South Australia and ACT to relax water restrictions after heavy winter rains

ABC News

Heavy rain has boosted River Murray water flows according to SA Water, which recorded a staggering influx of 31 giga litres last week. The South Australian Government was able to announce the lifting of the state’s water restrictions will occur on December 1, 2010. South Australia’s desalination plant is expected to open around the same time, following a four month delay.

Good winter rainfall is also allowing the ACT to relax water restrictions this week.

posted by seamas on August 30, 2010 at 7:15 am · filed under

Greenpeace welcomes ACT’s strong emissions reduction target

Greenpeace Australia

Greenpeace has welcomed the ambitious 40% emissions reduction target set earlier this week by the ACT Government and is calling on other state governments to follow the ACT and Victorian lead. Greenpeace climate campaigner Trish Harrup says that, “In spite of the stalemate at federal level, Victoria and now ACT are setting down strong targets to cut pollution and implementing policies to drive investment in renewable energy.” Harrup encnouraged states planning new coal-fired power stations that would increase CO2 emissions dramatically to rethink their stance in light of election results strongly favouring the Greens.

posted by seamas on August 29, 2010 at 7:05 am · filed under

Drier forests absorbing less carbon worldwide

The Age

Severe drought and high temperatures in parts of the world is causing forests to be less efficient as carbon sinks, according to satellite data. A senior CSIRO research scientist notes that, during the past decade, there has been a measurable overall decline in the leaf area of plants, reducing their ability to absorb carbon. Researchers expect this trend to affect Australia as rainfall patterns are changed by rising temperatures.

posted by seamas on August 26, 2010 at 7:40 am · filed under

Greens will hold balance of power in Senate

ABC News

The Australian Greens increased their Senate vote from 5 to 14 per cent in yesterday’s Federal Election, and look likely to claim a total of nine Senate and one House of Representatives seat. With the major parties polling neck-and-neck, this would hand the Greens the balance of power in the Senate. Greens leader Senator Bob Brown described the election result as a “greenslide”.

posted by seamas on August 22, 2010 at 7:08 am · filed under

ACF releases final election scorecard

Australian Conservation Foundation

The Australian Conservation Foundation’s final assessment of the main parties’ environment policies gives the Greens a high distinction, Labor a bare pass and the Coalition a fail.

posted by seamas on August 20, 2010 at 6:06 pm · filed under

Walkers aim to ensure climate remains a political priority

The Age

Thousands of people participated in the annual Walk Against Warming yesterday, reminding all political parties that there is strong support for policies and action to tackle climate change.

posted by seamas on August 16, 2010 at 7:29 am · filed under

Sustainable House Day (Sept 12)

Australian Solar Energy Society

The ninth annual Sustainable House Day on Sunday, the 12th of September, 2010, will showcase some of Australia’s most environmentally sustainable homes to the public in a bid to keep the momentum behind the rapid uptake of renewable energy, recycling and other practices designed to lessen households’ impacts on the environment.

posted by seamas on August 15, 2010 at 11:54 pm · filed under