Breaking Waves: Ocean News

What are the relationships and dominant interests in play, as the summit kicks off after a bitter row over its hosting? Hosting Cop was a key pledge from Australia’s prime minister, Anthony Albanese in 2021, while in opposition, before his successful election campaign. But arcane rules meant the country had to wait its turn to bid, and was then embroiled in an angry row with Turkey over the hosting. The final compromise put Australia in charge of the negotiations which will take place in the Turkish city of Antalya. The bitter taste left by the row lingers, and Australia has seemed to some a rather half-hearted host. The country’s media has been much quieter on Cop than previous host countries, and although Albanese will speak at the opening of the leaders’ segment, he is unlikely to stay long. Continue reading...

Thredbo, Perisher and Mount Hotham all recorded falls, along with Kunanyi/Mount Wellington in Tasmania Get our breaking news email, free app or daily news podcast Snow has fallen across parts of NSW, Victoria and Tasmania as an unseasonal cold blast whips through Australia’s south-east. Thredbo, Perisher and Mount Hotham all recorded falls, while snow also fell on Kunanyi/Mount Wellington in Hobart. Continue reading...

Ahead of Cop31, climate change minister dismisses concerns about whether Australia as a major producer can keep the world moving away from fossil fuels Listen to the podcast: Chris Bowen on how he’ll reach consensus at Cop31 Sign up for climate and environment editor Adam Morton’s free Clear Air newsletter here Australia has been urged to set aside support for its near US$100bn fossil fuel export industries and fight for a global agreement to move away from coal, gas and oil as its climate change minister, Chris Bowen, leads negotiations between nearly 200 countries at UN talks this week. Delegates will gather in the Turkish Mediterranean resort city of Antalya on Monday for Cop31, two weeks of climate talks held amid geopolitical turmoil, with conflict in the Middle East driving an oil price crisis that has raised living costs across the globe. Continue reading...

Scientists have uncovered evidence that Europe was dominated for more than 20 million years by open woodlands, colorful meadows, and large grazing animals, not the dense forests long considered its natural state. The surprising discovery challenges modern reforestation strategies, suggesting that planting thick forests could actually harm the biodiversity conservationists hope to protect.