NSW to enshrine net zero targets in law

New South Wales is set to enshrine its greenhouse gas emissions reduction targets of 50% by 2030 and net zero by 2050 into law. An independent advisory panel will be created to monitor the state’s progress.

While environmental groups have welcomed the NSW government’s decision to legislate greenhouse gas emission targets, they say it flies in the face of the decision to extend the lifespan of the Eraring coal power station. 

And bad news for beer drinkers with new research identifying that climate change is negatively impacting the production of hops which gives beer its unique bitter flavour. 

Top stories:

NSW set to enshrine net zero emissions by 2050 in law and create monitoring panel
The Minns government will on Thursday introduce its centrepiece climate change legislation to NSW parliament to entrench the targets and set up the Net Zero Commission and fulfil two election commitments.

NSW emissions reduction laws at odds with Eraring extension, say environmental group
The announcement, which was initially flagged during the election cycle, comes weeks after the government said it could draw on taxpayer funds to keep Eraring, the nation’s largest coal power station, open longer than its owners intended.

Climate change could make beer taste worse
Global warming is changing the quality and taste of beer, scientists have warned. A new study reveals that the quantity of European hops, which gives beer its distinctive bitter taste, is declining.

Frequency of hailstorms increases by 40% around Sydney and Perth since 1979, research finds
Scientists say climate change may bring a decrease in frequency of hail activity but an increase in severity.

Aviation industry's efforts to reduce greenhouse gas emissions are 'insufficient', climate tracking project says
The Climate Action Tracker, an independent scientific project that tracks government climate action against the Paris Agreement, has labelled the international aviation industry's efforts to date as "critically insufficient".

Schools closed, extreme fire danger warnings issued in NSW as hot, windy weather returns
Six New South Wales schools are closed as hot and windy conditions set in across large parts of the state, while the recovery effort from a large fire still burning on the state's Far South Coast begins. 

Southern Australian states sizzle as Indian Ocean climate driver nears record strength
While El Niño in the Pacific dominates the headlines due to its global influence, the Indian Ocean actually has a greater impact on Australia's weather during spring, and a pronounced shift in water temperatures to our west is already spreading drought and frequent spells of hot weather across the country.

Lego Will No Longer Aim to Use Recycled Plastic. Here's Why.
This ambitious project aimed to replace traditional Lego plastic with a new material made from recycled plastic bottles. However, when Lego assessed the project's environmental impact throughout its supply chain, it found that producing bricks with the recycled plastic would require extra materials and energy to make them durable enough.

Vast Antarctic ice shelves shrinking as ocean warms
More than 40 per cent of Antarctica’s ice shelves have shrunk over the past 25 years and released vast amounts of fresh water into the ocean, with major implications for the “conveyor belt” of ocean currents that circulate heat and nutrients around the globe.

Why Australia’s answer to Greta Thunberg is facing years behind bars
At 19, this climate activist is now facing serious legal consequences over a foiled protest outside the home of the boss of an energy giant in Western Australia. Here's why she still believes she's on the right side of history.