Coal, gas export value headed for collapse: trade data

The value of Australia’s coal and gas exports could be halved in just five years as new forecasts warn booming commodity prices have likely passed their peaks and key trading partners across Asia are increasing efforts to curb greenhouse gas emissions.

The krill fishing regulator – the Commission for the Conservation of Antarctic Marine Living Resources – is under fire for failing to factor into catch limits key issues such as climate change and needs of major krill predators, including whales.

Some Australian companies are walking back their public commitments to climate action as part of a growing global trend known as “green hushing”. The biggest superannuation fund in the country, AustralianSuper, removed its climate report from its website on March 22 following greenwashing claims last month.

Top stories:

Australia’s boom in coal, gas exports headed for $120b collapse: trade data
LNG producers face a significant slide in the value of their exports next year as they grapple with unprecedented government intervention, new official forecasts show.

Salmon’s secret: Antarctic krill used in fish feed
Australian salmon producers have confirmed using Antarctic krill in fish feed, as a leading scientist quits the krill industry’s expert panel, concluding krill harvesting is “wrong” and should be banned.

Radio silence replaces greenwashing claims
With Australian regulators now cracking down on alleged greenwashing, companies have been put on notice that they face an increased risk of legal action for false claims.

Great Koala National Park to go ahead following Labor's NSW election win
A Great Koala National Park (GKNP) proposed more than a decade ago on the NSW mid-north coast is now likely to become a reality.

Esperance transitions from reticulated gas to to electric power
The Western Australian Government says 400 Esperance customers have completed the transition from reticulated gas to electric power, with the majority of residents and business now having an alternative energy source.

BP to grab biggest slice of Woodside’s $30b Browse gas project
BP is negotiating to buy Shell’s stake in Woodside’s Browse gas export project, signalling the two global oil and gas giants have different views about the carbon-intensive development.

Electric car on trial as emergency vehicle in Queensland
The Queensland Fire and Emergency Services (QFES) has purchased three Tesla Model 3 electric cars as part of a trial of battery-powered vehicles for first-responders.

How electric trucks will change Australian roads
From next month, trucks will join the electric motoring revolution, in a move promising long-term business savings and faster delivery times. While there are obstacles to navigate, Volvo will in May present its new prime mover at the Brisbane Truck Show.

Solar panels could be a lifesaver for public housing tenants grappling with Australia’s soaring energy costs
Advocates are backing a push by the Victorian Public Tenants’ Association (VPTA), to install solar panels on every public housing property in the state. The VPTA says it could save each household up to $535.49 each year in lower energy bills.

King Island mine to be diesel-powered for years using repurposed government grant
Operators of a mine on Tasmania's King Island plan to use a multi-million-dollar government grant to lease diesel generators to power the project, despite the money being initially granted to connect the mine to the island's grid.

Scientist in awe of Antarctica’s beautiful frailty
Not long after passing through the gates of hell, Olaf Meynecke found himself in the belly of an inflatable boat watching exquisite rings of bubbles rise from the icy depths.

Red seaweed could be the answer to slashing methane emissions from cows, study shows
A new study has found feeding cattle with an unlikely additive – a native red seaweed called asparagopsis armata - could help the dairy industry reduce its methane emissions.

How we can cool our cities with heat mitigation in a warming world
Advocates say cooler cities are possible, if buildings and urban spaces are designed better.

Researcher calls for people to do less laundry
An expert on the impact of microplastics on waterways is asking people to do less washing, because common items of clothes shed tiny bits of plastic.