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Supercomputing, frequent flying and powering up observatories: astronomy has an enormous carbon footprint. Adam Stevens, Research Fellow in Astrophysics, University of Western Australia Sabine Bellstedt, Research Associate in Astronomy, University of Western Australia Licensed as Creative Commons – attribution, no derivatives.

Retailers say they don’t have enough time to adjust to law, which is likely to come into force in early 2021

South Australia has become the first Australian state to introduce laws banning some single-use plastics including cutlery, straws and stirrers.

Environmental campaigners say the laws, likely to come into force in early 2021, are historic and will help protect wildlife on land and in the oceans.

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By early June, emissions had mostly returned to the levels of the same period in 2019, the report found

The Covid-19 pandemic will deliver an unprecedented annual drop in global greenhouse gas emissions of up to 7% by the end of 2020, but the slowdown’s impact on the atmosphere will be almost imperceptible, according to a major report led by the United Nations.

Analysis of fossil fuel burning found emissions hit their lowest daily rate in April but by June – as economies began to open up again – emissions were returning to the same levels seen the previous year.

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Ripping up drains and releasing rats may not sound like popular moves, but through urban ecology projects, volunteers and locals are building a new harmony with nature

“In wildness,” declared Henry David Thoreau, “is the preservation of the world.”

But what does wildness mean in the Anthropocene, an era in which, by definition, humanity’s influence reshapes the entire planet?

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The state’s koala population could become extinct by 2050. This is not the time to water down protections

The New South Wales National party’s decision to make koalas casualties of a political feud in order to threaten the successful coalition with the state Liberal party is as bizarre as it is misguided.

Premier Gladys Berejiklian is dealing with the duel crises of the Covid-19 outbreak and its economic impact as well as any leader in the developed world. Her ability to limit further outbreaks while maintaining freedom of movement and an open economy is literally the envy of the world and her own state counterparts.

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A Montana climate council called on the state to explore the feasibility of either a federal or regional CO2 pricing approach as part of a swath of proposed climate methods on Wednesday, but subsequent comments from Governor Steve Bullock (D) and the state’s probable Republican-led legislature going forward suggest the recommendation may never come to pass.

Discovery of deadly virus in wild boar cadaver leads to crisis measures including hunting, harvesting and leisure bans

German farmers have been ordered to enact a series of crisis measures after the discovery of the country’s first case of African swine fever (ASF).

The arrival of the highly infectious disease, found in the cadaver of a wild boar close to the German border with Poland in the state of Brandenburg, is a devastating blow to farmers who have been at pains for several years to keep it at bay.

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EU carbon prices jumped to a one-week high on Thursday on technical buying and short-covering and after the European Parliament's environment committee (ENVI) - as expected - voted to support a tougher bloc-wide climate target for 2030, traders said.

Zion Lights says a car-crash TV interview led her to rethink her support for Extinction Rebellion.

Transforming the power sector alone will only get the world one-third of the way to net zero emissions by 2070, the IEA said in a report published on Thursday.

Vast Solar to explore using its solar thermal technology in Aurora project near Port Augusta that is being revived by 1414 with new energy mix.

The post Aurora project may still include solar thermal as 1414 signs with Vast Solar appeared first on RenewEconomy.

Global demand for carbon offsets is likely to surpass supply by around 2025 as governments tighten climate regulations and more major emitters set voluntary net zero targets, according to a report by ratings agency Fitch.

Centre Alliance’s Stirling Griff joins independents Rex Patrick and Jacqui Lambie to oppose EPBC Act changes

Crossbench senators have vowed to block the Morrison government’s proposed changes to environmental laws next month, in part because they include nothing to improve the protection of Australia’s ailing wildlife and natural heritage.

The Coalition last week used its numbers to gag debate in the lower house of parliament and force through changes that would transfer greater development approval powers to state and territory governments.

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An ARENA-sponsored demand response trial sees strong participation rates amongst large energy users, but apathy and inconvenience see households lag behind.

The post Apathy and inconvenience: Why households are slow on demand response appeared first on RenewEconomy.

Anthony Lynham announces retirement from politics, opening up the position as head of a crucial portfolio at a crucial time in the state's "renewable energy revolution."

The post Queensland energy minister won’t re-contest next month’s state election appeared first on RenewEconomy.

These teens are finding creative avenues to pursue action, even if it means taking a long shot. And beating the odds is exactly how the law tends to evolve. Laura Schuijers, Research Fellow in Environmental Law, University of Melbourne Licensed as Creative Commons – attribution, no derivatives.

Independent MP says she will present Climate Change Bill to federal Parliament in November, as the focus switches from surviving Covid to a green recovery.

The post Climate policy pressure builds as Steggall sets November date for zero emissions bill appeared first on RenewEconomy.

IEA technology report highlights a simple truth: In a good emission scenario, there is less gas. In a bad emission scenario, there is more gas.

The post IEA’s technology report highlights Australia’s dangerous climate policy holes appeared first on RenewEconomy.

Goldwind Australia today announced the inaugural Moorabool North Community Fund grant distribution of $125,000 to 11 local community groups.

The post Moorabool wind farm community fund distributes $125,000 to the local community appeared first on RenewEconomy.

Whale breaches and tail slaps look great from a distance. But they can pose a threat if you want to get up close and swim with these giants of the ocean. Chantal Denise Pagel, Doctoral student | Marine Wildlife Tourism Professional, Auckland University of Technology Mark Orams, Acting Dean, Health and Environmental Sciences, Auckland University of Technology Michael Lueck, Professor of Tourism, Auckland University of Technology Licensed as Creative Commons – attribution, no derivatives.