Post of the Day
Methane emissions from coal mines are higher than previously thought
Methane emissions from coal mines are likely higher than previously calculated, because of emissions from abandoned mines and higher content in deep coal seams.
On This Day
Climate Change
Otago study examines attitudes toward climate change risk
A University of Otago study explored factors which influence Americans’ levels of concern over climate change, providing discussion on how those factors could impact mitigation efforts.
Reconstruction shows increased global warming trends since 1850s
To better understand how temperatures have increased, an international team led by researchers at Sun Yat-Sen University in China has released a newly merged global surface temperature dataset, including reconstructed land and marine measurements from the 1850s to 2018. The study provides evidence that there was a consistent increased warming trend compared with previous estimations.
Aerosol particles cool the climate less than we thought
The impact of atmospheric aerosols on clouds and climate may be different than previously thought. That is the conclusion of cloud researcher Franziska Glassmeier from Delft University of Technology.
National
Australians can have confidence in environmental safeguards provided under RFAs
The Australian Forest Products Association (AFPA) says Australians can have confidence that our sustainably managed native forestry operations provide all the environmental safeguards required by the Environmental Protection and Biodiversity Conservation (EPBC) Act, Deputy CEO Victor Violante said today.
Senator says government still hasn’t addressed concerns crossbenchers raised last year, while conservationists call for action on review’s recommendations
Biden has hit the accelerator, but Australia’s leaders remain stuck in climate change paralysis
David Speers
As Joe Biden hits the accelerator on climate action, Australia remains stuck in climate policy paralysis, with both major parties treading nervously
Dissembling and ducking won’t win climate votes [$]
Jack Waterford
One of the dubious benefits of being a political leader is that there is no shortage of people offering advice. Very little of it is disinterested, even, or perhaps particularly, when it comes from one’s own side of politics. Some of the unsolicited advice is likely, if followed, to do one harm. Some of the commentary, and the free character assessments which come with it, are probably wrong, at least as prescriptions for self-improvement or action. They should take particular care about lazy conclusions not greatly supported by facts.
Victoria
After the fires, rare bird’s appearance surprises scientists
The behaviour of the shy and critically endangered eastern bristlebird has surprised researchers who returned to its habitat almost a year after the huge Gippsland bushfires.
Return to a bush oasis, one year after the fires
Susan Murphy
We returned to Cape Conran in East Gippsland, to find restoration and regrowth.
New South Wales
Endangered animals bounce back on rat-free Lord Howe Island
A controversial program to eradicate rats on Lord Howe Island has seen a blossoming of the World Heritage site’s endangered species.
‘E-tag for commuters’ trialled on public transport [$]
Students are trialling a new ‘e-tag for commuters’ on Sydney’s public transport network that aims to improve travel times and put an end to rummaging through bags for Opal cards.
Queensland
Dingo found with fish hook in lip sparks reminder for Fraser Island tourists
The lure was removed from the young wongari, as the island’s wild dingoes are known by its traditional owners. Now the dog will be monitored for infection.
Despite the outrage, youth crime is on the way down [$]
Damien Atkinson
Outrage over the shocking Alexandra Hills crash is understandable but the number of offences committed by young people in Queensland is actually reducing.
South Australia
Builders told to turn over new leaves or pay up [$]
Developers won’t be allowed to just cut and run under new rules aimed at stemming the loss of South Australia’s trees.
Tasmania
Free access to the Launceston waste and recycling centre is not feasible says Launceston council [$]
Providing free access to the Launceston waste centre, in a bid to reduce illegal dumping, is not financially feasible, according to the City of Launceston’s chief executive officer.
RACT says major Tasmanian roads need a clear plan, increased safety
A clear 10-year plan for Tasmania’s major roads are vital to road safety and infrastructure surety, according to the RACT.
EPBC Act reform: final report recommends ‘abolishing’ exemptions given to native forests [$]
Jackson Worthington
A review of federal environmental protections, which could have wide reaching implications for Tasmania, has found Australia’s natural places are in an overall state of decline.
Northern Territory
Parts of NT’s major electricity market shake-up plan revealed [$]
Major reforms needed to gear the Northern Territory’s electricity market for more private investors and renewable energy is set to be in place by the end of the year.
Sustainability
Planned coalmine would create ‘more emissions than any other in UK’
Committee on Climate Change says new mine in Cumbria gives ‘negative impression of UK’s climate priorities’
Eating insects could end up bugging people allergic to shellfish
Researchers have identified a potential issue with using insect protein as a food source.
Methane emissions from coal mines are higher than previously thought
Methane emissions from coal mines are likely higher than previously calculated, because of emissions from abandoned mines and higher content in deep coal seams.
New catalyst moves seawater desalination, hydrogen production closer to commercialization
Seawater is abundant and cheap, making it a tempting resource to meet the world’s growing need for clean drinking water and carbon-free energy. Now researchers from the University of Houston have reported a new catalyst that can be made quickly and inexpensively, bringing the technology closer to commercial reality.
When we think of marine biologists, we don’t think of them shooting whales, but that’s exactly what some are doing to study Antarctica’s changing environment.
How is human behavior impacting wildlife movement?
For species to survive in the wild, maintaining connectivity between populations is critical. Without ‘wildlife corridors’, groups of animals are isolated and may die out. In assessing wildlife connectivity, many aspects of the landscape are measured, but the impact of human behavior has largely been overlooked.
Forests with diverse tree sizes and small clearings hinder wildland fire growth
Novel 3D computational study links observable forest characteristics with fire behavior and reveals how forest structure propagates fire
Scientists look to soils to learn how forests affect air quality, climate change
Two studies shed light on the complex relationships between tree types, forest soil nutrients and microbes, and their effect of affect air quality and climate change.
Alpine plants at risk of extinction following disappearing glaciers
Nearly a quarter of Italian alpine plant species are threatened by glacier retreat, according to a new study from Stanford University. Glaciers around the world are predicted to disappear within the next decade and the consequences for the plants, animals and societies surrounding them are still uncertain. By combining historical records, current surveys and computational models, the researchers’ findings may help guide conservation efforts.
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