Category Archives: Environment

Report exposes Australia’s shocking environment record

By Jim Hayes

No surprises here. The Morrison government hid evidence that the damage being caused to Australia by climate warming is far worse than it let on. This is the reality revealed in a devastating and latest State of the Environment Report, produced on behalf of this government, and led by expert Emma Johnston from the University of Sydney. Continue reading Report exposes Australia’s shocking environment record

Floods once again show Australia needs much more prevention and climate action

Contributed 

New South Wales is experiencing its fourth major flooding event in 18 months. Everyone should now see that climate change driven new climate patterns have become the new reality. One would think that Australia would act decisively to be better prepared to meet the challenges that this brings. Continue reading Floods once again show Australia needs much more prevention and climate action

Chris Bowen announces new government’s climate policy

 By Jim Hayes

Chris Bowen, Australia’s new climate minister has vowed to cut taxes on electric vehicles and a $20 billion “rewiring the nation” commitment to build a renewable energy grid. A climate bill will be introduced into the parliament. This bill includes a target to reduce carbon emissions by 43 percent by 2030, compared with 2005 levels. There will be discussions with state governments on how to implement this. The Climate Changer authority will be returned to its former authority, to give science-based advice on a new emissions target by 2035. Continue reading Chris Bowen announces new government’s climate policy

The floods prove volunteers can only do so much when the government goes awol

The following has been written by RFS volunteer in western Sydney and a GetUp member. He gives his view on the Morrison government’s failure to respond and provide vital support for communities suffering in the floods that have devastated Queensland and New South Wales. This has happened before and carries a terrible sense of déjà vu, he says. Perhaps this time around people will remember this in the coming election and beyond. Australia needs a comprehensive plan to deal with disasters.

Continue reading The floods prove volunteers can only do so much when the government goes awol

Both bad climate policy and no policy will see Australia lose jobs and investment overseas

Brian Wilcox, the chief executive of the national employer association, the Australian Industry Group (AI), wrote the following article (The Guardian  16 October 2021). He puts the case for Australia embracing a carbon neutral policy direction. Whether one believes that the Morrison government is moving in this direction or not, it remains that from the viewpoint of  much of Australian business, to not keep up with the pace of other nations will inevitably mean loss of trade and investment, a blow to the economy, and a loss of jobs and income for many. He says that the transition means paying due attention to the mass application of new technologies through the economy, providing suitable incentives, and the involvement of  in making this a reality. Brian Wilcox speaks for those he represents within the context of division in the Coalition, and some of what he says may not be in accord with everyone’s views. Nevertheless, he makes good points that should be taken seriously.

Continue reading Both bad climate policy and no policy will see Australia lose jobs and investment overseas

Coal companies are being helped to sidestep protection of the environment

From New South Wales

Australia has been lied to. Environmental protection rules are being pushed aside to help new coal mines to operate with impunity. A key centre is New South Wales, where the federal and state governments have allowed companies to push back deadlines to meet deadlines on their sites. Continue reading Coal companies are being helped to sidestep protection of the environment

Central banks helping funnel trillions of dollars into fossil fuels despite climate pledges

Theodore Whyte (Resilience 26 August 2021) argues that central banks across the world are being less than honest about pledges to pull out of the fossil fuel industry when they are doing the opposite. A campaign marketing to build a positive image for  population concerned about the climate crisis, is not the same thing as acting on it.

Continue reading Central banks helping funnel trillions of dollars into fossil fuels despite climate pledges