Post of the Day
Labor won’t overhaul environment laws until next year. Here are 5 easy wins it could aim for now
James Watson
Environment Minister Tanya Plibersek this week acknowledged the grave state of Australia’s environment and pledged new laws to go before parliament next year.
On This Day
Climate Change
Climate change and land-use changes increase likelihood of flood
The German government estimates the total losses resulting from the disastrous floods in July 2021 at 32 billion euros. In two studies, researchers at Karlsruhe Institute of Technology (KIT) have investigated how precipitation, evaporation processes, water flow, and runoff led to this flooding.
Here’s what could happen if Biden declares a climate emergency
Climate change, as many activists and politicians say, is an emergency. President Biden may soon make that official.
Key climate change advice for urban areas developed as King’s hosts IPCC members
Members of the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC), concerned that the planet is running out of time to secure a liveable future, met at King’s this week to identify key messages for city policymakers and businesses.
Ministers and officials from 119 countries convened at ICAO Headquarters yesterday for an important four-day round of high-level discussions and briefings toward a new collective global long-term reduction goal for international aviation CO2 emissions.
Extreme heat warnings in effect in 28 states across US
100 million Americans are enduring searing temperatures as Biden declines to announce a climate emergency
‘What the hell just happened’: Fires force UK to face climate change future
West Yorkshire fire chief Dave Walton says the blazes were a game changer for the country.
Cricket’s leaders in secret climate change summit
Australia’s men’s captain Pat Cummins has backed up his calls for climate action by assembling cricket’s leaders for a private summit in Sydney.
“Summers of the future”: Climate scientists warn – video
Europe’s heatwave is ‘a warning of what summers of the future look like’, says climate scientist Dr Andrew King.
How not to solve the climate change problem
Kevin Trenberth
When politicians talk about reaching “net zero” emissions, they’re often counting on trees or technology that can pull carbon dioxide out of the air. What they don’t mention is just how much these proposals or geoengineering would cost to allow the world to continue burning fossil fuels.
The Guardian view on public attitudes to the climate crisis: burning for change
Guardian editorial
The vast majority know that global heating is dangerous. This summer’s crisis should be a tipping point
National
‘Shouldn’t be paying to keep coal and gas’: Green energy backers attack capacity market proposal
Renewable energy advocates are warning against locking in extra payments for coal and gas, saying it could derail the switch to clean power.
The bright spots in the State of the Environment report
Indigenous ranger programs and privately run conservation reserves are the shining lights in the country’s environmental report card.
Carbon price slumps, but strong future predicted if offset integrity restored
A leading carbon market analyst predicts a strong future for Australia’s carbon offset markets, if integrity questions can be resolved.
Social licence: Transmission projects push community complaints to record high
From wind turbines to wires: transmission projects the focus of a record number of complaints to the federal government’s Energy Infrastructure Commissioner.
Australia’s fossil fuel producers are revelling in surging profits
Across the board, Australia’s fossil fuel producers are reporting record profits as they drain consumer wallets, but Labor resists calls for windfall profit tax.
Co-housing is still unconventional in Australia, but the number of projects is on the rise. Residents say housing models like this reduce the cost of living and foster community.
Crossbench MP predicts ‘welcome’ car emissions change as climate negotiations continue
An independent MP says she understands the government will ‘‘welcome’’ her legislation introducing fuel efficiency standards for cars as it continues to negotiate on climate change targets to be introduced to Parliament next week.
Lowest birth rate in more than decade but most newborn babies are healthy
The rate of women giving birth in Australia has gradually fallen, from 66 per 1,000 in 2007 to 56 per 1,000 in 2020, consistent with ABS findings.
Federal government under pressure to increase EV uptake after ACT announces petrol car ban
Electric vehicle advocates and auto industry say Australia needs nationally mandated fuel efficiency standards
Labor cleans out Infrastructure Australia board amid concerns over ‘partisan appointments’
Federal infrastructure minister Catherine King appoints experts to review body’s mandate and composition to ‘get it back on track’
Coalition changes allowing renewable energy agency to fund fossil fuel projects to be scrapped
Climate change minister Chris Bowen says Arena will have mandate to accelerate electrification and focus on renewable technology
We have a mandate: PM warns Greens he is firm on emissions reduction target [$]
Prime Minister Anthony Albanese says he is open to “sensible” changes to the government’s climate policy reforms, but will not buckle under pressure from the resurgent Greens to increase emissions reduction targets.
Former carbon pricing mastermind Greg Combet backs proposed fix for Australia’s energy crisis
Former federal climate change minister backs proposed fix for crisis-riddled national electricity market, calling for ideology to be taken out of debate.
Households now want batteries with their solar – Solar Insiders podcast
The jump in fossil fuel prices means more households want battery storage with their rooftop solar, and they don’t care if it’s not making money.
The three things our Energy Minister must do
Alan Kohler
Wildfires in Europe have underscored the need for urgent climate action
Rachel Withers
Anthony Albanese has revived a ludicrous Coalition talking point about Australia’s “clean” coal
Gabriela Quintana Vigiol
Urban areas are often thought of as concrete jungles, but they encompass much more than that. Nature, people and built structures are interconnected. Together they comprise the urban environment of the cities and towns in which we live.
Politicians need to prioritise city planning — it’s off the rails
Brian Feeney
With the continued push over recent decades to make the public sector more “business-like”, city planning has gone astray.
Natural systems in Australia are unravelling. If they collapse, human society could too
Liz Hanna and Mark Howden
In the long-delayed State of the Environment report released this week, there is one terrifying sentence: “Environmental degradation is now considered a threat to humanity, which could bring about societal collapses.”
Ignoring warnings of Europe’s extreme heatwave locks Australia into a worst-case scenario
Mark Ogge
Heatwaves and fires in the northern hemisphere are a frightening portent of what’s in store for Australia.
Labor won’t overhaul environment laws until next year. Here are 5 easy wins it could aim for now
James Watson
Environment Minister Tanya Plibersek this week acknowledged the grave state of Australia’s environment and pledged new laws to go before parliament next year.
Swift action will reduce the environmental and economic impact of climate change
Nicki Hutley
Only when we understand the value of what we stand to lose can we make sensible policies.
How Labor can save the future [$]
Jenna Price
We’ve had nearly 10 years of oil, gas and coal appeasers in government, hooligans who harmed our nation. The only Liberal ever serious about climate change, Malcolm Turnbull, was first hamstrung and later knifed by his party. Then we had a series of people pretending to be ministers for the environment. Seriously, a government which happily housed Matt Canavan, king of coal pushers, was never going to fix all that ailed our beloved country.
Swift action will reduce the environmental and economic impact of climate change
Nicki Hutley
Only when we understand the value of what we stand to lose can we make sensible policies.
Climate change agenda Labor’s first big test
Canberra Times editorial
The Albanese-led government will face its first major test with the introduction of its climate change bill when Federal Parliament resumes on Tuesday.
A way forward with Labor’s climate change legislation
Michael Keating
Effective action against climate change requires Labor’s legislation. Hopefully the compromise necessary to pass this legislation can be achieved if the target set is for the minimum reduction in carbon emissions required.
It’s not just the Greens on notice over climate change [$]
Phillip Coorey
The minority party might opt once more for sanctimony on the 2030 target, but it is Peter Dutton’s edict that is causing unrest in the Coalition ranks.
Safest, cleanest option for energy security is nuclear [$]
Claire Lehmann
One of the most perplexing aspects of Australia’s climate debate is the dismissive attitude towards nuclear energy of those who are most alarmed about climate change.
Victoria
City joins push for sustainable design in planning laws
The City of Greater Bendigo has joined forces with 23 other Victorian councils to push for stronger sustainable design standards within Victorian planning laws.
Draft Environment Strategy out for community comment
Campaspe Shire Council has endorsed that the draft Environment Strategy be released for public comment.
Victoria demands urgent plan amid gas shortage
The national market operator needs to implement “immediate measures” that address the state’s gas shortage crisis, Victoria’s Energy Minister says.
Future of Northcote Golf Course hangs in balance [$]
A controversial proposal for Northcote Golf Course has been rejected but now Darebin councillors are set to vote over the course’s fate.
Spot market ban a new push to save Victoria’s gas supply [$]
The energy market operator has banned interstate businesses from buying gas from Victoria’s spot market as part of new measures to protect the state’s supplies.
Woodside floats gas imports as ‘quick fix’ for Victorian energy crisis
Australian oil and gas giant Woodside has urged Victoria to support plans for a floating import terminal in Corio Bay that would give the state the ability to receive cargoes of super-chilled liquefied gas from other parts of the country or overseas.
Rail loop rethink is first major test for new planning minister
Michael Buxton
The design problems and high cost of the Suburban Rail Loop will make it the greatest public transport infrastructure failure in Australia unless substantially altered.
Victoria: the export gas guzzling state [$]
AFR editorial
It’s rich to expect the gas export market to bail out state governments that have sanctimoniously, and unscientifically, refused to develop their own ample onshore reserves.
New South Wales
NSW premier drives hydrogen highway
As part of NSW’s commitment to reducing carbon emissions by 2030, Premier Dominic Perrottet wants to partner with Japanese firms to develop green hydrogen.
ACT
More silent running as emergency services sign up for nine electric trucks
While some critics have argued that the ACT government has moved too fast on its zero emissions transport strategy, in Europe, Volvo has split away from its industry lobby group which it says is moving too slowly.
Queensland
More than 1,000ha of koala habitat would be cleared for proposed Queensland coalmine
Campaigners warn of ‘disturbing trend’ of proposed mines falling just below the threshold requiring environmental impact statement
Royalties hike blasted as ‘an ambush’ but won’t impact $1b coal project
Whitehaven Coal has poured scorn on the State Government over its huge hike in royalties but said the move would not materially impact its planned $1 billion Winchester South coal project.
South Australia
Why the Outback thinks this could ‘kill’ communities [$]
Regional leaders have warned a measure flagged to achieve the 450GL goal for the Murray would “kill” communities – but the state government says it’s a myth.
Tasmania
Will wetlands reduce mud in the Tamar? [$]
A proposal to restore wetlands in the Tamar Estuary and the North Esk rivers could cost between $10 and $250 million, depending on the scale, but the proposal does have merit as a solution to accumulating sediment.
Launceston volunteers get ready for The Big Plant [$]
Ahead of National Tree Day on Sunday, July 31, City of Launceston council are encouraging people to be active when it comes to sustainability and help plant the thousands of trees
Western Australia
Opponents of $4.5bn fertiliser plant ‘hopeful’ as build goes on hold
Traditional owners who have been fighting an industrial development near ancient rock art in WA’s north say a pause to construction has given them hope.
International recognition for WA Parks and Wildlife Service Aboriginal ranger
Department of Biodiversity, Conservation and Attractions (DBCA) Parks and Wildlife Service Ranger Yuddiy (Ben) Brown has been named International Ranger of the Year by one of the world’s leading conservation organisations.
Perth mayor wants ideas on bringing residential boom to the city
Perth is the sprawl capital of the nation and the city’s Lord Mayor Basil Zempilas wants suggestions to provide incentive for developers to build up instead of out.
Sustainability
Breeding with ‘wild relatives’ to produce disease and climate resistant wheat
New research has shown how introducing genetics from wild varieties of wheat can improve their resistance to disease and climate change, a discovery that could help protect the future of this vital food source.
Increasingly heavy farm equipment is crushing fertile soils
Fat tires may keep giant combines from sinking into the field, but their tremendous weight still squeezes the life out of the soil deep down—potentially reducing crop yields across a lot of the planet.
Lebanon’s water infrastructure struggles on, but remains on brink
Lebanon has managed to stave off a total collapse of its water infrastructure, but water supply systems remain on the brink, putting the health of millions of people, particularly children, at risk, UNICEF has warned.
Sustainable practices linked to farm size in organic farming
Larger organic farms operate more like conventional farms and use fewer sustainable practices than smaller organic farms, according to a new study that also provides insight into how to increase adoption of sustainable practices.
Strong plastic made from waste biomass degrades into sugar
Made from inexpensive materials, this plastic withstands high temperatures and blocks food-damaging gases just like conventional plastics used for food and drink packaging.
We’ve been reporting on environmental health for 20 years. But what is environmental health? You’ve got questions, and we have answers.
Wisconsin sues ‘forever chemicals’ manufacturers for ‘widespread contamination’
Sharon Udasin
Wisconsin has filed a lawsuit against 18 companies over the manufacturing and marketing of toxic “forever chemicals,” alleging that these firms engaged in the “widespread contamination” of the state’s “property and natural resources.”
Nanda Jarosz
In recent weeks the world has been awed by the first series of colour images to emerge from the James Webb Space Telescope. A celestial concert, the images of swirling galaxies and conflagrations of gas presented an unprecedented view of the early cosmos. US President Joe Biden spoke of the images as a “reminder that America can do big things” and that there is “nothing beyond our capacity”.
If Brazil wants to join OECD, protect environmental defenders
Anna Livia Arida and Maria Laura Canineu
The world was outraged by the murders of the British journalist Dom Phillips and the Brazilian Indigenous affairs expert Bruno Pereira, who was removed from his job as point person for uncontacted tribes at FUNAI, the government’s Indigenous agency, soon after President Jair Bolsonaro took office.
How about this heat on nuclear power plants? [$]
Jack the Insider
It is entirely possible that our energy responses to climate change be they nuclear or renewables, might be thwarted at least in part by the effects of climate change — severe weather events.
Nature Conservation
Who will survive climate change?
Researchers from the Museum für Naturkunde in Berlin and FAU have investigated extinction events with rapid global warming in the last 300 million years. They discovered that species from warm and cold waters are highly likely to become extinct as a consequence of global warming, while species in temperate waters survive.
Spain launches a new strategy against desertification
Desertification in the world’s top olive oil-producing country is being fueled by the ongoing drought and poor land management practices.
Competition, not climate, limits bird species’ ranges in tropical mountains
Competition with other species, not climate, drives the distribution of bird biodiversity in tropical mountains, one of Earth’s hottest biodiversity hotspots, according to a new study of 31 mountain regions across the globe.
Destruction of nature as threatening as climate crisis, EU deputy warns
European Commission’s Frans Timmermans says biodiversity situation is ‘really very, very scary’
Beavers to be given legal protection in England
‘Nature’s engineers’ who create wetlands with their dams are recognised as native wildlife
Revealed: oil sector’s ‘staggering’ $3bn-a-day profits for last 50 years
Vast sums provide power to ‘buy every politician’ and delay action on climate crisis, says expert
Should rivers be given the same legal rights as humans?
Environmental campaigner Becca Blease is looking to test the waters of British law in an effort to protect the Avon from further pollution.
—
return email, delete it from your system and destroy any copies.