Latest news with #environmentalrisks
The Guardian
18 hours ago
- Politics
- The Guardian
Risks of climate crisis to Australia's economy and environment are ‘intense and scary', unreleased government report says
An unreleased Australian government report on the economic and environmental risks posed by the climate crisis is 'intense and scary', and confronting even for those who work in the area, according to people familiar with the assessment. The delayed report – the national climate risk assessment – includes modelling of future climate damage, estimates of the number of people who could be killed by worsening heatwaves and a mapping tool that forecasts flooding risk in suburbs across the continent. Developed by the Australian Climate Service and the climate change department, it was delayed until after the May election along with other Labor climate documents, including a 2035 emissions reduction target and a climate adaptation plan. The government is expected to release them within weeks – the 2035 target is due by September – but dates have not been confirmed. Sources who have seen drafts of the risk assessment said it included scenarios that showed the climate crisis would affect all Australians, including in ways that to date have been little discussed in political debate. Sign up: AU Breaking News email The analysis considered the climate impact on eight systems: defence and national security; the economy, trade and finance; First Nations values and knowledge; health and social support; infrastructure and built environments; the natural environment; primary industries and food and regional; and remote communities. The results suggest that under some scenarios major systems – including electricity networks, transport routes, food production and supply, and the financial sector – could struggle to cope with rising temperatures and escalating extreme events. One source, who spoke on condition of anonymity due to the sensitive nature of the report, said: 'My sense is when people read it they have a newfound sense of where climate change will lead. It is intense and scary. Even for someone who has been focused on this and thinking long and hard about IPCC [Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change] reports, it's confronting to read about the details and the severity of the impacts.' Another said: 'People sometimes think things could get hotter, but it's far more complex than just saying 'it will get hot and people will have heatstroke.' There is not one system that is not hard hit by climate change in the future.' Beyond the impact on lives, livelihoods and nature, the analysis is expected to prompt debate about the cost to the federal budget, and the extent to which the commonwealth will need to take responsibility to pay for preparation and recovery. Extreme weather slowed economic growth early in 2025 and, according to the federal Treasury, cost the Australian economy $2.2bn in the first half of the year. The report is a major focus for institutional investors working out where to direct trillions of dollars. The executive director for policy at the Investor Group on Climate Change, Francesca Muskovic, said investors were already seeing physical climate damage and disruption to the economy, and were aware governments could not fund the response on their own. Muskovic said the commonwealth was already spending $1.6bn a year on disaster recovery, but budgeting only $215m. 'This is now a predictable recurring cost and we need to think about how we better invest in preventive, risk reduction measures that reduce the recovery cost down the track,' she said. She said the key to increasing private investment was 'getting an accurate and comprehensive picture of where the risks are, and where the investment is most needed'. Sign up to Breaking News Australia Get the most important news as it breaks after newsletter promotion The Greens leader, Larissa Waters, called on the government to release the risk assessment as a prelude to setting a 'strong, science-based' emissions reduction target for 2035, describing it as 'an explosive document that they've been burying for over a year'. 'The Australian public have a right to know what's in store for us,' she said. 'We need the release of that climate report so that everyone can see what potential future lies [ahead] if our government keeps kissing the hand of coal and gas companies.' The Australian Conservation Foundation's climate program manager, Gavan McFadzean, said the assessment was a 'critical ingredient' in determining a 2035 emissions target and should be released 'well in advance' of that decision. 'It would be wrong for the Albanese government to delay its release to avoid scrutiny over whether the looming 2035 target is ambitious enough to protect people and nature in Australia,' he said. A spokesperson for the climate change minister, Chris Bowen, said the government was 'close to finalising' the report, describing it as Australia's 'first-ever comprehensive assessment of the risks posed by climate change across the country, and a plan for how we can adapt'. 'We're working hard to rapidly reduce emissions and strengthen our adaptation and resilience, to mitigate against and better prepare for the worsening impacts of climate change,' they said. One source familiar with the report said they did not mind that the report had been delayed if it meant the government responded to it well. 'In 10 years' time, no one will remember whether it is out this month or next month if it's a good outcome,' they said. 'That's what matters for our kids.'
Mail & Guardian
2 days ago
- Business
- Mail & Guardian
Dion George gives go ahead for new 4 000MW nuclear plant
Green groups warn of risks, including soaring upfront costs, the history of construction delays and budget overruns Forestry, Fisheries and Environment Minister The minister's decision, announced on Friday, came after he resolved under section 43(6) of the National Environmental Management Act (Nema), to dismiss the appeals from various environmental organisations, and confirm the environmental authorisation to Eskom for the planned 4 000 megawatt power station in Duynefontein. The proposed project is adjacent to the existing George said that he had carefully reviewed the environmental impact assessment report, as well as the 'In the end, my decision was made in respect of the principles of [the Act] … and with full appreciation of the environmental, social and economic considerations involved,' the minister said. The original decision to grant the environmental authorisation was made in October 2017. Various appellants challenged the decision, submitting appeals that ranged from comprehensive and detailed submissions to shorter, individual objections. George's decision does not automatically grant Eskom permission to begin with the construction or operation of the nuclear power station. The state-owned power utility is still required to obtain several additional statutory authorisations before proceeding in accordance with section 24(7) of Nema. 'As per section 24(7) of [the Act], the granting of an environmental authorisation does not exempt an applicant from complying with any other applicable legal requirements or obtaining permits from other competent authorities,' noted George. These authorisations include a nuclear installation licence from the National Nuclear Regulator; approval from the National Energy Regulator of South Africa; water use licences from the department of water and sanitation; as well as other relevant approvals such as those from the minister of mineral and petroleum resources. George emphasised that the protection and preservation of the country's environment is non-negotiable. He said his department supports the country's transition to a cleaner, more sustainable energy future 'where inclusive growth, job creation and poverty reduction are central'. Earthlife Africa is considering George's decision, as well as its next steps, said Lekalakala, the director of the non-profit environmental organisation. 'Our concerns include the length of time taken to conduct the environmental impact assessment and to make the appeal decision,' she said. 'We are also deeply concerned about the In addition, there has been no assessment of the socio-economic impacts of a major beyond-design-basis nuclear incident, nor of the generation of long-lived high-level McDaid, the strategic lead of the Green Connection, another non-profit, agreed. 'In recent months, we've seen a 'We are in the middle of a climate crisis, and we should be using our abundant natural resources, such as solar and wind, which can be built quickly and deliver affordable power to homes. Nuclear is expensive, and, like other large projects, is plagued by long delays.' Nuclear power also carries significant risks, requiring costly additional regulation, 'and there is always the possibility of an accident'. 'Even after 40 years of operation, South Africa still has no proper plan for managing toxic nuclear waste — a huge problem that is often ignored in discussions about this dangerous technology … Right now, in the absence of an inclusive, people-centred energy plan, it appears that vested interests are driving individual projects without public consensus.'
Mail & Guardian
24-06-2025
- General
- Mail & Guardian
Fixing waste management starts with political will
Land fills in Africa, such as the Kiteezi landfill in Kampala, Uganda, are a growing threat. Photo; AFP In many African municipalities, waste management remains a persistent problem. From overflowing landfills and illegal dumping sites to poor recycling infrastructure and weak enforcement, the issue is not just technical, it is deeply political. Despite widespread acknowledgement of the environmental and health risks posed by inadequate waste services, progress remains slow, fragmented and underfunded. This is not because of a lack of knowledge or technology. It is the result of a lack of political will. In cities such as Johannesburg, Nairobi in Kenya and Lagos, Nigeria, local governments spend significant portions of their municipal budgets on waste collection and disposal. Yet service coverage remains uneven, particularly in informal settlements and peri-urban areas. In rural districts such as Vhembe in Limpopo, which combines traditional governance structures with limited infrastructure, waste collection is virtually non-existent. The result is widespread illegal dumping and pollution of rivers and agricultural land, as well as growing public health threats. Technical solutions exist. Waste separation at source, community recycling programmes, decentralised composting and landfill rehabilitation are interventions that have proven successful. Technology such as geographic information systems can optimise collection routes, track illegal dumping and support planning. But these solutions require more than pilot projects. They demand long-term investment, institutional coordination and political champions who will prioritise waste as a governance issue. Three key shifts are necessary: 1. Elevate waste management to a governance priority Waste is often treated as a peripheral service, delegated to under-resourced departments. It must be reclassified as an essential service, integrated into urban development, health and climate strategies. This means creating dedicated budget lines, cross-sector coordination platforms and accountability frameworks for delivery. 2. Empower local governments and residents Municipalities must be given the authority, capacity and resources to manage waste systems effectively. This includes training frontline workers, digitising operations and involving residents in designing local solutions. Traditional leaders, school networks and local cooperatives should be seen as partners, not only beneficiaries. 3. Institutionalise monitoring and transparency Data-driven waste governance is key. Governments must track collection coverage, citizen complaints, contractor performance and environmental impacts. Public dashboards and annual reporting can improve transparency and foster public trust. Geographic information systems tools and mobile reporting apps can enhance responsiveness and civic participation. Waste management is not glamorous. It rarely wins votes. But its failure is visible and deeply felt by citizens. Fixing it requires not only trucks and bins but leadership, vision and political will. Countries that have made progress, such as Rwanda and Morocco, did so by treating waste as a national development priority, not an afterthought. If African cities and rural districts are to become clean, livable and climate-resilient, waste must rise to the top of the political agenda. Until it does, no amount of technology will be enough. Aifani Confidence Tahulela is a PhD scholar in public administration at Durban University of Technology. Her research focuses on the intersection of environmental governance, spatial planning, and public service delivery.
Yahoo
22-05-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
New report casts doubt on revival of Quebec LNG project
MONTREAL — A shareholder advocacy group says reviving a liquefied natural gas export project in Quebec's Saguenay region would be costly and likely unprofitable. Investors for Paris Compliance says demand for LNG in Europe dropped by 18 per cent between 2022 and 2024, and Canadian exports would have a hard time competing in Asian markets. A report published this morning says gas production is expected to grow by 40 per cent from 2024 to 2028, driven by projects in the United States and Qatar, and demand is not expected to keep pace. A project to transport natural gas from Western Canada to an export terminal in Quebec was cancelled in 2021 due to environmental risks and public opposition, but Quebec Premier François Legault has recently opened the door to pipeline development in the province. However, the advocacy group says inflation could balloon the project's price tag to more than $33 billion, and public money would likely be required. The group says there are better ways to stimulate the Canadian economy, including integrating provincial electricity grids and mining critical minerals. This report by The Canadian Press was first published May 22, 2025. The Canadian Press
Sustainability Times
11-05-2025
- Science
- Sustainability Times
'Trump Declares Resource War': This Controversial Move to Mine the Ocean Floor Aims to Break China's 80% Resource Stranglehold
IN A NUTSHELL 🌊 Deep-sea mining offers access to valuable minerals critical for modern technology, but poses environmental risks. offers access to valuable minerals critical for modern technology, but poses environmental risks. 🌍 The Clarion-Clipperton Zone is rich in polymetallic nodules, a tempting alternative to land-based mining. is rich in polymetallic nodules, a tempting alternative to land-based mining. ⚖️ The U.S. aims to reduce China's dominance in the mineral sector, sparking geopolitical and ecological debates. in the mineral sector, sparking geopolitical and ecological debates. 🛑 Scientists urge caution as the International Seabed Authority prepares to finalize mining regulations in July 2025. The deep ocean has long remained an enigmatic and untapped frontier, holding within its depths vast reserves of minerals critical to modern technology. As global demand for these resources intensifies, the United States is considering ambitious plans to mine the ocean floor, potentially altering the strategic balance of mineral supply currently dominated by China. However, this endeavor presents not only economic opportunities but also significant environmental challenges and geopolitical implications. Exploring the Treasures Beneath the Waves Beneath the vast expanses of the Pacific Ocean, particularly in the Clarion-Clipperton Zone, lie polymetallic nodules rich in nickel, cobalt, and manganese. These minerals are essential for the production of electric vehicles, batteries, and renewable energy technologies. The nodules have formed over millions of years, resting at depths exceeding 13,000 feet, creating a tantalizing resource for those daring enough to extract them. In addition to these nodules, the deep ocean harbors other mineral-rich deposits around hydrothermal vents and seamounts. These areas offer an alternative to terrestrial mining, which is becoming increasingly challenging and environmentally costly. However, the technological and financial hurdles of deep-sea mining are significant, requiring sophisticated remotely operated vehicles to carefully extract the nodules from the ocean floor. Despite the allure of these resources, the complexity and expense of deep-sea mining have, until recently, rendered it economically unviable. But with advancements in technology and increasing demand for these critical minerals, the United States is poised to challenge China's dominance in this sector, potentially reshaping the global supply chain. Ultra-Deep Geothermal Tech Poised to Disrupt Global Energy as It Taps Earth's Core to Outshine Fossil Fuels and Nuclear Power A High Cost for Ocean Life While the extraction of ocean floor minerals promises economic benefits, it poses substantial risks to marine ecosystems. The process of deep-sea mining disrupts seafloor habitats and generates sediment plumes that can harm midwater zone ecosystems, crucial for the ocean's carbon cycle and commercial fisheries. These plumes can clog the gills of fish and block visual cues used by bioluminescent organisms, threatening the intricate balance of marine life. Research in areas like the Clarion-Clipperton Zone has shown that mining impacts can persist for decades, with significant effects on seabed fauna. Many species in these regions are newly discovered, and their loss could irreversibly diminish our understanding of marine biodiversity. The potential ecological damage underscores the need for caution in pursuing deep-sea mining. The debate continues as to whether the economic benefits justify the environmental risks. Scientists and conservationists advocate for stringent oversight and international cooperation to mitigate these impacts, ensuring the preservation of ocean ecosystems for future generations. 'More Powerful Than Bugatti': Mercedes Stuns the World by Unveiling 2,000-HP Electric Supercar That Redefines Speed and Power Breaking China's Grip on Mineral Treasure China currently dominates the global market for deep-sea minerals, accounting for the majority of production, processing, and manufacturing. This strategic advantage has prompted the United States to accelerate efforts to develop its own capabilities in ocean floor mining. The Trump administration has prioritized removing regulatory barriers and streamlining permits to facilitate this endeavor, arguing that securing domestic mineral resources is crucial for national security and technological advancement. However, this approach has sparked controversy, with critics warning that bypassing international regulations could lead to geopolitical tensions and environmental degradation. The push for resource independence must balance the need for economic competitiveness with responsible stewardship of marine environments. As the U.S. government and private sector forge ahead, the question remains whether the pursuit of these underwater treasures will lead to sustainable development or environmental catastrophe. 'Unbreakable Armor for Tomorrow's Nuclear Powerhouses' as Next-Gen Reactors Boast Cutting-Edge Shielding Design to Revolutionize Safety Standards Regulatory Bypasses and International Concerns In an effort to expedite ocean floor mining, President Trump signed an executive order bypassing the International Seabed Authority, the global body overseeing deep-sea mining. This decision has raised alarms among scientists and international observers, who fear it could undermine international law and escalate global conflict over these resources. Proponents of seabed mining argue that it is essential for energy security and economic growth, citing the vulnerabilities in current supply chains. Yet, opponents stress the unproven nature of the technology and the potential for significant ecological harm. They advocate for alternative strategies such as recycling and material innovation to reduce reliance on newly mined minerals. The debate over deep-sea mining reflects broader tensions between economic ambitions and environmental responsibility. As nations grapple with these challenges, the need for international cooperation and sustainable practices becomes increasingly urgent. July 2025: A Global Crossroads ▶ The upcoming meeting of the International Seabed Authority in July 2025 marks a pivotal moment in the future of deep-sea mining. With 32 countries supporting a moratorium on mining until more scientific understanding is gained, the world stands at a crossroads. The decisions made at this meeting could define the balance between economic development and environmental preservation for years to come. As scientists urge caution and international cooperation, the challenge lies in balancing the race for resources with the protection of one of Earth's largest and least understood ecosystems. Will humanity find a way to harness these underwater treasures without sacrificing the health of our oceans? Did you like it? 4.6/5 (20)
