Around The Web

Energy output of most wind turbines could be increased by changing their direction of rotation from clockwise to anti-clockwise, a study conducted by the German Aerospace Centre (DLR) finds.

The post Spin the other way: Changing turbine direction could boost wind output appeared first on RenewEconomy.

Ireland is set to steepen the trajectory of its rising domestic carbon tax under an agreement reached by party leaders this weekend to form a new coalition government after months of stalemate.

Two Trevor St Baker linked EV charging companies pour almost $40,000 into Queensland LNP coffers - ahead of state election.

The post Trevor St Baker backed EV charging companies make big donations to Queensland LNP appeared first on RenewEconomy.

All of Australia's 71 wine regions will become warmer this century. That means big changes for the industry. Tasmania, for example, may become better known for shiraz than pinot noir. Gabi Mocatta, Research Fellow in Climate Change Communication, Climate Futures Programme, University of Tasmania Rebecca Harris, Senior lecturer, Manager, Climate Futures Program, University of Tasmania Tomas Remenyi, Climate Research Fellow, Climate Futures Programme, University of Tasmania Licensed as Creative Commons – attribution, no derivatives.

Consumer goods firm Unilever has bolstered its voluntary climate goal, pledging on Monday to reach net zero emissions from its operations and products by 2039 while launching a €1 billion climate and nature fund to be spent over the next decade.

With or without a new GCSE, pupils must be taught to think about life on Earth

The lockdown edition of the BBC’s Springwatch ended on Friday, with a series of clips sent in by viewers to illustrate their wildlife enthusiasms. But the latest stage in a campaign to extend the reach of natural history beyond television schedules has only just begun. The idea for a new GCSE in the subject came from the author Mary Colwell. A public consultation on the proposals now being developed by an English exam board runs until July.

Helping children to connect with nature is prominent among the campaign’s aims. In recent years, a number of concerns have coalesced around the view that young people do not spend enough time outdoors. Health is one source of anxiety, particularly the rise in obesity and mental distress. Increased reliance on technology for entertainment is another. Evidence shows that the danger from road traffic, and fear of crime, have contributed to reducing children’s freedom, particularly the opportunity to play outside or travel to school unsupervised.

Continue reading...

A spat about the ETS has played a part in EU energy ministers failing to adopt a united line on the energy sector's response to the COVID-19 pandemic, Carbon Pulse has learnt.

A San Diego County provision for rural housing developments to utilise out-of-jurisdiction carbon credits violates the California Environmental Quality Act (CEAQ) because it lacks stringent language on additionality and environmental integrity, California judges ruled Friday in support of a lower court ruling.

Morrison’s announcement in wake of bushfires is ‘distressing’ and puts threatened species at risk, ecologists say

Scientists have expressed dismay and frustration at Scott Morrison’s latest push to deregulate the environmental approval process for major developments, noting it comes just months after an unprecedented bushfire crisis and during a review of national conservation laws.

In a speech on Monday, the prime minister said he wanted to slash approval times for major projects by moving to a streamlined “single touch” system for state and federal environmental assessments.

Continue reading...

A joint European-Russian satellite observes a light in Mars’ atmosphere that's generated by oxygen.

The California legislature on Monday faces a crucial vote on a revised budget provision directing regulator ARB to conduct a rulemaking on the WCI-linked cap-and-trade programme by next year.

Lise Kingo says social equality issues must be part of sustainable development agenda

The coronavirus pandemic is “just a fire drill” for what is likely to follow from the climate crisis, and the protests over racial injustice around the world show the need to tie together social equality, environmental sustainability and health, the UN’s sustainable business chief has said.

“The overall problem is that we are not sustainable in the ways we are living and producing on the planet today,” said Lise Kingo, the executive director of the UN Global Compact, under which businesses sign up to principles of environmental protection and social justice. “The only way forward is to create a world that leaves no one behind.”

Continue reading...

Latest 10-year forecast for W.A. grid highlights massive changes ahead as rooftop solar entrenches position as dominant technology, while the closure of two more coal units will not be missed.

The post Rooftop solar reshapes W.A. grid, and retiring coal units won’t be missed appeared first on RenewEconomy.

EUAs fell to their lowest in almost two weeks early on Monday, dropping below €22 amid wider fears that a second wave of COVID-19 cases will weigh on global recovery prospects.

Switzerland has cancelled its second straight carbon allowance auction due to low demand, the government announced Monday.

Thermal power generation in China rose sharply last month, according to official data, indicating a rapid rebound in CO2 emission levels as the world’s second-biggest economy strives to get back on track.

Court backs judgement that watchdog failed to establish the company’s claim on product was false or misleading

Australia’s consumer watchdog has lost its appeal over a ruling that Kimberly-Clark had not misled customers when it said its wipes were flushable.

In its 2019 federal court lawsuit, the Australian Competition and Consumer Commission contended the wipes were not suitable to be flushed because they caused harm to sewerage.

Continue reading...

The firm expects prices to be lower as plans to cut carbon emissions are sped up in the wake of coronavirus.

Long seen as a shortcut for corporate climate action, offsetting is aiming for a major credibility boost this year in a process that could transform the voluntary and compliance carbon markets.

Tree planting projects that use non-native trees risk releasing more carbon back into the atmosphere, undermining efforts to fight climate change. Lauren Waller, Postdoctoral Fellow, Lincoln University, New Zealand Warwick Allen, Postdoctoral fellow, University of Canterbury Licensed as Creative Commons – attribution, no derivatives.