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The best of this week’s wildlife photographs from around the world

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Satellite data analysis suggests climate-induced algal blooms could be behind hundreds of deaths in Botswana that sparked flurry of theories in 2020

More than 350 elephants that died in mysterious circumstances probably drank toxic water, according to a new paper that warns of an “alarming trend” in climate-induced poisoning.

The deaths in Botswana’s Okavango delta were described by scientists as a “conservation disaster”. Elephants of all ages were seen walking in circles before collapsing and dying. Carcasses were first spotted in north-eastern Botswana in May and June 2020, with many theories circulating about the cause of death, including cyanide poisoning or an unknown disease.

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Early deaths from air pollution in US could be reduced by between 4,000 and 15,000 a year by 2035, study shows

The burning of fossil fuels that harms our climate also produces air pollution that damages ecosystems and harms our health. But we fail to tally up the benefits of reduced air pollution in our climate policies, and overlook opportunities to tackle these problems together.

A reminder of this failure is illustrated in a new study which has found that reduced air pollution from net zero policies in the US could result in a health gain of between $65bn (£51bn) and $128bn in 2035 alone.

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Pressure is mounting on a group of self-proclaimed high-ambition countries to trigger a two-thirds majority vote on the plastic treaty under negotiation in Busan, South Korea, to outflank opposition from nations allegedly seeking to derail a strong agreement.

Lord Howe Island is thriving, and so are the raucous local woodhens

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‘Trees of hope’ will be planted across the UK, including at a prison and a children’s hospital, in National Trust scheme

Saplings from the felled Sycamore Gap tree are to be planted across the UK, including next to one of London’s most famous roads, at a rural category C prison and at a motor neurone disease centre opening in the name of the late rugby league star Rob Burrow.

The National Trust on Friday announced the recipients of 49 saplings it has called “trees of hope”.

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Energy expert Gabrielle Kuiper on getting the best out of distributed energy resources in the new market design and as coal exits the grid. Plus, news of the week.

The post Energy Insiders Podcast: Getting the best out of the grid appeared first on RenewEconomy.

Australian households could lower their bills by over two thirds if they fully electrify their home by cutting out gas and petrol according to a new report from AEMC.

The post Australian homes could slash energy bills by two thirds by cutting out gas and petrol, AEMC says appeared first on RenewEconomy.

California Carbon Allowances (CCA) recovered from a weak Q4 auction earlier this week, while Washington Carbon Allowances (WCA) receded ahead of the upcoming permit sale next week.

Blackout featured prominently in media headlines this week, but not on the grid. But as the coal fleet gets older, there are smarter ways of responding to demand spikes.

The post In the end, the only blackouts were in the media headlines: But there has to be a better way to do this appeared first on RenewEconomy.

Governments don’t want to tell people they’re going to have to pay more, argues an expert.

A now-terminated California forest offset project seeks re-enrollment under the state’s compliance programme, but concerns around additionality and the high-risk nature of the project warrant closer consideration by state regulators, a researcher said.

Researchers say supermarket customers are more likely to buy a piece of fruit labelled as a ‘sad single’

If seeing a lone, desolate banana on a supermarket shelf leaves you feeling a little blue, you are not alone.

Researchers have found that labelling unsold loose fruits as “sad singles” tugs on shoppers’ heartstrings and increases the likelihood that they’ll be sold.

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Trinasolar and Mint Renewables have now both lodged planning applications for neighbouring big batteries in Victoria, but community opposition is fierce.

The post Trina submits approval for Victoria big battery, as locals campaign against solar and storage projects appeared first on RenewEconomy.

Greens make last minute commitment to vote for $22 billion Future Made in Australia policy under proviso no support would go to coal, oil and gas.

The post Australia to reshape manufacturing base as Greens deal excludes fossil fuels from flagship industry policy appeared first on RenewEconomy.

Andrew Forrest's Squadron Energy seeks green tick for new wind and battery project in NSW as its biggest wind project to date injects first power into grid.

The post Andrew Forrest seeks green tick for another wind and battery project as Clarke Creek powers up appeared first on RenewEconomy.

The phrase we’ve heard a hundred times is “we like renewables, but…”.  The main problem is a lack of communication. Local energy hubs could be the answer.

The post “We like renewables, but …” This is why industry is now calling for Local Energy Hubs appeared first on RenewEconomy.

Australia has a strong pipeline of projects to meet its renewables targets. Things are starting to go well, and the CIS is having a major impact. Let's not stuff it up.

The post Wind, solar and battery pipeline: Albanese better not stuff up Bowen’s excellent tenure appeared first on RenewEconomy.

Reversing damage to waterways requires sustained effort over time. Storytelling that emphasises inter-generational goals cultivates patience and resilience within communities. Katharina Doehring, Freshwater Scientist, Cawthron Institute Cathy Cole, Senior Lecturer in Sustainability, Liverpool John Moores University Nancy Longnecker, Professor in Science Communication, University of Otago Licensed as Creative Commons – attribution, no derivatives.

Right now, nations are negotiating the details of a treaty designed to slash plastic waste. One option on the table: tax new plastic to discourage overproduction. Amelia Leavesley, Research Fellow in Urban Sustainability, The University of Melbourne Licensed as Creative Commons – attribution, no derivatives.