Warm July breaks records as climate crisis accelerates

Dozens of longstanding temperature records tumbled across Australia during a warm July, as scientists warn the climate crisis is accelerating. Across the country maximum temperatures were overall about 1.2C above the long-term averages in July.

Five species could jeopardise the Albanese government’s zero extinctions target, according to a scientific committee that provides advice on endangered species. A further 41 species are on course to be declared critically endangered, sparking alarm from environment groups at the pace at which plants and animals are reaching the most urgent status on the threatened list.

As the climate crisis dominates headlines, radical protesters have been making more and more noise by climbing buildings, halting traffic and grafitting famous artworks. But are they really creating change by going to extreme lengths to get their message across? 

Climate crisis is accelerating, scientists warn, after unusually warm July breaks Australian records
Dozens of longstanding temperature records tumbled across Australia during a warm July, as scientists warn the climate crisis is accelerating. Across the country maximum temperatures were overall about 1.2C above the long-term averages in July.

Five species face immediate concern of extinction
Five species could jeopardise the Albanese government’s zero extinctions target, according to a scientific committee that provides advice on endangered species. A further 41 species are on course to be declared critically endangered, sparking alarm from environment groups at the pace at which plants and animals are reaching the most urgent status on the threatened list.

Radio National: Does radical protesting actually make a difference?
As the climate crisis dominates headlines, radical protesters have been making more and more noise by climbing buildings, halting traffic and grafitting famous artworks. But are they really creating change by going to extreme lengths to get their message across? 

Meteorological organisation says odds of ‘strong’ El Nino over 95 per cent
Scientists have warned this year’s El Nino is likely to be a “strong” one and may mean high ocean temperatures that “substantially exceed” those that were seen in 2016.

Opinion: ‘The world has changed’: why Anthony Albanese must up the ante on climate policy at Labor’s national conference
“Labor’s climate action has been a vast improvement on the very low bar set by the previous Coalition government. But there’s plenty of room for improvement,” writes Adam Simpson.

Unions wants Australia’s net zero targets boosted
Australia’s shift to net zero emissions should be accelerated by “substantial public investment” in renewable electricity including expanded state ownership, influential leftwing unions will argue at Labor’s national conference.

California deal to wrestle with climate change challenge, new and emerging technology standards
The government of California, the fifth largest economy in the world, has signed a memorandum of understanding (MOU) with Australia to boost superpower ambitions for renewable energy and tackle climate risks.

James Cook University deep water research uncovers Coral Sea reef life
Australian scientists have explored deeper parts of the Coral Sea reef system for the first time, finding "incredibly high coral cover" in deeper sections of the Sea relatively undisturbed by fishing and sedimentary run-off.

Alan Kohler: The reality of the climate change crisis will be hugely expensive
“It was 12 months on Wednesday since America’s Inflation Reduction Act was signed into law by President Biden, and Australia needs to step up,” Alan Kohler writes.