. The problem affects more than just the errant weed in our driveways; herbicide-resistant weeds threaten our food supply, stealing resources and outcompeting the crops that make up our breakfast cereal and feed the nation’s livestock.
Ancient societies hold lessons for modern cities
Today’s modern cities, from Denver to Dubai, could learn a thing or two from the ancient Pueblo communities that once stretched across the southwestern United States. For starters, the more people live together, the better the living standards.
Scientists unlock secrets of Ethiopia’s superfood in race to save it from warming climate
Teff, an ancient grain originally from Ethiopia, is a staple crop for 50 million people in the country. It is also increasingly popular worldwide, touted as a superfood for its gluten-free, high fiber and protein, and low-sugar properties. Yet dramatic temperature increases projected in Ethiopia by 2070, could force farmers to grow it only in mountainous areas at higher altitudes, driving down production.
Researchers make next-generation, high-toughness battery component
By combining a ceramic material with graphene, Brown University engineers have made what they say is the toughest solid electrolyte built to date.
Overconsumption and growth economy key drivers of environmental crises
If we want to mitigate and solve the many global environmental issues the world is facing, we can’t rely on technology alone, scientists have warned.
Centenarian study suggests living environment may be key to longevity
Where you live has a significant impact on the likelihood that you will reach centenarian age, suggests a new study conducted by scientists at Washington State University’s Elson S. Floyd College of Medicine. Published in the International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health and based on Washington State mortality data, the research team’s findings suggest that Washingtonians who live in highly walkable, mixed-age communities may be more likely to live to their 100th birthday.
Whale-watching boat noise found to disrupt mother and calf resting times
Researchers say as engine noise went up, humpback whale mothers’ breathing rate increased and they swam faster
Forest loss escalates biodiversity change
New international research reveals the far-reaching impacts of forest cover loss on global biodiversity.
Use of forests to offset carbon emissions requires an understanding of the risks
Given the tremendous ability of forests to absorb carbon dioxide from the atmosphere, some governments are counting on planted forests as offsets for greenhouse gas emissions — a sort of climate investment. But as with any investment, it’s important to understand the risks. If a forest goes bust, researchers say, much of that stored carbon could go up in smoke.
During COVID-19, nature has taught us what we need to do to help it
Jane Caro
We yearn to see our world clean and bright and bursting with a variety of life. Yet we humans weigh very heavily on the landscape.
Maelor Himbury
6 Florence St Niddrie 3042
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