Archived News for Green Sector Professionals - November, 2013
Even under the most modest global warming scenarios, extreme El Niño years will occur twice as often – a new report from the University of New South Wales says.
Chevron funds Barrow Island bug book
A new book has added 25 species to the thousands which inhabit a small island area off the north west of Australia.
Eddies vetted for air supply
An international team has collected information to show in greater detail how undersea ‘eddies’ distribute oxygen, warmth and nutrients around the ocean, and how a reduction of this process could leave some parts starving.
Freshwater fish fighters rally to plan next waves
The nation’s leading freshwater fish ecologists have gathered to discuss threats to freshwater fish species at a symposium attracting close to 100 delegates from across the country.
Stick to the script to fight bacteria back
Research is pretty fast - but bacterial evolution is faster, a University of Adelaide drug expert says.
Hyundai's hydro debut set
For years people have said that the only real replacement for internal combustion engines would be a hydrogen-driven motor, but that is too far off. Not anymore.
Sand mine expansion sees Government backing, community outrage
The expansion of a silica mine in New South Wales has been recommended for approval by the Department of Planning, but will face continuing clashes with activists opposed to the 15 million tonne dig.
New search to single-out solar improvements
Cambridge researchers have gone back to the drawing board for solar cells, looking to redesign the entire system to allow better efficiency with cheaper materials.
Task-force formed to gauge Eyre resource risk
A taskforce has been created by a local government association to investigate the potentially harmful, impacts of mining development on regional communities.
Agriculture cuts could leave doors open to disease
With exports on the rise and a huge government focus on infrastructure and transport, it would stand to reason that securing borders from invasive diseases and destructive life-forms has become more important than ever – but regardless, the Federal Department of Agriculture is looking to shed over 200 biosecurity staff.
Ancient WA probed for the origins of life
A discovery in Western Australia may have shined a light on the Earth’s oldest inhabitants, with researchers finding microbes in rocks over three and a half billion years old.
Coal company river seep prompts small fee
The Environment Protection Authority has issued a $3,000 slap on the wrist to a coal company whose slag pile seeped into a New South Wales river.
Hyenas' microbial messages, written in stink
Zoologists have discovered the incredible complexity of messages left by hyenas in the form of smelly post-it notes.
Law change moves favour to the miners, locals say
A quietly introduced piece of mining legislation has created concern from communities in Victoria.
New links lock mans' place at sea
A recent study has highlighted a new factor in the complex relationship between humans, the atmosphere, oceans and the whole state of the planet.
Pleas for action before more deadly effects
The chairman of the United Nations' Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) has spoken out, calling on individuals, grassroots and community groups to push for real action on climate change.
Protesters halt Maules Creek rail work
Activists and community members have successfully blocked Whitehaven Coal from beginning construction of the Maules Creek coal mine, near Narrabri.
Rare feasts never wasted by bottom-feeders
Researchers have answered some long-running questions over how animals at the deepest levels of the ocean are able to feed themselves – it seems there is a long time between meals, but there is a serious feast when they do arrive.
Two streams of water thought converge
Two articles published in the same journal have shown the importance of caring for global water resources from two separate perspectives.
Fallout already in China's huge water-moving plan
China is planning an incredible geo-engineering effort that would see nature re-worked for the benefit of agriculture.
Indicoal eyes new Tasmanian dig
An Indonesian mining company is looking for approval on a plan to start a new open-cut coal mine in Tasmania.