Shallow-water reef animals declining: new study

More than 500 common species of fish, seaweed, coral and invertebrates that live on reefs around Australia have declined in the past decade, a study has found, as experts warn “not all is well in the ocean”. Global heating was likely the main driver of the falls, with marine heatwaves and a rise in ocean temperatures hitting species that live on rocky and coral reefs.

Former Greens leader Bob Brown has quit his life membership of the Australian Conservation Foundation in protest after the environment group urged parliament to “strengthen and pass” a signature Albanese government climate policy.

And a hidden government report has revealed the scarce economic benefit of fracking for Beetaloo Basin Traditional Owners.

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Decline of more than 500 species of marine life on Australian reefs ‘the tip of the iceberg’, study finds
The majority of shallow-water reef species living around Australia's coastlines have declined in number over the last 10 years, and scientists predict extinctions will follow. The most comprehensive study to date found significant declines over the last 10 years for nearly 300 shallow-water reef species. The losses are hitting southern waters hardest, where species are running into "climate traps".

Bob Brown renounces Australian Conservation Foundation life membership over Labor’s climate policy
Former Greens leader Bob Brown has returned his life membership of the Australian Conservation Foundation over its position on the safeguard mechanism. Meanwhile, mining billionaire Andrew Forrest has backed calls by Greens for ban on new gas projects, to ensure Australia is on the right path to net zero emissions by 2050. And a Liberal MP has hit out at her own side of politics for the lack of negotiation with the government on the future of the policy.

Traditional Owners suspected they wouldn't benefit from fracking. A secret govt report has confirmed it
The findings of the report contradict claims by the gas industry that jobs and economic benefits from fracking will flow to communities.

New UN report paints stark picture of huge changes needed to deliver safe drinking water to all people
Some 26 per cent of the world's population does not have access to safe drinking water and 46 per cent lack access to basic sanitation, according to a new report launched on the eve of the first major UN conference on water in over 45 years.

No new fossil fuels? Australia has 116 new coal, oil and gas projects in the pipeline
Australia has 116 new coal, oil and gas projects in the pipeline. If they all proceed as planned, an extra 1.4 billion tonnes of greenhouse gases would be released into the atmosphere annually by 2030.

Fires of 'national significance' spread through Australia's Red Centre
There are five large blazes spreading west of Alice Springs, which have already burnt through an estimated 100,000 hectares.

EVs ‘can help ease power bill pain’
Electricity giant AGL is moving to capitalise on demand for electric vehicles, following a successful trial in partnership with British energy supplier OVO that allowed Tesla owners to automatically charge their vehicles at times when energy is cheaper and renewables more readily available.

Exxon warns of dwindling Bass Strait gas
ExxonMobil – one of the country’s largest producers of domestic gas – said it expects the number of wells it operates in the Bass Strait to almost halve by winter 2024.

IPCC: ‘Feasible and effective’ climate action available now, including EVs
The latest 2023 report from the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) highlights that there are “multiple, feasible and effective options” available now for climate action, including electrifying transport.