Environment law and policy tracker

Thursday, 26 September 2019 4:38pm

Highlights include statutory developments in Queensland and Victoria, and a summary of the IPCC climate and oceans report. Jobs include posts with Woolworths, Sydney Airport, Rio Tinto and GHD.

Tracker is a free, open-access service and we encourage you to forward it to other carbon and sustainability professionals, who can register to receive Tracker here.

Subscribers to our premium paid service receive detailed daily news and analysis and full access to all Tracker links. Non-subscribers can trial the premium service here.

New IPCC report on oceans

The Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) has released a new report on oceans and frozen areas of the planet. Below is a summary of key findings. The report and related materials are available here.

Declining Arctic sea ice, thawing permafrost:

The extent of Arctic sea ice is declining, and it is getting thinner. If global warming is stabilised at 1.5 degrees above pre-industrial levels, the Arctic ocean would only be ice-free in September – the month with the least ice – once in every hundred years. For global warming of two degrees, this would occur up to one year in three. Permafrost ground that has been frozen for many years is warming and thawing and widespread permafrost thaw is projected to occur in the 21st century. Even if global warming is limited to well below two degrees, around 25% of the near-surface permafrost will thaw by 2100. Arctic and boreal permafrost hold large amounts of organic carbon, almost twice the carbon in the atmosphere, and have the potential to significantly increase the concentration of greenhouse gases in the atmosphere if they thaw. It is unclear whether there is already a net release of carbon dioxide or methane due to the ongoing thaw of the Arctic permafrost.

Rising seas:

While sea level has risen globally by about 15cm during the 20th century, it is currently rising more than twice as fast – 3.6mm per year – and accelerating. Sea level will continue to rise for centuries. It could reach around 30cm to 60cm by 2100 even if greenhouse gas emissions are sharply reduced and global warming is limited to well below two degrees. It could rise by about 60cm to 110cm if greenhouse gas emissions continue to increase strongly.

More frequent extreme sea level events:

Sea level rise will increase the frequency of extreme sea level events, which occur during high tides and intense storms. Indications are that with any degree of additional warming, events that occurred once per century in the past will occur every year by mid-century in many regions, increasing risks for many low-lying coastal cities and small islands. Increases in tropical cyclone winds and rainfall are exacerbating extreme sea level events and coastal hazards. Hazards will be further be intensified by an increase in the average intensity, magnitude of storm surge and precipitation rates of tropical cyclones, especially if greenhouse gas emissions remain high.

Changing ocean ecosystems:

Warming and changes in ocean chemistry are already disrupting species throughout the ocean food web. To date, the ocean has taken up more than 90% of the excess heat in the climate system. By 2100, the ocean will take up two to four times more heat than between 1970 and the present even if global warming is limited to two degrees. Ocean warming reduces mixing between water layers and, as a consequence, the supply of oxygen and nutrients for marine life. Marine heatwaves have doubled in frequency since 1982 and are increasing in intensity. Their frequency will be 20 times higher at two degrees warming, compared to pre-industrial levels. The ocean has taken up between 20% to 30% of human-induced carbon dioxide emissions since the 1980s, causing ocean acidification. Continued carbon uptake by the ocean by 2100 will exacerbate ocean acidification. Ocean warming and acidification, loss of oxygen and changes in nutrient supplies, are already affecting the distribution and abundance of marine life.

Upcoming events:

International and national:

Queensland:

NSW:

ACT:

Victoria:

Tasmania:

South Australia:

Western Australia:

Northern Territory:

Jobs and appointments:

Promote your job opportunities to a wide but targeted readership! Either book a competitively-priced display ad, or arrange a free mini-listing. Contact here for details.

© Copyright 2024 Footprint