This week, we have some European enviro news and also some sad news for Australian flora and fauna. Let's keep spreading conservation headlines - the good, the bad and the ugly so that people are reminded of what's at stake!
Storm Denis reinforces the need for climate-action
Storm Denis has lashed the UK this week causing major flooding and landslides. 6 severe flood warnings have been issued and many people have been evacuated. Weather warnings are still in place and people are preparing for further flooding over the next few days. The storm highlights what climate change in the form of more frequent extreme weather can look like.
https://www.google.com.au/amp/s/www.bbc.com/news/amp/uk-wales-51575645
Germany dumps coal for cleaner economy
Germany is transitioning away from coal power and no coal workers are going to lose their jobs. The government has gained the support of coal workers, the energy sector, businesses and corporations to end the coal industry in Germany by striking a compromise in which $65 billion of government funding will be given to coal communities to build cleaner industries and economies.
http://www.abc.net.au/news/2020-02-23/why-coal-is-being-shut-down-in-germany/11976324
Great Barrier Reef under pressure from renewed bleaching
Scientists are warning of a major bleaching event on the Great Barrier Reef this year as heat stress continues to impact the reef. There are concerns that this may be the most widespread coral bleaching event in the reef’s history according to fundings from the US government’s National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration. While widespread, it is not likely to be as intense as previous outbreaks however it puts significant pressure on a reef that is already struggling for survival.
https://www.theguardian.com/environment/2020/feb/22/great-barrier-reef-could-face-most-extensive-coral-bleaching-ever-scientists-say
147 eucalyptus trees could be on the threatened species list
A team of scientists had recommended that 147 species of eucalyptus trees be added to Australia’s threatened species list. Many eucalyptus species are in sharp decline due to land clearing for urban development and agriculture. Experts warn that Australia must overcome its refusal to slow habitat clearing in order to preserve native eucalyptus trees.
https://www.theguardian.com/environment/2020/feb/20/they-define-the-continent-nearly-150-eucalypt-species-recommended-for-threatened-list
4000 wild horses to be relocated from Kosciuszko
After bushfires ravaged the Kosciuszko National Park, 4000 wild horses will now be removed in an effort to protect the now vulnerable alpine ecosystem. While the priority is to relocate the horses, officials have acknowledged that some horses would likely be killed. This comes after a huge debate over whether or not wild brumbies should be culled due to their destruction of native landscapes.
https://www.theguardian.com/environment/2020/feb/20/thousands-of-feral-horses-to-be-removed-from-kosciuszko-national-park-after-bushfires
Storm Denis reinforces the need for climate-action
Storm Denis has lashed the UK this week causing major flooding and landslides. 6 severe flood warnings have been issued and many people have been evacuated. Weather warnings are still in place and people are preparing for further flooding over the next few days. The storm highlights what climate change in the form of more frequent extreme weather can look like.
https://www.google.com.au/amp/s/www.bbc.com/news/amp/uk-wales-51575645
Germany dumps coal for cleaner economy
Germany is transitioning away from coal power and no coal workers are going to lose their jobs. The government has gained the support of coal workers, the energy sector, businesses and corporations to end the coal industry in Germany by striking a compromise in which $65 billion of government funding will be given to coal communities to build cleaner industries and economies.
http://www.abc.net.au/news/2020-02-23/why-coal-is-being-shut-down-in-germany/11976324
Great Barrier Reef under pressure from renewed bleaching
Scientists are warning of a major bleaching event on the Great Barrier Reef this year as heat stress continues to impact the reef. There are concerns that this may be the most widespread coral bleaching event in the reef’s history according to fundings from the US government’s National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration. While widespread, it is not likely to be as intense as previous outbreaks however it puts significant pressure on a reef that is already struggling for survival.
https://www.theguardian.com/environment/2020/feb/22/great-barrier-reef-could-face-most-extensive-coral-bleaching-ever-scientists-say
147 eucalyptus trees could be on the threatened species list
A team of scientists had recommended that 147 species of eucalyptus trees be added to Australia’s threatened species list. Many eucalyptus species are in sharp decline due to land clearing for urban development and agriculture. Experts warn that Australia must overcome its refusal to slow habitat clearing in order to preserve native eucalyptus trees.
https://www.theguardian.com/environment/2020/feb/20/they-define-the-continent-nearly-150-eucalypt-species-recommended-for-threatened-list
4000 wild horses to be relocated from Kosciuszko
After bushfires ravaged the Kosciuszko National Park, 4000 wild horses will now be removed in an effort to protect the now vulnerable alpine ecosystem. While the priority is to relocate the horses, officials have acknowledged that some horses would likely be killed. This comes after a huge debate over whether or not wild brumbies should be culled due to their destruction of native landscapes.
https://www.theguardian.com/environment/2020/feb/20/thousands-of-feral-horses-to-be-removed-from-kosciuszko-national-park-after-bushfires