Government's carbon-neutral certification scheme labelled ‘greenwashing’ by critics

The government’s carbon-neutral certification scheme Climate Active has come under fire from critics, who claim the body is engaging in “greenwashing” - providing environmentally friendly cover for polluting industries to carry on with business as usual, while giving the impression they're taking meaningful action on climate change. 

The Albanese government has agreed to the Greens’ demands to ban the national reconstruction fund (NRF) from direct investment in coal, gas and native logging projects.

And new research suggests the frequency of “climate hazards” - such as increasing temperatures from global warming - will likely lead to “ongoing system shocks” to coffee production and a “systemic risk” to the global coffee trade.

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'What's the purpose of certification?': Carbon neutral claims come under fire
Climate Active is a government-backed carbon-neutral certification scheme which claims to offer one of the world's "most rigorous" certification systems. But critics say it's engaging in "greenwashing".

Labor meets Greens demand for ban on reconstruction fund investment in coal, gas and native logging
The breakthrough on the NRF could help pave the way for a deal on the safeguards bill, with Greens leader Adam Bandt suggesting parliament had accepted fossil fuels must be treated differently, a principle which could also be applied through a limit on their use of carbon credits.

Rising temperatures in tropics to lead to lower coffee yields and higher prices, study suggests
Climate conditions that reduce coffee yield have become more frequent over the past four decades, with rising temperatures from global heating likely to lead to “ongoing systemic shocks” to coffee production globally, new research suggests.

Rise in ocean plastic pollution 'unprecedented' since 2005
Plastic pollution in the world's oceans has reached "unprecedented levels" over the past 15 years, a new study has found, calling for a legally binding international treaty to stop the harmful waste.

What is the safeguard mechanism and could it stop catastrophic climate change?
The Albanese government claims its proposed legislation will be instrumental in reaching 2030 climate targets, but critics have raised concerns about its implementation. The SBS unpacks the ins and outs of the Safeguard Mechanism.

AGL Energy eyes exit from Australian Pipelines and Gas ­Association amid green shift
AGL Energy is poised to quit its membership of a national peak gas body after launching a review on lobby groups, with the power giant seeking to fast-track a move to green electricity.

Coal mines made to pay after years of free access to Sydney drinking water
NSW coal mines will be required to pay for the water they remove from Sydney’s drinking basin after years of doing so at no cost or limit.