Climate change threatens inland water security: Report

Water security remains a major challenge for Australia. As the driest continent on the planet, our inland waterways are a precious yet threatened resource. Pollution from non-environmental cleaning products and overuse from thirsty industries present a tough challenge for policymakers.

The latest report card into Australia’s environmental health has identified climate change as the biggest threat facing inland water systems.

It has called for better management to sustain our river systems and keep them environmentally-friendly. Liquid pollution, including waterways contaminated by non-environmental cleaning products, are also threatening the health of our rivers and lakes.

The State of the Environment 2011 report was released by the Gillard Government in December.

The independent assessment – the fourth in a series tabled in Federal Parliament every five years – examines the state of the atmosphere, land, biodiversity, coast and marine environment, inland waters, heritage and built environment and the Antarctic.

It looks at the impact of climate change and population on the environment.

Environment Minister Tony Burke said development had taken a significant toll on Australia’s natural resources. Major environmental cleaning productions are needed in some areas to restore water and land habitats.

“The report provides a big-picture view of what Australia’s doing right, what we could do better, and what more we need to know to target our management responses,” Mr Burke said.

“We are turning things around on some counts but, on others, we are still facing challenges with the legacy of centuries of over-consumption and pollution of our environmental resources.”

Green revolution lobbyists warn the report sounds an “urgent alarm’ about the health of Australia’s environment.

“The report itself states that ‘the prognosis for the environment at a national level is highly dependent on how seriously the Australian Government takes its leadership role,” Australian Conservation Foundation campaigns director Denise Boyd said. She said the most urgent findings included:

• Identifying climate change as the ‘largest future threat’ to inland water sources remaining eco-friendly (industrial liquids including fertilisers also continue to contaminate catchments);
• Land clearing had continued at a rate of one million hectares per year for the past decade;
• Since 2006 the East Antartic Ice Sheet had lost about 60 billion tonnes of ice each year; and
• The Southern Ocean is warming faster than anywhere else in the world.

Inland water threat

The report identified increased demand for water as a major challenge facing Australia.

Fresh inland water supplies have been under threat from years of drought and restoring environmental flows was critical to keeping systems eco-friendly. Liquid products including desalinated sea water and recycled wastewater would reduce reliance on river and lake systems but would carry other environmental costs, including increased energy consumption.

The 2011 State of the Environment Report is another warning card for Australian policymakers. Water-thirsty industry – from irrigators to miners – will need to continue to find water-saving measures to ensure future water security.

Reducing water pollution is another step toward preserving our waterways. Leading Perth-based environmental cleaning products suppliers Envirosafe Solutions has a range of non-toxic, biodegradable products to replace toxic chemicals including anti-bacterial hand wash, rubber remover and fuel conditioners. For more information contact 1300 88 90 70 or email info@evss.com.au.

Sources:

http://acfonline.org.au/articles/news.asp?news_id=3585

http://www.environment.gov.au/soe/2011/report/key-findings.html#inland-water

http://www.environment.gov.au/minister/burke/2011/mr20111212a.html

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Trucking industry’s grants submission driving a greener future

The trucking industry has been making inroads into reducing its impact on the planet. From cleaner fuels and eco-driving strategies to using environmental cleaning products, this heavy-polluting sector is building a greener image. It has called for increased government support as it prepares for the impact of the carbon tax.

The trucking industry has called for amendments to a government grant scheme aimed at softening the impact of the carbon tax.

Peak industry body the Australian Trucking Association has released an extensive submission on the draft guidelines for the Energy Efficiency Information Grants Program.

The $40M Federal Government scheme is aimed at offsetting some of the costs of the $23 per tonne carbon tax, which comes into effect from July this year.

In its submission, the ATA has drawn on key contributing factors that lead to the success of its TruckSafe program. The program has helped make small-to-medium sized operators more environmentally friendly Liquid gas (LNG), better driving techniques and more modern systems have helped reduce greenhouse gas emissions.

ATA chief executive Stuart St Clair said the grants were designed to improve energy efficiency and reduce costs.

“Trucking businesses will face higher costs from 1 July 2012 when their suppliers put up their prices to respond to the carbon price. The Government plans to impose the carbon price on the fuel used by trucking businesses from 1 July 2014, although the ATA will continue arguing against it,” Mr St Clair said.

“Trucking operators will need to pass their increased costs on to their customers, but their ability to pass on their costs will be limited by their existing contract arrangements and lack of market power. Many trucking businesses are locked into long term contracts. Small trucking businesses often feel forced to accept the rates they are offered, even if the terms are unfavourable.”

The trucking sector faces many challenges as it strives to become more eco-friendly. Industrial liquid waste and greenhouse gas emissions are major polluting issues.

Mr St Clair said the grants would not only help operators join the green revolution, but also help soften the impact of carbon tax pressures.

“As well as providing advice on energy efficiency, industry associations need to be able to provide their members with advice on how to improve their business practices to cope with the carbon price. This could include guidance on best practice contracts, adjusting fuel levies and the law relating to carbon price claims.”

In its submission the ATA has called for the scheme to be broadened toinclude energy efficiency standards and audit tools for industry-run accreditation programs.

Leading Perth-based environmental cleaning products company Envirosafe Solutions has been working with the transport sector to provide eco-friendly liquid products to replace harsh chemicals. From dust-suppressors to glass cleaner, radiator coolant, rust remover and industrial hand cleaners there’s a solution for every problem. For more information contact Envirosafe Solutions’ on 1300 88 90 70 or email info@evss.com.au.

Sources:

http://www.atatruck.net.au/media/media-releases/use-energy-efficiency-grants-improve-business-practices

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Mining drains aquifers at expense of farming: CCWA

A review into groundwater allocations by the Western Australian Government has highlighted concerns over its ‘first-in, first-served’ approach. Conservationists argue big mining companies are taking too much and that to be more environmentally friendly, liquid groundwater should be reserved for food production and ecosystems.

Groundwater resources are being drained by mining projects at the expense of farming, according to conservationists.

The Conservation Council of WA has launched a campaign to protect groundwater as part of a State Government review into the system.

Concerns over the scarcity of water resources and poor quality – due to contamination from non-environmental cleaning products and other pollutants – continue to dominate water policy debate.

“Without groundwater in Western Australia we cannot produce food, and our ecosystems cannot survive,” according to the CCWA.

“Yet the State Government is giving away billions of litres of our precious groundwater for free to the mining industry under a water allocation policy that prioritises mining over the environment and food production.”

Water requirements are high at remote mining sites and contribute to the sector’s non-eco-friendly image. Industrial liquid waste and the vast amounts of water required for washing iron ore are among the issues facing mining.

The CCWA said that mining activities placed a significant drain on groundwater resources and that:

• A single mine was allocated nearly 90 per cent of an entire Mid-West Aquifer (five billion litres of water per year) to wash iron ore at the expense of farmers in the region;
• The collie coal industry used nearly 50 billion litres of groundwater each year, which was not eco-friendly.

Liquid products used by the sector also contributed to soil and water pollution (although environmental cleaning products such as solvent-free degreasers were helping to address this).

WA Water Minister Bill Marmion said that under the current groundwater allocation system, access to groundwater was granted on a ‘first-in, first-served’ policy.

“As more of our groundwater and surface water areas come closer to full allocation, and as competition for water increases, this policy is becoming less effective for making sure we get the best value from our water resources,” he said.

A discussion paper into groundwater allocations has proposed using market mechanisms such as an auction once resources reached 70 per cent of their capacity.

Opposition to current allocation policy has been extreme. Greens MLC Alison Xamon said the decision to grant Mid West miner Gindalbie Metals access to more than 80 per cent of water allocation rights to a local aquifer highlighted the problems.

“There doesn’t seem to have been any consideration of the future of the community who live above the aquifer,” Ms Xamon said. “As a result of this decision, the future expansion of agriculture in the region has been hamstrung.”

Leading Perth supplier of environmental cleaning products, Envirosafe Solutions, has been working with the mining sector to reduce water and soil contamination. Switching from toxic cleaners to eco-friendly industrial liquids has helped the sector improve its environmental credentials. For more information on Envirosafe Solutions’ Extreme Green range contact 1300 88 90 70 or email info@evss.com.au.

Sources:

http://ccwa.org.au/content/protect-our-groundwater-environment-and-food-production

http://www.mediastatements.wa.gov.au/Pages/default.aspx?ItemId=144207

http://au.news.yahoo.com/thewest/regional/countryman/a/-/news/10308580/probe-on-wa-water-allocation/

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Water quality tests make CSG miners accountable: Santos

The company behind a major Queensland gas project is making its groundwater testing results public. Gas giant Santos has announced it will publish water quality test results online to allay community concerns over coal seam gas mining and environmental impacts. Like cleaning products, chemicals used in the process can taint precious waterways.

The results of water testing near a major Liquefied Natural Gas (LNG) project at Gladstone in Queensland will be made public.

In what has been hailed an Australian-first, resources giant Santos has launched an online portal (http://www.santoswaterportal.com.au) showing Surat and Bowen Basin water testing results.

“From today, all members of the community will be able to access the results of all our water quality and bore level testing thoughout our CST operations in the Surat and Bowen  Basins,” Santos GLNG president Mark Macfarlane said.

The coal seam gas industry has been plagued by concern over the possible contamination of underground water aquifers as a result of the mining technique, known as fracking. Critics claim the process of forcing water, sand and chemicals into rock seams to force out trapped methane is not eco-friendly. Industrial liquid waste management is a key issue as is the contamination of water supplies from the non-environmentally friendly liquid fracking cocktail.

Mr Macfarlane said the new online water results portal brought a new level of accountability to coal seam gas mining.

“We have done this because we want to be completely open and accountable with the community in relation to the impact of CSG activities on water quality and groundwater levels,” he said.

“We are confident these results will show that our work is not adversely impacting the aquifers from where farmers draw their water. We believe it will demonstrate that CSG can proceed in a sustainable way, in a manner that will have no impact on the viability of the Great Artesian Basin, as extensive scientific research has concluded.”

Gladstone LNG project

The Gladstone project will convert the methane from coal seam gas mining into LNG, which has become a major export for Australia.

The first cargoes of LNG from the project are earmarked for 2015. The project is a partnership between Australia’s largest domestic gas producer, Santos, Malaysian LNG producer Petronas, French oil and gas company Total and major LNG buyer Kogas.

The project is predicted to produce between 7.8 and 10 million tonnes per annum of LNG.

The industry claims LNG has less environmental impacts than other fossil fuels, producing substantially less greenhouse gas emissions.

The green revolution movement has rejected this, claiming CSG mining (and its related non-eco-friendly liquid products) and LNG conversion, storage and transport carry enormous environmental risks.

Concern over long-term impacts of toxic chemicals has been a major motivator for leading Australian environmental cleaning products company Envirosafe Solution. The Perth-based supplier has an Extreme Green range including rust remover, radiator coolant and rubber remover. For information on eco-friendly mining products contact Envirosafe Solutions’ on 1300 88 90 70 or email info@evss.com.au.

Sources:

http://www.santoswaterportal.com.au/

http://www.glng.com.au/Content.aspx?p=55

http://www.glng.com.au/library/Santos%20GLNG%20Water%20Portal%20Media%20Release.pdf

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Nearly 70% of Australians support CSG moratorium: Poll

It appears most Australians are sympathetic to the plight of farming communities in NSW and Queensland opposed to coal seam gas mining. A recent opinion poll has shown support for a moratorium on the controversial process – at least until environmentally-friendly liquids are used to extract the methane trapped deep underground.

Most Australians support the push for a moratorium on coal seam gas mining, according to a new Galaxy poll released by the Australian Greens.

A poll of 1048 people has found that 68 per cent of us want coal seam gas projects to be halted until environmental impacts are better known.

This includes the possible contamination of underground water aquifers due to the extraction process, known as fracking. Critics claim this is not eco-friendly: Industrial liquids forced into the gas seams in underground rock contain water, sand and chemicals.

This chemical cocktail has been linked to contamination of groundwater in Wyoming by the US Environmental Protection Agency.

Community concern

Greens leader Senator Bob Brown said of those polled, 70 per cent wanted an outright ban on CSG mining in cities and towns. He said the poll was conducted across age groups and that those surveyed were a cross-section of the community, including rural, regional and city areas of each state.

“There is overwhelming support from the Australian people for a moratorium on this potentially devastating industry,” Senator Brown said.

Queensland Greens Senator Larissa Waters said protecting groundwater in agricultural areas was critical to Australia’s food security.

“The stampede for profits from coal seam gas risks Australia’s best food-growing land and its underground water supplies – food security should be beyond politics,” Senator Waters said.

“You can’t eat coal and you can’t drink gas.”

What are the risks?

Coal seam gas industry players argue methane produces greener energy than coal-fired power.

There have been moves to make the fracking process more eco-friendly. Liquid fracking products using a group of volatile organic compounds known as BTEX have been banned in Australia. A new more environmentally-friendly liquid using sand, salts, polymers and water is being hailed as ‘greener chemistry’.

Critics still argue this fracking cocktail is far from eco-friendly. Industrial liquid waste from drilling wells is highly saline and needs to be properly managed.

They are concerned that any contamination of groundwater or surface water is hard to contain. Green revolution proponents point to the irony of drilling for methane on prime farming land – claiming methane can be better produced from cow, pig, chicken or vegetable waste.

Chemicals can have a devastating environmental and health legacy. Envirosafe Solutions is a leading supplier of environmental cleaning products. The all Australian company has an Extreme Green range which delivers effective results while being gentler on the environment. For more information contact Envirosafe Solutions’ on 1300 88 90 70 or email info@evss.com.au.

Sources:

http://greens.org.au/content/survey-shows-majority-want-coal-seam-gas-moratorium

http://directaction.org.au/issue29/growing_opposition_to_coal_seam_gas_mining

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More science needed into CSG impacts: Senate report

Concern over the environmental impact of coal seam gas mining is rising. Communities affected by the new mining boom in Queensland and NSW have welcomed a recent Senate committee report calling for a moratorium on all new projects pending scientific research, particularly into the non-eco-friendly industrial liquids used.

A moratorium should be placed on any future coal seam gas mining projects until more scientific research is conducted, according to a Federal Senate committee.

The committee’s interim report was handed down in late November, 2011 with a final report due in June 2012.

The 24 recommendations contained in the report are aimed at addressing concerns over coal seam gas mining, which critics claim is far from eco-friendly. Industrial liquid waste water is highly saline and can contain chemical residues, which must be disposed of carefully.

The process for extracting the coal seam gas, known as hydraulic fracturing or fracking, involves forcing a cocktail of chemicals, water and sand into rock cracks to pump out trapped methane.

While methane produces 40 per cent less greenhouse gases than coal-fired power, mining it is not eco-friendly. Liquid products forced deep underground to extract the gas have been linked to pollution of underground water aquifers.

Debate over fracking is extreme. Green MPs, environmental activities and farming communities have called for an immediate halt to any new developments pending more research into whether it’s environmentally friendly. Liquid groundwater contamination would be dire in key farming areas and near drinking water supplies and rivers.

The Senate report has recommended:

• A moratorium on future CST mining pending an independent assessment of Earth surface movements and whether salt and brine residue can be removed;
• Due consideration of the impact of CSG mining on surrounding areas with a permanent ban in strategic cropping land;
• The area where the Murray-Darling Basin and Great Artesian Basin overlap should be off-limits pending the results of at least two scientific studies;
• A review of the chemicals used in the fracking process (like non-environmental cleaning products, some of these chemicals are carcinogenic).

A ban has been placed on the most dangerous batch known as BTEX. These volatile organic compounds –  benzene, toluene, ethylbenzene and xylene – have been used in non-eco-friendly industrial fracking liquids. The fracking process itself has also been found to release naturally occurring BTEX, according to the Greens.

The senate committee has acknowledged community opposition to CSG mining, but argued that with careful controls the sector could co-exist peacefully with farmers.

It has said communities should reap the benefits of the booming CSG industry, which it predicts may only last for another 50 years.

Chemicals used in coal seam methane extraction, like non-environmental cleaning products, risk groundwater and soil pollution.

Leading supplier of eco-friendly industrial liquids Envirosafe Solutions has been working with the mining sector to reduce reliance on harmful chemicals. Its Extreme Green range includes solvent-free degreasers, hard-water laundry liquid, industrial hand cleaner and fuel conditioners and treatments. For information on non-toxic solutions to reduce your environmental footprint contact Envirosafe Solutions’ on 1300 88 90 70 or email info@evss.com.au.

Sources:

http://news.smh.com.au/breaking-news-national/senate-committee-wants-csg-mining-to-halt-20111130-1o6ll.html

http://greens.org.au/content/greens-welcome-belated-btex-ban-csg

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NSW coal mine fined over creek pollution

A NSW coal mine has been fined for polluting a nearby creek with wastewater containing detergent and effluent. The contamination has highlighted the need for the mining sector to take its environmental obligations seriously. Switching from toxic chemicals to environmental cleaning products is a simple step toward a greener industry.

The operators of the Austar Coal mine in NSW have been fined more than $115,000 over pollution which leaked from its site into a nearby creek in July 2010.

The company was convicted in the NSW Land and Environment Court on December 12, 2011.

It was ordered to pay $75,000 toward environmental rehabilitation of the contaminated site and $42,000 in legal costs.

The mine operates about 10km south-west of Cessnock in NSW’s Newcastle Coalfields. Wastewater containing detergent and effluent leaked into nearby Bellbird Creek, creating a toxic environment for aquatic life.

The mining sector has struggled against public perception that it is not environmentally-friendly. Liquid waste management can be more effectively tackled when eco-friendly industrial liquids are used instead of dangerous chemicals.

EPA chief environmental regulator Mark Gifford said the fine “reflected the need for companies such as Austar to take every precaution to ensure that pollution doesn’t occur”.

“The wastewater contained detergent and effluent from bathhouse facilities located on the Austar site and caused large clumps of white foam up to two metres high to be washed downstream,” he said.

“The elevated levels of detergent, nutrients and faecal matter along approximately 2km of Bellbird Creek were toxic to aquatic life.”

“This incident could have been prevented if Austar had an appropriate system in place to inspect, monitor and maintain the 90-year-old onsite septic system.”

Leading Australian environmental cleaning products supplier Envirosafe Solutions’ director Murray Simon said that there were alternative products available that reduced the risk of chemical pollution.

The Perth-based company has recently incorporated a greywater safety rating on its product labels.

“Choosing environmentally friendly liquids over more toxic chemicals is one really easy way to improve your environmental credentials and reduce your impact on our precious waterways,” Mr Simon said.

“None of our products contain any added sulphate or other cheap but unnecessary fillers.

“One example is our low-phosphate laundry-powder, which is still highly effective in hardwater conditions common at remote mining sites.

“Australian soils are mostly deficient in phosphorous so there are possible benefits from phosphorous in greywater discharge, but if this finds its water into waterways it can promote toxic algal blooms.”

For more information on reducing the risk of chemical pollution by switching to eco-friendly industrial liquids contact Envirosafe Solutions’ on 1300 88 90 70 or email info@evss.com.au.

Sources:

http://www.miningaustralia.com.au/news/Coal-mine-fined

http://www.environment.nsw.gov.au/media/DecMedia11121301.htm

http://www.envirosafesolutions.com.au/about_menu.php?id=11

http://www.austarcoalmine.com.au/

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Marine parks opposed by WA Fisheries Minister

The threat to fish stocks from commercial fishing has prompted a raft of conservation measures. Proposed marine parks along sections of Australia’s coastal waters are aimed at restoring delicate ecosystems and environmental conservation. Cleaning product chemicals and pollution combine with overfishing to present a challenge for conservationists.

Proposed marine parks aimed at preserving fish stocks have been opposed by Western Australia’s Fisheries Minister.

Norman Moore has said the impact of a marine park network would be extreme. Greenactivists have welcomed government plans to introduce the parks to restore fish stocks.

Mr Moore said WA’s fisheries were “some of the best managed in the world” and that its marine environment was “well-managed” and eco-friendly. Liquid products including chemicals found in industrial and household wastewater, plastic pollution and oil spills also threaten marine environments.

Conservationists have argued for the formation of the marine parks to provide a protected habitat for fish and other marine species.

Mr Moore has argued against a ban on fishing in these zones.

“I do not see the need for the extensive network of ‘no take’ zones proposed by the Commonwealth,” he said.

“WA’s fisheries are regarded as some of the best managed in the world. I do not support the ‘lock up’ of an area if other management systems and processes can be implemented to protect certain species and biodiversity values.”

In recent years catch quotas for rock lobster and demersal scalefish have been halved to ensure commercial fishing sustainability.

Conservationists believe the catch reduction shows local fish stocks have been overfished beyond what is considered environmentally-friendly. Liquid marine breeding sanctuaries would provide a breeding ground for threatened species.

“There doesn’t appear to be any evidence that rock lobster are recovering,” University of WA Oceans Institute research professor Jessica Meeuwig has said.

“There’s been no published evidence on the recovery of dhufish, baldchin grouper and these are species only found in WA. Of the four local shark species, two are at unacceptable levels of breeding stock.”

Commercial fishing activities are not the only threat to fish stocks, according to the WA Conservation Council’s Tim Nicol. He says research points to recreational fishing as having a significant environmental impact. Cleaning products and other pollutants are also threatening ocean health.

“In WA the most researched and threatened fish are the demersal reef fish and in particular the WA Dhufish,” Mr Nicol said.

“Estimates in 2005/2006 show recreational fishers took 319 tonnes of fish compared to commercial fishers who took 163.9 tonnes – meaning recreational fishers took 66.1 per cent of the catch.”

Improving ocean health and fish stocks requires a concerted effort by commercial and recreational sectors as well as polluting industries, including off-shore mining operations.

Eco-friendly industrial liquids offer a solution to the traditional chemicals which add to marine pollution. Leading environmental cleaning products company Envirosafe Solutions’ Extreme Green range includes biodegradable marine glass cleaner and solvent-free degreasers. For more information on safe, hardworking environmentally friendly liquids contact Envirosafe Solutions’ on 1300 88 90 70 or email info@evss.com.au.

Sources:

http://www.perthnow.com.au/news/special-features/dont-lock-up-our-fisheries-urges-minister/story-e6frg19l-1226171095771

http://ccwa.org.au/blogs/does-recreational-fishing-impact-fish-stocks-and-environment

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LNG gears up as a viable alternative to diesel

Liquefied Natural Gas (LNG) has been heralded as an alternative to diesel for the fuel-thirsty transport industry. The opening of the first Micro-LNG processing plant in Tasmania in February was touted as a step toward a more eco-friendly industry. Liquid natural gas appears promising but questions remain over its environmental credentials.

The opening of a new micro-LNG plant in Westbury, Tasmania, in February was a milestone for a technology which could potentially transform Australian transport industry.

LNG has emerged as a promising alternative fuel source to replace diesel for the heavy vehicle transport sector. Promoted as an environmentally friendly liquid, LNG has been limited by a lack of a distribution network.

The development of the micro-plant and associated supply chain was described as a significant achievement.

“Developments such as this micro-plant and associated supply infrastructure reduce the ‘chicken and egg’ nexus between fuel and vehicle supply that has stymied the uptake of LNG in the past,” Federal Minister for Resources and Energy martin Ferguson said.

“LNG can help the heavy-duty vehicle transport industry achieve significant fuel savings and emission reductions compared with diesel.

“Australia’s LNG production is going from strength to strength and projects such as this one which bring together innovation and investment are an example of the many opportunities on offer in the industry.”

What is LNG

LNG is a natural gas consisting primarily of methane which has been cooled to minus 161 degrees to reach a liquid state. Considered to be an environmentally-friendly liquid, the product is reduced in volume from its gaseous form by more than 600 times.

It is considered a safe environmentally-friendly liquid because it is not flammable or explosive.

LNG exports

Australia has become a major exporter of LNG and has been tipped to become the world’s biggest exporter by 2020.

LNG exports for 2009-10 were valued at $7.8 billion and new investments such as the micro-LNG plant in Westbury are increasing its availability to local networks.

Environmental impact

Oil giant BOC (the company behind the Westbury plant) describes LNG as an environmentally-friendly liquid releasing up to 20 per cent less greenhouse gases than diesel.

It has identified LNG as the cleanest burning fossil fuel which could reduce carbon dioxide emissions and provide an economical and environmental alternative for the transport industry.

Opponents argue the resources being pumped into LNG will reduce the viability of more sustainable, renewable energy sources in the future. They cite production of LNG as a major contributor to greenhouse gases including:

• Extraction techniques in particular coal seam gas mining;
• Production plants and the process of transforming the gas into a liquid;
• Transportation including exports overseas;
• The need to turn LNG back into a gas;

Methane, a major component of LNG, has also been described as more potent a greenhouse gas than carbon dioxide.

The way forward

Despite still being considered by some as another dirty fossil-fuel, LNG looks set to offer a viable alternative to diesel for Australia’s transport sector in the future.

While not totally environmentally-friendly, liquid natural gas developments signal a commitment toward reducing greenhouse gas emissions. Other measures include switching from traditional chemical cleaners and treatments to eco-friendly industrial liquids.

Perth-based environmental cleaning products suppliers Envirosafe Solutions has been working with the heavy transport industry to deliver powerful, non-toxic products ideal for the workshop. Its Extreme Green range includes fuel treatment Diesel Bug Killer, which improves performance while reducing emissions. For more information on Diesel Bug Killer or other environmental cleaning products contact Envirosafe Solutions’ on 1300 88 90 70 or email info@evss.com.au.

Sources:

Transport

http://www.primemovermag.com.au/news/article/cleaner-greener-transport

http://www.ret.gov.au/resources/upstream_petroleum/australian_liquefied_natural_gas/pages/home.aspx

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We’re in for more heatwaves, stronger cyclones: IPCC Report

More heatwaves and severe cyclones have been forecast by what has been described as the definitive verdict on climate change. More than 100 authors have contributed to the Special Report released by the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC). A summary of the 800-page tome presents a grim scenario.

Climate change is resulting in more extreme weather events according to a landmark report released by the IPCC in November, 2011.

The report brings together the work of more than 100 authors from across the globe, including Australia, and has been regarded as the final word on climate change, despite continued scepticism by green revolutioncritics.

The report claims:

• Temperatures have become more extreme – hotter and colder days are being experienced across the globe due to rising greenhouse gases;
• The frequency of hot days will increase by a factor of 10 in most regions of the world;
• More intense and longer droughts have been observed;
• Tropical cyclones are expected to become more severe, with heavier rain and stronger winds although their frequency is likely to remain the same or decrease.

IPCC Working Group II co-chair Chris Field said while the scenarios contained in the report were grim, there was scope for environmentally friendly action. Liquid acid rain, air pollution, rising ocean levels and water shortages should trigger reform, not despair.

“We hope this report can be a scientific foundation for sound decisions on infrastructure, urban development, public health, and insurance as well as for planning – from community organisations to international disaster risk management,” he said.

Australia’s Climate Change and Energy Efficiency minister Greg Combet welcomed the release of the Special Report.

“This report demonstrates that globally, climate change is likely to lead to more heatwaves, heavy rainfall and coastal inundation and droughts and tropical cyclones are projected to become more intense,” Mr Combet said.

“Australians are well acquainted with the devastating impacts of extreme events. In the past two years, much of the eastern states have been significantly impacted by events including heatwaves, bushfires, extreme flooding and cyclones.”

Climate change has been compounded by other environmental challenges, including increased pollution. The rise of a so-called ‘throw-away society’ has increased plastic waste while non-environmental cleaning products has contributed to water and soil pollution.

While threats are extreme, green activities believe positive social and policy change can stem climate change impacts.

“”The Government is working to reduce the severity of these impacts by reducing our carbon pollution as part of international efforts to tackle climate change, and adapting to the impacts that cannot be avoided,” Mr Combet said.

The green revolution underway among everyday Australians has been noticeable.

Australian environmental cleaning company Envirosafe Solution believes environmental concerns are driving the business sector toward more sustainable practices.

“The green revolution is becoming more mainstream,” Envirosafe Solutions director Murray Simon said. “There is a real acceptance that as consumers of the Earth’s natural resources we have reached a critical point. Small changes to the way we live our lives and run our businesses are creating positive change.”

For more information on making the switch away from harsh chemicals toward eco-friendly industrial liquids contact Envirosafe Solutions’ on 1300 88 90 70 or email info@evss.com.au.

Sources:

http://www.climatechange.gov.au/minister/greg-combet/2011/media-releases/November/mr20111119.aspx

http://ipcc-wg2.gov/SREX/images/uploads/SREX-SPM_Approved-HiRes_opt.pdf

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Eco Friendly Industrial Steel

In the past decade, both steel and lumber companies have received a great deal of bad press and publicity due to their seemingly detrimental effects upon the earth. While an argument can be made in support of either side, it is especially important to examine just exactly how these companies run their operations. Even ecologically sensitive people know that sometimes we need good steel and lumber, and sometimes these materials can be recovered and renovated from old structures to use in new structures. In fact, many current home improvement and home building television shows active illustrate how they took wood or steel from a previous, dilapidated building or home and reused it, with just as much practicality, in a new construction project. Environmentalists the world over often protest at how much waste can be avoided by using recovered and reestablished materials from torn down buildings or places which have fallen into disrepair.

While industrial steel used in foundations and in core structures of buildings is typically brand new, many companies, interior decorators, and architects are recommending, using, and publicly supporting the use of recovered wood and steel in the use of non-supporting facades, stylistic design, and even in core branding. Companies enjoy doing this because their headquarters can sometimes be lavish, seemingly costly structures which may not appeal to more hardcore environmentalists, but the use of recovered materials often softens their public image and helps them to seem more earth friendly. As any marketing strategist can tell you, in the eyes of the consumer, perception IS reality. If a company is perceived as eco friendly, or at the very least lenient on the subject, their image is more approachable, cleaner, and safer in the minds of their customers.

Envirosafe Solutions supports all use of effectively and safely recovered material in the use of new building and construction projects. We can take better care of our planet if we watch how well we manage our resources. For more information on using eco friendly surfactants, degreasers, and glass cleaners in your business, call us today: (+61) 1300 88 90 70.

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Setting An Example

One of the reasons why businesses are so eager to begin researching and adopting environmental practices is that setting an example does two things: 1. Setting an example of eco friendly practices encourages surrounding companies to do the same thing and this, in turn, tends to lead to lower cost of environmentally friendly operation since it is in greater demand. 2. Setting an example of eco friendly behavior directly impacts the environment, and therefore the wealth increase, around the physical location of the business itself. Companies in more well-to-do neighborhoods are more likely to receive higher quality community funding and a wealthier customer base. In Arizona, U.S.A., the ecological and economical variances and correlations in Phoenix were measured between 1970 and 2000. It turns out that today we are affecting our economic growth by only allowing ecological sustaining to occur in wealthier areas of the city. These areas are cool, green, nicer, and above the pay grade of the hotter, more desert-like conditions of poorer areas of the city which are not able to maintain ecological funding and area development. A business can greatly help itself by setting an example for businesses around them, thus lowering the cost of eco friendly operations, and by assisting the area around the business by increasing the living conditions and lifestyle of the inhabitants and employees. It turns out that ecological and economical development CAN go hand in hand. So does that mean that ecology does not have to be expensive?

One of the reasons why companies shy away from using eco friendly products is that the really effective ones can be really expensive. Unfortunately, until more people become aware of the condition of our planet and invest further in environmentally friendly production and development, these products may not be used enough to really drive price down. Fortunately, there are some companies, like Envirosafe Solutions, which are able to research and produce cost effective and produce effective eco friendly solutions for your home or office location. All of our hand sanitisers, kitchen products, laundry products, and degreasers are safe if used as directed and come with a 30 day money back guarantee. Call us today: (+61) 1300 88 90 70.

http://www.wired.com/wiredscience/2011/12/environmental-gap/

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Protecting Our Oceans From Acidification

Rob Dunbar gave a TED Talk on discovering climate change by testing sea beds and ice layers near the poles. He has gone on many expeditions involving tunneling through coral and layers of sea bed rock in order to get a sampling of the layers of sediment and ice which have developed over the years and millenniums. He has discovered that you can test to see how old coral is, what was occurring in the water at the time of its death through many years’ worth of layering, and that you can determine how old a layer is which is found in sea ice and sea beds. Dunbar shows us how we can find out similar climate change to the change we have now and the warmer temperatures our globe will be experiencing in the future simply by getting a very long sample drill tube of material and testing it in the laboratory.

Rob Dunbar found out when the last occurrence of our planet being this warm was, and he gives advice on how we can decrease our carbon emissions. However, at the end of his talk, he stresses how carbon emissions are really affecting the acidification of our ocean waters and that that fact cannot be disputed. Sea life, especially crustaceans which use minerals from the ocean water to build their shells are not able to live under these circumstances. This also affects human life, and both ocean acidification and ice melting have contributed to sea levels rising six metres in the past several years, which is fine for those of us who live on land which sits quite high above the sea, but it is very dangerous for inhabited islands which only have a one metre rise above sea level.

Reducing our carbon emissions is not simply to reduce air pollution. Much, or most, of our water is polluted by manmade carbon emissions. This means that we need to find alternative fuels to reduce this pollution as quickly as possible. In the meantime, Envirosafe Solutions has eco friendly radiator cleaner and coolant and fuel conditioner and diesel bug killer…all safe and environmentally friendly. Call us today: (+61) 1300 88 90 70.

http://www.ted.com/talks/lang/en/rob_dunbar.html

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Mining Industry Boosts Australian Dollar

In a world where every nation is hit and is suffering from the global financial crisis, back home in Australia, there are a few industries which seem to be continually growing and doing much better in this economy than everyone else: engineering construction, including mining and related structures. Private capital expenditure rose by 12.3%, and this year “building and structures” is up 39.5% from last year. This is being spearheaded by the boom in resources, and just the mining capital expenditures are up 67% from last year. The Australian government expects the value of civil engineering and construction to increase by 29% this year, and by 23.5% next year. These are phenomenal numbers which have helped Australia to use her one flourishing resource, engineering construction and specifically, mining, to boost and stabilize the Australian dollar. Compared with November, the AUD is up 5.4% against the USD, 5.93% against the JPY, and 4.24% against the EUR. This is due to strong investment data coming in regarding the AUD. Copper and zinc are almost up by ten percent, which further increases mining interests. However, the rise in the value of the AUD may be due to limited supply of these other resources, like copper and zinc. The more limited the supply, the more value that material possesses.

In any area which is remaining strong during a shaky economic transition, private capital expenditure increases, and government subsidies tend to increase as well. In fact, these strong and resilient industries tend to be where individuals gather to find jobs, maintain job security, and where they build economic growth centers, such as cities, in order to keep that production high. That “building and structures” could have such a positive influence on the perceived value and strength of the Australian dollar is incredible. Any private investor or investment firm who sees this and realises it will be interested in sinking further capital into these industries or specific businesses, which will further stimulate the Australian economy and further increase the value of the AUD.

Eco friendly companies are also holding sway over the public with reduced pricing and better quality products. Envirosafe Solutions offers many products, including drain and waste odour control, lubricants and radiator liquids which are all earth friendly. Call us today: (+61) 1300 88 90 70.

http://designbuildsource.com.au/great-news-mining-terrible-news

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Irrigation Or Rivers?

Elders dismissed a draft plan outlined to return 2750 billion litres of irrigation water to the river system, saying that the draft plan was not concrete, was not transparent, and was lacking in balance and detail. Senator Hanson-Young has input with the idea of getting 4000 billion litres of water returned to the rivers through buybacks rather than efficiency upgrades in the irrigation infrastructure. Malcolm Jackman of Elders stated that buybacks would hurt the irrigators and damage Murray-Darling basin production, and indicated that discussions are not closed and that he is not a spokesman for big business, but that the proposed draft plan was insufficient and unclear enough to warrant dismissal. The objective viewpoint seems to be that if a more complete, more goal-oriented draft plan was presented to him, he may agree to it, but that the one presented to him was lacking in enough basic detail to determine whether or not that draft plan would be appropriate for their needs.

When channeling water and drawing it away from its source for purposes like irrigation and area development, it must be carefully planned either way. All sides and possible outcomes must be researched, tested and considered. A draft plan must include all possible research data concerning current irrigation needs and river conditions, as well as all possible outcomes which would present a win-win situation. In this type of scenario, simply being excited about an idea and presenting it for approval may not be enough. The people to whom you are presenting this information may be a great deal more knowledgeable about current conditions in both areas and informed as to what strategies would be most likely to work. Not only would a draft plan have to be completely exhaustive and comprehensive on all subjects concerned, but it would have to be presented professionally, in such a way that it is easy to see that all possible problems and issues had been thought of and addressed.

It is important to conserve water, while using it for the most productive purposes when we do have it available to us. Envirosafe Solutions specialises in eco friendly products, like rust remover and rust converter for situations where water and dampness are inevitable. Call us today: (+61) 1300 88 90 70.

http://www.smh.com.au/environment/water-issues/murraydarling-proposal-slammed-by-irrigators-20111204-1odiv.html?utm_source=twitterfeed&utm_medium=twitter&utm_campaign=DTN+Australia:

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