Archived News for Green Sector Professionals - August, 2012
The Climate Commission has released its third major report, finding that the world is rapidly moving to address the issue of climate change by adopting sustainable methods of growth.
The report found that there is general consensus on the need to mitigate the effects of climate change through the transition away from reliance on fossil fuels and the adoption of renewable energy production.
The Commission also found that 90 countries, representing 90 per cent of the world’s economy, have committed to limiting their greenhouse gas emissions and have programs in place to achieve their limits.
Australia Institute calls for more CSG research
A new report released by the Australia Institute has warned that the country risks significantly underestimating its contribution to global climate change if it fails to adequately measure fugitive emissions from coal seam gas wellheads.
Government identifies climate change impact zones
The Federal Government has released a report aimed at assisting companies and local governments make informed decisions about where and how to build key infrastructure assets in the face of a changing climate.
Kelp forests to be protected
The Federal Government has announced tha the giant kelp forests of the south east coast of Australia will be protected under Australian law.
Queensland calls for local environment grant applicants
The Queensland Government has called for more community-based environmental groups to apply for grants available to rehabilitate their local environment.
Oceans already changing finds CSIRO
The CSIRO has published a research study that shows that the country's oceans are already being significantly impacted on by climate change.
Victoria opens CCS research centre
The Victorian Government has officially opened the new Peter cook Centre for Carbon and Capture Storage (CCS) Research at the University of Melbourne.
Government opens environment, sustainability and heritage grants
The Federal Government has called for applications under the 2012-13 Grants to Voluntary Environment, Sustainability and Heritage Organisations (GVESHO) program.
NCGRT urges action on groundwater depletion
The director of National Centre for Groundwater Research and Training (NCGRT) has urged Australia to take a leading role in tackling the emerging global crisis in groundwater management.
University of Melbourne examines new water attitudes
The University of Melbourne has released a review that investigates new methods of water conservation and the need to transform policies and attitudes surrounding the vital resource.
Warming to alter Pacific rain band
South Pacific countries will experience more severe and extreme weather events as a consequence of increasing greenhouse gas emissions, according to a research paper published in the journal Nature.
Cut emissions to save billions says report
Move to mitigate to reduce carbon emissions can significantly improve the health of the country’s population and could save billions of dollars and thousands of lives each year, a new report has found.
Universities win PV grants
The Universities of New South Wales and Queensland have secured two major photovoltaic (PV) research grants under the Federal Government’s Solar Flagships program.
Victoria releases wetland assessment
The Victorian Government has released a report detailing the condition of wetlands throughout the state, concluding that despite over 13 years of drought, the majority of the state’s high value wetlands were in either ‘good’ or ‘excellent’ condition.
CEFC Board appointments made
The Federal Government has confirmed the appointment of Jillian Broadbent as the chair of the Clean Energy Finance Corporation (CEFC) Board for a five-year term. Also announced were the appointments of Michael Carapiet, Ian Moor, Anna Karbek and Andrew Stock as the inaugural members of the Board.
Victoria launches Gippsland Lakes projects
The Victorian Government has launched eight new projects to be funded through its $10 million Gippsland Lakes Environmental Fund.
Government announces $42.5 million for water recycling
The Federal Government has outlined $42.5 million in funding to deliver nine innovative stormwater harvesting and re-use projects in a bid to secure water supplies in urban areas around the country.
SA to undertake Port Bonython EIS
The proposed development will also employ about 400 workers during construction as well as ongoing employment.
Greens call for Burke to reject 'failed' Murray plan
The Federal Greens have called on Environment Minister Tony Burke to reject the Murray-Darling Basin Plan, saying it is set to fail the system in its current form.
Lower Hunter Water Panel meets in Newcastle
The Panel appointed by the New South Wales Government to provide independent advice on the development of the Lower Hunter Water Plan has held its inaugural meeting in Newcastle.
Victoria seeks to start park prospecting
The Victorian Government has announced it will ask the Victorian Environmental Assessment Council (VEAC) to investigate the circumstances under which low impact prospecting might be conducted in the state’s national parks.