Morrison government’s BECCS flex a hex on climate

The BECCS (bioenergy with carbon capture and storage) technique earmarked in the Morrison government’s plan to reach net zero by 2050 has been widely panned by experts as ‘ecologically risky’, ‘a farce’, and 'should be avoided'.

Some of the countries most vulnerable to the climate crisis have called on the UN and the UK to help them ensure high emitters upgrade their targets, adding countries such as Australia will lose out economically if they do not. 

New Delhi’s battle with dangerous smog rages on, with the capital’s environment minister flagging they will curb private vehicles from next week if the situation doesn’t improve. 

‘A farce’: experts dismiss government claims a controversial and unproven technology will cut emissions by 15%

Experts have questioned how the controversial energy technology BECCS – bioenergy with carbon capture and storage – could be earmarked as a major source of cuts to greenhouse gas emissions in the Morrison government’s plan to reach net zero by 2050.

Climate-vulnerable countries call for help forcing high emitters to act

Those most at risk warn countries such as Australia they will lose out economically if they do not raise targets and call on the UN and the UK and other countries who want to lead the climate fight to help them ensure high emitters upgrade their carbon targets.

New Delhi to consider curbing private vehicles to fight dangerous smog

As choking smog enveloped the city of 20 million people, its government initiated a clutch of measures such as shutting down schools, banning construction, and allowing people to work from home. It will now consider restricting private vehicles to driving on alternate days from next week. 

Land law changes proposed to open up “millions of hectares” for huge green hydrogen plans

Western Australia has answered the “increasingly strident” calls from billionaire green hydrogen prospectors by proposing changes to the state’s land tenure laws to pave the way for huge wind and solar projects that will power the shift to green hydrogen.

Big battery to displace diesel and help Tahiti leap to 75 per cent renewables

A 15MW/10.4MWh battery energy storage system is to be built in Tahiti, helping the French territory in the heart of the Pacific save millions from the replacement of diesel generators, and help reach its target of 75 per cent renewables by 2030.

Forbes locals urge premier to get NSW’s biggest inland dam project done after floods ruin crops

Locals in flood-hit Forbes are demanding its dam project proceeds as the premier commits only to “work through” the process. ANU professor Jamie Pittock said that with climate change likely to exacerbate the swings between drought and floods, “giving rivers room to flood safely, will provide more benefits to society in the long term”.