Archive for June, 2008
Environmental News Network
European scientists are coming closer to producing an alloy-based fridge that runs on 50% less energy. The fridge will be powered by 100% alloy instead of the harmful refrigerant chemical, chlorofluorocarbons (CFCs). The researchers have found that by using electromagnetic fields to power a fridge, households can significantly reduce their energy bills. The technology will most probably be applicable to air conditioners, central heating systems and computers as well.
posted by amelia on June 26, 2008 at 12:34 pm · filed under 
ACF / CSIRO
Australia can create millions of new ‘green collar’ jobs from strong action on climate change, according to a new report released by the CSIRO today. The Executive Director of ACF, Mr Don Henry, said: “The CSIRO research shows we can simultaneously grow jobs and our economy while reducing our environmental footprint. The challenge is big but it can be done.”
posted by patrick on June 26, 2008 at 12:30 pm · filed under 
CSIRO
CSIRO has released an overview of the challenges faced by Australia’s agricultural sector in responding effectively to climate change. The report, An overview of climate change adaptation in the Australian agricultural sector – impacts, options and priorities, uses the latest projections for our climate as a basis for recommendations on the timing and nature of responses needed in all types of agriculture.
posted by patrick on June 26, 2008 at 12:18 pm · filed under 
ABC News
A new Queensland Government report has shown that average temperatures in Queensland may rise by up to 5 degrees Celsius by the year 2070 if greenhouse gas emissions should remain high. Queensland is particularly vulnerable to climate change because much of the population is concentrated along the coast, and major industries are reliant on the climate. State Minister Andrew McNamara said the challenge for the state will be two-fold: to try and prevent the temperature rising beyond the 2 degree mark, and to lessen the impact of any inevitable changes to the climate.
posted by anna on June 26, 2008 at 12:24 am · filed under
The Wilderness Society
A study released on World Environment Day (June 5) revealed that Western Australia has the world’s largest, healthiest remaining area of temperate woodland. The area, known as the Great Western Woodlands, is located in the south of Western Australia between Kalgoorlie, Esperance, and the Nullarbor Plain, and is almost three times as large as Tasmania. The region is of great global significance due to the richness of species it harbours, and the report draws attention to the area’s importance and the need to secure its protection for the future.
posted by anna on June 26, 2008 at 12:00 am · filed under 
CO2 News
New Zealand is soon to have a national emissions trading scheme (ETS), but it may not even reduce greenhouse gas emissions, says Associate Professor Richard Denniss of the Australian National University. This faliure will result from lack of bipartisan support and the decisions to give away permits to polluters and delay the entry of the agriculture sector until 2013. Denniss warns not to copy this approach and also points to recent squabbling in Australian politics over petrol pricing as alarming when sensible debate is needed.
posted by shaun on June 25, 2008 at 10:49 pm · filed under
ABC News
With the Garnaut report to be handed down next week, the Federal Government is crying foul over Opposition policy shifts for the timetable of an emissions trading scheme. The Coalition’s pre-election promise of an introduction in 2011 has now been abandoned and there is the prospect of a policy cutting petrol excise to offset the effect of carbon pricing. Treasurer Wayne Swan is warning of long-term economic effects from cheap politics and a negative scare campaign.
posted by shaun on June 25, 2008 at 10:21 pm · filed under
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