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Environment + Energy – Articles, Analysis, Comment

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Australia’s cyclone season lies ahead. NASA / ESRSU / Seán Doran

Trust Me, I’m An Expert: Australia’s extreme weather

October teaser: Australia’s extreme weather The Conversation, CC BY1.5 MB (download)
Are our extremes moving past historical precendent into uncharted territory, or is this life as usual on a changeable continent?
As extreme weather events, like Hurricane Florence, become more common it is time to ask what it will take for the world to finally tackle climate change. Encouragingly, there may be a historical precedent: Victoria London’s handling of the ‘Great Stink’, where growth had turned the River Thames into an open sewer. EPA/JIM LO SCALZO

Will 2018 be the year of climate action? Victorian London’s ‘Great Stink’ sewer crisis might tell us

As climate extremes mount, let’s reflect on Victorian London’s ‘Great Stink’ sewage crisis - when things finally became so bad authorities were forced to accept evidence, reject sceptics, and act.
The Flock Bronzewing is an inland species that is vulnerable to drought. Those vulnerabilities are heightened in an era of climate change and increased risks from feral predators. Shutterstock

We must strengthen, not weaken, environmental protections during drought – or face irreversible loss

Australian wildlife can generally cope with drought, but they’re not prepared for the combination of people, introduced animals, and no water.
When a stream enters a culvert, the flow can be concentrated so much that water flows incredibly fast. So fast, in fact, that small and juvenile fish are unable to swim against the flow and are prevented from reaching where they need to go to eat, reproduce or find safety. Shutterstock

How did the fish cross the road? Our invention helps them get to the other side of a culvert

Our new invention tackles one of the greatest impediments to fish migration in Australia: culverts, those tunnels or drains often found under roads.
New Zealand’s emission reduction target for 2030 is to bring emissions to 30% below 2005 levels, and to be carbon neutral by 2050. from www.shutterstock.com

Why NZ’s emissions trading scheme should have an auction reserve price

With consultation underway to improve the New Zealand emissions trading scheme, experts argue that a reserve price on emissions units could help rebuild confidence in low-emission investment.
Environmental water is not a luxury – it’s vital for river ecosystems and everyone who depends on them. AAP Image/Dean Lewins

Giving environmental water to drought-stricken farmers sounds straightforward, but it’s a bad idea

Deputy Prime Minister Michael McCormack has suggested changing the rules to allow ‘environmental’ water to be diverted to drought-hit farms. But the idea would be far less straightforward in practice.
The industry selling honey and bee products is booming. from www.shutterstock.com

How better tests and legal deterrence could clean up the sticky mess left behind by fake honey row

The bee product industry is booming and in unregulated markets, there is a strong economic incentive to cheat. Self regulation combined with legal deterrence could help clean up the sticky mess.
Idiospermum is otherwise known as “idiot fruit” or ribbonwood. via Wikimedia Commons

It’s hard to spread the idiot fruit

In a few idyllic parts of Queensland grows the idiot fruit, a tall tree with intricate flowers and some of the largest seeds in Australia.
Plastic bags, balloons, and rope fragments were among more than 100 pieces of plastic in the gut of a single turtle. Qamar Schuyler

How much plastic does it take to kill a turtle? Typically just 14 pieces

Autopsies of 1,000 turtles washed up on Australian beaches paint a grim picture of the impact of plastic debris. Even a single piece can be deadly, and on average 14 pieces equals a 50% fatality rate.
Smart meters promise lower bills, but could also reduce your privacy. AAP Image/David Crosling

Sharing your data might cut your power bill, but it needs regulation

Smart meters are being rolled out across Australia, offering the opportunity to share data with third parties who promise to help you find a cheaper deal. But this requires strong consumer protection.
Indian has a booming poultry market. Pau Casals/Unsplash

The myth of a vegetarian India

India doesn’t eat much meat per capita, but that might be changing: it’s the fastest-growing poultry market in the world.