Climate change denial is at the root of the half-baked policies and outright wrecking that have blighted the past decadeI needed to write this column really quickly, otherwise we might have had a new prime minister before I’d finished, and the climate policy we don’t have might have changed several times.I gave myself 30 minutes because that reflects the fickle care and short-termism that has been afforded climate change in Australia in recent years. Continue reading...
Experts blame a cold snap at the beginning of the year and algae bloom in the Gulf of Mexico for the fatalitiesManatees are dying in alarming numbers in Florida this year – the toll significantly increased by the “red tide†toxic algae bloom blighting large areas of the coast and threatening wildlife and tourism.More of the large, slow-moving herbivores, also known as sea cows, have died so far in 2018 than all of last year, according to state wildlife statistics reported on Monday. Continue reading...
Locals say wildlife charity acting like a ‘corporate monstrosity’ over £5-a-day feeThe RSPB has been accused of acting like a “corporate monstrosity†for attempting to impose parking charges at one of north Wales’ most scenic birdwatching locations.The Royal Society for the Protection of Birds plans to charge £5 a day for peak season visits to the South Stack reserve in Anglesey, despite renting the 780 acres of public land for just £7. Continue reading...
Fears UK export deal signals it will become normal to lower standards to secure trade dealsSenior politicians and animal welfare groups have condemned the government over a deal that allows meat from lambs slaughtered without being stunned to be exported to Saudi Arabia.They say the deal, estimated by the government to be worth £25m over the next five years, shows a shameful disregard for animal welfare and signals that after Brexit it will become acceptable to lower standards to secure trade deals. Continue reading...
New analysis warns food loss is set to increase by a third by 2030 unless urgent action is takenThe amount of food that is wasted each year will rise by a third by 2030, when 2.1bn tonnes will either be lost or thrown away, equivalent to 66 tonnes per second, according to new analysis.The report by the Boston Consulting Group (BCG) warns that the global response to food waste is fragmented and inadequate, and that the problem is growing at an alarming rate. Continue reading...
More than 70% would make homes more energy efficient given government supportMore than half of the British public would install solar panels and home batteries to tackle climate change if there was greater assistance from the government, polling has found.While many have already made their home more energy efficient, 62% said they wanted to fit solar and a surprisingly high 60% would buy an energy storage device such as those sold by Tesla. Continue reading...
Malcolm Turnbull gives in to conservative members of his party who demanded he axe carbon emission reduction targetsAustralia’s prime minister has abandoned plans to rein in greenhouse gas emissions in an attempt to stave off a leadership coup from within his own party.The Australian government had proposed using a broad energy policy, called the National Energy Guarantee, to bring in a carbon emissions reductions target in the energy sector of 26% by 2030, which would have helped Australia meet its obligations under the Paris climate agreement. Continue reading...
Supermarket group’s CEO says removal of the throwaway bags had a greater impact than the company expectedWoolworths’ ban on single-use plastic bags has hurt the supermarket group’s sales, the chief executive admitted.Although Woolworths on Monday delivered a 12.5% jump in annual net profit to $1.7bn, Brad Banducci said sales in the first seven weeks of the new financial year slowed as customers adjusted to the removal of the throwaway plastic bags from all checkouts across Australia in June. Continue reading...
New policy threatens to undermine decades of campaigns for efficient cars and other conservation programsConserving oil is no longer an economic imperative for the US, the Trump administration has declared in a major new policy statement that threatens to undermine decades of government campaigns for efficient cars and other conservation programs.Related: California vows to 'fight this stupidity' as EPA moves to scrap clean car rules Continue reading...
Focus shifts to providing help for 600,000 in relief camps as rain forecast to easeWater levels have started to fall in the southern Indian state of Kerala and rain is predicted to ease in the coming days as rescue operations continue to free thousands of people still marooned by the worst flooding in a century.With the lull in heavy rain on Sunday, focus began to shift to providing for the more than 600,000 people sheltering in relief camps, with shortages of medicine, fuel and fresh water reported. Continue reading...
Official figures show there are 50m pigs to 46.5m humans in country famed for its porkSpain’s pigs outnumber the human population for the first time, according to figures released by the country’s environment ministry, which reveal there are now 50 million pigs, 3.5 -million more than humansThe figures show an increase of about 9 million animals since 2013 and there are growing concerns about the environmental impact of an industry that produced more than 4m tonnes of pork products and generated €6bn (£5.4bn) last year. Continue reading...
The parasites, picked up on planes, trains and in hotels, are spreading into homesThe UK is facing an exponential increase in bedbug infestation as a result of this summer’s hot weather, which is exacerbating a major problem in densely populated cities, experts are warning.In higher temperatures, the reproductive cycle of the bugs – Cimex lectularius – shortens from 18-21 days to eight or nine days, according to David Cain, of extermination company Bed Bugs Limited. Continue reading...
by Michael Safi and Kakoli Bhattacharya in Delhi on (#3X22F)
Indian PM vows more aid and compensation for those hit by worst monsoon in 100 yearsMore than 350 people have died in the southern Indian state of Kerala in the worst flooding in nearly a century, with heavy rain predicted to continue for at least the next two days.
Daniel Andrews says owner-occupiers will have access to more than $4,000 each to install panelsVictorian owner-occupiers will get half-priced solar panels for their homes with no upfront cost under a $1.24bn election promise by the state Labor government.The premier, Daniel Andrews, unveiled the plan in suburban Moorabbin on Sunday, promising that 650,000 homeowners over 10 years will get access to more than $4,000 each to install panels, paying back half over four years with their savings. Continue reading...
Sixty affected councils across Queensland and NSW to be handed $1m eachCommunities reeling from Australia’s worst drought in more than 50 years will be given extra funding to help deal with the dry conditions in their own way.Sixty drought-affected councils across western Queensland and New South Wales will be handed $1m each by the federal government to spend on anything from trucking in drinking water to building new community facilities. Continue reading...
by Associated Press in Groton, New Hampshire on (#3X29Q)
Apryl Rogers says she has no hard feelings as officials admit ‘the bear is as traumatized as this poor woman was’A 71-year-old New Hampshire woman who lost an eye when she was mauled by a black bear inside her house is still recovering from her injuries, but said she has no hard feelings towards the ursine home invader.Apryl Rogers was woken in her home on 17 July and discovered the bear in her kitchen. The animal apparently entered the home through a door that was not fully latched. Continue reading...
220,000 people left homeless and thousands still trapped in southern Indian state after unusually heavy rainPressure intensified on Saturday to save thousands still trapped by devastating floods that have killed more than 300 in the Indian state of Kerala, triggering landslides and sending torrents sweeping through villages in the region’s worst inundation crisis in a century.Related: Kerala floods: many thousands await rescue as downpour continues Continue reading...
Size of consultation response could lead to ‘latte levy’ and other fiscal measures in budgetAn unprecedented number of people have backed tough action against plastic waste in a government consultation that could pave the way for a series of fiscal measures in the autumn budget.The government will say response is evidence that there is broad public support for reducing single-use plastic waste through measure such as a “latte levy†on coffee cups, similar to the plastic bag charge, and tax incentives for recycling. Continue reading...
Exclusive: Giving $444m to small foundation could delay on-ground work, documents revealThe government was warned that there was a “significant†risk that on-the-ground projects for the Great Barrier Reef could be delayed because of a $443.8m grant to the Great Barrier Reef Foundation, documents reveal.The documents, obtained by the Guardian under freedom of information laws, also show the environment department and the office of the environment minister, Josh Frydenberg, discussing a $5m “reef islands†grant, but do not contain any mention of the much larger grant until after the 9 April meeting where it was offered. Continue reading...
‘Capricious’ EPA forbidden from delaying the enforcement of chemical safety rule drawn up by Obama administrationA federal court has blocked an attempt by the Trump administration to delay safety regulations for chemical plants – the latest in a string of recent legal setbacks for the administration in its attempts to reverse environmental standards.Related: Weedkiller found in wide range of breakfast foods aimed at children Continue reading...
Just 30 of the prehistoric fish known to exist, raising fears oil wells will push it to extinctionBright blue, older than dinosaurs and weighing as much as an average-sized man, coelacanths are the most endangered fish in South Africa and among the rarest in the world.Barely 30 of these critically-endangered fish are known to exist off the east coast of South Africa, raising concern that a new oil exploration venture in the area could jeopardise their future. Continue reading...
Government to set target by regulation in move to defuse internal opposition – and court LaborThe Turnbull government is preparing to set the emissions reduction target for the national energy guarantee by regulation rather than legislation in a move to court Labor’s support and defuse some internal tensions about enshrining the Paris climate commitments in Australian law.
Trump administration forces some scientific funding to be reviewed by adviser who was high-school football teammate of Ryan ZinkeProminent US climate scientists have told the Guardian that the Trump administration is holding up research funding as their projects undergo an unprecedented political review by the high-school football teammate of the US interior secretary.The US interior department administers over $5.5bn in funding to external organizations, mostly for research, conservation and land acquisition. At the beginning of 2018, interior secretary Ryan Zinke instated a new requirement that scientific funding above $50,000 must undergo an additional review to ensure expenditures “better align with the administration’s prioritiesâ€. Continue reading...
‘Extremely grave’ situation in southern Indian state as more than 150,000 people displaced from their homesThe death toll from floods in the southern Indian state of Kerala has jumped to 164 and could grow further, with more rain predicted and thousands of people still awaiting rescue.Roads are damaged, mobile phone networks are down, an international airport has been closed and more than 150,000 people have been left homeless after unusually heavy rain this month caused the most damaging floods in Kerala in a century. Continue reading...
The aircraft, which came down near Ulladulla, was involved in fighting the Kingiman fireA firefighting helicopter has crashed on the NSW south coast killing the pilot who was the only person on board.The chopper crashed near Ulladulla after 2pm on Friday, according to a Civil Aviation Safety Authority spokesman.
From Hawaii to the Netherlands and France to South Korea readers have shared their reactions to recent record temperaturesIn mid-July last year, Haythem Ayari, a 23-year-old engineering student in Nabeul, coastal Tunisia, caught a bus to travel the 10km to university. The vehicle, already overloaded with passengers, was caught in gridlocked traffic and sat static for nearly an hour. There was a heatwave, with a temperature of about 38C (100F) outside; inside the bus it was 42C (108F). “At a specific moment, I just snapped,†remembered Ayari. “I got out in the middle of traffic to finally breathe.†Since then, he has been inclined to panic attacks if in confined, crowded spaces during hot weather.A month earlier, approximately 2,000 km (1300 miles) away in Bristol, UK, Adam Corner was on a bus with his partner and their new baby, heading across the city to visit friends. The bus was held up in traffic – not for long, but long enough. “It became a kind of inferno,†said Dr Corner, research director at Climate Outreach; their baby, barely a month old, started screaming in a way Corner had never heard before. “We had a little insight into this immediate, visceral risk – you see it through the eyes of your newborn child.†He pulled the bus’s emergency cord and they jumped off into traffic. Continue reading...
Minister says nets will stay between Newcastle and Wollongong but be removed further north after trialThere are calls for shark nets to be pulled from all New South Wales beaches after the state government announced it was removing the controversial mesh on the north coast following public opposition.On Friday the state primary industries minister, Niall Blair, said locals were unhappy about recent trials of the nets, which had proved to be less effective at catching target sharks and harmed more marine life than Smart drumlines. Continue reading...
Environment secretary Michael Gove to banish house coal to curb harmful emissionsMichael Gove, the environment secretary, is due to confirm plans to ban the sale of the most-polluting fuels for domestic wood burners in an attempt to cut harmful emissions.The sale of traditional house coal will be phased out under proposals set out in the government’s draft clean air strategy in May, which are expected to be confirmed by Gove’s department on Friday. Continue reading...
First fracking operation in seven years set to begin despite low public supportThe government has stopped asking the British public whether they are for or against fracking for shale gas just weeks before the first fracking operation in seven years is due to start.The number of people against extracting shale gas has outweighed those in favour since 2015, and the latest polling by officials found 32% opposed with just 18% in support. Continue reading...
by Matthew Taylor Environment correspondent on (#3WXKA)
Khan writes to attorney general over girl who died during spikes in nitrogen dioxideThe mayor of London, Sadiq Khan, has written to the attorney general asking him to back a new inquest into the death of a nine-year-old girl whose severe asthma attacks coincided with spikes in air pollution.The mother of Ella Kissi-Debrah has fought a long campaign to highlight the role she believes illegal air pollution played in her daughter’s death in 2013. Continue reading...
Officials plan to sell some of the land that once belonged to Bears Ears and Grand Staircase-Escalante, despite pledge not toUS officials have announced plans to allow increased mining on land that once belonged to two national monuments Donald Trump shrank, and to sell off some of the land despite pledges not to do so.The two monuments, now significantly smaller in size, are both in Utah. The draft management plan for Grand Staircase-Escalante national monument includes a 98-page minerals report that outlines deposits of coal, oil and gas, tar sands and other minerals under the whole of the monument’s original 1.9m acres. Continue reading...
Government and Senate crossbench combine to reject Greens and Labor motions to disallow controversial management plansA push by the Greens and Labor to attempt to force greater protection of fisheries in Australia’s marine parks has failed for the second time.The parties had vowed to reject controversial management plans for the parks proposed by the Turnbull government. But on Thursday the Senate crossbench combined with the Coalition to defeat disallowance motions on the basis that the parks would then be left with no plans in place and no limits on fishing. Continue reading...
Pauline Hanson wants five-year ban and a plebiscite on Muslim immigration to Australia8.25am BSTOn that note, we will also adjourn until Monday.This first week back went for eternities. Whole civilisations rose and fell while we were locked in this building. I never thought I would be so happy to return to talking energy policy deadlocks.8.12am BSTFrom Tony Burke’s office:The Australian Parliament has just locked in the largest removal of area under conservation in history. Continue reading...
by Flávia Milhorance in Rio de Janeiro on (#3WX7S)
Jorginho Guajajara’s killing is believed by members of his tribe to be the result of conflict with loggers in their Amazon territoryIndigenous people in the Brazilian Amazon are mourning the murder of a community leader who campaigned to protect the forest from logging amid escalating violence in the region.Jorginho Guajajara, a cacique, or leader, of the Guajajara people, was found dead near a river in the city of Arame, Maranhão state, at the weekend. Continue reading...
Peter Kimpton finds a bike that’s perfect for riding on the beach and explores the Glamorgan coast near PorthcawlSmooth tarmac to rough, potholed roads, gravel tracks to mountain paths, cyclists encounter good and bad surfaces, but rarely do we ride on sand. Most bikes would get stuck and seize up in seconds. Beaches may be free of traffic, but they are the last place you think of for a bike ride. Yet a fat-bike defies the laws of traction and discomfort, and allows you to explore thousands of miles of coast in a fraction of the time it would take to do so on foot. But where best to try it?Porthcawl, near Bridgend station on the coast between Cardiff and Swansea, is a surprisingly underused and beautiful beach. It’s the nearest lengthy surf beach to London and several other cities, lies near world-class mountain bike trails, is home to the rarest flower in Britain, and was a film location for Lawrence of Arabia. And for one weekend a year, it’s the surreal home to 35,000 Elvis devotees. Continue reading...
Cancer-linked herbicide, sold as Roundup by Monsanto, present in 45 products including granola, snack bars and CheeriosSignificant levels of the weedkilling chemical glyphosate have been found in an array of popular breakfast cereals, oats and snack bars marketed to US children, a new study has found.Tests revealed glyphosate, the active ingredient in the popular weedkiller brand Roundup, present in all but two of the 45 oat-derived products that were sampled by the Environmental Working Group, a public health organization. Continue reading...
Fearsome predator was extinct in England but Scottish relatives have crossed the border and set up home in NorthumberlandThe pine marten, a fearsome but diminutive predator driven to extinction in England, has returned to the country’s largest forest for the first time since 1926.Stills and video from a camera trap have recorded a mature pine marten devouring peanut butter put out for red squirrels at a secret location in Kielder forest, Northumberland. Continue reading...
Wildlife campaigner Tom Langton claims the culls themselves risk making bovine TB epidemic worseBadger culling will be extended across England on an open-ended basis, conservationists have warned, after the high court rejected a challenge to the legality of the government’s policy.Licences to allow badger culling to continue in particular areas beyond a four-year period are legal, ruled Mr Justice Cranston, rejecting a challenge brought by the independent ecologist Tom Langton. Continue reading...
Tiny jellyfish species normally found in the Yangtze basin in China sighted in British canalFirst came the wasps, exotic sharks and marauding seagulls. Now the long hot summer has revealed another initially alarm-inducing animal in British waters – or more precisely, in the Middlewich branch of the Shropshire Union Canal.Freshwater jellyfish normally native to the Yangtze basin in China have been spotted swimming in the waters near Bridge 23 of the canal between Middlewich and Winsford, according to the Canal & River Trust. Continue reading...
by James Bullock, Gary Marshall and Joseph Pierce on (#3WV7V)
The rapid influx of these beaver-like rodents has decimated parts of the Californian wetlands. They were introduced to the US for the fur trade and now share wetland areas with some of the west coast’s most endangered species. The California department of fish and wildlife has compared the threat of their presence to that of wildfiresCalifornia v nutria: state seeks to eradicate scourge of giant rodents Continue reading...
by Alastair Gee in Los Banos, California on (#3WV5Y)
As the dog-sized creatures destroy wetlands and dig through levees, officials have a goal: total exterminationThe call came from a wildlife trapper working in the wetlands of central California.“I think I caught a nutria,†the man said. Continue reading...
Labor pursues environment minister over grant to private foundation and fallout continues from Fraser Anning’s ‘final solution’ speech. All the day’s events, live• Fraser Anning calls for ‘final solution’ on immigration
UK industrialist’s plan features 780,000 solar panels, generating enough electricity for 96,000 homesBillionaire UK industrialist Sanjeev Gupta has launched a $1bn, one-gigawatt renewable energy plan based in South Australia’s mid-north that he says will lead Australian industry’s transition to more competitive power.In the first of a number of projects slated for the upper Spencer Gulf region, which will also include a lithium-ion battery bigger than Elon Musk’s, Gupta’s energy company Simec Zen has released details of its Cultana Solar Farm. Continue reading...
Coal-fired power subsidies mean the projections relied on by Coalition are not credible, study saysThe Turnbull government is trumpeting power price reductions as a consequence of its national energy guarantee – but a new analysis says subsidies for coal-fired power stations will render those forecasts “virtually meaninglessâ€.The government has failed to rule out the building of new coal plants as a consequence of its underwriting of new power generation, and Labor declaring that development a deal breaker. Continue reading...
Politicians and farmers say water should be diverted to crops to keep herds aliveThere are growing calls for the federal and state governments to start selling government-owned environmental water entitlements to farmers to alleviate the drought and to keep livestock alive.But the proposals would see wetlands and river courses starved of water with potential environmental stress from the drought exacerbated by the diversion of water onto farmland. Continue reading...