Info, news & views for anyone interested in biodiversity conservation and good environmental decision making
“Through examining the drivers of biodiversity loss in highly biodiverse countries, we show that it is not population driving the loss of habitats, but rather the growth of commodities for export, particularly soybean and oil-palm, primarily for livestock feed or biofuel consumption in higher income economies. Thus, inequitable consumption drives global biodiversity loss, whilst population is used to scapegoat responsibility.”
Hughes et al, 2023 [see item 2]
In this issue of Dbytes
1. Threat-abatement framework confirms habitat retention and invasive species management are critical to conserve Australia’s threatened species
2. Smaller human populations are neither a necessary nor sufficient condition for biodiversity conservation
3. Fusion energy, if you look too close… you’ll go blind – miracle technology or miserable mirage?
4. Nature tech: the next big green finance growth area
5. Australia’s carbon sequestration potential
6. Australian Government has joined the Sustainable Critical Minerals Alliance
7. The consumer experience of green claims in Australia
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1. Threat-abatement framework confirms habitat retention and invasive species management are critical to conserve Australia’s threatened species
Threat classifications need complementary conservation responses to inform action. We develop a threat-abatement framework and apply it to Australian threatened species. The most important conservation action in Australia is to retain and restore habitat. Control of invasive species/diseases and improved fire management are also important. Greater emphasis on conservation responses is needed to redress the extinction crisis.
Threat-abatement framework confirms habitat retention and invasive species management are critical to conserve Australia’s threatened species – ScienceDirect
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2. Smaller human populations are neither a necessary nor sufficient condition for biodiversity conservation
Population is often mistakenly blamed as the main driver of biodiversity loss. However such arguments actually mis-apportion blame and hinder progress. Consumption patterns, largely from developed economies is a major driver of biodiversity loss. Maintaining global biodiversity will require reducing imported impacts. Sustainable supply chains and diets are crucial to counter current trends.
Smaller human populations are neither a necessary nor sufficient condition for biodiversity conservation – ScienceDirect
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3. Fusion energy, if you look too close… you’ll go blind – miracle technology or miserable mirage?
Even if fusion power was a reality in 20 years, it is not a solution we should be prioritizing. Climate disruption is with us today and already tearing apart the fabric of our society. We don’t have 20 years; we need to transition away from carbon-intensive energy now. To prioritize the ultra-expensive, highly risky idea of fusion energy as our salvation is really just one more form of climate denialism – we don’t need to change our ways because tomorrow’s technology will save us, so keep on consuming and polluting.
https://sustainabilitybites.home.blog/2022/12/21/fusion-energy-if-you-look-too-close-youll-go-blind-miracle-technology-or-miserable-mirage/
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4. Nature tech: the next big green finance growth area
Research tells us that nature can be one third of the climate solution required by 2030, if we are to meet the Paris Agreement goals. It is scalable, affordable and available now. Nature-based solutions (NbS) include green roofs, rain gardens, or constructed wetlands. They can minimize damaging runoff by absorbing stormwater, reducing flood risks and protecting fresh water supplies. Nature based solutions also include regenerative agriculture, tree planting, protecting forests and mangroves and seagrass, in fact any use of natural features and processes that help to tackle social and environmental challenges.
Nature tech: the next big green finance growth area – The Fifth Estate
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5. Australia’s carbon sequestration potential
An assessment of 12 carbon sequestration technologies for capturing and storing carbon dioxide and the role they could play in Australia’s decarbonisation pathway. The report, prepared for the Climate Change Authority (Authority) and Clean Energy Regulator, found that nature-based approaches such as permanent plantings, plantation and farm forestry, and soil carbon have considerable sequestration potential. Engineered technologies such as mineral carbonation and direct air capture, which will become increasingly important for drawing down atmospheric carbon, have significant potential but high costs and require further research and development. The report will inform the Authority’s advice to government on the role of carbon sequestration in supporting increasingly ambitious emissions reduction targets.
New CSIRO report assesses Australia’s carbon sequestration potential – CSIRO
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6. Australian Government has joined the Sustainable Critical Minerals Alliance
The Australian Government has joined the Sustainable Critical Minerals Alliance to promote sustainable mining and supply chain practices through environmental, social and governance standards as countries transition to net zero. The Alliance is led by Canada, with other founding members including France, Germany, Japan, the United Kingdom and the United States. The voluntary alliance commits members to developing critical minerals industries that are nature-positive, support and respect local and Indigenous communities, restore ecosystems, build a circular economy, and foster ethical corporate practices.
Australia joins global commitment to ESG for critical minerals | Ministers for the Department of Industry, Science and Resources
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7. The consumer experience of green claims in Australia
At least half of Australian consumers are worried that claims about the green or sustainability features of a product are not true, according to a new report by the Consumer Policy Research Centre called “The consumer experience of green claims in Australia”. The report investigated the kind of green claims used, how often consumers see such claims, and their influence on consumers’ purchase decisions. Research found a sample of 122 green claims observed within 24 hours found that only 39 claims (31 per cent) had supporting evidence or verification. Nearly half of consumers said they would stop buying from a business found to have engaged in greenwashing.
The consumer experience of green claims in Australia – CPRC
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About Dbytes
Dbytes is a weekly eNewsletter presenting news and views on biodiversity conservation and environmental decision science. ‘D’ stands for ‘Decision’ and refers to all the ingredients that go into good, fair and just decision-making in relation to the environment.
From 2007-2018 Dbytes was supported by a variety of research networks and primarily the Centre of Excellence for Environmental Decisions (CEED). From 2019 Dbytes is being produced by David Salt (Ywords). Dbytes is supported by the Global Water Forum.
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