ENVIRONMENT

China Moves to Lower Carbon Emissions

The Asian Development Bank (ADB) will help the People's Republic of China (PRC) set up a pilot provincial emissions trading system that could pave the way for a national scheme and lower greenhouse gas emissions in the country.

Madison Offers Alternative to Plastic Bag Ban

In lieu of tacking on a fee for plastic shopping bags or banning them altogether, the city of Madison, Wis., will start to offer curbside recycling for the landfill-clogging buggers.

34 Stranded Whales Die in Golden Bay

Thirty-four of the 99 long-finned pilot whales stranded at Farewell Spit in Golden Bay have died since getting stuck in shallow waters on Monday.
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Fungus has Killed 6 Million Bats, U.S. Says

It's been six years since the dawn of white-nose syndrome - a bat-killing fungus that's sweeping west across North America - but the disease is so fast and stealthy that scientists are still struggling to keep up.

Mourning the Loss of 'The Senator,' A 3,500-Year-Old Tree

A 3,500-year-old bald cypress tree known as "The Senator" burned to the ground in Big Tree Park in Longwood, Fla., earlier this week, bringing forth mournful comments from the people who lived near it and from around the globe.

Going Green: 12 Simple Steps for 2012

As we head into 2012, many of us will be resolving to lose those few extra pounds, save more money, or spend a few more hours with our families and friends.

A Step-by-Step Guide to Reduce Global Warming

There are simple and inexpensive measures to cut back on soot and methane that once employed could save millions of lives and slow climate change for years to come, according to an international team of scientists.

Transport Association Pushes for High-Speed Rail Network in Australia

Australia should join the bandwagon of nations that are putting in place high-speed rail networks, the Australasian Railway Association (ARA) pushed on Monday. The transport group pointed out that Australia and Antarctica are the only continents without a high-speed rail network.

Western Australia Braces for Cyclone Heidi

Residents at the coastal and island communities between Pardoo and Whim Creek, including the communities of Pardoo, Port Hedland, South Hedland and Whim Creek in Western Australia are forewarned of the intensity of the coming Cyclone Heidi, which is expected to hit tonight.

Insurance Industry’s Profit Margin to be Hit by Natural Catastrophes

Climate change is changing the financial landscape of Australian insurance companies. The Insurance Australia Group (IAG), whose profit margin is expected to be hit anew by natural catastrophes, warned that the changing and less-predictable climate has the potential to reduce insurers' capacity to calculate, price and spread the weather-related risk.

Australia Honey Bee Producers Fight Off Asian Competition

The Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry (DAFF) killed last week about 300 Asian honey bees found on a cargo ship in Townsville, which came from Port Moresby. The operation was made after DAFF biosecurity officers inspected shipping containers and the vessel which subsequently led to the extermination of the bees.

Scientists Create Super-Soldier Ants

They seem like something straight out of a horror movie. Ants with huge heads and large jaws that is reminiscent of the creature features of the 50's. Unfortunately for those with deep seated phobias of ants, these giant headed insects are due for a comeback as scientists from McGill University in Canada have recreated these super-soldier ants by using ancient genes to trigger their development in modern day ants.

Global Discontent With the Carbon Tax Grows

Amid a plan by China to start collecting a $1.55 per tonne carbon tax, the measure is becoming more unpopular in countries and regions where it has been imposed or would soon be collected.

Italy’s Mount Etna Erupts

Europe's tallest active volcano, Mount Etna, erupted for the first time this year on Thursday sending ash cloud 5,000 metres into the air. The eruption also sent lava flowing into the deserted Valle del Bove area.

MV Rena Salvors Brace for Worst in Coming Storm

Bay of Plenty is forecast to experience another episode of harsh weather over the weekend, making salvors worry about the fate of MV Rena, which is still stuck on a reef despite being split in two on the surface. Maritime officials, however, said they are prepared for the worst.

Genetically Modified Silkworms Produce Super Spider Silk

Spider silk is one of the toughest materials and adaptable materials around. Spiders use this wonderfully flexible material to trap and crush prey and build durable webs. It's strong and elastic enough to stretch several times its original length.

Fracking in Australia: Should Policy be Changed?

With evidence mounting linking the U.S. energy industry's use of the process of hydraulic fracturing also called fracking to the hundreds of small earthquakes from Oklahoma to Ohio, how safe is fracking in Australia?

Climate Change Linked to Downfall of Ancient City of Angkor

Yet at the height of its power the city was eventually abandoned. The reasons for this mass exodus of nearly 750,000 people from the city remained a mystery to archeologists with many theories being proposed to explain the decline of Angkor. Now one team of researchers has suggested the citizens abandoned the city because of a prolonged drought and the state's inability to cope with climate change.

Print Aussies “uninspired” at work

New research* shows that Australians are largely uninspired at work, and with new year's day behind us, those feeling least motivated are likely on the lookout for a new job already.

Cop Slaughters 20 Kangaroos in Queensland

The Department of Environment and Resource Management is investigating a police officer who allegedly slaughtered 20 kangaroos on a Fraser Coast property at Booral in Queensland.

NOAA: Japan Tsunami Debris May Reach U.S. Shores

About 25 million tons of Japanese tsunami debris – boats, pieces of smashed buildings, appliances, and plastic, metal, and rubber objects of all shapes and sizes – may end in the U. S. shores, NOAA scientists said.

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