Safeguard mechanism talks continue as Greens raise new fossil fuel project concerns

The Greens have used a parliamentary report to make clear that a key Labor climate policy – revamping the safeguard mechanism – will fail unless the Albanese government agrees to changes its plan. The Greens say the changes to the safeguard should not be introduced in their current form “given the danger that new coal and gas projects pose to a stable climate and safe society”.

The closure of coal-fired power plants wont be enough for Victoria to reach its emissions target without a dramatic reduction of gas use by 2035, according to a new report.

And for the first time, scientists have documented and quantified the pathological effects of ingested plastic in wild animals, following a study on impacted seabirds.

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Labor’s reform of safeguard mechanism will fail unless changed, say Greens
The Greens have used a parliamentary report to make clear that a key Labor climate policy – revamping the safeguard mechanism – will fail unless the Albanese government agrees to changes its plan. In a dissenting report to a Senate committee inquiry released on Monday night, the Greens concluded the changes to the safeguard should not be introduced in their current form “given the danger that new coal and gas projects pose to a stable climate and safe society”.

Victoria urged to cut gas use if it is to achieve 75% emissions reduction target
Gas use needs to be cut to achieve the Andrews government’s target to reduce emissions by at least 75% by 2035, with analysis from Environment Victoria finding the closure of coal-fired power plants won’t be enough to meet the goal.

New study on seabirds reveals disease caused by ingested plastic
One of the most plastic-contaminated birds in the world is silently suffering from a novel, emerging disease scientists have coined 'plasticosis'. It's reportedly the first time researchers have ever documented and quantified the pathological effects of ingested plastic in wild animals.

Australia ramps up fossil fuel exports to India, but also lithium for renewables
Australia will ship more coal, gas and critical minerals to India under government plans to expand upon more than $24 billion in annual exports when Prime Minister Anthony Albanese visits three Indian cities this week.

Tesla cuts prices for its most expensive electric vehicles to drive demand
Tesla has cut prices on its two most expensive electric vehicles in the United States days after its chief executive, Elon Musk, said recent price cuts on other models had stoked demand.

Rare leatherback turtle found dead at popular beach north of Sydney
The death of a rare leatherback turtle is being investigated after it was found washed ashore on a beach north of Sydney at the weekend.

Through drought, fires and floods, young Australians share their reflections on resilience and community
The ABC hears stories of resilience and heartbreak from young people impacted by the nation’s worst natural disasters on record.

Seismic survey debate returns to south-west Victoria after national talks with fishers break down
A lobster fisherman says the public ought to know about the impacts of seismic surveying, after Origin Energy started searching for gas in the waters off Warrnamnool in 2017.