Post of the Day
We now treat half the world’s wastewater – and we can make inroads into the other half
Water treatment rates vary drastically across the world, and are especially low in many developing countries, challenges further compounded by rapid population growth and industrialization.
On This Day
Magha Puja – Buddhism
Purim – Judaism
Climate Change
Freshwater outflow from Beaufort Sea could alter global climate patterns
The Beaufort Sea, the Arctic Ocean’s largest freshwater reservoir, has increased its freshwater content by 40 percent over the last two decades, putting global climate patterns at risk.
Scientists say climate change will continue to drive disease outbreaks
When animals are displaced by deforestation and global warming, that often puts them and the diseases they carry in proximity to humans.
Getting ahead of climate change
In “Perspectives on flood forecast-based early action and opportunities for Earth observations,” Claire Nauman et al. focus on flood forecasts and identify opportunities to incorporate Earth observation data into flood forecast-based early action.
Climate change-driven snowmelt in Alps triggers abrupt seasonal change
Spring snowmelt in the Alps is occurring earlier in the year due to climate change and as a result triggering abrupt deviations in mountain ecosystems. These changes could negatively affect the functioning of these valuable ecosystems.
Hitting net zero by 2050 could add $1 trillion to the U.S. economy
The upfront investments in a clean economy will reap enormous economic rewards in the future.
Swiss lakes at risk to climate change
Climate change could leave some Swiss lakes with higher amounts of algae and toxic cyanobacteria, according to a recent study by the Swiss Federal Institute of Aquatic Science and Technology (Eawag).
What motivates natural resource policymakers in Africa to take action on climate change?
In East Africa, natural resource managers have been slow to use climate information services, partly because they are difficult to understand and may not feel relevant for their local planning purposes. A new study published by the journal Risk Analysis suggests that one way to encourage policymakers in East Africa to use climate services more often is to appeal to the motivational factors that influence their professional actions on climate change.
Modi warns against dangers of climate change, says disaster- resilient infra need of the hour
The Indian prime minister referred to the global Coalition for Disaster Resilient Infrastructure (CDRI), which he announced at the UN Climate Action Summit in 2019
Is Bill Gates’s climate-change book worth reading? [$]
The billionaire philanthropist has thrown his wealth at some of the world’s most intractable problems, drawing both praise and criticism along the way. His approach to tackling the climate crisis is no different.
National
Coal giant AGL again tops list of Australia’s biggest emitters
Coal generators and oil and gas producers dominate latest list of Australia’s largest emitters.
Renewable heating and cooling: Climate Group responds to IRENA paper
Business has a huge opportunity to drive innovative solutions on renewable heating and cooling, and must be supported by ambitious government policy, the Climate Group says today.
Aussie tech leaders launch climate network
Leaders from technology companies including Expert360, Xero and Marley Spoon have banded together to give advice and money to start-ups looking to reduce their carbon footprint.
Australian scientists warn urgent action needed to save 19 ‘collapsing’ ecosystems
A ‘confronting and sobering’ report details degradation of coral reefs, outback deserts, tropical savanna, Murray-Darling waterways, mangroves and forests
Morrison government’s new environment commissioner ‘toothless’, conservation groups say
Proposal criticised for not allowing the auditing of individual decisions about developments or the environment
Renewable energy listed for first time as one of Australia’s top infrastructure priorities
Australia should prioritise large-scale renewable energy options to replace ageing thermal generators, infrastructure body says
Australia’s emissions hit lowest level since 1995 despite spike from recovering economy
Australia’s greenhouse gas emissions dropped to the lowest levels in the country since 1995, falling 4.4 per cent on the previous year.
The electricity grid will require “significant investments” in dispatchable energy storage to support a transition to net zero emissions by 2050 or risk major power outages, the nation’s independent infrastructure adviser has warned.
Popular brands’ dismal recycling result
A new survey has found some of Australia’s most popular supermarket items cannot be recycled using your regular kerbside bins.
ALP concerned by push to boost ACNC enforcement powers
But the Morrison government denies it is increasing the scope of the commissioner’s powers
Game, set, match: calling time on climate inaction
Climate Council
In towns and cities and in rural and regional areas across Australia, sport is the social fabric of communities, nurturing social networks and forging long-lasting friendships. Climate change – driven mainly by burning fossil fuels and land clearing – is worsening extreme weather in Australia, playing havoc with both elite and grassroots-level sport.
Legislation banning nuclear power in Australia should be retained
Jim Green
Murdoch papers and Murdoch’s Sky News have ramped up their campaign to have nuclear laws repealed, and far-right Coalition MPs and former MPs are along for the ride.
‘Existential threat to our survival’: see the 19 Australian ecosystems already collapsing
Dana M Bergstrom et al
In 1992, 1,700 scientists warned that human beings and the natural world were “on a collision course”. Seventeen years later, scientists described planetary boundaries within which humans and other life could have a “safe space to operate”. These are environmental thresholds, such as the amount of carbon dioxide in the atmosphere and changes in land use.
Pushing back: The role of charities in strengthening our democracy
David Crosbie
If proposed amendments to the powers of the ACNC are passed by the Parliament, there would be major consequences – it’s not going to make our government stronger.
Pierre Wiart
As climate change causes an increase in frequency and severity of natural disasters such as bushfires and floods, forward-thinking Australian businesses will put climate-related risk management at the top of their agendas.
Victoria
Neoen lands $160 million in CEFC finance for Australia’s biggest battery
Neoen lands $160 million in finance from CEFC to fund the Victoria Big Battery, which will be the biggest in Australia.
Why Melbourne’s summer was colder than usual [$]
Melbourne has shivered through its coldest summer in 19 years, and climate change may be to blame.
New South Wales
NSW Roads Minister ordered every tree near a highway be cleared after Black Summer bushfires
Andrew Constance ordered his top public servant to clear millions of trees along every highway in NSW even though the agency said it had no authority to do so, budget estimates is told.
Former NSW transport secretary Rodd Staples refused orders to clear trees before sacking
Transport for NSW secretary Rodd Staples rejected demands from Transport Minister Andrew Constance to clear “millions” of trees along state highways shortly before he was sacked for “no stated reason” and given a six-figure payout.
Water and jobs flow in treatment plant development
A much-needed boost for local jobs is on the horizon with plans for a purpose-built operations depot and water treatment plant progressing well in Bega.
NSW Government accused of replicating destruction of Aboriginal heritage sites
The NSW government has approved more than 400 applications to harm or interfere with Aboriginal heritage sites over the past five years, including 84 applications since last year.
‘World of hurt’: Toxic blooms take over Lower Darling River as dam debate ramps up
A red-alert for toxic cyanobacterial blooms has been issued for almost the entire Lower Darling River, with fears another big fish kill is imminent without significant new flows.
ACT
End of the line: How Canberra’s political parties learned to love the light rail
Markus Mannheim
The Commonwealth has thrown a “significant” amount of money at the tram in Canberra — and says more will come — as all former opponents declare their support for the network.
Queensland
China pulls the plug on Australia’s biggest live reef fish exporter
Queensland’s multi-million-dollar coral trout fishery is in jeopardy after the country’s biggest live-fish exporter fails to have its export licence renewed in China.
Planting sites help grow green canopy
City of Logan continues to strengthen its green credentials with a decision to protect two Council-owned reserves and utilise them for tree planting.
Exotic snakes smuggled into Queensland ‘pose risk to human life’
Four exotic snakes smuggled into Queensland have been seized by biosecurity officers and euthanised.
Scientist abuzz as bee thought ‘extinct’ for 100 years lands near him
A rare Australian native bee had not been sighted for nearly 100 years until one landed in front of the researcher looking for them.
Greens accused of exploiting Indigenous
A heated dispute over Indigenous land escalated again on Thursday in a bitter war of words between the Greens and Labor in the Queensland parliament.
Infrastructure goodies: Regions set to move ahead of the pack
Brisbane Olympics or not, when it comes to infrastructure investment the Morrison Government’s immediate attention will be fixed on delivering gold, gold, gold for the regions.
State owned generators among Australia’s worst polluters
The State Government-owned Stanwell Corp and CS Energy were again among the top greenhouse polluters in Australia last year.
Queensland needs bigger renewable energy network, infrastructure agency says
Infrastructure Australia, the government’s adviser on major projects, says the country needs far more wind, solar and hydro projects to safeguard the nation’s future energy needs.
Coral farm wants to give back to the Great Barrier Reef
A company investigating spawning coral on a commercial scale has the ultimate aim of helping to restore the Great Barrier Reef.
Farmers west of Brisbane are pushed to the brink by a “green drought”, but are doing all they can to survive as Moogerah Dam levels drop to just 13 per cent — as low as they were in the Millennium drought.
South Australia
Fruit bats cause 25 power outages in Adelaide’s north-east
A growing colony of grey-headed flying foxes are causing increasing numbers of power outages in Adelaide, with 25 outages reported in recent weeks linked to the animals getting caught up in powerlines.
Bushfire rules change, fines for increase [$]
Rules around using ‘hot tools’ on fire danger days will change, and fines for breaking the rules will rise.
Against the odds, South Australia is a renewable energy powerhouse. How on Earth did they do it?
Michael McGreevy and Fran Baum
Less than two decades ago, South Australia generated all its electricity from fossil fuels. Last year, renewables provided a whopping 60% of the state’s electricity supply. The remarkable progress came as national climate policy was gripped by paralysis – so how did it happen?
They have let it come: now build it
Sean Edwards
An Eyre Peninsula community’s decision to host a national nuclear waste repository should be respected.
Cruel choice: Lead makes kids sick, but gives adults jobs [$]
Tory Shepherd
The people of Port Pirie are faced with a wicked choice: lead from the smelter is poisoning their children, but it is also giving adults a job.
Tasmania
‘Complete abuse of power’: Aboriginal community outraged over government control of sacred cave
It is not open to the public and photos of it are banned in order to protect it — and despite Tasmania’s Aboriginal community owning the sacred cave Wargata Mina, they say Tasmanian Government staffers have been flying in by helicopter to visit without permission.
Port projects win priority status [$]
Two of Tasmania’s main ports are in need of major and urgent upgrades to help the state meet its export and tourism potential.
‘Money can’t bring back water’: Native title holders vow to fight bid for massive desert water permit
A plan to extract 40,000 megalitres of water annually for a fruit and vegetable farm in arid Central Australia hits a hurdle, with native traditional owners and locals vowing to challenge the application.
No more royalty discounts for NT miners under new laws [$]
Mining companies in the Northern Territory won’t be able to get a discount on their royalties bills by deducting the amount they’ve paid in security fees, under new laws
Kamaljit K Sangha et al
Northern Australia is by far the most fire-prone region of Australia, with enormous bushfires occurring annually across thousands of square kilometres. Many of these vast, flammable landscapes have precious few barriers to slow down a fire. Infrastructure and resources are limited, and people are widely dispersed across the region.
Western Australia
Iron ore spill turns popular creek red, alarming residents
Residents in the East Kimberley community of Doon Doon raise the alarm after a popular creek for swimming and fishing turns red from an iron ore spill.
Fortescue Metals should be prosecuted over Pilbara breach, traditional owners say
Wintawari Guruma Aboriginal corporation claims mining giant has been ‘negligent’ and ‘lazy’
Sustainability
Weakness is strength for this low-temperature battery
Nanoengineers at the University of California San Diego have discovered new fundamental insights for developing lithium metal batteries that perform well at ultra-low temperatures; mainly, that the weaker the electrolyte holds on to lithium ions, the better. By using such a weakly binding electrolyte, the researchers developed a lithium metal battery that can be repeatedly recharged at temperatures as low as -60 degrees Celsius–a first in the field.
A third of all food in the U.S. gets wasted. Fixing that could help fight climate change.
The carbon footprint of food waste is greater than that of the airline industry
Can harvesting rare earth elements solve the coal ash crisis?
Over 3 billion tons of coal ash occupy more than 1,400 sites across the US.
Scientists call for rigorous analysis of under-tested chemicals used to make buildings “green”.
We now treat half the world’s wastewater – and we can make inroads into the other half
Water treatment rates vary drastically across the world, and are especially low in many developing countries, challenges further compounded by rapid population growth and industrialization.
COVID isn’t the only reason we should push for more investment in air
The bad air from roads has a detrimental effect on people living near them. But it can be easily fixed with air filters.
Do house plants clean the air? Scientists debunk the NASA-endorsed myth
Plants do have air-cleaning qualities and absorb chemicals such as carbon dioxide through their leaves. However, while that is true, researchers at Drexel University in Philadelphia, US, have found that house plants don’t actually improve air quality by any great measure.
The origins of environmental justice—and why it’s finally getting the attention it deserves
Decades of research show that Black and brown communities are on the front lines of environmental harms. Can those longstanding injustices be remedied?
Companies say they care about the climate. Their actions fall short
Many big businesses have not set targets for reducing greenhouse gas emissions. Others have weak goals.
How the clean energy revolution can tackle the human rights challenge
Ketan Joshi
A clean powered world will be better than a fossil fuelled one, but there’s still room for improvement in the human rights space.
Fiercer, more frequent fires may reduce carbon capture by forests
Global study shows blazes diminish forest density and tree size, making woods likely to sequester less carbon
Black-browed babbler found in Borneo 180 years after last sighting
Stuffed specimen was only proof of bird’s existence until discovery in rainforest last year
German forest decline hits record levels
Bark beetles are the main driver of spruce tree deaths in the country. But this was exacerbated by a dry summer.
How one community—and one woman in particular—have found a way to protect the rarest stork in the world simply by learning to appreciate the species and embracing it as one of their own.
Is ecosystem restoration our last/best hope for a sustainable future? – podcast
On today’s episode of the Mongabay Newscast, we take a look at the growing movement to restore degraded ecosystems worldwide.
Population of critically endangered Bahama Oriole is much larger than previously thought
New studies suggest there are at least 10 times as many Bahama Orioles as previously believed.
We’re killing those tropical trees we’re counting on to absorb carbon dioxide
A pair of recent studies show that rising temperatures are shortening the lives of trees in tropical forests and reducing their capacity to absorb carbon dioxide from the atmosphere.
Brazil has weakened dozens of environmental laws during the pandemic
Since President Jair Bolsonaro took office in January 2019, Brazil has approved 57 pieces of legislation that weaken environmental laws, from relaxing forest protections to declassifying the toxicity of dozens of pesticides, according to a new analysis.
How ‘tiger farms’ have turned a wild animal into a species worth more dead than alive
Simon Evans
Tigers could once be found across much of Asia, from eastern Turkey to Siberia and Indonesia. Today, they are reduced to living in just 6% of their former range. In many of these areas tigers are no longer even valued as free-ranging wild animals, but merely as products for financial profit, worth more dead than alive.
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