Spring temperature records shattered already

Temperature records for the start of spring have been shattered in parts of Australia as cloudless skies across the continent have heated the air that is now lingering over eastern capital cities, setting the nation up for what is expected to be a long and hot summer.

The Rural Fire Service has declared a total fire ban for Sydney on Tuesday, the city’s first ban in almost three years, amid a five-day blast of heat.

Electric cars are already cheaper to run than petrol vehicles and will become less expensive to buy than fossil fuel equivalents within three years. Price parity for battery-electric vehicles is as little as one year away in Europe, two years in China and three years for medium-sized cars in the US.

Spring heat records shattered as Australia warms towards a long hot summer
Temperature records for the start of spring have been shattered in parts of Australia as cloudless skies across the continent have heated the air that is now lingering over eastern capital cities, setting the nation up for what is expected to be a long and hot summer.

First total fire ban in three years declared for Sydney ahead of extreme conditions
The Rural Fire Service has declared a total fire ban for Sydney on Tuesday, the city’s first ban in almost three years, amid a five-day blast of heat.

Electric cars will be cheaper to buy than fossil fuel vehicles within three years
Electric cars are already cheaper to run than petrol vehicles and will become less expensive to buy than fossil fuel equivalents within three years. Price parity for battery-electric vehicles is as little as one year away in Europe, two years in China and three years for medium-sized cars in the US.

Minister Wong visits United Nations General Assembly High Level Week
Foreign Minister Penny Wong will lead Australia's delegation to the United Nations General Assembly this week, where she will deliver Australia's national statement. 

France used 10% less electricity last winter – three valuable lessons in fighting climate change
Making do with less energy was important last winter when Russia’s war in Ukraine caused energy prices to soar and restricted gas supplies. To avoid shortages, France implemented a “sobriety plan” with the aim of lowering total energy consumption by 10% within two years.

Insurance 'under pressure' from extreme weather events
The insurance industry is under pressure from climate change and other cost pressures, with exposure to frequent and significant extreme weather events made the issue more acute in Australia, the Insurance Council of Australia says.

Tech, energy deals top the list for manufacturing fund’s first $5 billion
Investment deals in climate change and advanced technology are dominating the first 100 proposals for the federal fund that is meant to expand Australian manufacturing using a $5 billion cash injection from taxpayers.