Post of the Day
Opponents of geoengineering misunderstand humanity’s choices
Sam Bleicher
Without some kind of prompt geoengineering action, climate change will accelerate the damage we are already seeing.
On This Day
Climate Change
Radio listening habits to boost climate action in Southern Africa
The ongoing COVID-19 pandemic has made the importance of radio in sub-Saharan Africa particularly clear.
World Bank vows to keep board apprised of climate action progress
The World Bank on Tuesday agreed to boost its spending on climate change to 35% from 28% and to provide annual progress reports to its board after its draft climate change action plan came under fire for lacking a clear implementation strategy.
Asymmetry in CO2 emissions and removals could skew climate targets: SFU research
“CO2 emissions are more effective at raising atmospheric CO2 concentration than CO2 removals are at lowering it,” says Kirsten Zickfeld, a distinguished professor of climate science in SFU’s Department of Geography and lead author of a new paper published this week in the journal Nature Climate Change.
Opponents of geoengineering misunderstand humanity’s choices
Sam Bleicher
Without some kind of prompt geoengineering action, climate change will accelerate the damage we are already seeing.
National
Wet winter and spring tipped for much of Australia thanks to climate phenomenon brewing off WA
A heavy band of cloud is producing unusual, out-of-season rain over parts of WA’s north — and forecasters say the climatic driver behind the phenomenon may just be getting started.
Australian farmers line up to demand action on climate change
Hundreds of Australian farmers have called on Australia’s new Deputy Prime Minister Barnaby Joyce to make serious moves on climate change, saying the cost of doing nothing has already hit hard in their communities.
Nationals plan to pay farmers to cut emissions in deal on net zero
Farmers will get a chance to be paid to help to cut greenhouse gas emissions in a Nationals proposal that opens the way for a climate change deal under new leader Barnaby Joyce.
Survey reveals Australians are worried about the transition from coal power
70% of households feel they are getting value for money for their electricity, but many are not confident about the end of coal, Energy Consumers Australia finds
Fork in the electric-cars tax road [$]
Victoria went early with electric vehicle road user charges, which kick in from the end of the month, but other states are following suit.
Morrison ministers lay groundwork for nuclear energy election plan [$]
The option of taking a proposal for nuclear power in Australia to the next election has been considered in cabinet-level discussions as pressure grows within the Morrison government to prepare for a nuclear energy industry.
‘Time our mob got repaid’: Nationals could support net zero by 2050 but only if price is right
David Littleproud says Nationals ‘not going to trade ourselves away until we can see the detail and see what we can get’
‘Alarm bells’: Concerns as government plans to streamline mining approvals
If the bills pass the Senate, it would mean the federal government could cut down the red tape for approvals for mining projects.
Federal government seeks input on proposed hydrogen “guarantee of origin” scheme
The Morrison government has called for feedback on new “guarantee of origin” certification scheme to track hydrogen production.
Net zero by 2050? Even if Scott Morrison gets the Nationals on board, hold the applause
Peter Christoff
Resurrected Nationals leader Barnaby Joyce is back in the saddle, facing backwards. His determination to prevent the Morrison government from adopting a target of net-zero greenhouse emissions by 2050 will again delay the renovation of Australia’s climate policy.
No Barnaby, 2050 isn’t far away. Next week’s intergenerational report deals with 2061
Peter Martin
Barnaby Joyce has an answer to those who say Australia should commit to net zero carbon emissions by 2050. He says 2050 is too far away to be sure of anything.
As Barnaby Joyce unleashes a new strain of climate denial, can Labor plug the credibility gap?
Peter Lewis
While Morrison focuses on his noisy right flank, the ALP can establish its credentials as part of the global consensus
Senate knocks out regulation allowing ARENA to fund carbon capture and blue hydrogen
Michelle Grattan
The Senate on Tuesday night disallowed a government regulation that would have allowed the Australian Renewable Energy Agency (ARENA) to invest in technologies such as carbon capture and storage and blue hydrogen using fossil fuel.
Coalition’s missed chance for policy shift on climate
Letters
Age readers have their say on Barnaby Joyce’s return to the role of Deputy Prime Minister.
Return of climate wars brings Barnaby back [$]
AFR editorial
Climate populist Barnaby Joyce’s rehabilitation leaves the Nationals with little room to play a constructive role in shaping Australia’s transition to the new energy economy in the best interests of regional Australians.
Shop around to beat July 1 electricity price reset
Joel Gibson
The government-set electricity “reference price” will be cut in New South Wales, South Australia and in south-east Queensland on July 1. However, that does not mean you will pay less for your power. Here’s why.
Yes, we need the financial system to fight climate change [$]
Adam Triggs
COVID-19 has put the size of the climate challenge into perspective. As businesses closed, factories shut, planes were grounded and cars gathered dust in garages, global carbon emissions fell by 7 per cent: about the same fall we need to achieve each year for 10 years if we are to avoid a 1.5 degree increase in global temperatures, according to analysis by Andrew Charlton. Given it took a global economic shutdown to achieve this in 2020, are we up to the task?
States charge ahead on electric vehicles [$]
Jennifer Hewett
Electric vehicle sales are still a tiny part of the Australian car market but the rules of the roads are changing and the states are gazumping Canberra’s policy vacuum.
We must put our interests first on carbon [$]
Bridget McKenzie
It is one thing for politicians to promise on the international stage a net zero world in the distant future when none will be around to be accountable. It is quite another thing to be able to deliver on that promise.
Joyce and his coal obsessives threaten the future of Australian agriculture [$]
Bernard Keane
Barnaby Joyce’s return spells trouble for Australian agriculture. But he and his supporters are all about fossil fuels, not the bush.
Gas industry mirrors Morrison, pivots to message of energy security
Belinda Noble
Having realised it’s a “bit on the nose,” the gas industry’s new marketing strategy plays into the Morrison government’s big lie that we need gas for future prosperity.
Victoria
Would you trust two lovable fluffballs — Wednesday and Terzo — to save endangered marsupials?
Fluffy and bold — Wednesday and Terzo — are central to Zoos Victoria’s trial to protect a population of endangered bandicoots from foxes.
Yallourn stuck on quarter capacity as scramble continues to save coal mine
EnergyAustralia says it hopes to seal cracks in coal mine embankment this week, but the really big decision – where to divert the river – has not been taken.
New South Wales
This net zero energy house shows buyers will pay more for green
More than 120 people were at the auction, sending the price soaring in a clear sign that Aussies are finally ready to pay more for energy-efficient homes.
NSW government asked by UN to hand over Warragamba dam impact study
The Berejiklian government has been asked by UNESCO to submit the environmental impact study on its plan to raise the Warragamba Dam wall for review before final approval out of concern about the damage the project will have on wildlife and indigenous culture.
Road, rail, transport underpin $108bn Covid recovery spend [$]
The government’s infrastructure program continues to be the backbone of the state’s remarkable recovery, with $108bn of works in the pipeline and more jobs added than were lost during the pandemic.
NSW charges up the electric vehicle market [$]
James Kirby
A surprise move by the NSW government to offer the nation’s strongest incentives for electric cars sets up a state-versus-state dynamic that might well be useful for the electric-vehicle sector, but confusing for potential car buyers.
“Worse than burning coal”: Hunter Energy powers on bid to burn wood
Jane McIntyre and Tom Ferrier
Burning wood for biomass energy is on the rise as an alternative to coal. But it is even more dirty than coal and is leading to alarming levels of deforestation.
Queensland
Call for balance as miners, irrigators compete for 145,000 megalitres of water
The Queensland government plans to release 145,000 megalitres of water in the Flinders River by the end of the year, with irrigators and mining companies competing for allocations.
Australian jobs under threat by potential Great Barrier Reef demise
Abandoning the Great Barrier Reef by failing to act on climate change could punch a massive dent in Australia’s tourism industry and result in mass job losses.
Great Barrier Reef timeline: decades of damage and Australia’s fight to stop ‘in danger’ listing
How a series of mass coral bleaching events linked to rising sea temperatures prompted calls for action ahead of world heritage committee meeting
Queensland minister says UN warning on Great Barrier Reef status shows Morrison must act
Queensland environment minister Meaghan Scanlon says ‘the world is watching’ and more needs to be done to protect the reef from climate change
Great Keppel plans shattered as lease plans rejected
The task of developing Great Keppel Island appears to be back to square one after the State Government rejected plans by a Sunshine Coast developer.
John C Day et al
The Australian government on Tuesday expressed shock at a draft decision to list the Great Barrier Reef as “in danger”. But the recommendation has been looming for some time.
Graham Readfearn
It’s not the first time the reef has faced the threat of an ‘in danger’ listing. But what does it mean and why is this time different?
Imogen Zethoven
But the reef needs this listing to survive
Outrage at UN’s Barrier Reef warning a sideshow to climate catastrophe
Mike Foley
The crowning glory of the world’s coral reefs is being torn apart by global warming but Australia’s anger over UN listing process doesn’t address the damage.
UN plots rough water for reef [$]
Australian editorial
Inscribing the Great Barrier Reef on the list of World Heritage properties “in danger” would be an ignominious outcome given the billions of dollars and mountains of goodwill that have been applied to safeguarding what is unquestionably one of the nation’s greatest environmental assets.
We are in danger of losing control of reef [$]
Graham Lloyd
The Great Barrier Reef is front and centre in a global call to arms by the UN on climate change action.
South Australia
SA methane-busting cattle feed to be used at new $90m plant
Construction of the first processing plant to use a seaweed-based feed supplement for cows to reduce their methane production by 90 per cent will begin near Port Pirie towards the end of this year.
Nuclear waste dump for SA gets green light [$]
A nuclear waste dump site in SA will be declared within weeks – with Kimba’s mayor welcoming the breakthrough.
Nuclear waste facility still up for grabs
A bill to set up a nuclear waste dump has passed but without a specific site for the new facility.
Both sides fear Barnaby’s return ‘bad news’ for SA [$]
MPs say they worry the return of Barnaby Joyce to the Nationals leadership has already refreshed efforts to derail the river rescue plan.
Tasmania
A desperate attempt to save Tasmanian devils from a highly contagious disease is paying off — but it’s come at the cost of birds on a small island off Tasmania’s coast.
Tasmanian residential and small business energy costs to drop over 2021-22
Tasmanian households will on average save $145 on their electricity bill in 2021-22 following a decision by Tasmania Economic Regulator on energy pricing.
Bell Bay green hydrogen moves bode well for future jobs, Northern Tasmanian business groups say
An agreement between Fortescue Future Industries and TasPorts to enter into exclusive negotiations over land at Bell Bay for a hydrogen production facility demonstrates the viability of the industry at the port, Northern Tasmanian business groups say.
Residents get legal help in wind farm fight [$]
A lawyer who is representing “fence line communities” near wind farms around Australia is now acting for Stanley residents opposed to a proposal near the town’s famous Nut.
Individual transferable quota system hurting Tasmania’s fishing fleets, inquiry told
A Senate committee looking at the system of fishing quotas in Australia has been told by profits obtained from fishing have been going to investors rather than Tasmanian fishing fleets.
China-chaired UN body demands moratorium on tourism projects in Tasmania wilderness [$]
The United Nations has intervened over tourism development in the Tasmanian Wilderness, effectively calling for a moratorium and demanding to see details of any major projects.
Epuron’s Western Plains Wind Farm
Epuron provide the following to Tasmanian Times in relation to their proposed Western Plains Wind Farm.
CHCAN: Statewide approach needed for energy projects
Media release – Circular Head Coastal Awareness Network
The Tasmanian Government needs to go back to the drawing board and come up with a smarter strategy for our renewable energy future, according to the Circular Head Coastal Awareness Network Inc.
Endangered species at risk from cable car proposal
Media release – BirdLife Tasmania
BirdLife Tasmania today lodged its submission to the Hobart City Council regarding the proposed cable car on kunanyi/Mt Wellington.
Northern Territory
Arid Land Environment Centre appoints new general manager [$]
Central Australia’s peak environmental organisation, Arid Lands Environment Centre, has appointed Jade Kudrenko as its new general manager.
No power of veto for traditional owners under new WA Aboriginal heritage legislation [$]
The McGowan Labor government’s decision not to give Indigenous people the power to veto mining and other developments in the wake of the Juukan caves tragedy has caused a rift with Indigenous leaders and Western Australia’s biggest land council.
Western Australia
Mining billionaire Rinehart goes green with $15m medical cannabis play
Hancock Prospecting has turned over a new leaf, investing in the blooming medicinal cannabis industry but has hit environmental regulation trouble with a Canadian coal project.
State clocks $7 million and 10 years on abandoned plan for Perth’s future
WA has spent years paying staff and consultants to write the plan, then quietly shelved it. Now the powerful property lobby is calling for action.
Watchdog warns Woodside: corrosion could cause ‘major accident’
Woodside has been told to make sure several 24-tonne caissons at its North Rankin Alpha platform off WA’s Pilbara were safe after it reported some corrosion.
Sustainability
Legal experts worldwide draw up ‘historic’ definition of ecocide
Draft law is intended to prosecute offences against the environment
Sudan asks U.N. Security Council to meet over Ethiopia’s Blue Nile dam
Sudan asked the United Nations Security Council on Tuesday to meet and discuss a dispute over a giant dam being built by Ethiopia on the Blue Nile, a government statement said
Aviation’s contribution to cutting climate change likely to be small
Although the emissions targets for aviation are in line with the overall goals of the Paris Agreement, there is a high likelihood that the climate impact of aviation will not meet these goals, according to a new study.
Natural hazards threaten 57% of US structures
More than half of the structures in the contiguous United States are exposed to potentially devastating natural hazards such as floods, tornadoes and wildfires. Increasing temperatures and environmental changes contribute to this trend, according to a new study in the AGU journal Earth’s Future
A warming climate and intensifying land use increase mercury content in fish
Recent studies show that, in the future, the mercury concentration of fish in Finnish Lapland can shift closer to the level found in lakes located below the Arctic Circle. According to researchers, mercury content should be increasingly carefully investigated and monitored in fish and food webs, as the climate and land use change.
Future wood use assures long-term climate benefit from commercial forests
A new study published in Nature Communications demonstrates the important role that planting new commercial forests could play in the fight against climate change by including new accounting of greenhouse gas (GHG) mitigation achieved from future use of harvested wood.
Getting more people back on the bike
Rodrigo Bini and Jayden Hunter
One of the silver linings of the pandemic has been our growing awareness that exercise is a very important habit that we should build in our daily routine – just like having a shower or brushing our teeth.
A ‘virgin plastics’ tax could help save the oceans
Washington Post editorial
Without assertive action, the problem of marine debris will get much worse.
The tiny furry clone that may hold the key to our endangered species crisis
Scientists are using DNA sequencing and advanced gene-editing tools in an attempt to solve the extinction crisis.
Unchecked climate change will cause severe drying of the Amazon forest
Amazon rain forests could be at far higher risk of extreme drought than previously thought, according to new research.
No northern escape route for Florida’s coral reefs
Florida Tech research shows climate change will suppress reef growth from north and south
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