Around The Web

Government urged to overturn effective ban to help meet ambitious climate targets

Government ministers face rising calls to lift their block on onshore wind farms to help meet the UK’s ambitious climate targets while reducing home energy bills.

Some of Europe’s largest energy investors have urged the government to overturn an effective ban on new onshore wind farms in England, warning that it may be stifling a flood of investment into the UK’s clean energy sector.

Continue reading...

An alliance of six national and state conservation groups say Queensland is failing on a commitment made four years ago to develop a "world leading protected area system".

Ten years into a unique scientific project researchers have tracked dramatic changes to the forest.

Ten years ago, politicians such as Tony Abbott would routinely voice disdain for climate science. Now, while the policy debate remains fierce, the battleground has shifted to economics and jobs. Michael J. I. Brown, Associate professor in astronomy, Monash University Licensed as Creative Commons – attribution, no derivatives.

Energy-related CO2 output rose 2% worldwide last year, the fastest rate since 2011, as extreme weather stoked demand for heating and cooling, a report found on Wednesday.

Transportation and Climate Initiative (TCI) jurisdictions in the northeast US are cautiously optimistic about finalising a carbon programme design before their December deadline, but others believe a tight timeframe could see the states miss that self-imposed cut-off date, numerous sources told Carbon Pulse.

Oregon state Democrats have lined up several amendments before the legislature’s fiscal committee votes on the proposed WCI-modelled cap-and-trade programme, while opponents have continued to attempt to weaken the bill.

EUAs slipped further below €25 on Wednesday, as weakness in the energy complex continued to weigh on carbon while fears of a no-deal Brexit loomed larger.

Fuel refiner PBF Energy has agreed to purchase oil giant Shell’s Martinez refinery in California for up to $1 billion, with the acquisition expected to add to the former's compliance obligations under the state’s cap-and-trade programme.

We are looking for one or two exceptional non-executive board members to ensure that we have the capacity, diversity and skills to support our core business, grow new ventures, drive material impact and address the urgent challenges of climate change.

The UK has promised a stricter emissions target by 2050, but some say it should be sooner.

We will have to change almost everything, from our homes to our meals

The net zero carbon target will require sweeping changes to almost every aspect of British life, affecting our homes, food and the way we get around, as well as jobs and businesses across the board. Ministers hope there will be health benefits and improvements to the natural environment along the way, as well as helping to stave off the global climate emergency.

On some of the key areas where rapid change is needed, however, the signals so far have been mixed.

Continue reading...

Man behind hit TV series among those criticising people taking inappropriate selfies

The writer of the acclaimed TV series Chernobyl has called for visitors to the site of the nuclear disaster to behave “with respect”, after a number of photographs emerged on social media apparently showing tourists taking inappropriate or lewd selfies.

Visitor numbers to the site of the former Soviet-era power plant in Ukraine have soared since the five-part miniseries began airing on HBO and Sky Atlantic in May, with some tour companies reporting a 40% increase in bookings.

Continue reading...

Thirty people aged 15-24 will assess how commitment by Theresa May should be met

Young people will advise ministers on how the UK should meet the target of ending carbon emissions by 2050, to which Theresa May committed the nation on Wednesday.

The commitment to net zero greenhouse gas emissions was described as “historic” by leading figures. But the UK is not yet on track to meet its 2025 and 2030 goals, so a huge transformation of energy, transport and buildings is urgently required.

Continue reading...

Australia has launched a review of offset rules that might allow for awarding carbon credits to even its dirtiest ageing coal-fired power plants.

Chicks hatching for the second year on an estate is good news for the endangered species, the RSPB says.

Australian Conservation Foundation says case shows federal government hasn’t scrutinised Carmichael project

The federal government will have to reassess water infrastructure for Adani’s Carmichael coalmine after conceding in a legal challenge that was lodged with the federal court.

The Australian Conservation Foundation has succeeded in its appeal against the government’s assessment of Adani’s north Galilee water scheme, with the federal government admitting it failed to properly consider public responses to the proposal and even lost some submissions.

Continue reading...

Australia is neglecting its role in the Pacific – Sean Dorney says that we’ve taken our position in the region for granted for too long and with China’s increased involvement it’s now time to wake up.

Many of those permitted since far-right president took power are banned in Europe

Brazil has approved hundreds of new pesticide products since its far-right president, Jair Bolsonaro, took power in January, and more than 1,000 since 2016, a study has found. Many of those approved are banned in Europe.

Of 169 new pesticides sanctioned up to 21 May this year, 78 contain active ingredients classified as highly hazardous by the Pesticide Action Network and 24 contain active ingredients banned in the EU, according to the study published on Wednesday by Greenpeace UK’s news agency Unearthed. Another 28 pesticides not included in the report were approved in the last days of 2018.

Continue reading...

South Korea sold out all allowances on offer in Wednesday’s auction, but the sale cleared 1.3% below the secondary market as only five companies submitted bids.