Podcasts about Environment minister

Wednesday Headlines: Samantha Murphy’s accused killer given trial date, Australia’s economic growth downgraded as the OECD singles out our housing crisis, calls for government intervention into e-scooters, the TGA's expanding the use of Mounjaro, and record Ashes ticket demand causes drama for fans. Deep Dive: Young Australians are among a growing group of critics calling on Australia's Environment Minister, Murray Watt, to walk back a 40-year extension granted to Woodside's controversial gas project in WA. The decision sparked backlash from environmental advocates, Indigenous communities, and cohorts of Aussie youth who say it undermines Australia's climate commitments and threatens cultural heritage sites. The criticism saw Woodside’s own CEO further fuel the controversy, accusing young climate activists of being hypocrites for opposing fossil fuels but happily consuming fast fashion. In this episode of The Briefing, Tara Cassidy speaks to Jordan Rowand from the Australian Youth Climate Coalition about the contentious project, and why they want Murray Watt to back out of the deal.Further listening from the headlines: The Easey Street murders explained Follow The Briefing: TikTok: @listnrnewsroom Instagram: @listnrnewsroom @thebriefingpodcast YouTube: @LiSTNRnewsroom Facebook: @LiSTNR NewsroomSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

A kind of tortoise not seen in more than 110 years has been found in the Galapagos Islands.在加拉帕戈斯群岛已经发现了一种超过110年的乌龟。A female from a species known as the Fernandina giant tortoise was discovered last weekend on the island of Fernandina.上周末在费尔南迪纳岛上发现了一个名为Fernandina巨型龟的物种的雌性。The Galapagos is a group of 20 islands in the eastern Pacific Ocean, about 1,000 kilometers off the coast of Ecuador.加拉帕戈斯（Galapagos）是东太平洋的20个岛屿，距离厄瓜多尔海岸约1000公里。The islands belong to Ecuador and the tortoise discovery was announced by the country's ministry of environment. It said that the creature was identified by researchers from the Galapagos National Park and the Galapagos Conservancy, a group based in the United States.这些岛屿属于厄瓜多尔，该国环境部宣布了乌龟发现。 它说，该生物是由加拉帕戈斯国家公园（Galapagos National Park）和总部位于美国的组织加拉帕戈斯保护协会（Galapagos Consercan）的研究人员确定的。Wildlife experts had thought the Fernandina giant tortoise no longer existed.野生动植物专家认为不再存在Fernandina巨人乌龟。The researchers said they believe the adult female tortoise is more than 100 years old. The animal was taken to a breeding center for giant tortoises on the Galapagos island of Santa Cruz.研究人员说，他们认为成年女性乌龟已有100多年的历史。 该动物被带到加拉帕戈斯岛圣克鲁斯岛上的巨型乌龟的繁殖中心。The International Union for Conservation of Nature says the only other living member of the species was found in 1906. Since then, researchers have found some evidence of Fernandina giant tortoise activity. There was an unconfirmed sighting in 2009. But the latest find was the first new confirmed sighting of the species.国际自然保护联盟说，该物种中唯一的其他活着的成员是1906年发现的。从那时起，研究人员发现了一些Fernandina巨人乌龟活动的证据。 2009年有一个未经证实的目击。但最新发现是对该物种的首个新的确认目击。Investigators believe there may be more members of the species on Fernandina Island because of animal droppings and tracks they found.调查人员认为，由于他们发现的动物粪便和曲目，在费尔南迪纳岛上可能会有更多的物种成员。Danny Rueda is the director of Galapagos National Park. He says the discovery provides new hope for possible successful breeding. "This encourages us to strengthen our search plans to find other turtles, which will allow us to start a breeding program in captivity to recover this species," he said in a statement.丹尼·鲁达（Danny Rueda）是加拉帕戈斯国家公园（Galapagos National Park）的主任。 他说，这一发现为可能的成功繁殖提供了新的希望。 他在一份声明中说：“这鼓励我们加强我们的搜索计划，以找到其他海龟，这将使我们能够在被囚禁中开始一个繁殖计划，以恢复该物种。”Fernandina is the third-largest island in the Galapagos. A volcano there is one of the most active in the world. The International Union for Conservation of Nature said it feared the species was likely lost to repeated volcanic lava flows “that nearly cover the island.”费尔南迪娜（Fernandina）是加拉帕戈斯（Galapagos）的第三大岛。 火山是世界上最活跃的火山之一。 国际自然保护联盟表示，人们担心这种物种可能会因为“几乎覆盖该岛”的重复火山熔岩流失。Ecuador's Environment Minister, Marcelo Mata Guerrero, said the government fully supports additional research and development efforts aimed at saving the species.厄瓜多尔环境部长马塞洛·马塔·格雷罗（Marcelo Mata Guerrero）表示，政府完全支持旨在拯救该物种的其他研发工作。

Jennifer talks with Kelly O'Shanassy, CEO of the Australian Conservation Foundation (ACF) about the implications of the recent federal Labor victory for climate change, and the preservation of our natural enviornment and endangered species.They discuss the recent 'climate bomb' decision made by new Environment Minister, Murray Watt, to approve an extension of Woodside Energy's North West Shelf gas project in WA to 2070. Kelly explains the fossil fuel-friendly policy context of this decision.Kelly also talks about the need for strong legislation that preserves our natural environment and the habitats of a multitude of endangered species.She engenders a sense of hope, and faith in 'people power', and she shares with listeners ways they can fight these catastrophes with others who also care about the environment and the future. 

Decisions by Australia's Labor Government through its newly minted Environment Minister, Murray Watt, have sent shudders through many, and the airwaves of the Australian Broadcasting Corporation were alive with comments and observations: "Australia's largest gas project granted extension";"Gas is no longer a dirty word for Labor. Should it be?";"The Woodside boss's attacks on my generation are blatant scapegoating – and we see straight through them ";"Damaging winds follow ‘unusual' dust storm in Victoria";"As Australia's carbon offset industry grapples with integrity concerns, how can companies genuinely tackle climate change?";"5 huge climate opportunities await the next parliament – and it has the numbers to deliver".

Australian Prime Minister, Anthony Albanese, claims he cares about climate change, but then supports his Environment Minister, Murray Watt, in his moves to quickly advance a major gas project off the Western Australian coast: "Murray Watt knocks back objections to Woodside's North West Shelf extension and clears way for final decision";"‘Desolate': farmers in NSW's west battle drought as east coast mops up after floods";"Reliable energy or ‘carbon bomb'? What's at stake in the battle over Australia's North West Shelf";"Clean-up begins as waters recede after devastating NSW floods";"Greenwashing is rife in Australia, but could its days be numbered?";"The U.S. Under Trump: Alone in Its Climate Denial";"'It's all gone': After losing nearly everything to the floods, Kelly now faces mould and rats";"The NSW floods have already been linked to climate change. Scientists are debating if that's too quick";"The Pilbara is at risk of becoming a ‘wasteland'. Could green iron help?";"The intensifying climate driver behind the coastal deluges and inland drought";"Spectacular rescue amid isolation and exhaustion";"Climate Council Statement On NSW Floods: More Destructive Due To Climate Change";"Disaster or digital spectacle? The dangers of using floods to create social media content";"Urban rewilding has brought back beavers, hornbills and platypuses to city parks – and that's just the start";"Vivid, thrilling and ghastly: new theatrical adaptation of The Birds evokes climate disaster, terrorism and lockdown";"Can Murray Watt fix Australia's broken nature laws? First stop, Western Australia";"Antarctica has its own ‘shield' against warm water – but this could now be under threat".

Australia has a new environment minister – and he has a big job ahead of him: fixing the country’s broken environment laws. Murray Watt has replaced Tanya Plibersek, whose efforts at reform were famously thwarted by the prime minister. But before Watt can begin that task, he faces another critical decision: whether to let Woodside Energy extend its North West Shelf gas project to 2070 – opening new gas fields and unleashing a “carbon bomb” worth roughly 10 times Australia’s current annual emissions. Today, national correspondent for The Saturday Paper, Mike Seccombe, on Murray Watt, his plans for the environment and the decision that could define his tenure. If you enjoy 7am, the best way you can support us is by making a contribution at 7ampodcast.com.au/support. Socials: Stay in touch with us on Instagram Guest: National correspondent for The Saturday Paper, Mike Seccombe. Photo: AAP Image / Darren EnglandSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Marks Carruthers speaks to the Agriculture and Environment Minister, the First and deputy First Ministers and other political figures at the Balmoral Show.

THE CLIMATE ACTION SHOWProduced by Vivien Langford and Bella JessonMay 5th 2025THE GREATER GLIDER  Protect our ForestsandNO MUSIC ON A DEAD PLANET While the state  Environment Minister is asleep in her bed at night, forest protectors are out in the dark, on tough terrain, with torches trying to locate greater glider nesting trees. The law says the loggers must avoid parts of the forest where there is evidence that this is glider habitat, but loggers go out in the daytime to find the nocturnal gliders and say they can find none. Should the concerned community really being doing their job for them? While the Federal Environment Minister wants to see no extinctions on her watch and is running for re election, the greater glider is on the endangered list and its habitat is being logged in QLD and NSW. Should she really be allowed to get away with this?https://science.anu.edu.au/news-events/news/new-logging-rules-nsw-put-greater-glider-closer-extinction-when-will-we-startAnd in case you are wondering what saving the glider can do to buffer us against the worst of global heating:At UN Climate Change Conferences (COPs), forest protection is a key focus, with a strong emphasis on halting and reversing deforestation and forest degradation by 2030. These efforts are crucial for both climate mitigation and adaptation, as forests play a vital role in absorbing carbon dioxide and providing numerous ecosystem services.  We go to the Bob Brown Foundation"Protect our forests Rally" in Sydney on March 25th 2025.Speakers:Andrew Wong Forest Ecologist and operations manager from  Wilderness AustraliaIn recognition of his commitment to strategic thinking he has been asked to train campaigners in eight different countries. He was the Chair of the health promotion charity ‘Life. Be in it.' Australia 2019-2022. Susie Russell - Veteran Forest Campaigner(The Byron Echo October 2024)Veteran forest campaigner Susie Russell was arrested yesterday  in Bulga State Forest. She was the 12th arrest in the local community's campaign to protect the Bulga forest.Ms Russell had attached herself to the giant logging machinery until she was cut off.‘Every hour those machines don't work is 50 trees saved,' she said. ‘Our community will throw itself at the machines for as long as we can. We don't want to give up any chance to save this precious forest and the Greater Gliders and Koalas that live there.Susie Russell locked on in Bulga State Forest. Photo supplied.‘I have no doubt that our actions are on the right side of history.‘All the science, all the reports, all the experts, say that if we want to repair the damage to our planet, we need to start by not doing more damage. That is the most straightforward and cheapest way to make progress.‘Removing hundreds of thousands of trees from the top of the catchment is insanity,' said Ms Russell.‘The trees hold the land together. When the intense rain events come and the soil washes downstream, and the rivers silt up and the floods are extreme, no doubt those currently overseeing the destruction will wring their hands and lament.‘I am sickened at the inertia of the environment departments and their ministers, at state and federal level. They have no vision, and no appetite for action. They are keeping their seats warm while their support base evaporates and the damage intensifies.‘Those of us putting ourselves in arrestable situations trying to stop the carnage, would much rather be planting trees or running youth programs or removing weeds. Senator Mehreen Faruquihttps://www.instagram.com/mehreenfaruqi/reel/DHh61mHBAb_/ Coco - Ghanaian poet of Mother Earth and rap singer Sue Higginson - NSW Parliament-  Video:Shocking proof of greater glider bewildered in decimated foresthttps://www.netimes.com.au/2025/04/30/greens-call-for-end-to-logging-as-mogwai-threatened-near-glen-innes/*****************************************************************************Noelani Petero - No Music on a dead planet . Interview by Bella Jessonhttps://www.instagram.com/noelani_thefaceaustralia/?hl=en Headlines FOREST WIN IN HIGH COURThttps://bobbrown.org.au/forest-win-in-high-court/ Activists occupy Forestry Corp buildinghttps://www.echo.net.au/2025/04/activists-occupy-forestry-corp-building/ TAKE ACTION - Can you please write to Premier of NSW?- just fill in the form belowhttps://www.suehigginson.org/logging

'We can't do everything, but we need to prioritise nature' - Environment Minister Andrew Muir reacts to a new OEP report which highlighted a failure to implement protections for our 'natural treasures' Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

The Government says it has 'mutually agreed' with Lifecome Care to terminate the service provider's contract for Domiciliary Care and Home Support.Number Six says this was decided at a meeting this morning between the Health Minister, Care Agency and Lifecome Care Gibraltar management.It says all parties have agreed on a 30-day transition period to ensure a "smooth handover" of the service. Our reporter Ros Astengo has been following the story.Security arrangements at schools have been reviewed following a trespassing incident at Westside, according to the Minister for Education. Teachers and students barricaded themselves in classrooms after reports that a group of people from Spain had entered the school. Education Minister, John Cortes, told Parliament established protocols were put in place, with no danger to pupils or staff. News Editor Christine Vasquez told us more.Comprehensive School students are helping to influence Government policy on climate change. They are known as ‘Net Zero representatives'. These Bayside and Westside school students recently met with the Deputy Chief Minister and the Environment Minister. As a result of that meeting, the Government has agreed to look at how they communicate on social media about net zero. Lauren Garcia, Maia Norton, Aditya Dhanwani and Maika Faouzi El Haimoudi are trying to be the change they want to see in the world.Phase Two of the Eastside project has received approval from the Development and Planning Commission. According to the plans, this phase is focused on proposed coastal protection works, reclamation and marina structures. Minister Leslie Bruzon said he cannot support the project as it stands, while Minister Cortes suggested that a visit to the site could be scheduled so that the members of the commission can get a better idea of how the pier will impact the beach.An art initiative for young people is launching next week. The Growing Artists Programme continues the mantra 'Art is for Everyone' which is very much at the heart of the Art Space Gallery. Amy Shepherd and Phoebe Noble explained gave us more details about the programme.This year's London Marathon is expected to be the biggest ever! Attracting people from around the world, including Gibraltar. People run for charity, it's a great feat of endurance, there are always some who do it in fun costumes, London boasts incredible landmarks that look great on TV and in photos of the marathon. Faye Morse, Jovan Santos, Karim Vatvani and Kim Baglietto will be taking on the challenge.And, the Equestrian Order of the Holy Sepulchre of Jerusalem has its origins in the First Crusade but has existed on the Rock since the 1980s. Originally a military order, its role developed to supporting various religious, educational, and charitable activities while maintaining the spiritual mission of evangelism and faith sharing. Joe Cortes is Chancellor of the Gibraltar Lieutenancy, and is preparing for an event this weekend. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

7:15AM // Amelia Young, Wilderness SocietyOn Monday 3rd March 2025, the Wilderness Society launched court action against Australia's Environment Minister, saying successive environment ministers have failed in their legal duties to create recovery plans that would give threatened wildlife a better chance at surviving extinction. Phuong spoke with Amelia Young, National Campaigns Director at the Wilderness Society about this court case and some of the native species that are on the brink of extinction and that are named in the case. The Wilderness Society are also holding a Zoom webinar on Wednesday 19th March at 6pm, for people to learn more about the court case discussed. To sign up and keep up to date with the court case and other campaigns, head to https://www.wilderness.org.au/. You can also find them on Instagram at @wilderness_aus 7:30AM // Jaimie Jeffrey, No AUKUS Coalition VIC & IPAN GeelongJaimie Jeffrey is a Geelong-based peace and human rights activist. She is co-convener of IPAN Geelong & Vic Southwest, plays a lead role in Boycott Caltex Australia, and is a staunch member of No AUKUS Vic. Jaimie joined us to speak about the upcoming Avalon Airshow; an event that is disguised as a family-friendly "fun" airshow but is really a profitable promotion of war. For more info, visit their linktree ipangeelongandvic and find them on Instagram at @ipangeelongvicsouthwest  7:45AM //Mel Gibbs and Van Callaly for World Social Work Day18 March is World Social Work Day and we were joined today by guests from University of Melbourne to speak about this year's theme 'Strengthening Intergenerational Solidarity for Enduring Wellbeing'. We have Mel Gibbs (she/her), an Associate Lecturer, and PhD candidate, and Van Callaly (she/her) also Associate Lecturer and Research Fellow at the ARC Centre of Excellence for the Elimination of Violence Against Women. 8:15AM // Cath from Defend Dissent CoalitionCath is an activist and organiser for the Defend Dissent Coalition. In the lead up to their first rally, 'Protect The Right to Protest' tomorrow, Cath is joined us to speak about the anti-protest laws being proposed by Jacinta Allan's government, and how it signals a growing culture of repression not just in this state, but nationwide and globally as well. For more information, go to @defenddissentcoalition on Instagram. Songs: Not my problem - Hetslayer Maxine's Garden - Super Tart

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Scott Tejerian welcomes Lise Richard, owner of Tofino Hot Sauce, as she shares her journey from environmental activist to culinary entrepreneur. With her Libra Rising, Virgo Sun, and Aries Moon, Lise reveals how her maritime Nova Scotia roots, diverse heritage, and deep connection to water have shaped her life path and business philosophy.From representing Canadian youth at UN climate conferences to launching a hot sauce company during COVID-19, Lise's story illustrates resilience, passion, and finding a balance between ambition and purpose. Scott provides astrological insights throughout, connecting Lise's planetary placements to her service orientation, entrepreneurial challenges, and Soul's Purpose. The conversation even explores Tofino Hot Sauce's own astrological chart, revealing how the business itself reflects Lise's journey and potential.(00:01:57) Introduction – Scott introduces Lise Richard, her astrological placements, and her entrepreneurial background.(00:04:06) Maritime Roots – Lise's upbringing in Nova Scotia and diverse cultural heritage.(00:07:59) Food Preservation – Family traditions of canning, pickling, and preserving.(00:11:46) Acadian History – The fascinating story of her ancestors and their connection to Cajun culture.(00:24:25) Environmental Focus– Lise's shift from nutritional science to environmental studies in college.(00:29:26) Climate Activism – Experiences as a youth delegate at UN climate conferences and confronting Canada's Environment Minister.(00:45:02) Environmental Disillusionment – Growing frustration with resistance to environmental change.(00:52:17) Hot Sauce Origins – Creating spicy options for a vegan bistro that evolved into a business.(01:01:53) Latin American Influence – Research and travel that informed her sauce development.(01:04:15) COVID Turning Point– How pandemic restrictions catalyzed her full commitment to entrepreneurship.(01:15:06) Business Challenges – The unexpected difficulties and subtle rewards of small business ownership.(01:23:12) Future Aspirations – The tension between scaling her business and spending more time in the ocean.(01:31:29) Astrological Insights – Scott explores Lise's North Node in Taurus and her journey toward balanced partnerships.(01:44:17) Ocean Connection – Lifelong bond with water and how it shapes her identity.(01:53:55) Near-Miss Experience – A harrowing New Year's Day surf incident and its transformative lessons.(02:03:30) Closing Thoughts – Final reflections and contact information.Find Lise at:Instagram: @tofinohotsauceWebsite: tofinohotsauce.cahttps://www.theweeklytransit.com/

In a Federal Court decision, the current government was proven to have violated the Constitution with their unscientific plastics ban as they failed to provide any evidence that this ban would benefit the environment or the health of Canadians. The Prime Minister and his Environment Minister, Steven Guilbeault, have been prioritizing banning plastic straws over […]

Good afternoon, I'm _____ with today's episode of EZ News. Tai-Ex opening The Tai-Ex opened down 26-points this morning from yesterday's close, at 23,263 on turnover of $5.5-billion N-T. The market lost ground on Wednesday - as early gains eroded as investor sentiment was spooked by concerns that America could introduce tariffs on semiconductors. Environment Minister confirms carbon cap trade regulations are under discussion Environment Minister Peng Chi-ming says his office has begun discussion regarding carbon cap trade regulations. According to Peng, the aim is to impose a stricter cap than the current self-determined reductions. Peng says his office will be inviting companies with a reputation (名聲) for excellence to work together and form an alliance to better implement any changes. The government has said the carbon fee system will take effect this year - meaning that imposed entities will have to pay their carbon fees according to their 2025 emissions in May of 2026. THSR Zuoying Station set passenger records in 2024 The Ministry of Transport says the number of High Speed Rail passengers hit a record high last year - and the number of passengers entering and exiting Zuoying Station in Kaohsiung both exceeded (超過) 10-million for the first time. According to the ministry, passenger volume on the High Speed Rail reached 78.25-million last year. This marks a 7-per cent increase from the previous year and highest in its 18 years of operations. The High Speed Rail's Taipei Station served the highest number of passengers. That was followed by Taichung Station, then Zuoying Station in third - with the number of passengers entering the station reaching 10.5-million and 10.4-million passengers leaving. Russia makes contact with Syria The Kremlin says Russian President Vladimir Putin has spoken to Syria's interim (過渡時期) leader, in the first such top-level contact since the fall of former Syrian President Bashar al-Assad. Mimmi Montgomery reports Australia Investigates After Nurse Claims to Have Killed Israelis An Australian hospital is examining its patient records after a nurse claimed online to have killed Israelis. Officials say there was no evidence of harm to patients. A police unit focusing on a surge in antisemitic crimes in Sydney since the Israel-Hamas war began in 2023 is investigating possible breaches (違規行為) of hate speech law. Two nurses who took part in an online discussion with an Israeli influencer on Tuesday during a night shift at Sydney's Bankstown Hospital were suspended on Wednesday. Authorities say they will never work for the state health department again. Brazil Defends Oil Exploration Near Mouth of Amazon Brazil's President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva is defending oil exploration near the mouth of the Amazon River as a way to finance a transition to green energy. As part of statements pressing the country's enviornmental regulator to approve the plan, Lula says new oil revenue (收入) could provide the funds for the change. The offshore area, Bloc 59, is located in the Equatorial Margin, about 160 kilometers from the coast. In 2023, Brazil's environmental regulator rejected a license, citing issues such as a weak wildlife protection plan in the event of an oil spill that could affect one of the world's most biodiverse regions. State-owned oil company Petrobras appealed and a decision is pending. That was the I.C.R.T. EZ News, I'm _____. －－－－以下訊息由 SoundOn 動態廣告贊助商提供－－－－

Elias Makos welcomes back Caroline Codsi, Founder & Chief Equity Officer, Women in Governance, and Andrew Caddell, a town councillor in Kamouraska, and President of the Task Force on Linguistic policy. Welcome to The Canadian War on Drugs. Conservative leader Pierre Poilievre says he would impose life sentences for trafficking over 40 mg of fentanyl Donald Trump's recent threats have unexpectedly boosted the Liberal brand in both Ottawa and Quebec, as Quebecers rally against the US president For years, Quebec has pushed back against proposals to build new oil and gas pipelines through its territory. But now, Quebec’s Environment Minister, Benoit Charette, says the provincial government is open to revisiting two major energy projects it previously rejected

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Steven Guilbeault, Environment Minister; Bonnie Crombie, Ontario Liberal Leader; The Front Bench with: Saeed Selvam, Jamie Ellerton, Karl Bélanger & Hannah Thibedeau.

Listen to Vassy's full conversation with Environment Minister Steven Guilbeault as they discuss his endorsement of Mark Carney for the Liberal leadership and its implications on carbon pricing in Canada. On todays show: Listen to Vassy's full conversation with Ontario Liberal leader Bonnie Crombie who says Ontario Premier Doug Ford wants to lead Ontarians into 'an unnecessary and very expensive election.' Dan Riskin, CTV Science and Technology Specialist joins Vassy for his weekly segment 'Talk Science to Me'. The Daily Debrief Panel with Laura Stone, Robert Benzie, and Mike Le Couteur. Fae Johnstone, Executive Director, Queer Momentum joins Vassy to discuss President Donald Trump’s executive order limiting gender expression to male or female.

In this episode, we share our 2024 environmental policy highlights from BNG to the new UK Government, and we also look ahead to what the ecology sector can expect in 2025.Nature In A Nutshell is brought to you by the Chartered Institute of Ecology and Environmental Management (CIEEM). We are the leading professional membership body representing and supporting ecologists and environmental managers in the UK, Ireland and abroad.Visit our website: https://cieem.net/Show notes:Delivering the UK Government's Nature Recovery AgendaWe Have a New UK GovernmentTransition to Sustainable Farming Scheme delayed to 2026What's in the Autumn Budget for nature?Andrew Muir named as Environment Minister for Northern IrelandThe Environmental Policy Forums Priorities for the Next GovernmentNature COP16 RoundupWelsh Budget 2025-26: what's in it for nature?Scotland's budget 2025-26: what's in it for nature?COP 29 Roundup Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

The Northern Ireland Executive has published its draft budget for 2025-26 and it's now open for public consultation. Agriculture, Environment and Rural Affairs is set to receive just over £715 million pounds, an increase of 3%. But no specific funding has been allocated to address serious pollution in Lough Neagh and Andrew Muir, the environment minister, says his department has only been awarded around a third of what he'd requested for day to day spending. He describes it as ‘a difficult budget'. Historic farm diaries provide a fascinating glimpse into agricultural, social and cultural life in years gone by. So curators at the Three Rivers Museum in Hertfordshire were excited to unearth a diary written in Victorian times by a farmer from Rickmansworth called John White. Masters students at the University of Hertfordshire have been scrutinising the diary entries to see if there's anything that John's observations from 150 years ago might teach farmers today. Rearing and selling turkeys for Christmas has become a major source of income for some family farms, including Cuckoo Mill Farm at Pelcomb Bridge, in Pembrokeshire. And at this time of year, it's a real family affair, with all hands on deck. Presented by Caz Graham and produced by Beatrice Fenton.

It's a sad reality that the Government simply refuses to accept Canada's energy sector as the country's single largest private sector investor in clean technologies. Canada's radical Environment Minister, Steven Guilbeault, has announced that he plans to make life even less affordable by attacking Canadian energy workers; placing a so-called “emissions cap” that will kill […]

Why the PM is tussling with his own Environment Minister, as the fate of Tasmanian salmon becomes their latest battleground.  Find out more about The Front podcast here. You can read about this story and more on The Australian's website or on The Australian's app. This episode of The Front is presented by Claire Harvey and edited by Lia Tsamoglou. Our music is composed by Jasper Leak, and our team includes Kristen Amiet, Tiffany Dimmack, Joshua Burton and Stephanie Coombes.  See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Steven Guilbeault, Environment Minister; Vic Fedeli, Ontario Trade Minister; The Front Bench with: Zita Astravas, James Moore, Tom Mulcair and Marieke Walsh.

Catherine McKenna, Former Environment Minister; Genevieve Beauchemin, CTV News & Jeff Keele, CTV News; Keir Giles, Chatham House Senior Fellow; The Front Bench with: Sabrina Grover, Melanie Paradis & Gurratan Singh.

Why does John Rustad want to reconsider nuclear power for B.C? GUEST: Barry Penner, Chair for the Energy Futures Initiative, former Attorney General and Environment Minister of B.C.  Does single egress stairs in residential buildings put fire safety at risk? GUEST: Len Garis is a retired Fire Chief for the City of Surrey, Adjunct Professor at the University of the Fraser Valley's school of Culture, Media, and Society China claps back on Canada's hefty EV, steel and aluminum tariffs GUEST: Vina Nadjibulla, Vice-President of Research & Strategy at the Asia Pacific Foundation of Canada How is Canada working to fend off China's ‘spamouflage' network? GUEST: Joanna Chiu, China editor at Rest of World, a non-profit publication covering global technology, and author of China Unbound How will international students fare with the government's 24-hour cap on working? GUEST: Ishant Goyal, Chairperson for the Alliance of British Columbia Students Petflation - how to budget for pet costs now and in the future GUEST: Rebeka Breder, Animal Rights Lawyer Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

GUEST: Barry Penner, Chair for the Energy Futures Initiative, former Attorney General and Environment Minister of B.C. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

There are further details on the Government's review of how Significant Natural Areas should be identified.  The scope's been decided and will look at how SNAs are assessed and the way land is managed.  A Bill was introduced in May that proposes to suspend requirements for councils to identify new SNAs and is expected to be in place by the end of the year.  Associate Environment Minister Andrew Hoggard told Mike Hosking that final decisions based off the review will be made in mid-next year.   He hopes the SNAs only apply to where it's truly significant, and not just taking swathes of farmland.  LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

A version of this essay has been published by firstpost.com at https://www.firstpost.com/opinion/climate-tragedy-of-wayanad-and-the-vulnerability-of-western-ghats-13808331.htmlAfter days of intense coverage of the landslides in Wayanad, the news cycle has moved on to other calamities. But the problems remain, and things cannot be left to benign neglect as is usually the case. For example there was a strange thundering noise from deep underground that alarmed people in the area. This is ominous, as it may presage a tectonic movement, although there have been no big quakes here for centuries.A dramatic before-and-after report from Reuters, using satellite images from Planet Labs, Google, Maxar Technologies and Airbus, shows how the landslide left a giant scar on the surface of the earth, washing away hundreds of houses, leading to widespread fatalities and destruction.Prime Minister Modi visited the afflicted area. Better governance, both by Center and State, is sorely needed to tackle the problem, because it is not simple: there are proximate, preponderant and root causes. A lot of it is anthropogenic based on local factors, but climate change is also a major factor, as the local climate and rainfall patterns have shifted dramatically in the recent past. There was a drought in 2015, followed by the Ockhi cyclone in 2017, and then landslides and floods in 2018 and 2019.As a resident of Kerala, who has visited Wayanad only twice (once in 2018 and the second time in April this year), both the problems and the possible solutions are of immediate importance to me, because the very same issues are likely to crop up all over the State, and unless remedial measures are taken now, we can expect further tragedies and endless suffering. Proximate Cause: Excess RainThe proximate cause is La Nina-enhanced rainfall, which has been higher this year along the west coast. In Wayanad itself, it rained 572mm in 48 hours before the landslide: about 1.8 feet, an enormous amount. Before the Wayanad landslide, there had been another in Shirur on the Karnataka coast near Ankola, where a number of people were swept away. The story of Arjun, a Kerala trucker whose truck full of lumber disappeared, was all over the news, and after a weeks-long search, there was no sign of him or the truck. The total rainfall since June 1 was of the order of 3000mm in Wayanad, which is unusually high, creating vulnerability to landslides. In a recent interview, environmental expert Madhav Gadgil mentioned that quarrying may have added to the intensity of the rainfall, because the fine dust from the mining and explosions forms aerosols, on which water molecules condense, leading to excessive precipitation. The intense rainfall saturated the soil, and in the absence of sufficient old-growth vegetation that might have held it together, the hillside simply collapsed. Preponderant Cause: Population Pressure, Over-Tourism, EcocideThe preponderant causes of the problems in Wayanad are obvious: population pressure, over-tourism and environmental destruction. The forest has basically ceased to exist due to human exploitation. According to India Today, 62% of the green cover in the district disappeared between 1950 and 2018 while plantation cover rose by around 1,800%. Fully 85% of the total area of Wayanad was under forest cover until the 1950s.Overpopulation, settlement and habitat lossMy first visit to Wayanad was in 2018, when we drove to Kerala from Karnataka: from the Nagarhole/Bandipur Wildlife Sanctuaries to the contiguous Wayanad Wildlife Sanctuary, all forming a Project Tiger ecosphere along with neighboring Mudumalai Wildlife Sanctuary in Tamil Nadu. Together they form the Nilgiri Biosphere Reserve. Bandipur/Nagarhole actually looks like a forest. But I was astonished when we drove into Wayanad, because it does not look like a forest any more: it is full of human habitation. It looks like any of the other districts in Kerala: thickly populated, with settlements all over the place. It appeared to be only notionally a wildlife sanctuary.Habitat loss, especially that of forest cover, is true of all of Kerala, as highlighted in a study by IISc scientists. It is startling to see how much of this has happened in just a few decades. But it is the culmination of a process that started at least a century ago. Wayanad, according to myth and legend, was once a lovely, lush forest inhabited by a small number of tribals. There were fierce Kurichya archers (it is possible they were warriors banished to the forest after losing a war) who, with Pazhassi Raja, carried on a guerilla war against the British colonials in the 19th century until the Raja was captured and executed. I visited the Pazhassi Museum in Mananthavady this May, on my second visit to Wayanad. There were artifacts there from the tribal settlements.Then, in the 20th century, there was a large migration of lowland people, mostly Christians from Central Travancore, to the Wayanad highlands (and the Western Ghats uplands in general). They encroached on public/forest lands, cleared the forests, and created plantations and agricultural settlements. Their struggles against malaria, wild animals and the land itself was the subject of Jnanpith winner S K Pottekkat's renowned novel Vishakanyaka (Poison Maiden).The public land thus captured eventually made some people rich, but the whole process also in effect enslaved the tribals, who became an exploited underclass: the very same story as of Native Americans, who are still struggling for social justice after centuries of being untermenschen.Since most of the settlers were Christians, the Church became a powerful spokesman for them. Successive governments gave a lot of the settlers title to the land they had illegally captured. So there is a class of rich planters, and on the other hand, miserable plantation workers, often migrants especially from Tamil Nadu. The green deserts need to be turned back into forestsKerala's highlands, over time, became ‘green deserts', rather than ‘tropical rainforests'. The monoculture of tea, rubber, coffee, and especially invasive species such as acacia and eucalyptus is destructive. They crowd out native species, ravage the water table, do not put down deep roots, and offer almost no sustenance to wild animals. It may look deceptively green, but it is no forest. An expert committee, the Madhav Gadgil Commission, recommended in 2011 that the entire Western Ghats was ecologically sensitive (ESA or Ecologically Sensitive Area) and 75% of it must be preserved intact with minimal human presence. The report was scathing about quarrying, including blasting with dynamite, which upset the already fragile ecosystem, ravaged as it was by the removal of old growth forest and the root system that held the soil together. At the time, Gadgil did say that the calamity would not take a 100 years, but it would happen in ten to twenty years. He was right, but he was ignored as though he were Cassandra. The Church opposed the Gadgil report tooth and nail, and the Government of Kerala pushed back on it. So the Central government created the Kasturirangan Commission (2013), which reduced the proposed ESA to 37%. It classified 60% of the Western Ghats as a ‘cultural landscape' with human settlements, plantations and agriculture. But that too was not acceptable. In fact, Jayanthi Natarajan claimed that she was forced to resign as Environment Minister because she actually notified the order on protection of the Western Ghats the day before she was removed. Her successor duly put the order on hold.Sitting Congress MP in nearby Idukki, P T Thomas, says he was dropped in the 2014 elections because he supported the Gadgil report against “encroachments… illegal constructions, quarrying, timber smuggling, sand mining from the rivers and ganja cultivation…My stand upset the Idukki dioceses of the Syro Malabar Catholic Church. The Idukki Bishop had openly opposed my candidature.”The GoK convened a third committee, the Oommen Commission (2014), which was specific to Kerala, and it recommended keeping all inhabited areas and plantations out of the ESA altogether. Mission accomplished. No more restrictions on land use.Over-tourism and carrying capacity of the landThis is one reason for the proliferation of resorts and homestays in Wayanad. Every second house caters to tourists, as can be seen from a Google Map (of the area around Kalpetta). The environmental pressure from this (what about solid waste disposal? Do they dump liquid wastes into rivers?) is horrific and increasing. Trash lines the area near the Thamarassery Pass.As a tourist myself, I did not choose a plantation resort, but instead a homestay which has a working farm. Perhaps I made a wrong choice, because a plantation has a lot of space to absorb the tourist impact. The homestay had many youngsters from Bangalore over the weekend, and it was perfectly nice, but I wonder how much I contributed to the human toll on the environment. I had gone to Wayanad to visit the Thirunelli temple and the Edakkal caves, which have petroglyphs and drawings reliably dated back to 8000 Before the Present, making them second only to the Bhimbetka caves in Madhya Pradesh, whose rock art dates back to 10,000 BP and earlier. So this area, despite the geological fault lines, has indeed been inhabited for a very long time. The carrying capacity of the land was sufficient in those prehistoric times and even up until recently; now the land can no longer sustain the population. It is also host to another recent influx. Muslims from nearby lowland Kozhikode and Malappuram districts have come up the Thamarassery Pass and settled in Wayanad in numbers. They have added to the population pressure in Wayanad. Incidentally this is one reason Wayanad Lok Sabha constituency (which includes areas from nearby Kozhikode and Malappuram districts that are heavily Muslim) is so dependably a Congress citadel. When I made my trip in April, just before elections, I asked several people who would win there: the candidates were Rahul Gandhi (Congress), Annie Raja (CPI), K Surendran (BJP). All of them said “Rahul Gandhi”. One man told me “Rahul Gandhi is going to become the PM”. Another laughed and said, “Are you joking? We all know the answer”. It was, pun intended, a landslide win for the Congress candidate. Root Cause: Geology and Errant RainfallThe root cause of the problems in Kerala is the increasingly unstable landscape. It is remarkable that Kerala has such a high number of landslides and vulnerable spots. India Today reports that Kerala has recorded the largest number of landslides in the country, 2,239 out of 3,782 that occurred between 2015 and 2022. The “Landslide Atlas of India 2023” from ISRO lists 13 out of 14 Kerala districts among the top 50 landslide-prone areas of the country.This is surprising, because the more obvious fault lines must be in the North, where the Indian Plate continues to grind up against the Eurasian Plate, and the Himalayas and the Tibetan Plateau continue to gain a few centimeters in elevation every year. Indeed Arunachal, Himachal, J&K and Uttarakhand are landslide-prone. But why Kerala, at the other end of the land-mass?It must be the case that there have been severe tectonic movements in Kerala in the past: the Parasurama legend of the land coming up from the sea is based on a real event, presumably caused by an earthquake in a prehistoric time frame. More recently, the thriving Kerala port of Kodungalloor (aka Muziris), the principal West Coast port in historical times along with Bharuccha in Gujarat, was suddenly rendered bereft in 1341 CE after a severe flood in the River Periyar, and port activities shifted to nearby Kochi.More recently, old-timers talk about the Great Flood of ‘99, i.e. 1099 Malabar Era, or 1924 CE. Exactly 100 years ago there were torrential rains in July, and records suggest it was 3368mm or 1326 inches over three weeks, that is 11 feet of rain. Floodwaters rose up to 6 feet, rivers changed course, and at least 1,000 people died along with large numbers of livestock, and there was massive destruction of agricultural land and foodgrains. The Flood of ‘99 became etched in the collective memory of the area, but it mostly affected the lowland areas of Travancore and Cochin, leaving the highlands largely untouched. That has changed with deforestation, quarrying, construction, and denudation of hillsides.There were the floods of 2018, which affected the hills, especially in Munnar. A full mountainside fell 300 meters into a river there. Entire settlements were washed away. A total of 2,346mm of rain or 923 inches was recorded in July and August, almost 50% higher than the norm. 483 people were killed, with many more missing and unaccounted for. Infrastructure was wiped out, including roads and clean water supply. Dams had to be opened, wreaking havoc on those downstream. There is also the perennial threat of Mullaperiyar Dam overflowing or being breached, which is, among other things, a source of friction between Kerala and Tamil Nadu. Other root causes include the following: * Climate Change: A study by the World Weather Attribution group indicated that climate change has intensified rainfall in the region by about 10%, contributing significantly to the severity of the disaster. The ongoing increase in global temperatures has led to more extreme weather patterns, including heavier monsoon rains.* Soil Characteristics: Wayanad's soils are loose and erodible, particularly in areas with steep gradients exceeding 20 degrees. When saturated, these soils lose their structural integrity, making them susceptible to landslides. The presence of large boulders and mud further complicates the stability of the slopes during heavy rains.* Soil piping: Previous landslides in the region, such as the 2019 Puthumala event, created conditions for soil piping, where voids form in the subsurface soil, increasing the risk of subsequent landslides during heavy rainfall.* Lack of Effective Land Management Policies: There is a notable absence of comprehensive land use and disaster management policies in Kerala, particularly in ecologically fragile areas. Despite previous disasters, there has been insufficient progress in implementing hazard mapping and community awareness programs to mitigate risks associated with landslides.Thus Kerala is vulnerable to a host of issues, especially climate change (which is also eating away at the coastline). Behind the tropical paradise facade of “God's Own Country”, there lie tremendous dangers related to excessive human exploitation, amounting to ecocide. What is the solution? Maybe Madhav Gadgil was right, after all, and strict controls should be imposed on human activity, especially denudation of forest, and quarrying. His report had included Vythiri, Mananthavady and Sulthanbathery taluks in Wayanad as Ecologically Sensitive Zone ESZ-1, which means no change whatsoever in land use is permissible there. Chooralmala, Mundakkai, and Meppadi, where the worst of the disasters happened, are all in Vythiri taluk. No effective disaster prevention or mitigation efforts have been put in place. The only solution is reforesting and restoring green cover, and stopping construction, quarrying, and tourism and the most contentious issue, relocating people away from the ESZ. Unfortunately the tropical rainforest may not restore itself if simply left alone (as temperate-zone forests do), and perhaps efforts such as Miyawaki foresting with native species may need to be pursued.It is to be hoped that we have not passed the point of no return. Kerala's population is shrinking (Total Fertility Rate is 1.80, well below the replacement rate of 2.1 children per woman), but there is no limit to human greed.What needs to be done There are no magic solutions, but comprehensive climate action and improved disaster management strategies can mitigate things to an extent. Experts emphasize the importance of:* Enhanced Communication and Coordination: There is a critical need for better intergovernmental communication regarding disaster preparedness. This includes timely warnings and efficient evacuation plans to mitigate the impact of natural disasters.* Land Use Policies: Implementing stringent land use regulations is essential to prevent construction in ecologically sensitive areas. The degradation of green cover due to unregulated development has significantly increased the risk of landslides.* Early Warning Systems: Developing robust early warning systems for landslides and floods can provide crucial alerts to communities at risk. These systems should be supported by regular community education and drills to ensure residents are prepared for emergencies.* Afforestation and Environmental Conservation: Massive afforestation and reforestation drives (especially with native species) are necessary to stabilize hillsides and reduce landslide risks. Protecting and restoring natural habitats can help mitigate the effects of climate change and enhance biodiversity. Collaborating with local communities for reforestation projects can also provide economic incentives and foster a sense of stewardship.* Community Engagement: Empowering local communities to participate in disaster preparedness and environmental conservation efforts is vital. Education on risks and proactive measures can significantly reduce the impact of disasters.* Tourism Management: Over-tourism can exacerbate environmental degradation. Developing a sustainable tourism strategy that limits visitor numbers, promotes eco-friendly practices, and educates tourists about environmental conservation is essential. Establishing eco-tourism zones and supporting community-based tourism initiatives can provide economic benefits while preserving the natural environment.* Regulation of Quarrying and Construction: Strict regulation and monitoring of quarrying and construction activities are necessary to prevent ecological damage. Implementing sustainable practices in these industries, such as controlled quarrying methods and responsible waste management, can mitigate their impact on the environment. Regular audits and penalties for non-compliance can enforce these regulations.* Surveillance and meteorological data collection: With modern technology like drones, continuous monitoring of the landscape is possible at a relatively low cost; and this can also be used for collecting large amounts of meteorological data to support early-warning systems. Satellite images from India's own as well as foreign sources can be used to warn of dangerous construction, quarrying, and loss of forest cover. Some of these are purely technical solutions, offering computerized forecasts and disaster warnings. The social and governance aspects are even more important: discipline, co-operation and awareness on the part of the residents, and the strict enforcement of land use rules and regulations. Dealing with powerful settlers, encroachers, and vested interests requires a delicate balance of enforcement and negotiation, carrot and stick. Government agencies, non-governmental organizations (NGOs), and local communities must collaborate to develop and implement policies that address these challenges. Advocacy for stronger environmental laws and community involvement in decision-making processes can help align interests and foster co-operation.With all these in place, it may be possible to repair the damaged hills of the Western Ghats, one of the global hotspots of biodiversity. 2200 words, Aug 17, 2024 updated 3000 words, Aug 19 This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit rajeevsrinivasan.substack.com

Protecting the environment and promoting circular economy are important issues in Taiwan, particularly with the growing threat of climate change. To address this concern, the government elevated the Environment Protection Agency, making it a ministry… and in May this year, one of Taiwan's most noted weathermen and climate researchers took the helm. Environment Minister Peng Chi-ming goes in depth about the challenges facing Taiwan in this special edition of Taiwan Talk. Hosted by Tim Berge. -- Hosting provided by SoundOn

GUEST: Barry Penner, Chair for the Energy Futures Initiative, former Attorney General and Environment Minister of B.C. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

The rise of surge pricing - where could it strike next? GUEST: David Moscrop, Contributing Columnist with the Globe and Mail and the Washington Post, host of Open to Debate podcast, author, and researcher Why is B.C.'s program to provide affordable housing plagued with delays and high rents? GUEST: Tom Davidoff, Director of UBC's Centre for Urban Economics and Real Estate Will British Columbians finally make the leap to solar powered homes? GUEST: Dr. Kevin McLeod, Internal Medicine specialist at Lions Gate Hospital in North Vancouver, and Whitehorse Hospital in the Yukon Territory. Recently made the switch to a solar powered home Are B.C Hydro's energy conservation programs worth it? GUEST: Barry Penner, Chair for the Energy Futures Initiative, former Attorney General and Environment Minister of B.C. Olympic Wrap-Up - How did Team Canada do? GUEST: Rob Fai, Weekends Mornings on CKNW host and longtime sportscaster Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

The Government is sticking to its current timeline for suspending the establishment of Significant Natural Areas. It's set to legislate on its pre-election promise to do so in the coming months. Grey District Mayor Tania Gibson is trying to delay a costly re-mapping process on the West Coast that could restrict land use for up to 90 percent of the region - until the legislation has passed. Associate Environment Minister Andrew Hoggard says in the meantime, the West Coast Regional Policy Statement will have to follow the previous Government's policy. "And I'll just re-emphasise that we are intending to make changes to that NPS, that work's going to be done very shortly." LISTEN ABOVE  See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The farmer lobby group says the parties reached an agreement not to pursue their court case over carbon capture and storage in the Great Artesian Basin. 

The impact of Donald Trump's assassination on B.C and Canadian politics GUEST: Mario Canseco, President of the Research Co. Polling Company Prime Day - How Amazon gears up for their biggest event of the year  GUEST: Darkhan Urmurzin, senior operations manager at Amazon The fallout from Donald Trump's attempted assassination GUEST: Allan Lichtman, distinguished professor of History at American University in Washington, DC Has climate change turned B.C Hydro into a power importer? GUEST: Barry Penner, Chair for the Energy Futures Initiative, former Attorney General and Environment Minister of B.C. The hidden history of B.C's Sunshine Coast GUEST: Howard White, author of The Sunshine Coast: From Gibsons to Powell River B.C enhances transparency in information for international students GUEST: Ravi Parrar, B.C's Parliamentary Secretary for International Credentials Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

GUEST: Barry Penner, Chair for the Energy Futures Initiative, former Attorney General and Environment Minister of B.C. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

B.C's scorching heat drives demand for cooling through the roof GUEST: Barry Penner, Chair for the Energy Futures Initiative, former Attorney General and Environment Minister of B.C. B.C Lions update GUEST: Duane Vienneau, President of the B.C Lions The Week That Was in BC Politics GUEST: Keith Baldrey, Global BC Legislative Bureau Chief Box office bomb: Kevin Costner's Horizon sequel dumped  GUEST: Rick Forchuk, TV Week Magazine columnist and CKNW contributor Former White House policy advisor slams Dr. Bonnie Henry's drug legalization report GUEST: Dr. Kevin Sabet, former White House drug policy advisor to Republican and Democratic U.S Presidents The Wrap - Should George Clooney replace Joe Biden as President of the U.S & Should e-riders have to be licensed to drive?  Guest: Leah Holiove, TV Reporter and Radio Host GUEST: Sarah Daniels, real estate agent in South Surrey; author and broadcaster Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

GUEST: Barry Penner, Chair for the Energy Futures Initiative, former Attorney General and Environment Minister of B.C. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Eamon Ryan has confirmed he is stepping down as leader of the Green Party. His decision comes after the Greens lost both their seats in the European Parliament in the recent elections and although they did slightly better than expected in the locals, they still didn't fare that well, losing half their seats. The Environment Minister announced the news after Tuesday morning's Cabinet meeting. To assess what this means for Eamon Ryan, the Green Party and the Government, Alan Morrissey was joined by Green Party Senator, Roisín Garvey, and Fianna Fáil TD, Cathal Crowe. Picture (c): Eamon Ryan via greenparty.ie

Richard Wagner, Supreme Court Chief Justice; Steven Guilbeault, Environment Minister; The Front Bench with: Dan Moulton, Rudy Husny, Kathleen Monk & Laura Stone.

Andrew Lewin delves into the controversial topic of shark nets in Australia. While these nets are intended to protect beachgoers from certain shark species, they also harm non-targeted marine animals like sea turtles and dolphins. The discussion revolves around the effectiveness of shark nets in ensuring beach safety and the impact on ocean species. Join the conversation to learn more about the balance between human safety and marine conservation efforts. Link to article: https://www.theguardian.com/environment/2024/apr/30/more-than-90-of-marine-animals-caught-in-nsw-shark-nets-over-summer-were-non-target-species Follow a career in conservation: https://www.conservation-careers.com/online-training/ Use the code SUFB to get 33% off courses and the careers program.   Sign up for our Newsletter: http://www.speakupforblue.com/newsletter   Facebook Group: https://bit.ly/3NmYvsI Connect with Speak Up For Blue: Website: https://bit.ly/3fOF3Wf Instagram: https://bit.ly/3rIaJSG TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@speakupforblue Twitter: https://bit.ly/3rHZxpc YouTube: www.speakupforblue.com/youtube One of the key issues discussed in the podcast episode is the high rate of non-target species caught by shark nets in Australia. These nets, designed to prevent shark attacks on beachgoers, have caused significant harm to marine animals, including sea turtles, dolphins, and smaller sharks. The transcript reveals that more than half of the non-target species caught in the nets over the past eight months were killed, with 134 dead animals recorded. Among the casualties were critically endangered gray nurse sharks, endangered leatherback sea turtles, and loggerhead turtles. Data from the Humane Society International showed that out of all non-target animals caught, only 36% were released alive. Releasing non-target species from the nets is challenging, as animals like sea turtles and dolphins require air to breathe and may drown if not promptly freed. The issue of bycatch is worsened by the fact that the shark nets have a 12 to 1 ratio of non-target to target species caught, indicating a disproportionate impact on non-target marine animals. The harm inflicted on these non-target species by shark nets raises concerns about the effectiveness and ethical implications of using such methods for shark control. The podcast episode stresses the need to reassess shark net programs in Australia and explore alternative technologies to mitigate negative impacts on marine biodiversity. The discussion underscores the importance of considering the broader ecological consequences of shark netting practices and the urgency of finding more sustainable and species-specific solutions to protect both beachgoers and marine wildlife. A key point highlighted in the podcast episode is the lack of scientific evidence supporting the effectiveness of shark nets in reducing the risk of shark bites. Despite the installation of shark nets in Australia to prevent certain shark species from entering popular beaches, there is controversy surrounding their actual efficacy. The host mentions that shark scientists, based on their research and discussions within the shark science community, have not come across any scientific studies that definitively prove the effectiveness of shark nets in reducing the risk of shark bites. This lack of concrete evidence raises questions about the justification for using shark nets as a method of protecting beachgoers. Furthermore, a recent study mentioned in the episode revealed concerning statistics regarding the impact of shark nets on marine animals. More than 90% of the marine animals caught in shark nets off New South Wales beaches were non-target species, including sea turtles, dolphins, and smaller sharks. The data showed that a significant number of these non-target animals were killed as a result of being caught in the nets. The high percentage of non-target species caught and killed in shark nets raises ethical and conservation concerns. The bycatch of endangered species such as gray nurse sharks, leatherback sea turtles, and loggerhead turtles underscores the detrimental effects of shark nets on marine biodiversity. The episode also discusses the internal division within the Australian government regarding the shark net program. While some departments acknowledge the unavoidable nature of bycatch in shark nets, others, including the Environment Minister, have privately expressed support for ending the use of shark nets. This internal debate reflects the growing recognition of the negative consequences associated with shark nets. In conclusion, the lack of scientific evidence supporting the effectiveness of shark nets, coupled with the significant impact on non-target marine species, highlights the need for a reevaluation of shark net programs. The episode emphasizes the importance of considering alternative technologies and conservation strategies to protect both beachgoers and marine biodiversity effectively. The Minister of Environment in Australia, Penny Sharp, has privately voiced her support for ending the use of shark nets, a controversial issue that has sparked debate among advocates and government officials. Despite her private stance on the matter, Sharp has not publicly expressed her support for removing the shark nets, leading to frustration among conservationists and environmental groups. The debate surrounding the effectiveness and ethical implications of shark nets has been ongoing, with concerns raised about the high number of non-target species, such as sea turtles, dolphins, and smaller sharks, that are caught and killed in the nets. A recent study revealed that more than 90% of marine animals caught in shark nets off New South Wales beaches were non-target species, including critically endangered gray nurse sharks and endangered sea turtles. Advocates like Andre Burrell from the Envoy Foundation have called for more transparency and public engagement on the issue, emphasizing the need for government officials, including the Minister of Environment, to take a more active role in addressing the concerns surrounding shark nets. Burrell highlighted the importance of public advocacy and government leadership in moving towards alternative technologies or strategies to protect beachgoers while minimizing harm to marine wildlife. The Minister of Environment's private support for ending the use of shark nets underscores the complexity of the issue and the need for a comprehensive review of current shark management practices. By openly addressing the concerns raised by conservationists and considering alternative approaches to shark mitigation, the Australian government can work towards a more sustainable and effective solution that balances the safety of beachgoers with the protection of marine biodiversity.  

Flavio Volpe, Automotive Parts Manufacturers Association & David Adams, Global Automakers of Canada; Steven Guilbeault, Environment Minister; The Front Bench with: Sabrina Grover, Shakir Chambers, Kathleen Monk & Laura Stone 

Guest: Barry Penner, Chair for the Energy Futures Initiative, former Attorney General and Environment Minister of B.C. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Stay in your lane! Vancouver approves 30 km/h limit in local roads (0:34) Guest: Pete Fry, Green Party Vancouver City Councillor Showtime - Why can't A-list directors get their films greenlit? (15:00) Guest: Marc Staehling, CKNW's in-house movie expert, and executive producer for AM 730 The Week That Was in B.C. Politics (23:30) Guest: Keith Baldrey, Global B.C. Legislative Bureau Chief Massive challenges ahead for B.C.'s energy transition (36:34) Guest: Barry Penner, Chair for the Energy Futures Initiative, former Attorney General and Environment Minister of B.C. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

The David Suzuki Foundation called Steven Guilbeault a "well-respected leader from the environmental movement" when he became Canada's Minister of Environment and Climate Change. He drops by our studio to talk about the carbon tax, climate change and more.

Is Mike nuts? This week's MoneyTalks is all about housing and having an "adult conversation" about immigration with Aaron Wudrick, Director of Domestic Policy Program at the MacDonald-Laurier Institute. Don't miss the latest "Goofy" from Canada's Environment Minister. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Environment Minister, Tanya Plibersek, accuses Opposition Leader, Peter Dutton, of helping people smugglers advertise; and, in swimming, the Dolphins win two more gold medals for Australia at the world swimming championships.

Eamon Ryan, Environment Minister, discusses the Climate Action Plan 2024 which was approved by Government yesterday.

Senior writer Frances Stead Sellers speaks with Maisa Rojas, Chile's environment minister and a climate scientist who played a central role in the establishment of a loss and damage fund to support vulnerable countries after climate disasters about the next steps for the fund, what she hopes will be achieved at COP28 in Dubai and the impact of climate change on Latin America. Conversation recorded on Monday, November 27, 2023.

The West African bloc ECOWAS deadline for Niger's coup leaders to reinstate the democratically elected President has passed with no change. So what's ECOWAS going to do about it? And what do people in Niger want? Also in the programme: Brazil's Environment Minister tells us it's now or never to save the Amazon rainforest ahead of President Lula's summit. And as scientists in California repeat their nuclear fusion success, is it really "the holy grail" of green power?