Amazon’s pink river dolphins reveal the bizarre impacts of seafood fraud
In recent years numbers of South America’s freshwater dolpins have fallen. But they’re not being caught to eat, but as bait for a common catfish being fraudulently sold under a different name This month, marine conservation NGO Oceana released a major report on seafood fraud, which reviewed more than 200 scientific studies that had collectively […]
Poor countries call for help in getting green stuff into climate projects
Experts at conference on green growth say money is available for designing development projects but that schemes are too often unappealing to investors A green finance gap means many projects fail to get off the ground for lack of funds while investors complain about a dearth of bankable projects, warned experts at the Global Green […]
There are two issues the South Australian blackout should make us think about | Tony Wood
A number of themes have arisen following the South Australian blackout. To put them all in perspective requires a focus on addressing climate change A South Australian power price shock in July and a state-wide blackout in September provided fertile ground for those who live by the motto: never waste a good crisis. It would […]
Chief scientist defends Climate Change Authority review against dissenters
Alan Finkel says the report that was challenged by two members of the authority was ‘evidence-based’ and ‘clever’ in fulfilling its brief Australia’s chief scientist, Alan Finkel, has spoken out in defence of the recent Climate Change Authority (CCA) review on how to meet the nation’s obligations under the Paris agreement, which was criticised by […]
Snake-handler shortage starting to bite in north Queensland
Female snakes, hungry after waiting for their eggs to hatch, are heading indoors in search of food such as rats A shortage of volunteer snake-handlers is starting to bite in north Queensland, where an end-of-breeding-season influx of hungry reptiles into homes is driving an increase in the number of calls for help. The need for […]
‘Ignorant rubbish’: Daniel Andrews slams Malcolm Turnbull over SA blackout comments
Victorian premier says prime minister’s views about South Australia’s weather ideologically driven and sounded like Tony Abbott Victoria’s premier, Daniel Andrews, has slammed Malcolm Turnbull’s response to South Australia’s once-in-50-years storm, saying he is peddling “ignorant rubbish” by conflating the state’s blackout with its heavy use of renewable energy. Andrews said the prime minister’s comments […]
Yosemite chief resigns as national parks embroiled in sexual harassment scandal
Superintendent Don Neubacher, who is accused of publicly ‘humiliating’ and intimidating workers, stepped down as California park faces misconduct scandal The head of Yosemite national park is stepping down in the wake of reports of “horrific working conditions”, bullying, and rampant sexual harassment at some of America’s most beloved landmarks. Superintendent Don Neubacher, who is […]
Commonwealth Bank: coal seam gas makes property 'unacceptable' as loan security
Exclusive: bank turns down owners’ application for $500,000 bridging loan on grounds that Queensland property has four coal seam gas wells on it Australia’s biggest mortgage provider has declared a Queensland property with coal seam gas wells “unacceptable” as security for residential lending, raising fresh concerns that people living in the state’s gasfields may be […]
South Australia weather: power supply prioritised after emergency declared
SA governor assents to regulations ensuring the production, distribution and supply of electricity declared essential services Australia’s energy market is prioritising South Australia after the state declared a period of emergency following two days of destructive storms. The Australian Energy Market Operator will maintain control of the South Australian power supply for up to seven […]
Deepwater Horizon review – BP oil spill drama captures heroics and heartache
Mark Wahlberg stars in Peter Berg’s excellent nail-biting drama about the 2010 disaster that cost 11 lives The spirit of Irwin Allen is revived for the 21st century in this terrifically tense and exciting real-life disaster movie, directed by Peter Berg. It comes complete with the time-honoured figures: the action-man tough guy, the grizzled old-timer […]