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Reduce emissions, build resilience, repair ecosystems, remove greenhouse gases: these are the four Rs that can save us

• David King is chair of the global Climate Crisis Advisory Group

In 2008, the late American climate scientist Wally Broecker warned of the global repercussions of polar ice loss. Today, his predictions echo louder than ever as Greenland ice haemorrhages at an alarming rate, threatening rapid sea-level rise. Over the past 15 years, the Arctic Circle region has been heating up at four times the global average; it’s now more than 3C above levels in the 1980s. In 2023, we witnessed a staggering loss of Antarctic Sea ice.

Over the past year, land and ocean temperatures have soared, far beyond what was anticipated for an El Niño year. Global average temperatures have breached the 1.5C mark, indicating that climate transition has been unleashed. From record-breaking wildfires across continents to catastrophic floods threatening to submerge major cities, extreme climate events have become the new norm, causing massive loss of life and economic damage worldwide.

David King is the founder and chair of the global Climate Crisis Advisory Group

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With the current ETS focused on big industrial polluters, the EU has only played the “amateur league” of carbon pricing, and is now entering dangerous waters where climate policies start encroaching on private property and individual freedoms, warned Poland’s climate minister.

Malawi has finalised its carbon trading regulatory framework, according to media sources, and so far registered 11 projects following a goverment review into its market activity last year.

A newly created essential system services market has been suspended until more big batteries can ride to the rescue.

The post New grid services market suspended until battery storage cavalry arrives appeared first on RenewEconomy.

The prime minister of Pakistan has rejected a proposal of imposing carbon tax on fossil fuels, citing concerns that the tax may lead to high inflation affecting general public.

Illegal tin miners take their lives in their hands. The craters they leave behind fill with water – and attract crocs. Brandon Michael Sideleau, PhD student studying human-saltwater crocodile conflict, Charles Darwin University Licensed as Creative Commons – attribution, no derivatives.

ANU's Bjorn Sturmberg on why we need to use our imagination to deliver energy equity for everyone.

The post SwitchedOn Podcast: Free electricity to cover essential needs appeared first on RenewEconomy.

Studies find red, blue and green plastic decomposes into microplastic particles faster than plainer colours

Retailers are being urged to stop making everyday products such as drinks bottles, outdoor furniture and toys out of brightly coloured plastic after researchers found it degrades into microplastics faster than plainer colours.

Red, blue and green plastic became “very brittle and fragmented”, while black, white and silver samples were “largely unaffected” over a three-year period, according to the findings of the University of Leicester-led project.

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A green hydrogen subsidiary of Mitsubishi Corporation has signed up Zen Energy to collaborate on renewable hydrogen opportunities.

The post Zen to collaborate with Mitsubishi on green hydrogen opportunities in Australia appeared first on RenewEconomy.

The last few days have seen another so-called wind energy "drought" - the second in as many months. What does it all mean?

The post Another wind drought pulls combined renewables output below last year appeared first on RenewEconomy.

Industrial strategy is part and parcel of government policy. New research on past approaches suggest five “non-negotiables” for success.

The post White elephant or game changer? 5 non-negotiables to ensure Made in Australia is a success appeared first on RenewEconomy.

G7 finance ministers and central banks met in Italy over the weekend, but with focus on issues like artificial intelligence and Ukraine there was little room for earnest talks on climate issues.

The first offshore wind farm was a crisis-response, not a hippie-gone-bonkers gimmick. Now, in Australia, it will be crucial to usher out coal.

The post Offshore wind was born in the 70s oil crisis. It comes to Australia in the climate crisis appeared first on RenewEconomy.

Female pair are third litter born at Blair Drummond under endangered species breeding programme

A Scottish safari park has announced the birth of two female lemur pups native to Madagascar.

Nova and Evie, who are living at Blair Drummond safari and adventure park, near Stirling, were born on 14 April, and the park has now publicly announced their birth.

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French energy giant offers big discount on energy bills to communities close to proposed wind and solar projects.

The post Engie offers $1000 energy bill rebates to neighbours of wind and solar projects appeared first on RenewEconomy.

The Pilbara iron ore mines have created immense wealth. Now they are about to embark on a rapid transition from fossil fuels to renewables.

The post Mining giants look to dump gas and diesel in Australia’s most fossil dependent grid appeared first on RenewEconomy.

Whether we can recycle plastic or not depends on what it’s made of (because there are many different types of plastic), if it’s sufficiently clean and if enough people will buy recycled products. Sukhbir Sandhu, Associate Professor in Sustainability, University of South Australia Licensed as Creative Commons – attribution, no derivatives.

A New Zealand electricity company has announced it will close its gas and trading platform later this year after consulting with staff and being unable to find an interested party to acquire them.

The chair of New Zealand’s Climate Change Commission (CCC), Rod Carr, has confirmed he will retire from his role at the end of his term later this year, the government has announced.

CSIRO says solar is easily the cheapest form of power generation, but ARENA says it could be much, much cheaper by the end of the decade.

The post Australia’s ultra cost solar goal could change everything about the grid appeared first on RenewEconomy.