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Country has changed definition of waste, which campaigners far could lead to imports of low-grade plastic scraps

Argentina has changed its definition of waste in a move that could allow it to import millions of tonnes of plastic waste discarded in the US.

The country’s president, Mauricio Macri, signed a decree in August reclassifying some materials destined for recycling as commodities instead of waste, allowing looser oversight of mixed and contaminated plastic scraps that are difficult to process, and are often dumped or incinerated.

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Japan and Laos have agreed to include projects that reduce deforestation levels into their Joint Crediting Mechanism (JCM) partnership as Tokyo searches for ways to ramp up offset generation under the scheme.

The Prime Minister has signalled a crackdown on environmental protests, which he's framing as a threat to economic security.

Britain's countryside could be transformed by policies to combat climate change.

A daily summary of our news plus bite-sized updates from around the world.

The Morrison Government's 'expert panel' has shut out the clean energy sector in its search for extra emissions reductions.

The post Taylor’s ‘expert panel’ in search of emissions reductions shuts out clean energy sector appeared first on RenewEconomy.

Dutch solar carmaker Lightyear claims record score for aerodynamics for 5-seater Lightyear One while undergoing wind tunnel tests in Turin, Italy.

The post Lightyear One solar car beats Tesla Model 3 for aerodynamics appeared first on RenewEconomy.

Morrison's move to crackdown on climate protestors has been slammed as undemocratic, and may have unintended consequences.

The post Morrison’s crackdown on climate protests could have unintended consequences appeared first on RenewEconomy.

Kidston pumped hydro project faces delay after EnergyAustralia backs away from off-take deal, putting separate loan and share agreements at risk.

The post Kidston pumped hydro faces delay as EnergyAustralia pulls back from off-take deal appeared first on RenewEconomy.

From the punks of the bird world and a living fossil to a rabbit-killing raptor, Australia’s birds have attitude

• Vote for your favourite in the bird of the year poll

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New research published in the journal Nature Energy argues capacity markets disproportionately support gas generators at the expense of renewables.

The post Capacity markets a barrier to cutting emissions, research paper argues appeared first on RenewEconomy.

Thinning ice and snow cover is leading to more rock-falls and landslides.

The area is one of the most biodiverse regions in the world, and a popular tourist destination.

The 2020-21 National Taxonomy Research Grant Program grants round is NOW OPEN. Applications close 11pm (AEDT) on Wednesday 11 December 2019.

South Australia had lowest average spot prices for electricity in Australia's main grid in October as wind and solar provide bulk of state's demand over the month.

The post South Australia had lowest cost of supply in main grid in October appeared first on RenewEconomy.

Spain-based utility Iberdrola reported a 59% jump in its ETS-regulated thermal output over the first nine months of 2019, as gas-fired output ramped up to cover lost hydro generation, the company said in its financial results on Thursday.

RGGI allowances (RGAs) inched up on the secondary market this week ahead of Virginia's general election, while California Carbon Allowance (CCA) prices stabilised amid increased spread trading.

 The RGGI cap-and-trade system's CO2 output plummeted more than 10% during the third quarter of 2019 as New York- and Massachusetts-based generators emitted less during milder weather, putting the Northeast ETS on track to eclipse its all-time yearly low.

The unrelenting drought crisis is causing growing anger and frustration as stakeholders argue over what little water is left the system.

The proposed structure of Canada’s Clean Fuel Standard (CFS) raises questions about the additionality of GHG reductions from oil and gas efficiency improvements under the programme, and may potentially crowd out the development of new alternative fuels, a researcher said.