Archive for January, 2009

Australia could be hit early by more heatwaves as planet warmsLink to full story

Reuters

An Australian heatwave, forecast to be the worst to hit the continent in 100 years, is making international news as another sign of the very real impacts of climate change. Reuters quotes Climate Change Minister Penny Wong stating that, “Eleven of the hottest years in history have been in the last 12, and we also note, particularly in the southern part of Australia, we’re seeing less rainfall.” The heat has affected transport systems and caused power to be cut to more than 140,000 homes.

EU calls for transatlantic carbon trading schemeLink to full story

The Guardian

The EU is calling on America to enter into a transatlantic carbon trading scheme based on the permit-auction system that has been in operation in the EU since 2005.  Brussels hopes that the momentum of President Obama’s first few months in office combined with the looming copenhagen summit later this year will prompt America into acceptance of the scheme.

Threatened species discovered in Mountains slated for loggingLink to full story

The Greens

Greens leader Bob Brown has called on the Victorian State Government to halt logging in East Gippsland’s Brown Mountains after researchers found evidence that threatened species were inhabiting the region.  Both the Sooty Owl and the Orbost Spiny Crayfish have been discovered in the surrounding area.

Climate change effects to last 1000 yearsLink to full story

ABC News

Global sea level rises due to human-induced climate change will effect the world’s geography for the next 1000 years, according to a study recently released by the US National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA).  The study’s authors have also outlined other regional impacts, including shortages of human water supplies, expanding deserts, and more frequent fires due to decreased rainfall.

Climate policy heads Obama’s agenda for changeLink to full story

Reuters

Reuters is reporting that newly installed U.S. President Barack Obama has already begun reversing the Bush administration’s climate policies, starting with moves to promote more fuel efficient and less polluting vehicles.

Study to examine health risks of warming climateLink to full story

ABC News

The Australian Government has announced $10 million in funding for a collaborative project with the CSIRO and the Australian National University to further research the impacts of climate change on human health.

Turnbull’s emissions plan fails to impressLink to full story

ABC News

Opposition Leader Malcolm Turnbull’s new policy to tackle global warming by investing in carbon capture and sequestration has come under fire from the Australian Greens, who cannot believe the plan involves subsidies for building two additional coal-fired power stations. The Government has also criticised the plan for lacking detail.

Australian Conservation Foundation climate change program manager Tony Mohr said Turnbull’s plan avoided the biggest issue - emissions from large polluters burning coal and oil. According to Mohr, “the climate change policies of both major parties are woefully inadequate.”

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