Daily Links Sep 6

Emissions from fossil fuels are the problem, says the guy who heads a fossil fuel company and who is, coincidentally, chairing the annual global climate change conference that explores the damage fossil fuels cause. In other news, it is reported that satire is dead. 

Post of the Day 

The continent that’s warming faster than anywhere else 

Africa was hit by 80 extreme weather and climate hazards last year, according to the World Meteorological Organization.  

 

On This Day 

September 6 

Krishna Janmashtami – Hinduism 

 

Climate Change 

Pakistan bears the brunt of global extreme heat illness and mortality 

Climate change now poses a lethal threat around the globe. Pakistan faces higher mortality rates and adverse health-related impacts related to extreme heat. 

 

COP28 president says world losing race on climate goals 

The inaugural Africa Climate Summit has raised hundreds of millions of dollars in pledges on its first day. 

 

Climate crisis could contribute to a global food shortage by 2050, US special envoy on food security warns 

Cary Fowler says world needs to produce 50-60% more food by middle of the century but global heating is expected to reduce yield rates 

 

Every country can make a difference – but carbon reductions need to be realistic and fair 

Sven Teske 

This weekend, the world’s major economies will convene in Delhi for the G20 summit. On the table will be the common goal of limiting global temperature rise as climate chaos becomes ever more evident. 

 

Climate politics is more complex and urgent than ever – is the IPCC still fit for purpose? 

Adam Standring 

With solutions to the climate emergency desperately needed, political neutrality and consensus may no longer be an option 

 

National 

Could electric cars charge the move to a net zero emissions future? 

On a sunny spring day, Robin can fully charge both his and his wife’s electric vehicles by lunchtime. It could be a big step on the path to net zero. 


Rising Tide national speaking tour gathers new support
 

“We need a powerful movement to make action on climate change unstoppable,” Alexa Stuart, a Rising Tide organiser told a public meeting. 

 

Australia has highest per capita CO2 emissions from coal in G20, analysis finds 

Australia used twice as much electricity as China on a per capita basis and 48% of it came from coal plants, thinktank says 

 

$500m solar deal to cut warehouse energy bills by half [$] 

ESR and Solar Bay have partnered on plans to install 125,000 solar panels on warehouses across the country, and deliver energy at lower prices to tenants. 

 

Greens threaten block on new water plan 

Environment Minister Tanya Plibersek is facing a legislative roadblock in the Senate after the Greens resolved to block Labor’s revamped Murray-Darling Basin Plan. 

 

How disinformation is undermining our cities 

Ika Trijsburg and Mario Peucker  

Disinformation is a modern reality. It sows distrust and division in communities, but it’s also affecting our cities’ ability to function 

 

Nationals warn Liberals water buybacks are ‘red line in the sand’ 

The Nationals leader declared his party would oppose any move to buy back more water for the Murray-Darling Basin Plan and warned city-based Liberals the issue was a “red line in the sand” for the regional party. 

 

Power meltdown: putting Australia’s energy transition back on track 

Tony Wood 

We know Australia’s got a problem when a cautious, technical, energy market operator says: “Imminent and urgent investme… 

 

Victoria 

Three swans killed in another ‘very distressing’ off-leash dog attack [$] 

Dog owners who let their animals run free in the wrong areas are under fire after another off-leash dog attack left three black swans dead in Melbourne’s inner west on Sunday, the second instance of a swan death along the Maribyrnong river in the past fortnight. 

 

‘Total mockery’: Vic government withheld duck report [$] 

A majority of MPs on Victoria’s Select Committee inquiry into duck hunting have opposed a ban despite bureaucrats throwing a smokescreen around a significant report. 

 

New South Wales 

‘Dumbest idea’: Proposal to shut nine Sydney train stations [$] 

A bid to permanently shut as many as nine Sydney train stations once the contentious southwest Metro opened has been revealed in sensitive documents to the former government. 

 

‘I can’t give you a cost’: Unknown price of keeping Eraring open [$] 

The cost of keeping Eraring power station open is still ­uncertain after the Minns government announced it would begin talks with Origin Energy to extend the life of the coal-fired plant. 

 

The illegal killing of 265 trees on Sydney’s North Shore is not just vandalism. It’s theft on a grand scale 

Gregory Moore 

In most illegal tree removals, you might see perhaps a handful of trees removed or poisoned. That’s why the recent felling and poisoning of 265 old trees in Sydney’s Castle Cove has been so breathtaking and appalling. 

 

Where there’s smoke there’s … NSW Labor preparing us for coalkeeper 

Nick O’Malley 

The only thing that upsets climate and energy ministers more than the risk of climate change is the threat of blackouts, so get used to more coal. 

 

Keeping the lights on at Eraring will only add to NSW energy risk [$] 

Tim Buckley  

We can’t justify keeping the unreliable coal power generator at Eraring on life support as it enters terminal decline. 

 

Still at square one, but a state deal on Eraring is now inevitable [$] 

Angela Macdonald-Smith 

NSW has finally firmed up its starting point for talks on the extension of Eraring – but big questions remain on how long it will be and how much it will cost. 

 

ACT 

Heritage council told to consider climate change in decisions [$] 

The ACT heritage council has been tasked with considering the impacts of climate change and the environment for the first time when they decide how buildings are to be preserved. 

 

Brown water coming out of Canberra taps [$] 

Icon Water has urged people worried about brown water coming out of taps to get in touch 

 

Queensland 

Controversial wind farm planned near World Heritage area downsized again and renamed 

The Chalumbin Wind Farm, which will now be known as the Wooroora Station Wind Farm, is scaled back to 42 turbines. 

 

4WD owner and towing company fined after treating wetlands as ‘playground’ 

Rangers in North Queensland have fined a four-wheel drive owner and towing company after their “deep wheel ruts” scared protected wetlands. 

 

Virtual reality is helping Olkola Traditional Owners get back on Country 

Hannah Robertson et al 

The Olkola people from Queensland’s very remote Cape York Peninsula gained their land back through a native title claim in 2014. Since then, they have undertaken land management using traditional fire techniques, habitat protection and restoration and cultural tourism. 


Tasmania 

A $1.7b cost blowout for Marinus Link revealed, but what will Tasmanians pay? 

The Tasmanian government details the $1.7 billion reason for downgrading the Marinus Link electricity interconnector from two to one cables, but opposition parties say many questions about costs remain unanswered. 

 

Marinus met with hesitation over potential impact to power bills [$] 

The new Marinus deal has been met with hesitation on power supply by one key Northern business body, despite assurances from the state government. 

 

Bare burials: Council’s green light for eco-friendly resting place [$] 

It’s a bare-bones burial: A shallow grave, chemical-free and no coffin. And now a Tasmanian council has made natural burials easier to access. Would you choose to be buried au naturale? 

 

Northern Territory  

Senate inquiry to scrutinise planned $1.5bn Middle Arm industrial hub near Darwin 

The federal Senate votes to establish an inquiry into the NT government’s controversial planned industrial precinct on Darwin Harbour. 

 

’Tail wagging the dog’: Former Labor minister backs CLP call for community councils 

The CLP’s plans for more councils in the bush has won the support of former Labor minister Elliot McAdam.  

 

Western Australia 

‘Leaking’ urban wetland to be paved over in $35m cultural centre redevelopment 

A popular biodiverse urban wetland installed at Perth’s Cultural Centre little more than a decade ago will be dug up to make way for a new thoroughfare. 

 

Recycled materials help spread message [$] 

Recycled materials are set to take on new life in a sculptural exhibition on display at Rockingham Foreshore next month. 

 

Sustainability 

Kenya generates 70 per cent of its energy with renewable sources 

As solar energy also becomes more attractive for industrial and home use, the east African nation has responded by removing duties on the import of products like solar panels and inverters. 

 

Sautéed seaweed and amaranth pancakes: how to cook three climate-friendly superfoods 

Taro, amaranth and kelp are sustainable crops that could become staples if you know how to bring out the best in them 

 

How to use less water: 15 essential tips – from beef burgers to megabutts to cutting back on clothes 

Emma Beddington  

I went on a mission to help save the world’s water, and found dozens of ways to do it, including ice cubes in pot plants, giving up jeans and mastering my flush 

 

Nature Conservation 

Alarming’ scale of marine sand dredging laid bare by new data platform 

UN-developed Marine Sand Watch estimates 6bn tonnes dug up a year, well beyond rate at which it is replenished 

 

Maelor Himbury | Library Volunteer

Australian Conservation Foundation | www.acf.org.au
p | 1800 223 669 t | @AusConservation

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We acknowledge the Traditional Owners of this country and their continuing connection to land, waters and community.
We pay respect to their elders past and present and to the pivotal role that Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people continue to play in caring for country across Australia.

Maelor Himbury | Library Volunteer

Australian Conservation Foundation | www.acf.org.au
p | 1800 223 669 t | @AusConservation