Around The Web
Shell’s historic loss in The Hague is a turning point in the fight against big oil | Tessa Khan
The oil giants that have helped drive the climate crisis are finally being forced to take responsibility for their actions
On a rainy afternoon in The Hague, the district court delivered a judgment against Royal Dutch Shell, the parent company of the Shell group. It refuted the excuses regularly relied on to continue extracting oil and gas and vindicated longstanding calls to keep fossil fuels in the ground. The court held that Shell’s current policy of merely reducing the “carbon intensity” of its products by 20% by 2030, and aiming to reach net zero by 2050, would contribute to climate impacts that endanger the human rights of the plaintiffs.
The extraordinary events preceding the oil industry’s so-called Black Wednesday bring to mind the proverbial path to bankruptcy: it happens gradually, and then all at once. Hot on the heels of a landmark report by the global energy body the International Energy Agency warning against new fossil fuel production, Wednesday’s historic ruling has blown another hole in the defences of an industry that has overwhelmingly failed to accept responsibility for driving the climate emergency.
Continue reading...Mars: Nasa's Perseverance rover's first 100 days in pictures
Diamond geysers: a cruise through Iceland – in pictures
Jessica Auer moved to a small community in Iceland’s eastern fjords to photograph the tourist boom that some see as a blessing, others a curse
Continue reading...‘This is a spectacular chorus’: walk into the cicada explosion
One of the world’s great natural spectacles is under way in the eastern US, stretching from the deep south to upstate New York
At first, the noise pulsing from the drooping elm tree boughs seemed to be coming from the power lines erected nearby. Like a surging electrical current, the sound fizzed to a crescendo on the ears before receding slightly, only to build up again to a loud, vibrating whirr.
It was only on the approach to the tree, as desiccated bodies crunched underfoot and small but sturdy creatures sporting wings and orange eyes suddenly clung on to our calf muscles, that it became apparent what was causing such a huge racket: millions of cicadas had just erupted from the earth.
Continue reading...I love my new garden – i just wish it didn't come with a gang of neighbourhood cats | Emma Beddington
I didn’t realise that when I moved to the suburbs I would be pushed into a war with so many felines intent on menacing the birds and my plants
I have been wondering why no one eats the bird seed at the front of the house: my husband has the answer. He recently sent me a picture captioned “This is why”: three muscular cats draped over the wall, inches from my feeders. Seemingly relaxed, they nevertheless project an aura of lazy homicidal menace. I wouldn’t want to walk past them myself, so it’s hardly surprising birds are put off.
I am learning that, when you move to the suburbs, you are allocated a quota of cats. Not your own: just some cats that are now part of your life, like it or not. By my calculations, it’s approximately 1.5 cats per head. We have the front yard gang, plus a sleek black puma-sized one that sits next to my small hens, appraisingly. The vegetable patch also has a cat tenant: a judgmental tabby who gets annoyed when I interrupt his busy schedule of digging up and defecating on my seedlings. Then there’s Derek, 20, confused and bony, often found by the back door emitting the haunting wail of a lost toddler (he’s my favourite).
Continue reading...Former PM Turnbull backs 5B’s modular solar expansion
Former PM joins the rush to clean energy, investing in a new funding round to back innovative solar business 5B.
The post Former PM Turnbull backs 5B’s modular solar expansion appeared first on RenewEconomy.
1000 per cent renewables for Australia? ARENA boss says that is the goal
ARENA CEO suggests Australia's electricity production could grow ten fold, and all from renewables, while becoming a global clean energy supplier.
The post 1000 per cent renewables for Australia? ARENA boss says that is the goal appeared first on RenewEconomy.
We need to go with the flow and invest in different storage technologies
Australia is focusing its storage options on lithium ion batteries and pumped hydro. It needs to look at other options.
The post We need to go with the flow and invest in different storage technologies appeared first on RenewEconomy.
Climate explained: why is the Arctic warming faster than other parts of the world?
Willow trees are notorious pests. But for freshwater animals, they could be unlikely climate heroes
South Australia to install free Tesla batteries in homes without rooftop solar
South Australia to extend its virtual power plant scheme to state housing homes that do not have rooftop solar in effort to create a big solar sponge.
The post South Australia to install free Tesla batteries in homes without rooftop solar appeared first on RenewEconomy.
Wastewater biogas to lead NSW “renewable gas” certification scheme
Some NSW households will be offered the chance to opt-in to buying renewable gas, in a new pilot certification scheme launched by the NSW government.
The post Wastewater biogas to lead NSW “renewable gas” certification scheme appeared first on RenewEconomy.
Investor to focus on US because Australia “not conducive” to growing big solar
Solar investor slams Australian policy and regulatory environment as it prepares to sell its two assets and focus on Joe Biden's America.
The post Investor to focus on US because Australia “not conducive” to growing big solar appeared first on RenewEconomy.
China’s MingYang unveils country’s first floating offshore wind turbine
China's MingYang Smart Energy launch first floating offshore wind tower and turbine ever built in China, a 5.5MW turbine.
The post China’s MingYang unveils country’s first floating offshore wind turbine appeared first on RenewEconomy.
Infigen no more: Iberdrola completes branding overhaul after takeover
Infigen Energy complete its rebrand to become Iberdrola Australia, as its readies for a fresh Australian expansion push.
The post Infigen no more: Iberdrola completes branding overhaul after takeover appeared first on RenewEconomy.
Then and now: Pandemic clears the air
Why electric cars will take over sooner than you think
Covid noise slips from Australia’s emissions data as Taylor inflates Gorgon role
Angus Taylor inflates Gorgon CCS role in emissions data, as reductions from renewables offset by growth in fossil fuels.
The post Covid noise slips from Australia’s emissions data as Taylor inflates Gorgon role appeared first on RenewEconomy.