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Climate change – Analysis and Comment

The Garzweiler surface mine produced 35 million tonnes of brown coal (lignite) in 2017. Germany plans to phase-out coal-fired power by 2038. (Shutterstock)

Why action on climate change gets stuck and what to do about it

Plans to reduce emissions quickly are seductive but can stall. Climate initiatives should end dependence on fossil energy and pursue a path towards a more just and equitable society.
Michael McCain, president and CEO of Maple Leafs Foods, speaks during the company’s annual general meeting in Toronto in April 2011. THE CANADIAN PRESS/Darren Calabrese

In defence of Michael McCain: Speaking out is what strong leaders do

Michael McCain has been criticized for maligning Donald Trump on the Maple Leaf Foods corporate Twitter account over Flight PS752. But strong leaders don’t shy away from taking a stand.
Bushfire-related class action suits against the government have had little success in the past, but there are other benefits to pursuing a case. Steven Saphore/AAP

I’ve won cases against the government before. Here’s why I doubt a climate change class action would succeed

In a landmark case in the Netherlands, the courts have ordered the government to cut carbon emissions. A similar strategy would be difficult in Australia, but other legal options could bring change.
It’s the first time since overlapping records began that Australia experienced both its lowest rainfall and highest temperatures in the same year. dan HIMBRECHTS/AAP

Weather bureau says hottest, driest year on record led to extreme bushfire season

The Bureau of Meterology says persistent drought and record temperatures were a major driver of Australia’s fire activity, and the context for 2019 lies in the past three years of drought.