Post of the Day
Nearly half of GDP in cities at risk of disruption from nature loss
Loss of biodiversity and nature could put up to $31 trillion of cities’ gross domestic product at risk, according to research by the World Economic Forum.
On This Day
Mahayana New Year – Buddhism
Climate Change
Tongan blast was violent and vast, but may not disrupt global warming
While Tonga’s neighbours struggled to access information about what was happening on the ground, scientists, equipped with modern monitoring technology, saw the blast in real time.
Looking for climate optimism? Meet the Science Moms.
Amid climate “doomerism,” what can be done to fight global warming? A lot, it turns out. And female scientists are at the forefront.
National
The National Measurement Institute (NMI) is seeking feedback on the new international standard for electric vehicle charging stations (EVCS).
Make trucks electric to lift suburban curfews and ease congestion: Trucking industry
The trucking industry is pushing for a plan to make delivery vehicles electric, which it says will allow suburban noise curfews to be lifted and companies to save money.
Disaster funding flows the wrong way in Australia: report
Almost all taxpayers’ money for natural disasters in Australia goes to the recovery phase, with only 3 per cent invested in preparation and mitigation, as a new report finds hundreds of billions of dollars would be saved with better planning.
Robin Canniford and Tim Hill
Fossil fuel and carbon-intensive industries have an image problem. As awareness of their environmental impact grows, energy and mining companies in particular are desperate to maintain control over spiralling levels of public esteem.
What’s going on with Australia’s “sun tax”?
Mark Byrne
What’s been happening since the final determination on rule change requests over access, pricing and incentive arrangements for rooftop solar. Short answer: lots.
New South Wales
3 local solutions to replace coal jobs and ensure a just transition for mining communities
Liam Phelan and Kimberley Crofts
As the world shifts to renewable energy, helping the communities that have depended on fossil fuels for jobs is becoming ever more pressing.
Queensland
NQ a green powerhouse as hydrogen industry follows the sun
North Queensland could be the home of Australia’s green hydrogen industry with the cheapest cost of production by next year, according to a research report by the Victorian Hydrogen Hub.
Not a single fine issued over Queensland’s plastics ban [$]
Queensland’s single-use plastics ban has been in place for more than four months, but not a single fine has yet been issued. This is why.
South Australia
The charger, powered by vegetable oil, plugs a 720-kilometre gap between proposed fast chargers in WA and SA, described as “one of the final frontiers” for Australia’s growing number of battery-powered vehicles.
Tasmania
Nyrstar vows to deal with safety issues in upgrade to 100-year-old smelter
While Nyrstar is promising a $285-million upgrade to its Hobart zinc smelter will address safety and environmental concerns at the century-old site, jobs will be lost, according to the union representing workers.
King Island mayor says region ‘targeted’ by recommendation to stay away
The King Island Council will seek a targeted financial support package for small businesses after the significant hit its economy has taken in recent weeks.
Western Australia
New national park a win for the critically endangered numbat
The park is created in the heart of Western Australia’s Wheatbelt, providing greater security for the future of some of the state’s most endangered animals.
Offshore oil and gas may finally have to cough up for its $56b clean-up bill
A WA oil and gas giant’s attempt to save cash on an ageing vessel has proved eye-wateringly costly for it and fellow players – a classic shot in the foot.
Eastern Shore beachgoers disgusted by NYE fireworks debris [$]
Howrah beachgoers were disgusted at the mounds of plastic rubbish washing ashore in the aftermath of Hobart’s New Year’s Eve firework displays.
Fortescue strikes green hydrogen deal with German polymer producer
Fortescue Future Industries signs MoU with German polymer producer Covestro to supply up to 100,000 tonnes of green hydrogen annually from 2024.
Sustainability
China’s coal production hit record levels in 2021
In blow to climate campaigners, state encourages miners to ramp up output to avert winter gas crisis
How renewable hydrogen could shake up the geopolitics of energy
The emergence of a green hydrogen economy could lead to a fundamental shake-up of global energy powers – who will come out on top?
Big brands including Coca Cola call for ‘global pact to combat plastic pollution’
A proposed pact claims that a circular economy for plastics will add to efforts ‘to tackle climate change and biodiversity loss, while bringing positive social and economic impacts’.
This is what ‘cutting red tape’ gets you: rivers polluted without consequence
John Vidal
England’s water is bad and getting worse, with regulators too poor or politically cowed to do anything about it
Entangled humpback whale’s sad fate has researchers calling for action on fishing nets
Animal lacking dorsal fin last seen in Antarctic labouring to swim and considered unlikely to survive
Using genetics to conserve wildlife
Conserving wildlife with breeding programs doesn’t help threatened species to adapt, but synthetic biology may be able to bring protection by adapting genetics
Nearly half of GDP in cities at risk of disruption from nature loss
Loss of biodiversity and nature could put up to $31 trillion of cities’ gross domestic product at risk, according to research by the World Economic Forum.
Ecuador expands protections around Galápagos, creating ‘a new highway’ for sea life
The South American government will curb fishing in more than 20,000 square miles of ocean next to the archipelago.
In the Atlantic Forest, the lowland tapir is at risk of extinction
Lowland tapir populations in the Atlantic Forest in South America are at risk of almost complete disappearance, scientists have estimated.
Seeing 1,000 glorious fin whales back from near extinction is a rare glimmer of hope
Philip Hoare
Whales still face many threats, mostly from us, so let us savour this rare congregation of them in the Antarctic Peninsula
James Bell et al
Sponges are ancient marine animals, very common throughout the world’s oceans and seem less affected by ocean warming and acidification.
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