New Anthropocene
Business as Usual
Dead-Head Denialism: Challenging “Sceptics” of Climate Change to Fluoridation is Zombie Warfare
It has been a while since I’ve commented on much in the way of climate science and the denial movement. Although aware of the recent noise regarding the supposed “proof” of the unfounded “scare” regarding anthropogenic climate change, citing Otto et al (2013) or foaming bile in reply to the Cook et al (2013) study illustrating … Continue reading
China’s Coal Power and Australian Devotion to Obscurity
“Why should we do anything when China is building a new coal power station every week?” I had this one hurled at me just the other day over dinner. It is both misleading and irrelevant, but serves the point of misinforming. Moreover, the Climate Institute / GE Low-Carbon Competitive Index, released today shows that China … Continue reading
Building more dams will bring a bigger emissions headache
In mid February, a Coalition draft dams plan was leaked to the media. This plan suggested the potential for an additional 100 dams across Australia to help with water security and flood mitigation as well as provide hydro-power. While this plan does not officially form part of the Coalition’s environmental strategy, Tony Abbott has thrown his … Continue reading
So, What Do I Think of the ALP’s Price on Carbon?
I know I’ve focused upon the alternative. This is due to it being an election year, with the Coalition doing so well in the polls with initiatives that are contrary to the interests of Australia (I say this, not as a personal opinion, but based upon my analysis of their Direct Action Plan, which seems … Continue reading
“Carbon Tax” Successful Reframing at its Best
I got into a debate over the weekend with a family friend. I learnt fairly quickly that nothing I said could alter the frustration the other felt over the “carbon tax”. This included pointing out an absurdly obvious fact; it’s not a tax. I shouldn’t need to say it, but we all know the basics … Continue reading
Many Inconsistencies From Greg Hunt on the Carbon Price
The claim that the Coalition’s Direct Action Plan, firstly, is an alternative to taxpayers paying is absurd. The analysis I undertook and the material I referenced therein suggest that the taxpayer is directly forking out for the Direct Action Plan, should the Coalition come into power and implement it. The Direct Action Plan is directly aimed at … Continue reading
One Angry Summer… Oh, Anthropogenic Climate Change was Involved.
Sure, Australia is a country of drought and flooding rain, but not often at the same time, year after year! Key facts: The Australian summer over 2012 and 2013 has been defined by extreme weather events across much of the continent, including record-breaking heat, severe bushfires, extreme rainfall and damaging flooding. Extreme heatwaves and catastrophic … Continue reading
Nothing the Right Tell You About Climate Change is True
I must open an article as deliberately provocative as this with a disclaimer, which I’m certain will be blinkered for those whom wish to shoot the messenger rather than critique the argument itself; this is not an article in favour of “the Left”. I do not find either side of the political see-saw a comfortable fit. Rather, my … Continue reading
Will the Opposition’s Direct Action Plan work?
The Coalition has promised that if it takes government in September, it will get rid of the price on carbon emissions established by the Australian Labor Party. In its place, the party will implement a Direct Action Plan, its way of reducing emissions. This plan relies mainly on carbon sequestration and funding industrial improvements through … Continue reading
