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New research reveals how water containing the antidepressant Prozac affects male guppies, raising concerns about the health of aquatic ecosystems exposed to pharmaceutical pollution. Upama Aich, Postdoctoral Research Fellow in the School of Biological Sciences, Monash University Bob Wong, Professor of Behavioural and Evolutionary Ecology, Monash University Giovanni Polverino, Assistant Professor in behavioural ecology Licensed as Creative Commons – attribution, no derivatives.

"We search the planet for places like this." Two regional Queensland cities have been hailed as the "solution" to Australia's renewable energy ambitions.

The post Two regional cities may be key to unlocking Australian renewable and green export future appeared first on RenewEconomy.

Australian study of guppies shows that pharmaceutical pollution could threaten species’ long-term survival

Contamination of waterways with the antidepressant Prozac is disrupting fish bodies and behaviours in ways that could threaten their long-term survival, new research has found.

As global consumption of pharmaceuticals has increased, residues have entered rivers and streams via wastewater raising concerns about the effects on ecosystems and wildlife.

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Speaking during the Pacific Islands Forum in Tonga, the United Nations secretary general, Antonio Guterres, said fossil fuels must be phased out and all G20 countries must pursue a 'drastic reduction of emissions'. Asked whether he believes it is acceptable for a country like Australia to be continuing to approve new coal and gas projects, Guterres said the 'situation of different countries is different' but there should be no 'illusion'. 'Without a phase-out of fossil fuels in a fair and just way, there is no way we can keep the 1.5 degrees alive,' Guterres said in a reference to the Paris climate agreement goal of holding temperature rise to 1.5C above pre-industrial levels

• Albanese government accused of trying to ‘bury bad news’ about health of Great Barrier Reef

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Victorian water utility says it has completed its transition to 100 per cent renewables, eight years after setting its target.

The post Water utility completes switch to 100 per cent renewables appeared first on RenewEconomy.

WA's parliamentary inquiry into domestic gas supply has failed to look at solutions that could help manage its shortage problem and reduce emissions. 

The post WA fossil gas problem has a raft of solutions. Boosting its supply should not be one of them appeared first on RenewEconomy.

Big batteries projects are charging ahead beyond all expectations, helped by plunging costs. But where is the wind and solar, and what are the big utilities up to?

The post Big battery market charges beyond expectations, now the grid just needs more wind and solar appeared first on RenewEconomy.

For decades, Victoria relied on its offshore gas riches. But the wells are running dry – and there’s no plans for more supply in Australia’s largest gas consuming state. Tony Wood, Program Director, Energy, Grattan Institute Licensed as Creative Commons – attribution, no derivatives.

Education campaigns to change human behaviour and relocation of problem reptiles are better ways of managing risk, researchers say

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Culling crocodiles is an ineffective and expensive way to reduce attacks on humans, new research has found.

Research published in the journal People and Nature found 91% of crocodile attack victims in the Northern Territory were locals, with human complacency and water-based activities contributing factors.

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Research shows wasps are active and useful predators of caterpillars on crop plants, but we need to know more about their full biocontrol potential. Jennifer Jandt, Senior Lecturer in Ecology, University of Otago Amy Toth, Professor & Chair, Graduate Program in Ecology and Evolutionary Biology, Iowa State University Licensed as Creative Commons – attribution, no derivatives.

The whole of the cocoa fruit is used in production, rather than just the beans.

Recent research shows there is a $6.7 billion missed opportunity if newly electrified hot water systems aren’t used as a flexible resource.

The post SwitchedOn Podcast: Unlocking the power of hot water appeared first on RenewEconomy.

Australian renewables gentailer Zen Energy signs PPA to buy the majority of the output of a hybrid solar and battery plant being built in New South Wales.

The post Zen inks deal to buy output from first solar and battery hybrid project in New South Wales appeared first on RenewEconomy.

A real estate developer claims it will open the first 'carbon-positive' hotel in the US, achieved through its tree-planting partnerships and use of efficient materials.

Carbon Pulse rounds up developments in Latin American and Caribbean carbon markets for the week ending Aug. 25, which saw lurches toward full legalisation of the voluntary carbon market (VCM) in anti-VCM holdouts Ecuador and Bolivia, a strong early showing by LATAM biodiversity markets, and new sovereign issuances by Suriname.

RGGI allowance (RGA) prices on the secondary market peaked at a new all-time high early last week before dropping off on heightened volumes ahead of the upcoming Q3 auction.

Biggest battery in Queensland to double in size after AGL signs up to a 10-year "virtual" contract as big generators lock in to battery storage.

The post Queensland’s biggest battery to double in size after AGL signs “virtual” contract appeared first on RenewEconomy.

The benefits of leafy mistletoes for wintering arthropods include shelter from extreme weather and hungry birds as well as a more humid microclimate to avoid desiccation. Janice Lord, Associate Professor in Botany, University of Otago James Crofts-Bennett, PhD candidate in Botany, University of Otago Licensed as Creative Commons – attribution, no derivatives.

For decades it seemed as if nothing could change the trajectory of population growth. But a huge change is looming. Andrew Taylor, Associate Professor in Demography, Northern Institute, Charles Darwin University Supriya Mathew, Postdoctoral researcher in climate change and health, Charles Darwin University Licensed as Creative Commons – attribution, no derivatives.

The current global economic situation is hindering the deployment of carbon capture utilisation and storage (CCUS), which currently represents less than 5% of its global capacity, according to a report calling for stronger incentives towards supporting the technology.