Cosmos Editorial
The Vickery coal mine extension in New South Wales has received approval from the Environment Minister, Sussan Ley.
In light of the recent decision, here are some relevant recent articles on the science and practicality of coal mining, climate change and renewable energy.
Australia’s fossil fuels are unextractable if we’re to hit Paris 1.5 C targets
To have half a chance of meeting the Paris Agreement targets, 90% of the world’s coal and 60% of its oil and gas must remain in the ground, according to new research. The modelling also suggests that Australia (along with the rest of the Pacific) must leave at least 95% of its coal, 40% of its oil and 35% of its gas unextracted.
Climate science on trial
In late May, the Federal Court ruled that the Minister for Environment has a duty of care to shelter future generations from the effects of climate change. Cosmos spoke to expert witness Dr Karl Mallon.
New IPCC report issues global climate change warning
As fires and floods rage across the globe, the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) has released its latest major assessment report on the climate. The results are clear – without a shadow of a doubt, human influence has warmed the atmosphere, ocean and land.
Solar and wind cheapest energy source in Australia
Solar and wind are the cheapest sources of new electricity generation in Australia, and renewables are out-competing fossil fuels for cost efficiency across the board, according to a new report from CSIRO.
Existing renewable technology is key to net-zero emissions, says ATSE
The Australian Academy of Technology and Engineering (ATSE) voices its support for more ambitious emissions reduction targets in Australia, immediate deployment of low or no-emissions technology, and a national net-zero emissions policy.
Climate change causes one-third of heat-related deaths
The climate crisis is not a future problem – it is already here and affecting our health. In the biggest study of its kind, a team of epidemiologists and climate scientists has determined that 37% of global heat-related deaths over the past 30 years can be attributed to human-induced climate change.
We can’t rely on climate technology to solve our problems
An article published in Nature Energy calls for the urgent development of new climate models that explore ways economies can remain stable without constantly growing, reducing the reliance on potentially unfeasible new technologies to fix our problems.