A new report from the Grattan Institute has underlined the failure of current policies to push Australia down the path of a clean energy future Giles Parkinson, editor of RenewEconomy, reports.
Environment
Beyond the carbon price, a Faustian bargain
Decarbonising the economy quickly is absolutely necessary, writes David Spratt, an author and researcher in climate change.
Queensland flood inquiry recalled as victims left in limbo
The Queensland flood inquiry heard less than two days of evidence in April last year about the events in the Lockyer Valley, including Grantham, writes Amanda Gearing, a freelance journalist based in Toowoomba.
Canberra says no to grazing — so what are states for?
At least as the federal government sees things, the controversy over cattle grazing in Victoria’s Alpine National Park is now over.
Farmers will attack the govt but not their supermarket giant customers
Farmers appear to have no qualms about attacking the government, but the raised fist turns into a cat’s paw when the time comes to criticise their largest customers, the retail giants, writes Matthew da Silva.
A fighting fund for climate scientists battling FOI requests
An official fighting fund for climate scientists battling freedom of information requests from well-funded climate denier think tanks has been established in the United States, writes Amber Jamieson.
Is a quota for whales a solution looking for a problem?
If Japanese whaling was restricted to Japanese territorial waters, they would have an economic incentive to look after their own whales and manage their own marine environment, writes Crikey naturalist Lionel Elmore.
Stop the press: misleading climate change op-ed in WSJ
What’s news these days when it comes to climate change? asks Graham Readfearn, a freelance journalist.
Tim Flannery: the divisive Akubra-wearing palaeontologist
Tim Flannery has perhaps the most unenviable job in the country: explaining to the Australian public why they should pay for pollution before the rest of the world, writes Tom Cowie.
An Aussie clean technology news site launches
Renew Economy, a new online publication created by former Climate Spectator editor Giles Parkinson, launched yesterday. Amber Jamieson spoke to Parkinson about the new project.
Why you should worry about Australia’s groundwater
A leading groundwater experts has slammed the latest Murray Darling Basin draft plan as “major u-turn” from the 2010 guide, with new increases to groundwater extraction in the basin, writes Amber Jamieson.
The SMH leads the way on climate change
Australia was an exception to the downward trend in international media coverage of climate events during 2011. The Sydney Morning Herald led the way, fuelled by stories from journalists such as Lenore Taylor and Adam Morton, reports Richard Farmer.
Fisherman win more algae testing — but not in time for tourists
The Victorian Department of Health have used a unique “whole fish crush test” to find a toxin and closed the state’s largest fishery at the start of Christmas, writes Crikey naturalist Lionel Elmore.
Murray Murmurings: no jobs on a dead river
Last week in Griffith irrigators tried to replicate their stunt of burning copies of the Murray Darling Basin plan. But, the MDBA waxed the report to a high sheen — neatly rendering the pages flame retardant. It’s a good metaphor for the response of irrigators, says Simon O’Connor.
Great Christmas Comet surprises red eye flyers
Pilots and passengers have reported the appearance of a great comet in the pre dawn skies from flights between Perth and the eastern cities. The ghostly crescent tail is that of Comet Lovejoy, writes Ben Sandilands.
Durban revealed climate’s many shifting allegiances
Canada’s reversal on Kyoto won’t undermine the sense that the Durban climate conference achieved more than many expected, writes Michael Jacobs of Inside Story.
Parkinson: think small and kick out coal
If Australia is going to meet its targets on reducing emissions from its energy sector and keeping energy prices under control, it’s going to need some revolutionary thinking from somewhere, writes Giles Parkinson.
Fishing industry overhaul to have huge impact on jobs, tourism
The Department of Primary Industries Victoria seems to have nearly got away with very limited consultation before undertaking the most extensive reform of fisheries in Australia’s history, writes Crikey naturalist Lionel Elmore.
The festive season of waste?
For many of us Christmas is inherently about excess, family, presents and, importantly, food. And all of this would not be such a bad thing, if so much of it didn’t go to waste, writes Larissa Ocampo.
Another climate change roadmap — is this one for real?
The UN ended its annual climate change talks in Durban as it always does — after all-night sittings and amid a cloud of conspiracy theories, accusations, frayed tempers, backflips and compromise, writes Giles Parkinson.
Crikey Says: Keep reading this, even if it is about Durban
Here it is: all countries have agreed to negotiate by 2015 a single, legally-binding global agreement that will cover all major carbon pollution emitters including the big guns — China, India and the United States.
Durban: a global climate deal begins
Crikey media wrap: Late-night negotiations in Durban resulted in more than 190 countries agreeing to develop a global treaty in 2015 that will cut emissions by 2020.
Is Australia a developing nation when it comes to climate change?
Australia is keen to address questions of climate justice, livability and quality of life. But on the question of harm we need to look close to home, writes Robin Cameron.
Minister gives thumbs down to Tarkine on National Heritage list
Environment Minister Tony Burke has announced that he had no intention of using his emergency powers to include the Tarkine on the National Heritage List, write Deb Wilkinson and Andrew Macintosh from ANU.
