'Australia to be the villain of COP26 climate talks'

In today’s news, Australia is likely to be the villain of the COP26 talks over its failure to adopt a meaningful climate policy.

The UN warns that rapid climate change threatens to leave hundreds of millions of people displaced on Australia’s doorstep in south-east Asia. 

And the developers of the $10 billion Star of the South wind farm off Victoria’s Gippsland coast plan to supply 20 per cent of the state’s electricity needs once the giant Yallourn coal plant closes, providing a major source of renewable energy as the grid moves away from coal.

Australia is shaping up to be the villain of COP26 climate talks

Australia is becoming increasingly isolated from the rest of the world with its obstinate approach to the climate crisis. Leaders like US climate envoy John Kerry and COP26 President Alok Sharma have been focused recently on the climate challenge of China -- but it's Australia that's emerging as the real pariah of the COP26 talks.

Climate change spurs threat of war, mass migration in region

Rapid climate change threatens to leave hundreds of millions of people displaced on Australia’s doorstep in south-east Asia in coming decades, says the former United Nations Secretary General’s special representative for disaster risk reduction Robert Glasser.

Star of the South’s giant wind farm to power 20pc of Victoria

The developers of the $10 billion Star of the South wind farm off Victoria’s Gippsland coast plan to supply 20 per cent of the state’s electricity needs once the giant Yallourn coal plant closes, providing a major source of renewable energy as the grid moves away from coal.

NT government criticised for progressing Beetaloo Basin gas project without full environmental study

Environmentalists have slammed the Northern Territory government for handing a gas company partial approval to begin fracking-related works in the Beetaloo Basin, saying the decision was made in “unusual” circumstances and without proper consideration of the impact on local species.

Tesla calls for a 20 gigawatt storage target for Australia

Tesla, the world’s most successful electric vehicle company and battery storage developer, has called for a 20 gigawatt storage target as a means to ensure Australia has enough “dipatchable” power in place for the transition to a grid dominated by wind and solar.

‘Black mark’: Farmers get nod to clear land for bushfire protection

Environmental groups say a new code allowing land clearing 25 metres out from fences will do little to aid protection against bushfires in NSW but could have devastating impacts on wildlife.

Mining union backs Daniel Repacholi as Labor candidate in Hunter to replace Joel Fitzgibbon

The mining union has thrown its support behind the former Olympic shooter Daniel Repacholi to take over the seat of Hunter from outgoing Labor MP Joel Fitzgibbon.