Stars support connect2earth.org

IUCN

Celebrities from around the world, including Moby, James Blunt, Estelle, Panic at the Disco and Missy Higgins, have shown their support for connect2earth.org, a website launched earlier this year by WWF and IUCN. The website is an online community where young people can have their say about the environment by sharing photos, videos, or written entries. Select popular messages and ideas will be presented at the IUCN World Conservation Congress in Barcelona this October.

posted by anna on May 31, 2008 at 11:12 pm · filed under

Beer nabs green trophy

Winners for the 10th Tasmanian Awards for Environmental Excellence were announced in Hobart last night. The Cascade Brewery took home two awards because of its emission reductions, and for producing a 100 percent carbon offset beer.

A volunteer networking scheme, which helps volunteers become involved with community environment projects was also among the winners.

posted by rochelle on May 31, 2008 at 7:07 pm · filed under

Illegal waste dump sparks investigation

Wyong Council is demanding an independent investigation into illegal waste dumping, and has approached the Independent Commission into Corruption (ICAC) for advice. The NSW council claims people have been dumping up to 10,000 tonnes of waste in a former tip which was closed 20 years ago.

posted by rochelle on May 31, 2008 at 6:51 pm · filed under

Leading Australian Chefs promote GM Free

Greenpeace

Some of Australia’s most reputed chefs have endorsed a new initiative on genetically modified foods from Greenpeace. Many high profile chefs, such as Maggie Beer and Stephanie Alexander, have signed The GM Free Chefs Charter to promote the labelling of all GM foods and food products derived from GM crops.

posted by rachael on May 31, 2008 at 4:18 pm · filed under

New spider species discovered in WA

ABC News

Researchers have found a new species of spider at Bremer Bay on the south coast of Western Australia. The species is around four millimetres in length, and as yet unnamed. Another significant find by the group was a population of Assassin spiders, a threatened species that had not been seen for around 25 years. 

posted by anna on May 30, 2008 at 11:52 pm · filed under

World Hydrogen Energy Conference (Brisbane, June 15-19)

The 17th World Hydrogen Energy Conference will cover topics on the complex issues of utilising hydrogen as an energy carrier. The issues range from how hydrogen is safely produced, stored, transported and utilised to broader topics such as environment, education and regulatory developments. (Brisbane Convention and Exhibition Centre, Queensland)

posted by Chen on May 30, 2008 at 8:25 pm · filed under

Energy Efficiency Opportunity Workshops (Adelaide, June 2-3; Perth June 5-6)

The workshops are being staged by the Australian Government, Department of Resources, Energy and Tourism, to help registered companies meet the requirements of the Energy Efficiency Opportunities legislation. The workshops will include a review of the new Energy Savings Measurement Guide, updates on the National Greenhouse and Energy Reporting, emissions trading and a small technology expo.

posted by Chen on May 30, 2008 at 8:14 pm · filed under

New scheme to label wildlife products

Minister for Environment and Water

Professionals in traditional chinese medicine now have a scheme to accredit those who do not sell ingredients from threatened species.  Developed by the Australian Government and the Australian Acupuncture and Chinese Medicine Association (AACMA), the scheme acknowledges the environmental commitment of each professional as well as raise consumer awareness.

posted by shaun on May 30, 2008 at 5:15 pm · filed under

Government’s climate policy a debacle: Greens

The Australian Greens

Australian Greens Climate Change spokesperson, Senator Christine Milne has described the Rudd government’s climate change programs as an unplanned, uncoordinated mess. Focusing on the decision to means test the solar rebate program, Senator Milne pointed out the misreading of income figures in an ATA report upon which the decision was based. The Green Loans program also came under fire.

posted by patrick on May 30, 2008 at 12:20 pm · filed under

Report reveals environmental impact of NSW coal industry

SMH

A leaked report from the Iemma Government’s Department of Environment and Climate Change details the need to confront the coal industry over its resulting land subsidence and greenhouse gas emissions. The report argues that the department has a leading role in the approval process and environmental assessment of new mines in the state.

posted by natasha on May 29, 2008 at 4:14 pm · filed under