Archived News for Green Sector Professionals
More than $226 billion in commercial, industrial, road and rail, and residential assets are potentially exposed to inundation and erosion hazards in the event of a sea level rise of 1.1 metres, according to a report released by the Federal Government.
The report, a supplement to the Climate Change Risks to Australia’s Coasts: a first pass national assessment report that was released in 2009, provides additional data on the exposure of commercial buildings (e.g. retail precincts), light industrial buildings, and transport systems (road, rail, tramways) in Australia’s coastal areas. Existing data on residential properties is also reported in the booklet, as well as subsequent modelling of projected population change and implications for the exposure levels of residential properties.
The analyses in Climate Change Risks to Australia's Coasts and for this report were undertaken by Geoscience Australia using its National Exposure Information System (NEXIS) database. Building replacement values are also derived from data in NEXIS and reflect 2008 replacement values of assets.
University of Canberra to lead Murray Darling research collaboration
The University of Canberra has been awarded $6.3 million by the Federal Government to establish a new Collaborative Research Network (CRN) to undertake a wide-ranging research project into aspects affecting the Murray Darling Basin.
Partner institutions include the Australian National University, Charles Sturt University, the University of Southern Queensland, the CSIRO, the Murray-Darling Basin Authority, the Department of Sustainability, Environment, Water, Population and Communities, the Australian Bureau of Agricultural and Resource Economics and Sciences and the National Water Commission.
The project will bring together expertise in environmental science, public policy, social and economic modelling, health and regional planning.
In addition to environmental research, the project will examine social issues including the mental health challenges associated with rural communities as they adjust to a changing farming environment.
The network has broad scope to build resilience in the Murray Darling Basin environment and communities by understanding the environmental, social, economic and health implications of drought, water management and preserving a healthy Murray Darling Basin.
University of Canberra Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Research) Professor Frances Shannon said the Murray Darling Basin faces complex problems, which require sophisticated solutions.
"The environmental health of river system doesn’t exist in isolation from the economic and social health of the local community. This collaboration brings together all the expertise needed to ensure policy decisions are informed by the best science, backed up by rigorous social and economic research and modelling.”
Macquarie University leads environmental and ecology research
A listing of the top-ranked institutions in Australia and New Zealand published on the UK site Times Higher Education has placed Macquarie University in the top spot for environmental sciences and ecology research.
Solar-powered nano sensor targets pollutant gases
A solar-powered sensor station to monitor in real time the concentration of gases that are key culprits in climate change and air pollution has been installed on a roof at the Queensland University of Technology as part of an international study on solar-powered environmental nano sensors.
Kakadu threatened by climate change
A report published for the Federal Government has warned that Kakadu - one of Australia’s World Heritage Listed sites - is vulnerable to the impacts of climate change.
Funding for WA NRM projects
Funding totalling $2.37 million from Western Australia’s Natural Resource Management (NRM) program has been announced to support 73 projects in WA during 2011-12.
Garnaut calls for independent emissions target authority
Senior climate change advisor to the Prime Minister, Professor Ross Garnaut, has called for the establishment of an independent umpire with the authority to force the federal government to make alterations to emissions targets.
2019 the revised date for Murray Darling diversions
Following meetings in Adelaide over the weekend, the Murray-Darling Basin Ministerial Council has agreed to push back the starting date to 2019 for all communities in the Murray Darling Basin to adjust to diversion limits.
Germany to discontinue nuclear power
Germany has announced its intentions to shut down all of its 17 nuclear power plants by 2022 amid a strong political revival of the country’s Green Party.
Electronic waste a potential trade breach
Recent findings published by the ABC have shown that substantial amounts of electronic waste, such as monitors, computers and televisions, are being smuggled off-shore to be handled by developing nations.
Dick Smith slams population strategy
Australian entrepreneur Dick Smith has slammed the Australian government’s ‘Sustainable Strategy’ as “meaningless calls for sustainability” that serves only to “accelerate us towards the precipice”.
46% of carbon tax revenue to go to industry
The Federal Government has announced that 46% of all revenue raised by the Government’s proposed carbon tax would be allocated to industry, while the majority of the rest being injected into households.
National Water Commission releases water reform options report
A new report that sets out three reform options to ensure Australia's water sector has been released by the National Water Commission.
OECD publishes report on the need for greening
The Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD) has called for development of green centred economic growth and labor development.
Bligh attacks Federal Greens
The Green’s plan to build a carbon neutral economy before 2050 by banning coal mines has drawn criticism from Queensland Premier Anna Bligh, who has labeled the plan as fanciful and liable to cause an economic and social catastrophe in her state.
Murray Darling Basin Authority needs more funding and less water
The Murray Darling Basin Authority (MDBA) has reported that it will require $38 million in funding this financial year while new research shows that less than 3000 gigalitres will be required for environmental flow.
Bio-derived jet fuel a possibility
A joint research report compiled by CSIRO and major aviation industry representatives shows that economically and environmentally beneficial aviation fuel is a viable proposition in the coming 20 years.
Research looks to mine sewage to improve soil fertility
Scientists in the CRC for Contamination Assessment and Remediation of the Environment (CRC CARE) are working on ways to turn one of the nation’s major urban organic wastes into a safe source of fertility for the continent’s depleted soils.
$20 million damage bill for Queensland's parks
The Queensland Minister for the Environment Kate Jones has announced the final damage cost for the state’s parks, saying that over $20 million will be required to repair Queensland’s parks and forests.
Murray-Darling Basin Authority pledges to consider findings after delay
The Murray-Darling Basin Authority (MDBA) has promised to consider the findings of the Windsor Inquiry after it was announced the findings will be delayed from its original May release date.