Around The Web

Engineers at the University of Queensland say technology could be used to power small devices, such as a phone, within two years

A flexible solar “skin” that could be used to generate power on homes, cars and phones is a step closer to development after the technology was used to break a world record for electricity conversion, researchers say.

Engineers at the University of Queensland have been working with nanoparticles known as quantum dots that pass electrons and generate an electrical current when exposed to solar energy.

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Labour calls for Andrew Sabisky to be sacked over reported comments on race and eugenics.

Action at Trinity part of week-long protests over ties between colleges and fossil fuel industry

Extinction Rebellion protesters have dug up the lawn of Trinity College, Cambridge, as part of a week-long series of demonstrations.

The climate activists dug channels into the turf in front of the college’s 16th-century great gate with shovels and pitchforks and planted Extinction Rebellion flags.

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Reductions in air and water pollution are most likely reason, say scientists

Freshwater insects, mosses and lichens are bucking the trend of wildlife losses in the UK and have expanded their ranges since 1970, according to a new study. Reductions in air and water pollution are the most likely reason.

Scientists say their new analysis shows that amid big declines in wildlife, action can help to reverse the trend for some species. The work analysed millions of sightings of 5,000 different invertebrate species by volunteers over 45 years.

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Decision concerns two ships regularly transporting live animals to the Middle East, prompting questions about monitoring of fleet

The Irish government revoked approvals for the operator of two regular livestock carriers, the Atlantic M and the Express 1, last week, following questions from the Guardian and Irish farm animal welfare organisation Ethical Farming Ireland (EFI).

Internal emails appear to show that Ireland’s Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine (DAFM) was unaware that the performance ratings for the ships’ operator was below the required standard until a campaigner from EFI got in touch last year.

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EUAs dipped slightly early on Monday, after a weaker auction saw prices skirt technical support levels just above €24.

Scientists at the Open University are studying minerals collected during the 1969 Moon landings.

Bayer and BASF are told to pay huge damages to a Missouri peach-grower.

Australia on Monday proposed to ease regulations that have previously restricted access for developers to establish carbon offset projects in high rainfall areas.

The world’s biggest-emitting nation is looking increasingly unlikely to bring ramped-up climate ambition to UN talks in Glasgow later this year, with China laser-focused on mitigating economic repercussions from the ongoing coronavirus outbreak that could see emission levels balloon.

Tesla solar PV panels now available for order in Australia, and reservations also open to those interested in Tesla's complete solar roof.

The post Tesla Solar Roof open for “reservations” in Australia – no word on delivery times appeared first on RenewEconomy.

General Motors retires iconic Holden brand as it looks to a future of electric and autonomous mobility.

The post Holden brand killed off as GM switches focus to electric vehicles appeared first on RenewEconomy.

Market operator re-connects and re-synchronises South Australia's grid to the main network more than two weeks after storms tore down main transmission link.

The post South Australia re-connected to main grid as AEMO completes delicate operation appeared first on RenewEconomy.

Cars were swept away by flooding in the town of Hay-on-Wye as Storm Dennis brought heavy rain and winds to the UK on Sunday. Footage posted on social media showed vehicles half-submerged and floating away after a nearby river burst its banks

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Explorer says halting imports would recognise the devastating impact of colonialism on wildlife

Banning the import and export of big game hunting trophies would recognise the destructive impact European powers have had on wildlife in former African and Asian colonies, Sir Ranulph Fiennes has said.

Speaking to the Guardian, the veteran British explorer said hunting endangered species such as rhinos, elephants and lions to keep their body parts as trophies should be viewed with the same scepticism as Chinese traditional medicine in terms of the damage it does to biodiversity.

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Five-year study of animals in Devon finds measurable benefits to wildlife and people

Beavers have alleviated flooding, reduced pollution and boosted populations of fish, amphibians and other wildlife, according to a five-year study of wild-living animals in Devon.

The report, which will help the government decide whether to allow wild beavers to return to England after being hunted to extinction more than 400 years ago, concludes that the species has brought measurable benefits to wildlife and people.

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Use of ‘scrubbers’ to cut air pollution increases pollutants pumped into sea, UN report says

New shipping pollution regulations introduced earlier this year could harm humans by contaminating fish and crustaceans with toxins, according to an internal report compiled by the International Maritime Organization and obtained by the Guardian.

In the report the IMO, the United Nations agency responsible for regulating shipping, says that there is insufficient “toxicity data” to be able to assess the risk to humans caused by the increased use of exhaust gas cleaning systems, which are also known as “scrubbers”.

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Proposed route slices through a major drinking water source and an important stop for migratory birds

To the west of Istanbul, between the Black Sea and the Marmara Sea, lie diverse landscapes of forest, farms, marshes and ancient settlements. Following a curving line from north to south would connect you through the Terkos Lake, Sazlıdere stream and reservoir and Küçükçekmece lagoon, important water sources for migratory birds – not to mention the city’s residents.

This line, however, is also the path of Kanal İstanbul, a $12.6bn(£9.7bn) mega-infrastructure plan described by President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan as his “crazy project” when he first mentioned the idea in 2011.

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Former resources minister Matt Canavan says he is ready to cross the floor and do everything he can to support coal industry.

The post Why Canavan will be a more dangerous pro-coal advocate outside of Morrison ministry appeared first on RenewEconomy.

Some parts of Australia have enjoyed excellent rainfall this year, but others have not. Drought relief is still slow and patchy. David Jones, Climate Scientist, Australian Bureau of Meteorology Andrew B. Watkins, Head of Long-range Forecasts, Australian Bureau of Meteorology Chantal Donnelly, Head of Water Investigations, Australian Bureau of Meteorology Lynette Bettio, Senior Climatologist, Australian Bureau of Meteorology Matthew Coulton, Manager Water Sector Engagement, Australian Bureau of Meteorology Licensed as Creative Commons – attribution, no derivatives.