The Environment
Obama blocks climate change agreement
By Stefan Steinberg, November 18, 2009
Last Sunday, Obama gave his consent to a plan worked out at the Asia Pacific Economic Cooperation summit in Singapore which effectively blocks any decision on concrete steps to combat global warming a...
UN climate change meeting
No agreement between major powers on carbon emissions
By Tom Eley, September 23, 2009
Tuesday’s global warming summit failed to ease differences among the major powers in advance of a December treaty conference in Copenhagen.
Australian government downplays huge oil slick
By Frank Gaglioti, September 7, 2009
A major oil and gas rupture from the West Atlas mobile offshore drilling rig off the northwestern coast of Australia is threatening to become a major environmental disaster. The leakage is unlikely to...
US: Government study finds widespread mercury contamination
By Dan Brennan, September 3, 2009
Mercury is polluting streams across the country with alarming frequency, according to a study published last month by US Geological Survey.
US military and intelligence agencies identify climate change as “national security” threat
By Patrick O'Connor, August 11, 2009
US military and intelligence agencies are studying the strategic implications of global warming, including preparations for military interventions, the New York Times reported Sunday.
US House passes Obama administration’s carbon trading legislation
By Patrick O'Connor, June 29, 2009
On Friday, the US House of Representatives narrowly approved Democratic-sponsored legislation for a national “cap and trade” carbon emissions scheme.
Scientists issue dire warning on rising sea levels
By Dan Brennan, April 2, 2009
Scientists meeting in Copenhagen last month issued dire warnings about the rapid rate of climate change and the growing threat of rising sea levels.
Australian state government in damage control over major oil spill
By Richard Phillips, March 18, 2009
A huge oil spill off the coastline of south-east Queensland is the latest example of government indifference and the inadequacy of critical emergency services and infrastructure to cope with disasters...
Worst coal ash spill in US history ruins huge area in Tennessee
By Mike Bryan, January 10, 2009
On December 22, a massive sludge impoundment in eastern Tennessee gave way, releasing over a billion gallons of toxic coal byproduct into the surrounding area.
Australian Greens pledge fiscal responsibility: we are “sensible and mainstream”
By Laura Tiernan, November 14, 2008
With support for the Australian Greens on the rise, the party’s leaders have been quick to demonstrate their support for Labor and the corporate elite.
Australia: Climate change, the Garnaut report, and the profit system
By Patrick O’Connor, September 17, 2008
The Labor government’s Garnaut Climate Change Review has effectively concluded that within the existing international political and social framework, dangerous and potentially irreversible global wa...
Stockholm conference told 1 billion people without access to safe water
By Barry Mason, September 10, 2008
World Water Week, attended by around 2,500 scientists, government and civil society representatives from 140 countries, took place in Stockholm last month. It was held under the auspices of the Stockh...
