Vanuatu asks International Court of Justice to weigh in on right to be protected from climate change. Vanuatu is asking the International Court of Justice (ICJ) to issue an opinion on present and future generations' right to be protected from climate change.
Key points: Advisory opinions by the ICJ are not legally binding but can inform the development of international lawsIn May this year, a group of Australian teenagers received a favourable ruling in a similar casePacific island nations are particularly vulnerable to rising sea levels Vanuatu, with a population of some 280,000 people spread across roughly 80 islands, is among more than a dozen Pacific island nations facing rising sea levels and more regular storms that can wipe out much of their economies.
"In response to the catastrophic levels of climate change loss and damage faced by this small Pacific nation, Vanuatu recognises that current levels of action and support for vulnerable developing countries within multilateral mechanisms are insufficient," the government said in a statement on Saturday. States and territories revolt over federal government's coal power subsidy plan. The federal government is facing a revolt from states and territories over its plan to allow subsidies for coal and gas-fired power stations as part of reforms to shore up reliability of the electricity grid.
Key points: The federal government wants coal and gas-fired power stations to be eligible for electricity reliability subsidiesStates and territories are objecting, concerned it will prolong the life of polluting power generatorsThe ACT and Victoria will lead the push against Energy Minister Angus Taylor's plan at a meeting of energy ministers today Victoria "will not support" the plan it dubs "CoalKeeper," and the ACT will "adamantly oppose" it at a meeting of federal, state and territory energy ministers being held today.
The federal government wants to introduce a Physical Retailer Reliability Obligation (PRRO) to ensure there is enough electricity available in the National Electricity Market (NEM) at all times to fill gaps when wind and solar power cannot meet demand. Environmentalist Ben Pennings fears Adani legal bill could bankrupt him. Environmental campaigner Ben Pennings says he fears he could be bankrupted after Adani claimed a single day in court cost them $800,000.
Key points: Queensland's Supreme Court orders Mr Pennings to pay 60pc of Adani's costs, totalling $420,603.72The environmentalist's lawyer has tried and failed to get a break down of costs for the single day application in courtAdani accuses Mr Pennings of trespass, intimidation, and conspiracy to injure Adani — now rebranded Bravus — took Mr Pennings to court seeking compensation for business losses from his campaigns against contractors on its Carmichael coal mine in central Queensland with the protest group Galilee Blockade.
Many carbon credits for deforestation could be 'nothing more than hot air', report finds. Every year Australian governments and businesses spend millions of dollars on carbon credits to reduce greenhouse gas emissions.
You may have even paid to offset emissions yourself when booking a flight. Key points: The report compared past clearing rates with deforestation claimed to have been "avoided" through a carbon credit schemeIt found the amount of "avoided deforestation" was too high to have realistically occurred, even without the creditsIndustry groups and the government have questioned the report's calculations and defended the scheme But do all of those offsets actually make a difference?
According to a new analysis by the Australia Institute and The Australian Conservation Foundation, the answer is: "often not". It found the amount of "avoided" deforestation — paid for by carbon offset schemes — could not have realistically occurred in the first place. A line in the sand. Residents on South Australia's wild west coast are grappling with Mother Nature to save their cherished town from being swallowed up by the dunes.
Encroaching mountains of sand peer over backyard fences in Fowlers Bay. Like an impending tidal wave, its appearance serves as a reminder to the isolated and exposed village that an impressive natural force is right next door. Dunes have migrated in the region considerably in recent memory. Original parts of the town – High Street and a cluster of homes known as Kent Town — are already buried. BlueScope's climate change boss warns green steel still decades off. The chief executive of climate change at BlueScope has addressed investors for the first time in her new role, indicating breakthrough technologies that will allow the company to transition to green steel production are not likely to be available until the 2040s.
Key points: BlueScope's chief executive of climate change says green steel transition is decades awayGretta Stephens addressed the company's investor briefing for the first time in the new role on Monday CEO Mark Vasella also revealed the steel maker was considering plans to diversify its offering in the US. Antonio Guterres says nations need to step up climate change action to avoid 'catastrophic' path. The world is on a "catastrophic pathway" toward a hotter future unless governments make more ambitious pledges to cut greenhouse gas emissions, according to the United Nations (UN) chief.
Key points: The UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres says the world is on track to 2.7 degrees heating He says there needs to be a 45 per cent cut in emissions by 2030 to reach carbon neutrality by the middle of the centuryChina's aim to be carbon neutral was not taken into account because it has not submitted its plan to the UN A new UN report reviewing all the national commitments submitted by signatories of the Paris climate accord until July 30 found they would result in emissions rising nearly 16 per cent by 2030, compared with 2010 levels.
Scientists say the world must start to sharply curb emissions soon and add no more to the atmosphere by 2050 than can be absorbed if it is to meet the most ambitious goal of the Paris accord — capping global temperature rise at 1.5 degrees by 2100. Doctors, farmers call on federal government to adopt stronger climate targets ahead of Glasgow summit. Doctors have urged the federal government to commit to stronger climate change targets ahead of next month's global climate summit in Glasgow, warning the health of Australians is being put at risk.
Key points: The UN's climate change conference, known as COP26, will be held in Glasgow next monthDoctors and farmers are urging the Coalition to adopt more ambitious targets ahead of the talksThe government says its longer term commitments will be unveiled before the summit In an open letter to Prime Minister Scott Morrison, a range of organisations including the Australian Medical Association (AMA) and the Royal Australian College of General Practitioners (RACGP) said the impacts of climate change were already being felt by people affected by extreme weather events.
"Since then, we have seen the stark impacts of extreme weather events playing out in the northern hemisphere in 2021. Miami's best real estate is under threat from rising sea levels, so the wealthy are moving to higher ground. When an apartment building collapsed just 25 minutes from his home, Ivory Artis was grappling with the potential loss of his own apartment in Miami.
As sea levels rise, prime beach real estate has been losing its cachet. Developers have started looking inland, in marginalised communities like Ivory's, to build luxury homes for the coastal elite. This February, a California-based capital firm bought the three-storey building where Ivory has kept a one-bedroom apartment for over 16 years. In May, the new manager notified the tenants they had 60 days to vacate the property. Two days later, he told them it was now 30.
Ivory, like the other tenants he knows, had been consistently making his payments on time. The building was in need of repairs, but structural issues weren't the reason the manager gave for pushing the residents out. UK government accused of dropping FTA climate commitments due to Australian pressure. When Boris Johnson and Scott Morrison announced they had finalised a trade deal between Australia and the UK it was sold as win/win deal.
A leaked email purportedly shows the UK agreed to drop climate references from the FTA in a bid to appease AustraliaBritain is due to hold the COP26 climate change summit in Glasgow at the end of next monthThe free trade agreement between Australia and the UK could be formally signed within weeks But now the British government is under fire for giving ground to Australia on climate change goals just months before it will be urging other nations to cut emissions when it hosts the COP26 climate change summit in Glasgow.
A leaked email from a senior official in the British cabinet office - obtained by Sky News UK – allegedly shows the Brits agreed to drop certain references to commitments from the Paris climate change agreement in a bid to appease Australia and get a free trade deal over the line. Resource sector lobbies hardest on climate change, while net zero backers 'disengaged' Corporate support for government action on climate change is muted in Australia, with the most intense lobbying coming from resources and energy companies calling for more limited change. Key points: A new study has examined the climate positions and lobbying efforts of 50 major Australian companiesLobbying is most intense among resource and energy companiesCompanies that back stronger climate action engage in minimal lobbying, unlike their overseas counterparts Resources and energy companies undertake the most intensive lobbying on climate change, and most have policies that do not accord with the Paris Agreement goal of limiting global warming to below 2 degrees Celsius and preferably below 1.5 degrees.
Most fossil fuels 'must stay unburned' for one-in-two chance of meeting 1.5C warming limit. Australia must leave almost all its coal in the ground, as well as a good chunk of its oil and gas, if the world is to have an even chance of keeping global warming to 1.5C. Key points: The Paris Climate Agreement's goal is to limit global warming to well below 2, preferably to 1.5 degrees Celsius, compared to pre-industrial levelsAbout 60 per cent of oil and gas and 90 per cent of coal reserves must be "unextractable" for a 50 per cent chance of meeting that target, researchers sayThis decline in fossil fuels required globally by 2050 implies many regions face peak production now or during the next decade That's according to calculations published in Nature today, which found the lion's share of fossil fuel reserves worldwide must remain untapped if we're to stay at the lower end of the target set in the 2015 Paris Agreement on climate change.
And Australia is no exception, Mr Welsby added. "Unextractable" reserves are those that must be left in the ground to limit warming. Climate change solution could come from 'electrifying everything', Australian inventor Saul Griffith says. Speaking from San Francisco, Sydney-born inventor Saul Griffith explains how Australia can rapidly get most of the way to net zero emissions using existing technology. Key points: "Electrify everything" is the cheapest, fastest route to emissions cuts, experts sayHouseholds would replace petrol cars, gas heaters and other items with electric alternativesThese changes would be minimally disruptive, but provide large emission reductions Also an entrepreneur and adviser to US presidential campaigns, Dr Griffith is one of the most prominent global advocates for an approach best summed up as "electrify everything".
"If I had to choose the country for whom electrifying everything is the best economic win in the shortest amount of time … it is Australia," he said. The general idea is to replace technologies that still run on combustion with alternatives that run on renewable electricity: swap petrol cars for electric vehicles (EVs) and gas heaters with reverse-cycle air conditioners. Ozone recovery is offsetting Southern Hemisphere climate change trends in summer. If the latest climate report from the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) made anything clear, it was that much more needs to be done to reverse the impacts of climate change. Key points: The IPCC says ozone recovery is reducing greenhouse gas emission impactsThat's affecting a major climate driver known as the Southern Annular ModeIt means rainfall and storm tracks that were moving away from Australia are being kept at bay But buried in the 1,000-page document of mostly alarming reading there was one positive gem.
Our action in reducing ozone depletion is, in the short term, offsetting some of the impacts greenhouse gases are having on summer rainfall systems in the Southern Hemisphere. What does that mean? Drought leaves Brisbane's Wivenhoe Dam supply low, water restrictions due by Christmas. Water restrictions could be triggered in south-east Queensland by the end of the year as the region's biggest dam drops close to its lowest level since the last drought that gripped Brisbane and surrounds. Key points: Wivenhoe Dam is low after several failed wet seasonsThe dam has been as low as 36 per cent this yearBOM predicts a wetter than average spring On Wednesday, the level of Wivenhoe Dam — Brisbane's main water supply — sat at 41.8 per cent, while the combined level of all south-east Queensland drinking water dams is 58.1 per cent.
Seqwater's communication manager Mike Foster said Wivenhoe's dwindling supply is a result of several failed wet seasons and the catchment missing out on heavy rainfall over winter. "Unfortunately over winter, despite the fact we got some decent rain for our backyards it really didn't fall where we needed it and there were very little inflows into Wivenhoe Dam itself," he said. He said water authorities are already implementing a drought management plan.
Here's what south-east Queensland councils are doing about climate change. Lendlease warns federal government not to miss net zero carbon emissions 'opportunity' at UN climate conference in October. Bushfire survivors win landmark climate change case against NSW EPA. In a landmark ruling and a win for a bushfire survivors group, the Land and Environment Court has ordered the New South Wales Environmental Protection Authority (EPA) to take steps to safeguard against climate change.
Key points: The decision could pave the way for a cap on carbon, but the decision does not demand emissions regulationThe EPA argued that it had already taken steps to mitigate the impacts of climate change and is reviewing the judgementThe bushfire survivors who brough they action are "thrilled" with the result. Study finds green roofs make solar panels more efficient. The councils leading the charge on climate change to reach net zero emissions by 2030.
As the climate wars drag on at a federal level, local councils across the country are taking the initiative and doing it for themselves. Climate change means more floods, fires and heatwaves. Some communities are already adapting. Greenland rainfall has scientists worried about melting ice caps. Scientists say rain falling on Greenland's highest point for the first time on record is another worrying sign of warming for the ice sheet, which is melting at an increasing rate. Greenland's highest point recorded several hours of rain and temperatures above freezing last weekMelting on the ice sheet was seven times greater last week than the mid-August averageEnough ice melted from Greenland in July to cover an area 2.5 times the size of Tasmania in 5cm of water The world's second-largest ice sheet, behind Antarctica, had several hours of rainfall on August 14 at its 3,216-metre summit. In total, 7 billion tonnes of rain fell across Greenland over three days, from August 14-16 — the largest amount since records began in 1950.
Research confirms there is not enough water to meet the requirements of the Murray-Darling Basin Plan. Climate change since the 1990s has drastically reduced the amount of water available in the southern part of the Murray-Darling Basin, according to new research. Key points: UTS research shows a big decline in the amount of water in the rivers in the southern basinThe federal government is still committed to meeting environmental water targets through efficiency programsIrrigators say the target won't be met and fear more water buybacks instead According to the University of Technology Sydney, the height of the Murrumbidgee River has dropped by about 30 per cent during the growing season of April to May.
Report author Milton Speer said there was approximately 300 million litres less water flowing past the regional town of Wagga Wagga each day. Woodside's BHP oil and gas deal promises short-term gain, but is it signing up for long-term pain? Australia is at risk of taking the wrong tack at the Glasgow climate talks, and slamming China is only part of it. European carbon border tax is a warning to Australia to clean up or pay the price. Climate report 'no surprise' to Australians who have long fought for the environment. Farmers on SA's Eyre Peninsula adapting to climate change with water-saving research and renewable technology. IPCC report shows Earth's temperature is rising, and the heat is on Scott Morrison and Coalition's climate policy. Portland's roads melted during last month's heatwave. So what does this extreme weather event tell us about climate change?
ABARES says changing climate is costing every farm, on average, $30,000 every year. Liberal backbenchers push for Prime Minister to adopt net zero emissions by 2050 target. These electorates have the highest climate risk. So why are they less likely to demand more action? Mount Morgan hopes pumped hydro scheme will fix water supply crisis. Santos' $4.7 billion Barossa gas field could produce more CO2 than LNG, report says. Climate change challenges residents of Kiah, Cobargo and other NSW towns who want to rebuild after Black Summer. Possibility of gas exploration near Twelve Apostles angers locals. How the next 5 years can buy us a decade to solve climate change. Most peanuts Australians eat are foreign and farmers don't have the water to compete. Soil carbon scientists explore fungi to enlist crop farmers in battle against climate change. Salt erosion increasingly decaying cave paintings believed to be world's oldest.
Sea of Marmara algal bloom, dubbed 'sea snot', alarming Turkish scientists and fishermen. CSIRO predicts more drought, drastic drop in Murray-Darling basin water. Global car manufacturer says Australia is failing to lure electric vehicle importers. Financial regulator APRA to stress-test banks on climate change, to examine what would happen in a 3-degrees-hotter world. Climate change activists win against Exxon Mobil and Chevron, Shell loses Dutch court case. Australian teenagers' climate change class action case opens 'big crack in the wall', expert says.
Should banning petrol cars and going electric be Australia's next light bulb moment? G7 agrees to stop financing coal projects by the end of 2021. Australian National University commits to 'below zero' carbon emissions by 2030. International Energy Agency says radical change needed to reach net zero emissions by 2050. Printing meat from stem cells could be the future of food, but consumers will need convincing. Meet the farmers aiming to make their farm carbon neutral. What does chipageddon have to do with climate change? NSW Labor calls for inquiry into Eco Logical links to BioBanking offset windfall. Key to zero-carbon emissions beef is the feedlot, not the paddock, says scientist. Calls to phase out fossil fuel subsidies after speculation about net-zero emissions target. APRA guides banks, insurers and super funds to consider climate change risks. Scott Morrison to spend extra $539 million on new 'clean' energy projects. But will they reduce emissions?
Big miners including Fortescue Metals and BHP committing to big carbon reductions. Scott Morrison inches Australia towards 2050 net zero emissions, but distances himself from 'inner city' types. Australians want to buy electric cars, but car makers say government policy blocks supply. Former ADF official says increasing climate-related weather events could overwhelm defence force. For these Torres Strait Islanders, climate change is already here — and they're urging the government to do more. Energy efficiency rules considered for Northern Territory buildings, years after other states. How two men helped keep the flood-prone town of Goondiwindi dry for 65 years. Bold challenge to decarbonise Australia in 15 years laid down by Climate Council. Government accused of pressuring experts who questioned its gas-fired recovery plan. Carbon dioxide levels reach historic high as Joe Biden calls world leaders to climate talks.
Corporate carbon farms 'locking up the land' are locking out the people, critics say. Malcolm Turnbull dumped from role on NSW government clean energy board after 'media backlash' The $270 million battle to save an iconic London bridge from falling into the River Thames. Demand soars for carbon offset services as Australian businesses take lead on climate change. Climate Action 100+ investor group calls on the world's biggest polluters to lift their game. Cows fed small amount of seaweed burp 86 per cent less methane in trial.
First hydrogen produced from Latrobe Valley coal generates export hopes, emissions fears. Australian exporters could face millions of dollars in European tariffs as EU seeks to punish polluters. Is asparagopsis seaweed a key way to reduce methane emissions in sheep and cattle, or a risky investment? Sport set to reckon with impacts of climate change, and encouraged to act now. Family honoured for 100 years of service to Bureau of Meteorology say past 10 years one of the driest. The tragedy of Tasmania's underwater kelp forests - Science. Climate change inaction spurs Berowra residents to take some action themselves with local ideas. Productivity Commission finds Australia's water policy not up to challenge of climate change, population growth. Deputy Prime Minister Michael McCormack flags excluding agriculture from 2050 climate target. FOI documents show Darwin's $2.7m shade structure reduces heat by less than 1C. NSW Irrigators' Council calls for honest conversation as its research shows inflows to river systems have halved.
Coal-rich Hunter Valley ponders jobs future as Asian giants commit to net-zero carbon emissions. US President Joe Biden pauses oil and gas leases, cuts subsidies in 'bold' climate steps. Labor set for climate change shift with architect of emissions target Mark Butler to go. As heatwaves become more extreme, which jobs are riskiest? New focus on climate change adaptation but no sign of 2050 emissions commitment. How to make your home more resilient to heatwaves and severe storms in summer - Science. Heatwaves may mean Sydney is too hot for people to live in 'within decades' Andrew Forrest on how green hydrogen offers a chance to fix our climate and our economy. Goldfields museum exhibition reveals what you may have in common with doomsday preppers.
Whitsundays face rising insurance costs as cyclone season nears, but ACCC may have solutions. Adelaide scientists turn marine microalgae into 'superfoods' to substitute animal proteins. 'Heat refuges' may be one solution to Western Sydney's climate emergency. As the Arctic melts, scientists say a regime shift is taking place - ABC News (Australian Broadcasting Corporation)