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Queensland approves mega coal mine that could double Australia’s emissions

The Queensland government has approved the mega Winchester South coal mine project which environmentalists say poses unacceptable threats to the human rights of Queenslanders. The project will now go for federal approval, where it could become the biggest coal mine to be given the green light since the Albanese government came to power.

Despite a month of widespread opposition from protestors and local councils, geoscience technology services company CGG has formally submitted its permit application and environmental plan for the Otway Basin which if successful would see seismic surveying in Victoria's south west, parallel to the famous Logans Beach Whale Nursery during calving season. 

And a photo of a young polar bear napping on an iceberg has been handed the Wildlife Photographer of the Year People’s Choice Award, with the striking image standing as a poignant visual reminder of how fast the ice caps are melting due to rising temperatures.

Top stories:

Federal government approval final hurdle for mega coalmine that could double Australia’s emissions
The Queensland government has approved the Winchester South mine despite a report warning of potential ‘climate change consequences’.

Otway Basin seismic petroleum survey in whale nursery moves to next stage despite community pushback
Protesters are concerned plans for seismic testing near a whale nursery during calving season are moving forward quickly despite widespread community opposition.

Photo of snoozing polar bear wins prestigious wildlife photography award
A photo of a young polar bear napping on an iceberg stands as a poignant visual reminder of how fast the ice caps are melting due to rising temperatures, and has been handed the Wildlife Photographer of the Year People's Choice Award.

Woodside and Santos end talks on $80bn merger to create oil and gas giant
Two of Australia’s largest greenhouse gas emitters have ended talks which would have potentially created a A$80bn (US$52bn) global oil and gas giant.

Scientists study levels of toxic mercury in Antarctic seals, whales
Researchers are studying the impact of mercury, used in activities such as mining thousands of kilometres away, on Antarctica's large mammals.

Rise in Storm Intensity Prompts Calls For a Whole New Category of Hurricane
Heat trapped by fossil fuel emissions is making some of Earth's winds so intense that researchers are calling for the introduction of an even more extreme category.

'Hopeful, not hopeless': Teens share what they've learnt from years of natural disasters
Teenagers on the frontlines of climate change from Coffs Harbour to Fitzroy Crossing are looking ahead to prepare for the next natural disaster and advocate for their community's future.

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