The potential – and perils – of ‘technological optimism’

‘Technologically optimistic’ solutions to global warming include everything from wind and solar energy to mass scale kelp farming, but will any of these strategies work?

Turning plastic waste into bio-gas

Plastic waste is choking our oceans but a new Australian innovation could help turn trash into useful fuel if enough investment can be raised to fund a demonstration facility.

Solar PV and wind could replace coal, oil and gas in 20 years

Deep cuts must be made in the use of fossil fuels to ease the threat of climate change, and renewable energy is on track to make a significant contribution in the future.

West Australian gas development threatens Paris emissions goal

Greenhouse gas emissions from developing WA’s unconventional gas resources will be about three times as much as Australia has agreed to emit under the Paris Agreement, hampering global efforts to contain climate change.

Australia enjoys a record year for renewable energy production

Remarkable growth made 2017 a record year for Australian renewable energy production, but ongoing policy uncertainty means that continued expansion cannot be taken for granted.

Energy from waste – the rise of biogas

Could biogas be the answer to excessive food wastage in Australia, not to mention an opportunity to decrease the use of fossil fuels? Alan Stevenson ponders the benefits of biogas from anaerobic digesters.

Considering our river systems

Is Cubbie Station to blame for the state of the Darling River? Expert on environmental management systems Max Thomas considers whether the accusations are accurate.

GAP in 2017 – a year in review

2017 has been a year of celebration for Global Access Partners. Managing Director Catherine Fritz-Kalish reviews a GAP year filled with achievement.

Good habits for good environment

Environmental damage will considerably impact generations to come. Lisa Novoradovskaya, PhD student at Curtin University, WA, explains how changing behaviours by promoting proper habits could improve our health and environment.

Climate & energy – appeasement does not work

Until climate drives energy policy, there will never be the certainty for investment, reliability, security and affordability. Ian Dunlop, former chair of the Australian Coal Association, discusses the National Energy Guarantee (NEG) and the profound implications of repeating the past.

Australia comes bottom of the class on climate action

Australia has scored poorly in the recently released Climate Change Performance Index (CCPI) coming 54 of 57 countries and remaining a long way from Paris targets. Dr John Iser of Doctors for the Environment discusses the major additional effort to be undertaken if Australia is to increase its ranking.

The Rain in Spain

The push for Catalonian independence has its roots in conflict dating back 300 years. Max Thomas considers the vital natural resources that have shaped civilisation and human development for thousands of years and suggests that independence movements elsewhere in Europe should closely watch developments in Spain.