Date: 6 December 2020 at 8:02:07 am AEDT
To: undisclosed-recipients:;
Subject: Daily Links Dec 6
Post of the Day
Green energy transition: Early and steady wins the race
Researchers from Aarhus University and Karlsruhe Institute of Technology have modelled the decarbonisation of the sector-coupled European energy system using uninterrupted high-res hourly data for every European and Scandinavian country and network interconnectivity. The research has now been published in Nature Communications and the results are clear: To reach climate-neutrality by 2050 we need solar energy. And lots of it.
On This Day
Climate Change
Denmark will end oil and gas exploration in the North Sea, in a shift away from fossil fuels by 2050
The Nordic country has one of the world’s most ambitious climate targets of reducing emissions by 70 per cent by 2030 and being climate neutral in 2050.
National
Turnbull welcomes plan to ditch carryover carbon credits but warns Australia still a ‘laggard’
Former prime minister Malcolm Turnbull said ruling out the use of past credits to meet a future goal would be “a welcome move if that transpires” but he questioned whether it would be enough.
Alpine bushfire rehabilitation efforts in ACT, NSW and Victoria receive $8m federal boost
The federal government will spend $8 million on long-term recovery and rehabilitation efforts in fragile alpine ecosystems, including efforts to limit the impact of hard-hooved animals after last summer’s bushfires.
Australian thermal coal exports rebound: Update
Australia’s thermal coal exports rebounded in October from a weak September, driven by increased shipments to China, strong buying from India and deliveries to South Korea.
New South Wales
Environmental outlook for Blue Mountains downgraded due to fires, dam wall plans
The downgrade, one of four declared last week for Australian World Heritage sites including the Great Barrier Reef, followed “devastating” blazes that affected 71 per cent of the Blue Mountains.
Demand drop closes coal mine as neighbour seeks approval to expand
The future of the two main coal mines digging under Sydney’s water catchment hangs in the balance with one closing for two months because of weak demand and the other seeking approval to expand.
Cane toad invades Coogee – and that was before they opened the Queensland border
Helen Pitt
Watch out NSW, the border openings don’t just mean an influx of human Queenslanders.
ACT
Can the Greens really ‘build a better normal’? [$]
Daniella White
The ACT Greens came into the 2020 election with some bold promises.
Queensland
From zero to hero: Where is Queensland’s climate plan?
The United Nations wants it. Our key trading partners and industries are doing it. Even New South Wales has a plan for it. So where is the Queensland Government on achieving net zero emissions by 2050?
‘Absolute tragedy’: New warning issued as Fraser Island blaze worsens
“People in the vicinity of Eli Creek, Yidney Rocks, The Oakes and Poyungan Valley should stay informed as the fire continues to burn in inaccessible terrain,” the alert said.
Plans for ‘once-in-generation’ mega park revealed [$]
The final vision to turn Victoria Park golf course into Brisbane’s own Central Park has been unveiled by council after months of consultation.
Someone must answer for Fraser Island disaster [$]
Courier Mail editorial
Fraser Island is a global treasure and those who have contributed to the damage caused by the massive ongoing blaze should be brought to account.
South Australia
Adelaide conservation park badly damaged by overnight fire
Seventy-five firefighters bring a blaze in the city’s south under control within an hour, as other fires cause damage in the inner-north and on Kangaroo Island.
Surge in cycling fines ‘beggars belief’
Cycling fines have surged since new laws gave riders more freedoms, and two offences in particular have bewildered police.
Tasmania
Hopes raised in search for elusive tiger [$]
Recent discoveries have fuelled the hopes of those desperate to prove Tasmania’s thylacine still exists “in the perfect hiding place”.
Western Australia
Margaret River council to vote on push to rezone land out from under $70m beachside hotel
Staff at the Shire of Augusta Margaret River have recommended the council not approve a community-led planning change to rezone land to stop new developments.
Sustainability
Investing in a greener, fairer economy will strengthen recovery from COVID-19 crisis
Poland has suffered milder economic losses from COVID-19 than many other countries, yet the crisis still risks aggravating inequalities and reversing gains in living standards. Focusing reforms and investment on building a greener and more inclusive economy with better quality jobs will help to secure a strong and sustainable recovery, according to a new OECD report.
No more lip service: ethical fashion and ‘the true cost of clothes’
Experts say that commitments aren’t enough and brands need to match their words with actions
Mass incarceration results in significant increases in industrial emissions, study finds
Mass incarceration is as much an environmental problem as it is a social one, according to a new Portland State University study that finds increases in incarceration are significantly associated with increases in industrial emissions.
Mining giant Glencore lays out climate plan as CEO retires
The term net zero means Glencore will only emit as much carbon dioxide and other planet-warming gases as can be absorbed again through technological and natural means
Green energy transition: Early and steady wins the race
Researchers from Aarhus University and Karlsruhe Institute of Technology have modelled the decarbonisation of the sector-coupled European energy system using uninterrupted high-res hourly data for every European and Scandinavian country and network interconnectivity. The research has now been published in Nature Communications and the results are clear: To reach climate-neutrality by 2050 we need solar energy. And lots of it.
China turns on nuclear-powered ‘artificial sun’
The HL-2M Tokamak reactor is China’s largest and most advanced nuclear fusion experimental research device, and scientists hope that the device can potentially unlock a powerful clean energy source.
Floating wind power capacity to grow 2,000-fold by 2050: Report
It added that floating wind would contribute 2 per cent of the world’s power supply by 2050 and more than 20 per cent of the offshore wind market
Feeling pressured to buy Christmas presents? Read this (and think twice before buying candles)
Gary Mortimer and Jana Bowden
Christmas marks a peak in consumerism across the West. Despite the COVID downturn, this Christmas the spending frenzy is unlikely to be dampened.
Tree lifespan decline in forests could neutralize part of rise in net carbon uptake
Study by Brazilian researchers reported in Nature Communications shows that trees are growing faster in forests worldwide, including the Amazon, but their lives are getting shorter
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