Scary warning about planet-warming El Nino

Scary warning about planet-warming El Nino
El Nino — the sibling of the dreaded La Nina climate driver — has arrived and experts warn it will likely make 2024 the “hottest year in history”. US scientists declared this week that the natural weather event had begun in the Pacific Ocean, warning that it would likely add to an already warming planet. In Australia, it’s likely to mean three things: heat, drought and fire.

Greta Thunberg’s school climate strikes come to an end after 251 weeks
For five years, Greta Thunberg has spent her Fridays in front of the Swedish Parliament in Stockholm instead of in class; after 251 weeks, she is hanging up her cardboard protest sign – as a student. What began as a 15-year-old with a singular message has spread into a global movement across 7500 cities.

New York wildfire smoke triggers memories of Canberra during the Black Summer bushfires
For much of last week, the thick yellow-orange haze that shrouded New York City inspired apocalyptic, dystopian and even extraterrestrial comparisons. "No. This is not Mars," tweeted the US National Weather Service on June 8, with a photo of its forecast office in Binghamton, New York. For Australian expat and New York resident Eliza Watson, the sight and smell of the smoke, which is coming from Canadian wildfires, evoked something closer to home.

Smoke in the air as Australia’s fire crews prepare for the return of El Niño
Climate change has already lengthened Australia’s fire seasons, with higher temperatures driving an increase in riskier fire weather. And with the landscape full of fuel after three wet La Niña summers, the risk of severe bushfires may rise if the predicted El Niño is realised, bringing hot and dry conditions.

Finally, some seriously good news on climate. And some not so good
Even the most optimistic renewable energy champions confess to being shocked by how quickly the world has built and deployed clean energy over the past year. The scope of the achievement is difficult to exaggerate. 

Minister told beef producers not deforestation ‘risk’ before key EU trade talks
Australian beef producers aren’t responsible for deforestation, according to advice from the federal Agriculture Department to minister Murray Watt that contradicts Queensland government data, further complicating trade negotiations with the European Union.

Uber, BP strike charging deal to drive EV uptake in Australia
Ride-hailing giant Uber has struck a deal with BP to offer discounted electric vehicle charging to its Australian drivers as it launches a service dedicated to lower-emissions rides and seeks to persuade reluctant drivers to make the switch to electric cars.

An El Niño looms over Australia's stressed electricity system – and we must plan for the worst
The Bureau of Meteorology this week declared a 70 per cent chance of an El Niño developing this year. It's bad timing for the electricity sector, and means Australians may face supply disruptions and more volatile energy prices.

London hotter than Ibiza as temperatures predicted to soar to 30C
An Iberian plume left the capital scorching in temperatures warmer than Ibiza on Saturday. Millions of Londoners basked in the hottest day of the year as the mercury soared to a record 30C. However, it all goes downhill from tomorrow when thunderstorms are predicted to spark flooding, lightning, gales and possible power cuts.

As the world burns, should we continue a slow and measured response to the climate era?
Australian governments preach the transition from fossil fuels should be slow and measured. But immediate change is what many victims of natural disasters like fire and flood want. It’s these survivors and their friends who often take to the streets, risking fines of tens of thousands of dollars or jail to spread the word about the impact of global warming. Having lost their homes they feel they have nothing to lose.

Single-dose rat poison killing Tassie’s native wildlife, including wedge-tail eagles
The convenience of buying single dose rat poison from supermarket shelves is killing native wildlife in Tasmania including wedge-tail eagles and frogmouth owls.Rodents are making their way inside into homes as temperatures get colder and people are using poisonous single dose rat kill as their primary defence, according to expert.