Minister knows of water woes, but public information tap is turned off
Finance Minister Bill English has been told something about fresh water — but the public isn’t allowed to know what it is. Last month, Ministry for the Environment officials were forced to admit they were wrong to say that the quality of our waterways is “stable or improving”.
Deal or no deal — can China and the US deliver?
It’s been called an historic agreement — a game changer in the battle to combat climate change. But can China and the US fulfil the promises in their announcement of plans to cut carbon emissions?
Does this climate deal let China do nothing for 16 years?
“As I read the agreement it requires the Chinese to do nothing at all for 16 years while these carbon emissions regulations are creating havoc in my state and around the country.” — US Republican Senate leader Mitch McConnell, November 12, 2014.
Crowd-funders get behind CarbonScape
Kiwi cleantech company CarbonScape has hit its crowd-funding equity target.
We can cut carbon and pollution at no cost, says China
China can achieve economic development, energy security and reduce pollution at the same time, according to a major new study.
Green groups want say on Ruataniwha changes
Environmental groups want to have their say on a late tweak to the conditions imposed on the proposed $230 million Ruataniwha dam in Hawke’s Bay in a High Court challenge.
G20 climate challenge calls for a rethink of economics
Focusing on growth, the Brisbane G20 leaders’ summit has not grappled with three key issues – how much more growth the planet can survive, how poorer nations can raise their living standards to parity with the developed world, and how can a fairer distribution of the benefits of growth be realised?
Expand climate portfolio, says Mahuta
The Cabinet portfolios of agriculture and climate change should be given to the same person, says Labour Party leadership hopeful Nanaia Mahuta.
Lakes expert to spotlight water quality
An American water quality expert who has studied and modelled the effects of nutrients in American lakes will be sharing his knowledge at a public forum in Rotorua this week.
Launchpad jury likes wilding pines project
Taking an environmental problem and turning it into a commercial success has seen a Queenstown social enterprise team taken under the wing of a business incubator.
New Australian report debunks coal industry myths
The coal industry has many friends in high places, and none more so than Tony Abbott, Prime Minister of Australia — one of the world’s major producers of a fuel that earns the country billions from exports.
UK ignores pledge to end fossil fuel support
Despite promises to phase out subsidies to the coal, oil and gas industries, a new report says the UK and other G20 governments are still providing them with massive financial help.
On the web: coal industry costs Australia $8 billion in medical bills
- New Commission floats first ‘kill list’ of green EU laws
- India feels heat as pressure mounts to deliver climate target
- Global meat demand ploughs up Brazil’s ‘underground forest’
- Giant batteries connected to the grid: the future of energy storage?
- Hyundai, Kia to triple range of green cars by 2020
Diet’s effects on emissions give food for thought
American researchers confirm that a shift to vegetarian, Mediterranean or fish-based diets would cut greenhouse gases, conserve forests and savannah, and have a big impact on obesity-linked health problems.
Designer dumps leather and heads for greener pastures
An eco-conscious Kiwi designer is saying goodbye to leather.
Australia’s green building review adds more uncertainty
Australia’s Commercial Building Disclosure programme is the latest federal environmental policy to be placed under review.
Spot NZUs close week at $4.35
NZUs traded $4.35 on Friday with reasonable volumes traded, OMFinancial reports.
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The freshwater article is frustrating, as I don’t subscribe to the carbon news website. Perhaps someone else knows the details. My understanding from the ministry of environment data is that levels of pollution are all very high and although bacteria counts have dropped nitrates are increasing.
The Republican response to the climate agreement claiming China doesn’t have to do anything is predictable nonsense. China will have to reduce building coal fired power to meet its obligations.
China will have to reduce coal fired power stations in 16 years time, and this is a non-binding agreement.
Indeed, Andy, this is a non-binding agreement, and the Republican Party is a wholly-owned subsidiary of the US fossil fuel industry.
In what will be bad news for Catholic climate change deniers, Pope Francis is to take a stand:
http://www.thetablet.co.uk/news/1385/0/pope-francis-to-publish-encyclical-on-climate-change-and-the-environment-next-year