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Wildlife conservation efforts are essential to preventing outbreaks, scientists and advocates say

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For more than five years, wildlife conservationists in the US have been clamoring for the government to provide Endangered Species Act protections to pangolins, a group of imperiled ant-eating mammals that are widely, and often illicitly, trafficked for their scales and meat. The Trump administration, however, has refused to act and that refusal has suddenly taken on grave new implications.

Earlier this year, scientists in China identified pangolins, along with bats, as one of the possible animal hosts involved in the transmission of the deadly coronavirus from wildlife to humans.

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WWF has compiled a list of animal species whose social behaviours make them self-isolation experts. Humans are social beings: we rarely go a day without some form of interaction – either in the workplace, at the shops or at home. The coronavirus crisis is forcing people around the world to spend more time than ever alone, prompting many to rely on digital communication to connect to loved ones.

For many species in the animal kingdom, however, self-isolation is not a new concept. It’s in their instinct. From land mammals to ocean species, many choose to live in solitude outside of essential activity: to eat and to breed

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WA energy minister Bill Johnston joins the Energy Insiders podcast to explain his state’s transition plans. “We can make our own rules,” he says.

The post Energy Insiders Podcast: Why WA could take lead in renewable energy transition appeared first on RenewEconomy.

Australian and Japanese scientists collaborate to design new super flexible, lightweight and efficient solar cells that could be used in wearable fabrics.

The post Australian scientists help unlock potential of flexible and wearable solar appeared first on RenewEconomy.

Along with up to 30 new marine species, scientists have found a 150-ft example of a siphonophore, a string-like deep-sea predator

Scientists exploring the deep sea off Australia’s coast have discovered as many as 30 new marine species – and what may be the longest animal ever seen.

The discoveries were the result of expeditions into Western Australia’s underwater canyons. One of the biggest discoveries was a siphonophore measuring an estimated 150 feet (46 metres). Siphonophores are deep-sea predators made up of many small clones that act together as one and spread out like a single long string in the water. Researchers think this particular siphonophore may be the longest yet found.

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Federal government expenditure watchdog flags it may audit the Morrison government's UNGI program, with further questions raised about its legality.

The post Watchdog to consider audit of UNGI program as legal questions loom appeared first on RenewEconomy.

New Zealand’s greenhouse gas emissions fell slightly in 2018, official data showed Wednesday, but not as quickly as the government wants and carbon from agriculture continued to rise.

The Threatened Species Scientific Committee is seeking comments on a proposal to list the Karst Springs and Associated Alkaline Fens of the Naracoorte Coastal Plain Bioregion as a threatened ecological community. Consultation closes on 26 May 2020.

The Threatened Species Scientific Committee is seeking comments on a proposal to list the Karst Springs and Associated Alkaline Fens of the Naracoorte Coastal Plain Bioregion as a threatened ecological community. Consultation closes on 26 May 2020.

Energy Estate confident of finding investors for Sun Farms' 30MW Wangaratta solar farm, which it says is strategically located on Victoria's crowded grid.

The post “Shovel-ready” Wangaratta solar farm kicks off quest for investors appeared first on RenewEconomy.

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Latest report shows renewables, including rooftop solar, fell just a fraction short of a 25% share of Australia's main grid in past 12 months.

The post Australian renewables nudge milestone 25% share in last 12 months appeared first on RenewEconomy.

Nowhere is the AEMC's obstinacy and pursuit of ideological perfection over a good outcome more obvious than in the COGATI and MLF reform process.

The post John Pierce’s legacy: Blinkered policies are fragmenting NEM appeared first on RenewEconomy.

CPA signs its first Energy Storage Agreement – the largest such deal by a local power purchasing authority in California.

The post California set to be home to another 100MW battery project appeared first on RenewEconomy.

German solar generation experienced its best week yet last week, accounting for 23% of the country’s net electricity generation.

The post Solar has record-breaking week in Germany, provides 23% of generation appeared first on RenewEconomy.

The Maine Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) has requested that a public hearing on the proposed post-2020 RGGI Model Rule updates be shifted into a written comment period due to the coronavirus situation.

It's heartening to see pet adoption rates surging during the pandemic, but opportunistic adoption can come with dangers of abandonment. Heather Fraser, Associate Professor, Queensland University of Technology Damien Riggs, Professor in psychology, Australian Research Council Future Fellow, Flinders University Nik Taylor, Associate Professor in Sociology, University of Canterbury Licensed as Creative Commons – attribution, no derivatives.

Buildings soak up the sun's heat, but research shows that white roofs and surfaces can reduce temperatures inside, particularly during heat waves. Nilesh Bakshi, Lecturer, Te Herenga Waka — Victoria University of Wellington Maibritt Pedersen Zari, Senior Lecturer in Sustainable Architecture, Te Herenga Waka — Victoria University of Wellington Licensed as Creative Commons – attribution, no derivatives.

Estonia has no intention of leaving the EU ETS, the country’s prime minister told national media on Tuesday, following a formal call from its finance minister to temporarily exit the bloc’s carbon market amid the coronavirus crisis.

US regional grid operator PJM has seen significant reductions in peak and total power demand as a result of the widening COVID-19 pandemic, likely cutting CO2 obligations from RGGI-covered electricity generators in the Mid-Atlantic.