Canary in the coal mine
As Climate Week tackled tough topics in New York, NSW switched on a brand new big battery and Bogong moths came back from the brink.
While Anthony Albanese presented the opening keynote at New York Climate Week, closer to home a battle over fossil fuel investment was brewing.
The PM's keynote last week linked the themes of national security and climate change, while highlighting the immediate plight of Pacific communities sitting at the sharpest edge of global sea-level rises.
But while Australia’s enthusiastic uptake of household solar has elevated our profile on the climate stage, environmental campaigner Greenpeace was quick to point out the obvious conflicts with our continued investment in fossil fuels.
As countries such as Germany, France and The Netherlands map out an exit from fossil fuels, the largest coal mine expansion in NSW received a green light this week to continue operating until 2045.
Described by some climate advocates as a "climate bomb," the mine's extension is expected to unleash more than 800 million tonnes of climate pollution, according to the Climate Council.
Climate Council Councillor (and former Commissioner of Fire and Rescue NSW) Greg Mullins, said:
"What NSW exports as coal, we import back as bushfires, floods, heatwaves and droughts. Climate harm does not stop at the border, and neither does the responsibility for it."
🔋Big battery power
On a more positive note, NSW also had the distinction this week of becoming the proud host of one of the world’s most powerful batteries, with the state government announcing that the Waratah Super Battery was now fully operational.
The battery is built on the site of the former Munmorah coal-fired power station, and according to the NSW government will be able to store 1,680 megawatt hours, serving as a “giant shock absorber during events such as power line outages due to bushfires, fallen trees or lightning strikes”. (Read more about the battery here from Renew Economy.)
🦋 Bogongs back from the brink
Nature advocates were overjoyed this week after multiple sightings of Bogong moths, which have suffered extreme environmental stress, habitat loss and years of drought. Citizen scientists reported numerous sightings across NSW as the moths embarked on their journey to the Snowy Mountains.
Nature advocate Clancy Lester has described the moths as a "cultural icon" and has appealed for households to reduce light pollution and avoid insect sprays to ensure the moths can complete their journey. Sightings can be reported on the moth tracker site.
