By Dutgee Campsite, Great Cooloola Coast Walk
Date: 20 June 2023 at 8:50:45 am AEST
To: undisclosed-recipients:;
Subject: Daily Links Jun 20
Post of the Day
Australians far less aware of biodiversity loss than climate crisis, research finds
But a majority of Australians think more money should be spent on the environment
On This Day
Ecological Observance
Climate Change
‘Unheard of’ marine heatwave off UK and Irish coasts poses serious threat
Sustained high temperatures over summer could trigger mass mortality of fish and oysters, say scientists
National
Power grid’s shift from coal at risk as green spending falters
The Australian Energy Market Operator’s boss is worried that declining investment in clean energy projects is slowing down the rollout of infrastructure needed to replace coal-fired generators.
We’ve all been encouraged to quit gas. Here’s how homeowners and renters can do it
Getting off gas has been touted as a necessity in meeting Australia’s 2050 net zero emissions target, but the process will be complex for governments and households.
‘From soot to sunshine’: Why AGL needs full coffers to go green
Elizabeth Knight
As households brace for a discernible jump in their power bills, it would be simplistic to denounce the rise in AGL’s profit as profit gouging.
How to capture a state: lessons from PwC and the fossil fuel giants [$]
Bernard Keane
State capture enables powerful firms to strongly influence government policy. But as PwC found out, don’t confuse yourself with what you’ve captured.
Victoria
How hunting affects duck numbers [$]
Leading waterbird ecologists have analysed what factors contribute most to duck population decline. Find out how hunting ranks.
Disability activists blockade Sydney Road, call for accessible tram stops
Sydney Road was blocked by campaigners calling for accessible tram stops before any more level crossing removal works are undertaken on the Upfield line.
New South Wales
‘Amazing’: Chance of Migaloo return as whales jostle off Sydney coast
The whale migration season is off to a bumper start, highlighted by the possible return of a whale superstar.
Offshore gas and wind first real test for Minns government
As Australia rushes to decarbonise its electricity sector, state and federal governments are at odds over the approval of a controversial offshore gas project.
Climate activist charged after protests halt Aussie ports [$]
A NSW woman has been charged after Blockade Australia activists blocked off one of the largest coal export terminals in the world and have also targeted ports in two major cities.
Newcastle coal exports poised to hit five-year low [$]
Shipments through the port have slumped amid a labour shortage, wet weather, rail maintenance work and weaker demand from China, analysts say.
Nightcap National Park: Celebrating the birth of environmental activism
Charles Hunter
A celebration was held for the defining moment in modern environmental activism that led to the protection of rainforests across NSW.
Queensland
Barcaldine’s population has been dwindling for years but there are hopes a new green energy-powered industrial development could create 500 jobs and boost local manufacturing.
Coal fightback: Treasurer’s $1.5m ad spend to defend royalties grab
The state government is launching an ad campaign pitching the benefits of coal royalties to Queensland communities as the resources sector continues to fight tougher taxes.
Another blow as Karara wind farm hits turbulence, renewable projects paused
All of a sudden, Queensland’s wind farm sector is in trouble with three major projects hit with significant delays.
Origin’s surprise withdrawal leaves Green groups hoping for fracking-free basin
Origin has relinquished tenements in the Lake Eyre Basin, reviving hopes that the region would avoid fracking for gas development.
Protester arrested after Port of Brisbane blocked in protest
A protester has been arrested and charged after the motorway into the Port of Brisbane was blocked in both directions, causing significant delays with trucks backed up for kilometres.
South Australia
Slugs multiplying across south-eastern Australia in ‘unprecedented’ numbers
Farmers are fighting against the worst slug numbers they have seen in decades, and are spending big dollars on bait to fight the scourge.
Tasmania
Scheme to ease businesses’ energy pain ‘doesn’t work’, Labor claims [$]
A state government support scheme designed to help large businesses struggling with energy costs is poorly designed and isn’t helping many of the struggling businesses it is supposed to help, according to Labor Energy spokesman Dean Winter.
Iron deficiency could be thwarting seaweed production in open ocean [$]
Growing seaweed in the open ocean is widely considered a viable way to remove carbon dioxide from the atmosphere, but a new University of Tasmania study has revealed the iron concentration in ocean water was inadequate to sustain seaweed growth.
Plea for action on endangered fish [$]
Governments need to stop passing the buck and take action to save Tasmania’s most endangered species, the Australia Institute says.
Northern Territory
As e-scooter tech rapidly advances, this capital city is reviewing the role they play in transport
The City of Darwin wants to improve infrastructure, including adding more bike lines, electric charging stations, and e-scooter parking spots across the city to make it easier for people to use e-scooters to commute.
‘We need help’: traditional owners accuse land council of ‘facilitating fracking’
Traditional owners in the Beetaloo basin say they are not being effectively represented in the battle against a major gas industry expansion. The Northern Land Council denies the claim
Federal Environment Minister Tanya Plibersek concedes the development will have “significant” impacts on the endangered Gouldian finch, but says that is acceptable if changes are made to approval conditions.
I feel responsible for my role in fracking agreements signed long ago. But I won’t stop fighting to save the Beetaloo basin
Janet Gregory
When I heard the news that fracking would go ahead on my grandparents’ country, I felt my spirit and heart were breaking
Western Australia
Alcoa vows to stay out of Dwellingup amid pressure on environment record
The US bauxite miner will not touch an 8300-hectare area of jarrah forest – more than four times the size of Rottnest Island – south-east of Pinjarra.
Traditional Owners “side-stepped” in RAAF base expansion plans
Traditional Owners say they have not been consulted on the planned expansion of the RAAF Base Curtin in Western Australia’s far north.
Sustainability
Electric rideshare cars cut pollution but not traffic
Using electric vehicles in rideshare services could cut long-term air pollution by as much as 45 per cent, according to a study based on rides in the United States.
A greener way to stop the current: Phasing out a climate super-menace in the grid
Sulfur hexaflouride, or SF6, is the most potent greenhouse gas on the planet, lingering for thousands of years. One pound of the stuff is the same as releasing 22,800 pounds of carbon dioxide into the air.
Lawmakers and regulators want permit reform and environmental justice. How does one shape the other?
Permitting reform is a phrase broad enough to serve two constituencies: those who care about getting things built and those who care about where they are built or not built. Sometimes those groups intersect. Other times, they clash.
Nature Conservation
In an increasingly threatened rainforest, Indigenous teens carry out a rite of passage
In a 280,000-hectare triangle of preserved Amazon rainforest, Indigenous communities hope for “total eviction” of non-Indigenous settlers.
UN adopts world’s first treaty to protect marine biodiversity
The UN has adopted the world’s first treaty to protect the high seas and preserve marine biodiversity in international waters, marking a milestone after nearly 20 years of effort, UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres announced Monday.
The world’s fish are shrinking as the climate warms. We’re trying to figure out why
Timothy Clark
Fish are the most diverse group of vertebrates, ranging from tiny gobies and zebrafish to gigantic tunas and whale sharks. They provide vital sustenance to billions of people worldwide via fisheries and aquaculture, and are critical parts of aquatic ecosystems.
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