Tag: eco friendly

Many believe the new carbon tax, released by Prime Minister Gillard’s government on the 10^th July, is the single most important action taken to reduce global warming by Australia.

The exact details of the plan are now public. A multi-party carbon pricing committee that included the Prime Minister, independents Rob Oakeshott and Tony Windsor, a number of Greens MP’s and a number of Labor Party ministers developed and negotiated the new scheme. The Liberal Party refused to be involved in the process, in spite of being invited. They declined their seats and cited disagreement with the introduction of a carbon tax for Australia as the reason behind their refusal.

Industries impacted

Large-scale industry will be most affected. The following will be included in the tax:

• Corporations, businesses and facilities that create at least 25,000 tonnes of carbon dioxide per year.  However, some industries are exempt.
• 500 of the highest polluting businesses will pay the carbon price. This price will actually increase by 2.5% above inflation until 2015.
• In 2015, a market based emissions trading scheme will take over.
• $9.2 billion from the revenue stream will go to businesses and workers the scheme affects.
• The most polluting electricity generators in Australia will be shut down and will be replaced by gas-fired equivalents by 2020.
• Assistance for very high polluting industries that rely on exports will be via free permits. Industries affected by this will include aluminium, steel, flat glass making, zinc, pulp and paper-making.
• The transport industry – heavy vehicles such as semi trailers etc. – will pay carbon tax on diesel from 2014. Up until then, a two year moratorium will be in place.
• $300million will be set aside to support steel manufacturing and industry employment.
• $1.3 billion is set aside as a reward incentive to coal mines that reduce their emissions.[1]

Industry is also encouraged to source new technologies and green innovations, from the research and development through to marketing strategies. $3.2 billion has been set aside to develop a new agency that will develop these programs and ideas.

SBS Australia has stated that “several industry groups – including representatives of coalminers, aluminium producers and retailers – have criticized the scheme. The Australian Coal Association has even reiterated its vocal opposition and says the scheme will result in mine closures.[2] The industry is most concerned about the rising costs due to the tax.

Industries supporting the scheme

However, some industries are supportive. The Australian Geothermal Energy Association (AGEA) has said the scheme would provide a platform for the development of new clean energy projects.

The Clean Energy Finance Corporation also says the new tax will help their sector.[2]

Caltex Australia has also stated the scheme is sensible because the new tax does not apply to fuels used in light vehicles.

Envirosafe Solutions will continue to bring you relevant and updated information on the new scheme. Stay tuned for more reports on the impact on individual families and small business. Envirosafe Solutions continues to support a balanced and thoroughly negotiated approach to emissions trading and taxing. It also encourages the use of its environmentally friendly products that do less damage to the planet. For more information or for order and purchase enquiries, please phone Envirosafe Solutions on 1300 889070

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[1] http://www.abc.net.au/news/stories/2011/07/10/3265732.htm

[2] http://www.sbs.com.au/news/article/1569273/latest-from-wire/

Australia is an amazing place, populated by amazing people. One group of concerned individuals – scientists and business people and economists in fact – have banded together to form an independent organisation of “concerned individuals with conservation interests. They are now known as “The Wentworth Group of Concerned Scientists.”[1]

History

The group was formed in 2002, and since then has been an instigator for change and spotlighting of various groundbreaking new approaches to land and water management in Australia. Their first major statement at that time was called Blueprint for a Living Continent and set out major issues some of which include:

• Restoration of environmental flows to stressed rivers
• Clarification of water property rights
• The end of broadscale land clearing of remnant native vegetation
• Paying farmers for environmental services (clean water, fresh air, healthy soils)

Its members comprise such notables as Dr Neil Byron, Professor Tim Flannery, Dr. Ronnie Harding and Professor David Kelly. It maintains that its three core objectives form the backbone of its approach and ideas in relation to the environment and Australia. These comprise:

• Driving innovation in the management of Australia’s land, water and marine resources
• Engage business and political and even community leader in conversation to source and also to implement solutions for the Australian environment
• Build capacity in Australia by mentoring young scientists, lawyers and economists to develop their skills and their understanding of public policy[2]
  

To date, the interdisciplinary body has delivered 8 seminal blueprints that have motivated various state and federal governments to act on such issues as a national water plan, a new model for landscape conservation, the need for optimizing carbon in the Australian landscape and the need for sustainable diversions in the Murray-Darling basin.

One of the most distinct and exciting aspects of the Wentworth group is the firm commitment to a Science and Mentoring and Master Class program to “enhance the ability of students, scientists and economists to engage in public policy on the future of our land, water and marine resources.”[3]Participants in these particular programs are given access and opportunity to work one-to-one with various members of the Wentworth Group so that they can apply their knowledge later on, to various public policy outcomes. This program is viewed as a symbiotic one, with a two way interrelationship, whereby the Wentworth Group members also experience the chance to learn about leading-edge research and in-the-field issues from the visiting participants.

The group also offers a series of scholarships with the aim to help young scientists understand the need to pull together both science and public policy issues in order to ensure that their research has relevance and potential for future decision making and science at a world class level.

With the Wentworth group, Australia can at least be partially assured against the mass migration of its young scientists overseas, as has been the case for many years. Traditionally, the opportunity for scientists in Australia has been fairly limited, as Peter Doherty, Australian scientist and Nobel Laureate has stated. “America for example,” he says, “simply spends a lot more on research than Australia does,” and this issue has led to the Australian brain drain, as it is now known.[4] Certainly,  the opportunities posed and presented by The Wentworth Group go some way in attempting to stem the flow, by attracting Australia’s young environmental scientists and thinkers to stay at home and develop their research and public policy approaches here, as opposed to overseas.

Envirosafe Solutions supports the work of groups such as the Wentworth Group, who are leading the way forward in the development of excellent environmental research and stellar opportunities for young Australian scientists.

Telephone Envirosafe Solutions to learn more about their eco-friendly products, on 1300 88 90 70.

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[1] http://www.wentworthgroup.org/about-us

[2] Ibid.

[3] Ibid

[4] Australian scientists overseas.

http://abc.net.au/rn/science/ss/stories/s279643.htm

The UN’s Fukushima Nuclear Accident Update Log has announced that the situation continues to remain very serious, and may in fact be a worst case-scenario. On the 8^th May, the Japanese authorities announced that the situation goes beyond a mere meltdown scenario and may now be considered “ a melt-through.”  The nuclear fuel in 3 reactors has possibly melted through the tough pressure vessels and has now possibly accumulated in the outer containment areas.

On-site measurements continue to read high, despite minor fluctuations and minor decreases in levels.[1] In addition, food monitoring and food restrictions continue and the twenty kilometre no-go zone around the reactor remains virtually deserted, save for the occasional elderly Japanese villager, who feels too old and overwhelmed to leave.

In relation to food, restrictions continue to be placed upon milk, certain fish, turnips and ostrich fern in specific areas impacted by the nuclear accident. The Japanese Ministry of Health, Labour and Welfare also announced that head-type leafy vegetables such as cabbage, as well as flower head brassicas such as broccoli and cauliflower, and shitake mushrooms are also restricted regarding distribution and consumption. Marine and seawater monitoring has shown fluctuations in radioactive concentrations with rises registered at the end of May 2011. The offshore sampling positions have also shown the contamination of marine sediment and the need for possible removal of particulate matter in the future.

On the 1^st June 2011 the International Atomic Energy Agency released its Preliminary Summary on Fukushima disaster that occurred with the East Japan Tsunami. [2]

The paper announced that the main preliminary findings and lessons learned are as follows:

• “The  Japanese Government, nuclear regulators and operators have been extremely open in sharing information and answering the many questions the IAEA have had
• The response on site has been excellent and has resulted in the best approach to securing safety, given the exceptional circumstances.
• The Japanese Government’s longer term response – including evacuations – has been impressive and extremely well organized. A suitable and timely follow up program on public and worker exposures would be beneficial.
• The planned road-map will need modifications as new circumstances and scenarios are uncovered. International co-operation may be needed here.
• The tsunami hazard for several sites was under-estimated. In future, nuclear designers and operators should appropriately evaluate and provide protection against the risks of all natural hazards.
• Nuclear regulatory systems should address extreme external events adequately and should ensure that regulatory independence and clarity of reviews are aligned with IAEA safety standards.
• Severe long term combination of external events should be adequately covered in design, operations, resourcing and emergency arrangements
• Hardened Emergency on-site Emergency Response Centers should be provided for all major nuclear facilities with severe accident potential.
• Hydrogen risks should be subject to detailed evaluation and necessary mitigation systems provided
• Emergency arrangements for the early phases especially, should be designed to be robust.[3]

In short, the International Atomic Energy Agency has also maintained that the Fukushima accident offers an unfortunate and yet unique opportunity to develop and improve on worldwide nuclear safety strategies. With the latest news on the details of the melt-through still only scant, the world waits to consider the full developments and impacts of this situation.

Envirosafe Solutions provides regular updates on the Fukushima situation as these come to light. Updates are available on the Envirosafe Solutions News and Events section of our website. Support an environmentally safe world. Support environmentally safe industry and products. Call Envirosafe Solutions now on 1300 88 90 70.

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[1] International Atomic Energy Agency http://www.iaea.org/newscenter/update/tsunamiupdte01.html

[2] IAEA  http://www.iaea.org/newscentre/focus/fukushima/missionsummary010611.pdf

[3] Ibid.

In this article, Envirosafe Solutions reports on the work of Bruce Thom, President of the Australian Coastal Society. The information sourced here was originally presented at the National Coast to Coast Conference in Adelaide in 2010.

Bruce Thom is a busy man! He is a member of The Wentworth Group of Concerned Scientists, is Emeritus Professor at the University of Sydney and is also President of the Australian Coastal Society. In his role as ACS President, he delivered a simple six point plan, aimed to help Australia move beyond the current actions at federal and state levels, and introduce greater institutional changes that will help us contend with the increasing threat to our coastal livelihoods and lifestyles by way of population growth and climate change.

In National Coastal Reform – 2010 and Beyond[1] Thom relays the sad notion that climate science has in fact become a “combat sport” particularly since the failure of the Copenhagen Climate Conference in 2009. At that point, the tide turned somewhat, and the credibility of climate science was undermined to some extent, leading the way for the vocal onslaught from the climate science skeptics, both nationally and globally.

As a reply to the growing skepticism, his 6 point plan proposes 2 x 3 sub-plans – one of which focuses on the need for climate change driven adaptation initiatives, and the other focusing on coastal adaptation issues.  While he maintains none are necessarily original, they are at least sourced from novel ideas floated by such bodies as the House of Representatives Committee, The Wentworth Group, the Australian Coastal Society and the Sea Change Task Force.[2]

The six points are:

• A Futures Fund especially reserved to cope with the extreme impacts and tipping points associated with and arising from climate change. (Massive protective works may be needed in future to protect coastal regions and the coastal ribbon developments around Australia.
• Regionally Based Environmental Accounts developed into a national system – as proposed by The Wentworth Group.[3] These would reinforce consistent measurement of direction and rate of change in natural assets as the new climate era starts to really hit.
• Legal Reform so that coastal land can be reconsidered as “transient land” as opposed to a fixed entity. A new approach to land tenure, property law and common law rights that is more flexible and able to deal with the dynamic and shifting nature of coastal landforms and regions as climate change hits. (An extreme case of this is currently occurring in low-lying Pacific Islands that are already lost to water-level rises.)
• Coastal Reforms in the form of an intergovernmental agreement on coastal management and planning. In effect, what is required is a National Coastal Policy that unites state and federal governments in their approach to coastal management issues that impact the future.
• National Coastal Information System – based on the US model whereby techniques of various coastal and science bodies (Eg. CSIRO, AIMS, Geoscience Australia, various universities) pool and integrate information to underpin a sustained coastal observing system.
• National Coastal Commission to be based on a national coastal act that has the capacity to advise, act and technically support governments in a nationally consistent and coordinated manner.[4]

The 6 point plan pulls together a number of different ideas in order to propose a blueprint for unified national coastal management in the years to come, particularly as sea-levels begin to rise, and we are impacted increasingly by issues such as receding coastlines, land erosion and threat to property and coastal habitation.  Envirosafe Solutions has long advocated respect for the sea, hence the development of their eco-friendly liquids that are reduced in phosphates and other harsh chemicals that can impact the environment adversely.

Telephone Envirosafe Solutions and speak with one of their friendly sales staff now. You will be supporting green industry practice. Envirosafe Solutions 1300 88 90 70.

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[1] http://wentworthgroup.org/uploads/Coastal address in C2C 2010.pdf

[2] Ibid.

[3] http://www.wentworthgroup.com.au

[4] Thom, B. National Coastal Reform 2010 and Beyond.  http://wentworthgroup.org/uploads/Coastal address in C2C 2010.pdf

Trucks get downright dirty. Big trucks and small trucks, mining trucks and road transport vehicles all contend with the Australian dust and dirt and climate on a daily basis. So too does farm machinery as well as the good old Aussie car or 4Wheel drive or bus travelling along a coastal highway or a desert road. After a few days or even just a short distance, the dust and dirt can cake on and stick, and play havoc with visibility, duco and the shiny smooth surface of your much loved work or play vehicle.

Originally developed for machine washing of vehicles, Extreme Green Truck Wash can also be used to hand wash your truck or car, and because it is manufactured from an excellent blend of “high-foaming, grease loving surfactants and emulsifiers that effectively remove dirt, grease and grime,” you can be sure any vehicle you clean with this product will shine and glisten like new.[1]

There are a number of central benefits to Extreme Green Truck Wash. Because it is so highly concentrated, far less than usual is needed for the toughest of washing tasks, and this translates to greater cost-savings for you and your business. Additionally, it is safe to use on all hard metal vehicular surfaces and will not leave any film or streaking on the surface after rinsing. This actually cuts down on work and chamois time, and means that cleaning tasks are performed more quickly than when using lesser quality vehicle wash products.

And of course – as is the case with all the Extreme Green Envirosafe Solutions range, it is 100%  proudly Australian owned, which means that your spent dollars remain within the confines of the Australian economy and help to build a greener and more financially stable and independent nation that provides employment and opportunity to its inhabitants. Envirosafe Solutions is proud of its nation-building approach to business, and sees this as a brand point of difference that cannot be stressed highly enough in this era of frequent and pronounced off-shoring of business and industry.

Like other liquids from the Extreme Green range, Truck Wash is also fully biodegradable and phosphate free. Applied at a dilution ration of 1:50, it can be applied either manually or by pressure washer, foam fun, steam cleaner of car wash system. In the case of extremely encrusted grime and mud, there is no need to source a secondary product. Rather, Truck Wash’s unique formulation means that all that is required is a slight adjustment to dilution ratios so that the liquid concentration is higher in the water. A ration of approximately 1:10 should suffice in such cases. Where the encrustation is maximal and extreme, a “neat application” of Truck Wash – left for 5 to 10 minutes then removed, will shift stubborn encrustations and pave the way for a full surface clean.

If you require an exemplary truck or vehicle washing and cleaning liquid suitable for both light and heavy build-ups, do not hesitate to call Envirosafe Solutions to enquire about their 3 star green rating Truck Wash liquid product. Call an Envirosafe Solutions team member now on 1300 889070.

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[1] http://www.envirosafesolutions.com.au/productinnerpage.php?cat=9&product=30

Hard yakka and hard and heavy industry work requires heavy duty cleaning products that can deliver the job they promise. But in today’s ever changing environmentally conscious world, the old cleaning materials comprising harsh and yes – effective – but environmentally brutal solvent based products – are no longer acceptable. New alternatives and new technologies are required, and Envirosafe Solutions has been involved in the development of sound and environmentally safe industrial and home cleaning products that clean effectively without harming our precious environment.

Their Heavy Duty Alkaline Cleaner/Degreaser is an extremely effective and highly active all purpose alkaline cleaner and degreaser, that can be used on hard to shift deposits in all kinds of industry. It is not only suitable for use on vehicle motors and truck machinery, but can also be applied to workshops and factory or industry areas or machinery where grease and grime build ups are a constant workplace reality. In fact, Heavy Duty Alkaline Cleaner/Degreaser can be used on just about all heavily soiled hard surfaces.

Envirosafe Solutions is proud to announce that this product is indeed alkaline based and also contains absolutely no petro-solvents or harsh acids whatsoever. It is also non-toxic and is extremely adaptable to a wide range of applications.

The only alteration to directions when using it in different applications is an alteration to the dilution ratios. For example:

• Greasy workshop floors- dilute at 1:25 with water
• Heavy duty machinery- dilute between 1:5 and 1:15 with water
• Motors and engines- dilute at 1:50 with water
• Shower and toilet areas- dilute between 1:50 and 1:100 with water
• Spray and wipe- dilute at 1:50 with water (1:10 for heavy duty)

Heavy Duty Alkaline Cleaner/Degreaser is also offered in a range of packaging options. Large scale industries and business may take the 205 or the 1000 litre options, whereas smaller businesses and those sourcing this product for domestic use may want to purchase the 4 x4litre per carton option. For medium sized businesses or workshop concerns, the 10 and 20 litre packaging options are also suitable.

If you require an effective and extremely versatile alkaline cleaner and degreaser that will not damage or hurt the environment, try sourcing Extreme Green Heavy Duty Alkaline Cleaner/Degreaser.

The Envirosafe Range is tailored to suit Australian conditions and the Envirosafe Solutions development team understands the requirements and needs of our delicate and awe-inspiring continent. That is why the Extreme Green Range adheres to industry best practice when it comes to eco-friendly alternatives to traditional degreasing and cleaning products. To order your Extreme Green Heavy Duty Alkaline Cleaner/Degreaser telephone Envirosafe Solutions on 1300 88 90 70.

The Amazon in South America is suffering. And proposed changes to aspects of Brazilian legislation are set to undermine the The Brazilian Forest Code that currently protects land in the Amazon.

The Forest Code was passed in the 1930’s and states that “a landowner must keep part of their land intact. For land in the Amazon, 80% must be kept in its natural condition.”[1]

Just several weeks ago, on May 24 2011, members of the Brazilian House of Representatives swung in favour of alteration to The Brazilian Forest Code. There was a resounding vote in favour of changes that herald a new era of destruction for Amazon forest life.

The proposed changes – that will undermine Amazon biodiversity and environmental stability are:

• A full amnesty for those farmers and concerns that have already degraded land above and beyond the 80% protection level
• Reduction to the 80% protection level currently in existence. Natural vegetation on rural properties and along streams and rivers (the riparian buffer zone) are therefore under threat.
• Permits to be granted for tree lopping – including that of threatened species such as the Araucaria pine

Dr. Meg Symington, Managing Director of the Amazon Program for the World Wildlife Fund has said these alterations represent a “massive step backwards for Brazil in terms of its environmental policy and could lead to massive increases in deforestation.”[2]

Currently, deforestation worldwide contributes as much as 20% of global carbon emissions. Since the proposed changes to The Brazilian Forest Code were introduced, there has been a massive 540% increase in deforestation in the Mato Gross state alone, and it is believed this is due to “landowners anticipating no financial repercussion for lands already cleared, as is one of the proposed changes that are underway.”[3] She has also stated that “4-7% of today’s current global emissions come from the carbon dioxide releases as a result of deforestation in the Amazon.”[4]

The powerful Brazilian farming lobby supports the changes and says it would make Brazil’s agricultural sector far more competitive by increasing their access to productive and fertile lands.  The old 80% figure would be cut down to 20%, freeing up vast tracts of rainforest for further farming and agrarian pursuits.

The main threats, according to Greenpeace, come from soy and cattle producers as well as loggers. Their concern is not only for the wildlife and the delicate rainforest ecosystem, but also the indigenous communities whose cultures and way of life are at risk.[5]

The World Wildlife Fund and Greenpeace, as well as many international and Brazilian based environmental organisations are increasing pressure on the Brazilian Government at present, in an attempt to alter or at least slow down the proposed changes to The Forest Code.

Envirosafe Solutions supports the need for responsible consideration of farming, deforestation and legislative practices worldwide to ensure the ongoing maintenance and survival of areas as precious and priceless as The Amazon.

Their own approach to environmental issues is strictly “low impact” and is designed to comprehensively deploy product approaches that minimise harm to the earth. Responsibility is the key.

Speak with one of the sales team to obtain Envirosafe Solutions Extreme Green range of products. Join the Green Revolution!

Envirosafe Solutions 1300 889070

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[1] WWF http://www.worldwildlife.org/what/wherewework/amazon/threats-forest-code.html

[2] Ibid

[3] Ibid

[4] Ibid.

[5] http://www.greenpeace.org/international/en/campaigns/forests/amazon/threats-and-solutions/

Deep sea mining in the Pacific is on the increase, with the number of firms seeking licenses growing very rapidly. New licenses have recently been granted for various areas surrounding Fiji, Tonga, Papua New Guinea and Solomon  Islands.

Up until a few years ago, this type of deep sea mining for precious metals was deemed too costly, but with rapid advances and innovations in technology, new exploration processes and techniques have been developed, making this form of mining both profitable and feasible.

According to Steve Smith of Greenpeace, “seabed mining is an emerging threat to the world’s oceans, and Greenpeace is now working regionally here in the Pacific as that is where it is emerging right now. We are also working in the United Nations framework to ensure that the world’s oceans are protected for the benefit of the world’s people.”[1]

As the rise in license approvals increases, so too does the call for a more informed approach to underwater explorations. Various Pacific rights groups have also called for a moratorium on the granting of all future deep-sea mining licenses in the Pacific, and hope to generate debate on the subject. Media coverage of the subject continues and June 2011 will see the hosting of a Pacific regional meeting in Fiji which aims to map out the future of ocean mineral mining in the entire region. The world’s first commercial lease for deep-sea mining was granted in January to the Canadian based Nautilus Minerals firm, and will focus on the extraction of gold and copper from the sea bed, about 50 km off the Papua New Guinea Coast.[2]

However, the International Union for the Conservation of Nature has also weighed in on the debate and has stated that seabed mining may in fact be far less environmentally damaging than many forms of land-based mining. It adds also, that more work needs to be done to fully understand its full impact.  Dr. Jan Steffen, Marine Coordinator for the IUCN’s Oceania Division says the framework legislation to regulate deep-sea mining needs to be much the same as that for land-based mining. “Land-based mining has decades of experience and I think we would want to see the same rigour applied on the seabed, plus of course, the additional factors that come up when it comes to connectivity and the sea and the fact that many of the sea vent communities (where mining may occur) are unique, and so one would want to minimise impact.”[3]

A responsible approach to development and mining of the sea bed is likely to be the way forward and the reality. While many industry groups tout the primacy of the need for exploration and mining, and many environmental groups tout the need for a complete cessation on all developments, perhaps the real issue is for the development of ongoing responsible and sustainable exploration and approaches that support both industry and green groups.  The two do not need to be mutually exclusive!

Envirosafe Solutions supports a responsible consideration of all the facts involved when it comes to development, resources and industry.

For more information on the Envirosafe Solutions distinct Eco-friendly product range call 1300 88 90 70

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[1] Greenpeace http://www.greenpeace.org/australia/en

[2] http://abcasiapacificnews.com/stories/201106/3233315.htm?site=sydney

[3] ibid.

Nutting out a multi-partisan approach to climate change in Australia continues to be a major concern for Australian business and families and communities. The problem may be a failure to compromise on the part of the major parties and the tendency to use what is a serious issue as a political popularity strategy, moving it further and further away from its real aim which is to develop a clear and sustainable approach that can save future generations from dire climate change consequences if governments fail to act.

To further complicate the issue, climate change sceptic Lord Christopher Monckton has been touring Australia and has recently been speaking in Perth at the invitation of industry on the west of the continent. Lord Monckton recently claimed that Professor Ross Garnaut’s ‘view that people should accept the mainstream view of climate change is akin to “fascism.”’[1]

At present, the multi-party climate change committee comprising Greens, Labor and Liberal and independents, is meeting to try to reach a solution to the carbon tax deadlock. The committee is also advised by a panel of 4 independent experts – Professor Ross Garnaut, Professor Will Steffen, Mr. Rod Sims and Ms. Patricia Faulkner.[2]

Independent, Mr. Rob Oakeshott has said that the most contentious issues where agreement is still not being reached are:

• Compensation for polluting industries that rely on exports
• Compensation for Australian households
• Proportion of carbon tax to be funnelled over to renewable energy projects.[3]

Mr Oakeshott has also stated that he hopes agreements on these key points can be clarified and reached in the coming two weeks.

And while debate rages on the issue between the major parties, some industries and organisations are transitioning towards the change. Rather than disputing the relevance of a carbon tax, the Australian Aluminium Council has come forward and stated that “we understand there will be a carbon price and we are now looking for that to be factored in a way that gives industry a chance to compete with overseas producers and a chance to transition to a low carbon economy.”[4] Miles Prosser, the council’s representative also said that the main requirement for his industry was time – time to adapt to the changes and time to make sure that jobs sites such as Alcoa’s Portland refinery were not lost because of a too rapid implementation of a carbon price scheme.

One of the key issues the Greens have been calling for on the Climate Change panel is what proportion of money from the carbon tax scheme will be coursed towards renewable energy projects. There has been debate in the media in the past few days suggesting that the Labor government has acceded to this request as part of a compromising solution to the deadlock.

Envirosafe Solutions supports the development of a multi-party compromise to the carbon tax deadlock and will keep readers updated on the latest developments concerning the multi-party climate change committee and the finalities of any agreements relating to the carbon tax. For more information on other eco-friendly approaches to domestic and business practices and cleaning and the minimisation of your environmental footprint, call Envirosafe Solutions on  1300889070

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[1] http://www.abc.net.au/lateline/content/2011/s3252161.htm

[2] http://www.climatechange.gov.au/media/whats-new/climate-change-committee.aspx

[3] http://www.abc.net.au/news/storied/2011/06/29/3256399.htm?section=justin

[4] http://www.abc.net.au/news/stories/2011/06/29/3256145.htm

Envirosafe Solutions considers the biodiversity which is threatened by the introduced cane toad species. The flora and fauna of our north, as well as the environment as far south as the mid-coast of NSW are all impacted by this problematic and poisonous pest. But latest research indicates there is hope and solutions are in the pipeline.

Cane toads – an introduced species – pose considerable risk to the top end of Australia and have had a devastating impact on the wildlife and species diversity in Queensland, Northern NSW and The Northern Territory.

They are now considered a pest in Australia and the CSIRO Animal Health laboratory, and other academic institutions nationally, have been searching for biological control of cane toads in order to eradicate or control their spread and devastation to natural flora and fauna.[1]

Species Invasion

The cane toad was originally introduced to Australia in the 1930’s to help control and eat the Greyback Cane Beetle and French’s Cane Beetle that were affecting cane production in Queensland. The larvae (whitegrub) of these beetles eat sugar cane root and consequently kill or stunt the growth of the young cane plants.[2] Initially 100 cane toads were imported to Australia by the Australian Bureau of Sugar Experimentation Stations. These bread very quickly and by 1935, 3000 were released into north Queensland sugar plantations to help curb the spread of the beetles. Numerous scientists protested the release of the toad into the Australian environment at that time, including the then Curator of the Australian Museum, Roy Kinghorn. [3]

Biodiversity Threat

Rick Shine, Professor of Biology at the University of Sydney, has been investigating the cane toad for many years. “These feral amphibians have become a major invasive threat to Australian biodiversity,” he states.[4] He and his scientific team – Team Bufo – are currently focusing on cane toads in the Fogg Dam area in the Northern Territory. Professor Thomas Madsen and Dr Beata Ujvari have noted that in that region alone, most of the large floodplain goannas of that region have been killed by eating cane toads. There is also a 10% mortality rate with the Fogg Dam death adder population since the cane toad arrival, and radio-tracking work performed by Dr. Meri Oakwood also notes a similarly high mortality rate amongst the quolls and also the freshwater crocodiles of the area just upstream.[5] Fortunately, research also seems to indicate that cane toad poison does not seem to be too much of a problem for birds and bird life.

Methods of Control

Up until recently, the main method of control has been to simply go out and eradicate toads through hunting and disposal. This is a long and arduous process, and because of their ability to reproduce so rapidly has minimal effect.

Professor Shine’s team has begun to develop some new control methods that may help with eradication:

• Alarm chemicals – cane toads release an alarm pheromone as a fear response. It travels through water and alerts other toads and motivates them to move away from the pheromone. It also stresses them. Repeated exposure to the pheromone over weeks caused half of cane toad tadpole populations to die and significantly stunted the growth of the remaining survivors. This may be able to be used, without harmful impact to frogs and other species.

• Parasitic nematode lungworms that do not harm native frog species have a severe impact on cane toads, and there is hope this worm may kill many of the toads once they mature and leave the water.[6]

Team Bufo researchers may well lead us to an eradication of the cane toad in the north of Australia where its effects are most prevalent. Our precious biodiversity requires protection and the talent, energy and dedication of Australian research scientists and students is helping to increase our understanding of cane toads and the real impact they have on our precious environment.

Envirosafe Solutions is proud to highlight the work of Professor Shine and his team as they continue on with their valuable work.

For more information on environmentally sound products that also help our precious environment, call Envirosafe Solutions and speak with one of our customer service representatives who can help you source eco-friendly products with a low environmental impact.

Envirosafe Solutions 1300 889070.

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[1] http://australianmuseum.net.au/Cane-Toad

[2] Ibid

[3] Ibid

[4] http://www.canetoadsinoz.com

[5] http://www.canetoadsinoz.com/biodiversity-impact.html

[6] Ibid

The impact of environmental issues on reef systems is under closer scrutiny with the use of new underwater cameras on The Barrier Reef.

The beauty of coral reefs cannot be underestimated. There is the delight of underwater gardens, swaying with the undulations of the sea, grasses gliding back and forth, fish darting, and schools of reef pelagics swirling like sub-marine dandelions as the sun glitters down from the sky above. Anyone who has snorkeled or dived the reefs of Queensland or Western Australia will be well acquainted with this unsurpassable natural phenomenon. Heaven!

The study of coral reefs has become increasingly important in recent years as sea temperature rises continue to impact on coral reef life and marine ecosystems, globally. Additionally, water quality has been compromised by terrestrial runoff, particularly in some areas along the Queensland coast of Australia, where cane farm chemicals have been known to impact reef ecosystems adversely.

These ecosystems are particularly delicate because they thrive and proliferate in contexts that are extremely close to their absolute physiological limits. This means that environmental impacts that may not impact a more robust environment have a far greater capacity to undermine, in areas such as reefs where the margin of environmental error is reduced by this need to “live on the edges.” [1]

Around 30% of the extra CO2 in the atmosphere is known to dissolve into the ocean. “As a consequence of this, the chemistry of the oceans is becoming more acidic…which in turn impacts on the health of some fish and coral species.”[2] The delicate balance is thrown out, and this has the ability to undermine the whole system. The natural slightly alkaline nature of the oceans is in fact conducive to the calcification processes at the centre of tropical coral reefs. And with a shift in CO2 levels comes a rise in acid. Current predictions for the end of this century herald a pH reading of .4, “which is well outside the realms of anything organisms have experienced over millions of years.”[3] In short, we are now moving towards completely unchartered territory, with unknown consequences for mankind and for the ocean.

The need to monitor and survey oceanic and reef systems as become more pressing, given the nature of this unchartered territory we are now heading into and The Australian Institute of Marine Science [4] are leading the way with “the installation of a permanent underwater camera on The Great Barrier Reef that will give them…snapshots of life underwater in order to answer questions about the real time effects of rising temperatures and coral bleaching.”[5]

Dr. Ray Berkelmans from the Institute heads a new monitoring program, which is a world first. A webcam has been set up on Davies Reef just off Townsville and every 15 minutes images are taken that are then made available online. Dr. Berkelmans says this constant flow of pictures will help scientists to verify the direct effects of coral bleaching.

“You can have warm temperatures but very cloudy days, and it will not bleach nearly as quickly as when there is no cloud and lots of sunlight coming in, so there’s a multitude of factors and this will help us improve our predictions.”[6]

But the benefit of the visual data will extend beyond coral and also include the marine life of the Davies Reef bommie where the camera is fixed. This will also allow for a good database of information on fish life and habits/behaviour which is hard to gain via traditional scuba methods.

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[1] Climate Change and The Tropical Environment. Australian Institute of Marine Science. http://www.aims.gov.au/docs/research/climate-change/position-paper.html

[2] Ibid.

[3] Ibid.

[4] Ibid

[5] http://www.abc.net.au/am/content/2011/s3238415.htm

[6] Ibid.