A radically new Australian design called the Eco Whisper Turbine has been developed with increased efficiency and reduced noise in mind. Rated at a 20kW capacity, the turbine is 23 metres high with 30 blades extending out from a 6.5 metre radius from the hub.
Throughout the entire region the environment continues to face growing pressures. It comes from a growing range of converging issues like urban expansion; destruction of native forests; rapidly expanding populations; growing inequality and poverty; water, soil and air pollution; and the international inaction on climate change.
In recent weeks the premiers of three states have started to sound like mini-Tony Abbotts. On issues like industrial relations, the environment and health we've seen a convergence of rhetoric that sounds remarkably like that coming from the federal Opposition Leader.
A key report released yesterday by the Australian Government’s Climate Commission has served a grim warning to coastal regions of Western Australia about the effects of climate change.
Despite being two years away from an official federal election, the government’s knife edge majority has seen us move to an apparent permanent election footing. However while hard hat-wearing, baby kissing politicians are becoming more visible on our news screens, quality policy discussions on vital infrastructure issues appear to have taken a permanent back...
In recent times we have seen the debauch of the welfare state, the expansion of cartels, extortionate rent-taking from the financial sector, and the wholesale capture of regulators, the executive and most of parliament by an unholy marriage of corporate interests and secret police doublethink.
The Australian environment movement along with the union movement organised some of the biggest rallies Australia has seen in some time last weekend.
For those who arrived on the last train from the Herald Sun building, there's something wrong with society today.
Alex Schlotzer spent the weekend at the Climate Action Summit as someone committed to seeing political action taken on climate change. More specifically he was there in his voluntary role as coordinator of the Brimbank Climate Action Network (BrimbankCAN). This is his account of the weekend.
The recent announcement from the Multi-Party Climate Change Committee on a carbon price and mechanism, is avital step forward.
This time last year Copenhagen was being hailed as the last great chance for the Earth and that an agreement on a replacement for the Kyoto Protocol was imminent.
The second part of a series on the Victorian election. This article originally appeared in Tristran's blog Left Focus.
A major study has found the Asian region, along with that of the Middle East and North Africa, as being most at risk from water stress. The study found key Asian economies of China, India as also being vulnerable to water shortages.
In this the first of a two-part series, theangle.org publishes a summary of Greens policies in the upcoming Victorian state election. This article was originally published at Left Focus.
Given the nature of agriculture in this country and the effects of rising populations both here and globally, I contend it is time to re-examine the virtues of a stable productive yeoman farming sector.
By Rich Bowden: The Australian government-owned science organisation CSIRO has described the future of solar technology in the country as having a “global impact” after announcing the installation of 450 solar mirrors, or heliostats. CSIRO will begin the rollout for Australia’s largest solar-thermal tower system at the CSIRO National Solar Energy Centre in Newcastle,...
A study has found population increase to be four times more important than the effects of climate change on water availability.
By Rich Bowden: The Pacific nation of Fiji’s water crisis continues this week with the water supply of a small island reaching critical levels, according to local reports. The Fiji Times has reported that over 100 families on Druadrua Island, off Vanua Levu, the second largest island of the country, have been identified by...
Scientists in California have reported a significant increase in freshwater flow into the world’s oceans per year claiming it to be a result of more extreme and frequent storms caused by the shift in the world’s weather patterns.
Fijian authorities are blaming the El Nino weather pattern for the water crisis that has emerged in the country's Western Division.
BHP Billiton chief Marius Kloppers has called on the Gillard Government to introduce a tax on carbon ahead of international agreements to protect Australia's economic interests.
Newly installed Minister for Climate Change, Greg Combet, has said one of his main priorities will be to work towards a price on carbon.
While water recycling and desalination have both been touted as showing the way forward on water reuse, and helping to offset a “peak water” scenario, experts have noted significant drawbacks to both, including the amount of energy needed to power wastewater recycling and desalination plants.
While the concept of peak water as an overarching term for the increased shortage of water supplies in Asia remains contentious, it has served to focus attention on the increasing water crisis facing many countries
Greens' candidate for the seat of Macquarie Carmel McCallum talks to theangle's Rich Bowden about her chances of victory in the western Sydney/Blue Mountains seat, the issues that most concern voters and her opinion of the strength of the asylum seeker issue.
Lee Rhiannon, former NSW Upper House member, and now Federal Senate candidate for NSW speaks with theangle.org's Rich Bowden on accountability for corporate donations to political parties, how the Greens' policies look to take advantage of a green economy and outlines what she sees as voter frustration over the Government's inability to stand up...
An opinion poll carried out by Auspoll on behalf of the Australian Conservation Foundation (ACF) and WWF-Australia has found overwhelming support for more government spending on the environment, according to a WWF media release.
Despite the proliferation of turgid slogans, the 2010 campaign is shaping up as the direct opposite to that of 2007.
By Rich Bowden: As part of our Election 2010 coverage of the country’s marginal seats, we talk to Suzie Wright, Greens candidate for the seat of Lindsay in outer western Sydney. Suzie tells us of the issues facing voters, the importance of Greens’ preferences and her take on the alleged “dog whistle” tactics employed...
The announcement yesterday by Opposition Leader Tony Abbott that a Coalition Government would end the current protection policy of Australia's waters highlights a lack of leadership over marine parks, according to environment group WWF-Australia.
Key environmental groups have greeted Prime Minister Julia Gillard announcement of a "citizen's assembly" on climate change a cool response.
An American water distributor company believes it can resolve many of the world's water shortages by shipping water from where it is plentiful, to destinations in Asia and the Middle East via an Indian distribution point.
A Galaxy poll conducted for WWF-Australia has shown support for an emissions trading scheme continue to grow in the Queensland marginal seats of Brisbane, Bowman, Petrie and Ryan.
A conference focusing on countries' adaptability to climate change has been described as a "turning point" for climate change science.
It's been some time since we've seen Labor in government and last week's removal of Kevin Rudd as leader revealed their inexperience and obsessions with opinion polls.
The Australian Government has announced that it will release $47.3 million to the CSIRO to fund renewable energy solutions for a radio observatory.
The findings of a key report of the effect of climate change on vulnerable has been challenged at climate change talks in Germany.
The latest Newspoll published by The Australian has seen further improvement in the Greens primary vote at the expense of the major parties.
The sixth annual poll by the Sydney-based think tank the Lowy Institute has surveyed Australian's on foreign policy, giving the Government a mediocre score and uncovering some shock findings on China.
Paul Bateson, of the Blue Mountains-based sustainability consultants EcoSTEPS, recently took time out from a tourism-focused sustainability meeting in Samoa to present the country's prime minister with a Socceroos shirt.
Environmental group the Conservation Council of WA has criticised the State Government for its lack of support for the environment in its second state budget.
The next few weeks will be ablaze with commentary and analysis of the federal Government's 2010 budget, detailing the winners and losers of Treasurer Wayne Swan's third budget.
By Sue Pennicuik and Bob Hale: ‘Fair Share’ was the theme of the second Asia Pacific Greens Network Congress (APGN), hosted by the Green Party Taiwan and Taiwan Friends of the Global Greens, that we attended on the weekend of 30 April – 2 May. It was a huge effort for the small group...
The next Victorian election is looming on the horizon and it seems a struggling Victorian Labor Government is stuck between a rock and a hard place with the electorate.
The Australian Greens have said Treasurer Wayne Swan's third budget shows the Rudd Government has turned its back on key environmental reforms, including a tax on carbon.
A new report issued by specialist insurance group Lloyds, along with environmental organisation WWF, has warned global businesses of the consequences of corporate inaction in fighting the growing global water scarcity crisis.
Australia ranks in the top ten of the world's worst environmental performers, according to a new study.
Developing economies in the Australasian/Pacific region will be affected if a push from the world's richest nations to raise water prices is successful.
The Australian Greens have said they will pursue tax recommendations made by Treasury head Ken Henry in a comprehensive review released in Canberra on Sunday.
The decision by Prime Minister Kevin Rudd earlier this week to shelve plans for an emissions trading scheme has drawn ire from environmental groups who say it will harm the nation's economy.
A report released today by a public policy think tank, has criticised the Federal Government's proposed ETS scheme, describing it as a waste of taxpayers' money.
There has been no quest in my life greater than that for knowledge. The drive to learn, to understand the worlds of man and nature, is a need – deep and visceral.
Federal Tasmanian Greens Senator and Tasmanian Greens MLA Nick McKim discuss the historic appointment of two Greens in the Bartlett Labor Government in Tasmania. Courtesy: Australian Greens.
The Conservation Council of Western Australia has called on the Commonwealth Government to act to save what remains of the state's wetlands.
Rising sea temperatures have caused coral bleaching at the world's southernmost coral reef at Lord Howe Island, say a team of Australian researchers.
A report released earlier this week by technology giant Siemens has called for an $83 billion investment from business and governments over the next ten years to ensure Australia's water and renewable energy future.
A new climatic index developed by Australian and Chinese researchers will help scientists understand why southwestern Western Australia has experienced such a decline in rainfall over the past 40 years.
Australia's Bureau of Meteorology has weighed into the climate science debate with Director Greg Ayers stating 100 years of climate data shows there is definite evidence of a change in weather patterns with the globe's temperatures trending upwards.
Paul Bateson, Associate Consultant at sustainability advisers EcoSteps, talks to Rich Bowden about the recent Tourism Investment for the Development of Enterprise and Sustainability (TIDES) conference in Apia, Samoa.
The Australian Government's inaugural Energy Resource Assessment has outlined the increasing future role of renewable energy such as solar and wind in satisfying Australia's energy needs.
The Liberal/National Opposition's Tony Abbott, Julie Bishop and Eric Abetz, joined by Finance spokesman Barnaby Joyce, are seemingly carrying out a successful formula for losing the next election.
With only a couple of days since federal politicians returned to Parliament for the start of the sitting year, so far we’ve seen a deluge of hot air and rubbish from the Tories, especially Tony “The Monk” Abbott and even Joe “The Tutu” Hockey who look to be attempting to make mileage from speaking...
New research has shown both Australia and New Zealand have just experienced their hottest decade since temperatures were first recorded.
Political analyst Alex Schlotzer takes a look at the important events and examines Australia's influence in the Pacific's political year of 2009.
By Rich Bowden: Tuvalu Prime Minister Apisai Ielemia has refused to put his name to the non-binding Copenhagen climate accord agreed at key climate discussions held in the Danish capital last week. Pacific States have described the political agreement, which would aim to restrict global temperature rise to 2 degrees Celsius, as inadequate. Tuvalu...
By Rich Bowden: The Australian Greens have said the 2010 federal election will be fought on the issue of climate change saying the country should now show world leadership in cutting carbon emissions after the failure of the Copenhagen climate talks. Leader of the Greens, Senator Bob Brown has criticised Prime Minister Rudd’s policy...
By Rich Bowden: Former Australian of the Year Prof Tim Flannery has praised a climate agreement reached by world leaders at Copenhagen and described Prime Minister Kevin Rudd’s role in the key talks as “outstanding.” In a online statement from the Danish capital, author, leading climate scientist and commentator Prof Flannery, speaking on behalf...
By Rich Bowden: Australian Prime Minister Kevin Rudd has told reporters that some agreement is still possible in key climate talks in Copenhagen despite major disagreements in over one hundred provisions. Despite a generally pessimistic view from world leaders as they fly in to Copenhagen for the culmination of nearly two weeks of acrimonious...
By Rich Bowden: Australian Prime Minister Kevin Rudd has been accused of both lying to his people on climate change and of being one of the leaders of the move to destroying the Kyoto agreement. The inflammatory remarks were made by Lumumba Di-Aping, the chief negotiator at the Copenhagen climate talks who is negotiating...
By Rich Bowden The koala is one of the world’s species most at risk from the effects of climate change, according to a new report by a leading environment group. The International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) has said the koala along with the Arctic Fox and the Leatherback Turtle as among those...
By Rich Bowden: The Australian Government has been accused of cheating on its carbon emissions accounting at the Copenhagen climate summit by covering up large emissions from agriculture and forestry. Prime Minister Kevin Rudd and his team stand accused of selectively counting some agricultural activities such as more farm plantations to mitigate the country’s...
In the first of a five part series, author and archaeologist Jon Moore takes a sideways look at the great climate debate and asks the question, is everything we are being told bollocks?
Originally published in theangle.org in three parts, we bring you the full post of Simon Hukin's discussion on a Carbon Pollution Reduction Scheme (CPRS).
By Rich Bowden: As key climate talks in Copenhagen enters its second week, Australian Government climate adviser Ross Garnaut has said relocation of Pacific climate refugees was “inevitable.” Professor Garnaut, who conducted the Australian Government’s climate review, told Radio Australia that rising sea levels in the Pacific would inevitably force relocation of many low-lying...
By Rich Bowden: Recently deposed Liberal leader Malcolm Turnbull has launched an extraordinary attack on his colleagues calling the opinion of Tony Abbott, the man who replaced him as leader, “bullshit” on the subject of an emissions trading scheme. Mr Turnbull was rolled in a very public leadership spill last week after Mr Abbott...
By Rich Bowden: Liberal party officials have claimed weekend by-election results offer a ringing endorsement of new leader Tony Abbott after a fortnight of party infighting not seen since the Howard/Peacock battles of the 1980s. The Liberals Paul Fletcher (Bradfield) and Kelly O’Dwyer (Higgins) continued the blue ribbon seats’ tradition of not having to...
By Rich Bowden: On the eve of key climate talks in Copenhagen, an independent Pacific think tank has called for world leaders attending the conference to hear the region’s plight in battling rising sea levels. With the low-lying Pacific nations struggling to adapt to a changing environment brought about by climate change, the Pacific...
By Alex Schlotzer Okay that might be a bit presumptuous given that polls have not yet closed but that was certainly the major news that energised Green members yesterday at the close of campaigning in the seat of Higgins. With Malcolm Mackerras predicting in his article that voters would give the nod to Greens...
By Rich Bowden: A new research centre, which will develop methods to power cities and desalinate water using geothermal energy, has been opened in Perth, Western Australia. The Western Australian Geothermal Centre of Excellence (WAGCOE) is a partnership between CSIRO and The University of Western Australia and the Curtin University of Technology, with funding...
By Rich Bowden: The Australian Government is today considering whether to call an early election after its emissions trading scheme legislation failed to pass the Senate for a second time yesterday. Despite two Liberal senators, Sue Boyce and Judith Troeth, crossing the floor to vote with the Government on the amended bill, the Government...
By Alex Schlotzer: Well what a whirlwind week in Australian politics that was, starting with the defection of most of Malcolm Turnbull’s frontbench and culminating in the win by Tony Abbott (by one vote) in today’s leadership spill. The tragedy (for Turnbull supporters) was that it was bound to happen as the now former...
By Rich Bowden: The leadership crisis of Australia’s Liberal party, which has pitted moderates against conservatives over whether or not to agree to the Government’s contentious Emissions Trading Scheme (ETS) legislation amendments, took another turn yesterday as so-called unity candidate Joe Hockey met with fellow frontbencher Peter Dutton at his Sydney home. The two...
By Rich Bowden: Five Liberal frontbenchers have resigned over its leadership’s decision to ram through an agreement with the Government on an emissions trading scheme. Tony Abbott, Sophie Mirabella, Tony Smith and Senators Nick Minchin and Eric Abetz have handed in their resignations saying they cannot agree with their leader Malcolm Turnbull’s decision to...
By Rich Bowden: Updated: Opposition Leader Malcolm Turnbull has hung on to the leadership after winning a motion to call a spill 48 to 35. Treasury spokesman Joe Hockey said Mr Turnbull had apologised for his handling of the ETS issue. The Australian Opposition appears to have split over whether to support the Government’s...
By Rich Bowden: The Australian Opposition appears to have split over whether to support the Government’s amendments to key climate legislation after an extraordinary day in which their leader’s job hangs by a thread. After a drawn-out eight-hour meeting, Malcolm Turnbull, Leader of the Opposition, appeared to try to ram through agreement to the...
By Rich Bowden: A recently-released report on the state of New Zealand’s glaciers has found they have, once again, lost a significant portion of their ice mass. The National Institute of Water & Atmospheric Research (NIWA), the NZ-based organisation which conducts both commercial and non-commercial research in the field of environmental sciences, has found...
By Rich Bowden: The Australian Government has linked a weekend of searing temperatures in NSW, and wild flooding in the south, to changes brought about by global warming and demanded a political agreement on an emissions trading scheme by this week. NSW firefighters battled plus 40 degree heat while containing a number of dangerous...
By Rich Bowden: Documents and emails purporting to show manipulation of climate data and suppression of dissenting material have been hacked from the University of East Anglia, U.K. The university has confirmed the theft of documents though said it is impossible to say if all the data now released on the Internet is genuine....
By Simon Hukin: Why I Love Tax and You Should Too A carbon tax has none of the problems associated with other carbon reduction schemes. The carbon tax is an incentive for polluters to clean up their act and to encourage venture capitalists to invest in innovative clean, renewable technologies, by making them more...
In the second of a three-part series, Simon Hukin analyses Australia's Carbon Pollution Reduction Scheme (CPRS), compares it with the European model and outlines the influence of the business lobby in shaping a carbon reduction scheme.
In the first of a three-part series, Simon Hukin analyses the effectiveness of Australia's Carbon Pollution Reduction Scheme (CPRS), examines the alternative schemes and outlines the pitfalls involved in the problem of adopting a scheme to effectively reduce the country's carbon emissions.
By Kevin Rennie: With just over three weeks till key climate talks in Copenhagen, there is little optimism that a binding agreement will be reached. In Australia, Kevin Rudd’s Labor government has positioned itself uncomfortably in the middle of the national debate. Many of its supporters feel let down by what they see as...
By Rich Bowden: Asia Pacific leaders gathering in Singapore for this weekend’s APEC summit must commit to ambitious climate targets if they are to avoid economic, social and environmental catastrophe in the region, according to environment group WWF. The WWF statement called on Governments to put the issue of climate change ahead of pressing...
By Rich Bowden: The Australian CSIRO has moved closer to helping the country reduce its reliance on fossil fuels when it opened a new facility at its Energy Centre in Newcastle, NSW today. The new Renewable Energy Integration Facility founded by the Government science agency will “…develop new grid management technologies that will allow...
By Rich Bowden: Australia and China should co-operate at Copenhagen to produce a binding agreement on climate change, a conference held in Tianjin, China has heard. Delegates attending the talks co-hosted by Australia’s Flinders University and China’s Nankai University, heard that the global financial crisis which had gripped Asia, along with expected consequences of...
A report comparing CO2 reduction policies has found those that offer assistance to polluters are likely to have an adverse environmental and economic effect.
Australian researchers have said it is still possible to contain climate change to within 2 degrees C.
By-Elections: A Final Commentary
Political analyst Alex Schlotzer writes on the Higgins and Bradfield weekend by-elections; what it means for the leadership of the Liberal Party, Australia's political landscape and whether the issue of climate change will be a vote changer in the run up to the next election.
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