Sea level rise could be much higher than previously projected by the end of this century, according to a new study published in the journal Nature.
The study, conducted by researchers at the University of Massachusetts Amherst and Penn State University, warns that sea level could increase by up to 2 metres by 2100 if melting from the ice sheets of Antarctica and Greenland are taken into account.
Environment Minister Greg Hunt has announced a $23.9 million research project which is aimed at reducing the risk of shark attacks.
28 September 2015: Australia’s coastal councils have called on the Turnbull Government to lead a national collaborative effort to reduce the risk of shark attacks.
Barry Sammels, the Chair of the Australian Coastal Councils Association, said there is an urgent need to identify effective strategies to reduce death and injury from shark attack and to restore tourism activity in Australia’s coastal areas to normal levels.
The Australian Bureau of Statistics (ABS) is planning a new Australian Population Survey with the capacity for continuous updates on regional population statistics. Data collected in the survey will be used to supplement data collected in the Census.
The survey will provide a mechanism for more effectively using Census and administrative data to provide ongoing and dynamic information on regions across Australia – including where people live at different times of the year and their characteristics.
The NSW government has commenced a shark-monitoring program to reduce the risk of shark attacks on the NSW north coast. The $250,000 program involves on-water surveillance by the Department of Primary Industries and CSIRO together with a public education campaign.
A study conducted by researchers at University College London has found that population growth in coastal areas can lead to major increases in exposure to extreme weather events.
Professor Georgina Mace, who led the study, said governments around the world had failed to grasp the risk that rapidly growing populations in coastal cities face the prospect of rising sea levels and more frequent and severe extreme weather events related to climate change.
The Victorian Coastal Council (VCC) is inviting nominations for the 2015 Victorian Coastal Awards for Excellence.
Nominations close on 2 August.
Jon Hickman, the outgoing Chair of the VCC, said the Awards acknowledge the achievements of people who have played a significant role in protecting and enhancing the values of the Victorian coastal and marine environment.
An alliance of major business, union, environment, investor and social organisations has been formed with the objective of ‘putting the climate policy debate on common ground and offering a way forward’.
The alliance, called the Australian Climate Roundtable, includes
Image: www.sustainableseafood.org.au
A national initiative to promote the use of sustainable seafood in local restaurants and other food outlets is being piloted by Surf Coast Shire Council, on Victoria’s west coast, in association with the Australian Marine Conservation Society (AMCS).
The Good Fish Project aims to encourage chefs, restaurants and food professionals to serve customers with sustainable seafood options. Twelve restaurants in the Surf Coast area have already signed up to the project.
The Sunshine Coast Council has approved a $7.7 million Environment Levy Program for 2015-16, part of which will be used to buy, protect and enhance environmentally significant land. The Council’s total budget allocation for environmental management in 2015-16 is $74 million.
Sunshine Coast Mayor Mark Jamieson said the region’s environment was central to the local way of life and the investment would protect and enhance its natural assets for future generations to enjoy.