Lethal Heating: 04/19/21

19/04/2021

(AU The Guardian) Big Weather: Indigenous Artists Reflect On Climate Crisis – In Pictures

The Guardian

Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples’ cultural knowledge and sophisticated understanding of weather systems is the cornerstone for Big Weather, an exhibition currently showing at NGV Australia’s Ian Potter Centre.

Climate crisis is never far from the surface, with works from artists like Karla Dickens, Clinton Naina, Treahna Hamm and Nici Cumpston addressing the changing weather patterns and the ongoing effects of colonisation on the land and its processes.

Big Weather will be showing at the Ian Potter Centre: NGV Australia, Melbourne, until 21 October

Nookamka – Lake Bonney (2007) by Nici Cumpston

Nici Cumpston is a Barkandji artist from the Barka, or Darling River in far west NSW, and is compelled to make work that testifies to the ongoing plight of the people and the waterways of the Murray-Darling basin. In this series of works the artist has spent time walking and documenting the backwaters of this incredible river system with the aim to raise awareness of the fragility of this vital resource and the vulnerability of the people, animals and plants that rely upon it.

Lightning in the rock (2015) by Noŋgirrŋa Marawilli

‘Noŋgirrŋa Marawili is a senior Madarrpa artist working at Buku-Larrnggay Mulka at Yirrkala in the Northern Territory. This work represents Baratjula, the Madarrpa clan estate adjacent to Cape Shield where Mundukul, the Lightning Snake lives deep beneath the sea. The artist shows the sacred rock set in deep water between the electric ‘curse’ that the snake spits into the sky in the form of lightning, and the spray of the sea trying to shift the immovable rock foundation of the Madarrpa people.’ – Hannah Presley, curator of Indigenous art, NGV (Photograph: National Gallery of Victoria)

We are on fire (Not in a sexy way) (2020) by Karla Dickens

‘This is one of a number of works I created acknowledging the Black Summer fires. The work comments on the effect Australia’s mining industry has on climate change, revealed through the vintage fire hose covered in stickers from mining companies, rows of crosses and dollar signs symbolising death. The title of the work painted large on a chipped red surface and the word “empty” painted on the hose.’ – Karla Dickens

Stolen climate (2020) by Clinton Naina

‘Stolen climate is made from cotton and bleach, representing the capitalist industry of cotton that was born from slavery and theft, which helped create the foundation of what is known today as climate change. White King bleach is used in this work as a metaphor of western imperialism and colonisation that has also played a major role in the creation of the circumstances that we face together globally as people.’ – Clinton Naina

Methexical Countryscape Paakantyi #2 (2013) by Brian Martin

‘This drawing is a presentation of Country and in this case, Wurundjeri Country. The drawing reiterates the importance of Country hence is titled ‘Countryscape’ instead of landscape. There is a different configuration of Country as opposed to land, as Country has subjectivity. Country is important to all of us especially in terms of climate and sustainability as we need to deeply listen and relate to the non-human: Country.’– Brian Martin

Eye of the storm (2020) by Treahna Hamm

‘Central to First Nations identity are totems that represent who we are as a people. Through practices of settlement, laws and regulations of the land, our cultural landscape has been made more fragile and therefore prone to bushfires ... Beneath the possum skin cloak’s symbols of what came to be in Australia 2019-2020 is an optimism that what was once wrong will become a balance, and stability through worldwide First Nations consciousness [will] prevail.’ – Treahna Hamm

Dark Emu spiritual cultural connections to Homelands (2020) by Treahna Hamm

‘Painting spirituality on a subconscious level can take on many depths and levels of symbology especially on cultural ancestral objects such as possum skin cloaks. Elders’ teachings and those gained in the spiritual realm can bring forth many individual meanings to self and to others. This includes aspects of weather within culture and how connection is made by First Nations knowledge and connection to country.’ – Treahna Hamm

Fish scoop (2010) by Yvonne Koolmatrie

‘Senior Ngarrindjeri weaver Yvonne Koolmatrie has woven a fish scoop out of sedge, using the Ngarrindjeri coiling technique. Women customarily used scoops to collect fish caught in nets and to entrap fish, yabbies and crayfish in the shallows. By making such cultural objects, Koolmatrie connects with the river, her Country and her ancestors.’ – Hannah Presley

Flooded Gum, Katarapko Creek, Murray River National Park (2007) by Nici Cumpston

This piece was created during a major drought following a decision to pump water back in to this precious river red gum forest, enabling the saplings to grow.

Tree stumps, western shoreline – Nookamka (2007) by Nici Cumpston

All of the works in this series show the direct impact of changing weather patterns and human control of water flow. This one shows the shoreline of this inland lake. In this case, the flow of fresh water in to the lake was stopped so the water could be kept in the River Murray. This had catastrophic effects on the fish and bird life as well as the livelihoods of those living alongside it. The stagnant water became incredibly saline and sulphuric acid rose to the surface, which reeked of rotten egg gas.

Rockholes and country near Kata Tjuta (2007) by Bill Whiskey Tjapaltjarri

‘[Tjapaltjarri] tells the story of the cockatoo who was attacked by the cheeky crow while preparing to lay her eggs ... The result of the clash lies in the formations of white stones scattered across the landscape, and an overlooking hill that is the embodiment of the eagle spirit.’ – Hannah Presley

Mount Giles from sandhills near Gilbert Springs (c. 1937) by Albert Namatjira

‘Albert Namatjira was a remarkable Western Arrernte artist who painted his ancestral Country. Master of a western painting style, his watercolours are infused with a deep personal connection to the rocky escarpments, native grasses and majestic ghost gums. By presenting his works alongside contemporary Western Arrernte artists in Big Weather, we can see changes in the landscape and highlight the importance of the inter-generational transfer of knowledge.’ – Hannah Presley (Photograph: NGV)

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(AU ABC) Green Hydrogen Is Billed As The New Climate Friendly Fuel In Town But Will It Work?

ABC Landline - Eliza Borrello

Australia's abundance of sunshine could help drive a hydrogen boom. (ABC News: Eliza Borrello)

Key points

Green hydrogen could be a gamechanger if it can be used to decarbonise industries like steel making and shipping
The concept of green hydrogen has been around for decades, but making it isn't cheap
Fortescue said a green steel industry could create tens of thousands of jobs

You may have started hearing the phrase "green hydrogen" and wondered if this clean "fuel of the future" will live up to the hype.

Experts and the big companies funding green hydrogen trials have been wondering the same thing.

Before we get to that, here's a quick refresher on what hydrogen is.

Hydrogen is the most common element in the universe but it rarely exists on its own.

On earth it's most commonly found in water, H2O.

To use it, the hydrogen has to be split from the oxygen molecules using electrolysis, which is essentially when electricity is run through water.

Is green hydrogen the fuel of the future?

Fossil fuels can power the electrolysis but when renewable sources, like the sun are used, it's called "green hydrogen" because no greenhouse gasses are emitted.

Hydrogen fuel cells can power electric cars and trucks. But it could be a game changer if it can be used to decarbonise industries like steel making and shipping.

The concept of green hydrogen has been around for decades but making it isn't cheap.

Australia is home to an increasing number of green energy farms. (ABC News: Eliza Borrello)

The Chief Executive of the Australian Hydrogen Council, Fiona Simon said hydrogen was finally being talked about seriously now because so many countries have committed to reducing their carbon emissions through net zero targets.

"Hydrogen's time has come because we're moving to global decarbonisation," she said.

So back to whether hydrogen will live up to the hype.

Pilbara based iron ore miner Fortescue Metals has been trialling turning iron ore into so-called green steel using green hydrogen.

Julie Shuttleworth, the Chief Executive of Fortescue's Future Industries arm, said very early results were promising.

Julie Shuttleworth, the Fortescue Future Industries CEO said her company was confident in its test work on green steel. (ABC News: Eliza Borrello)

"We're very confident in the test work that we're doing on green steel," she said.

"There's a lot of test work going on globally using two processes."

"One is electrolysis of iron ore, the other is using green hydrogen to reduce the iron ore all without coal."

"We are very confident of these technologies, they've yet to be proven at commercial scale."

Kobad Bhavnagri, the Global Head of Industrial Decarbonisation at independent research organisation Bloomberg NEF has described Fortescue's plans as "great in ambition."

Bloomberg NEF Global Head of Industrial Decarbonisation Kobad Bhavnagri has labelled Australia a climate freeloader. (ABC News: Bryan Milliss)

"(They're) of the scale that would be required for Australia really to get a foothold in the green steel industry," he said.

"Making the economics work and finding the business case to invest when government policy really is not all that supportive will probably be quite a challenge."

Fortescue has estimated a green steel industry could create tens of thousands of jobs.

Mr Bhavnagri agreed it could drive new employment opportunities.

"I can't speak to the exact number of jobs that could be created but the steel manufacturing business is employment intensive," he said.

"It could be a very good candidate to replace the jobs, which will inevitably be lost in future in coal mining."

Solar power can be used to make green hydrogen. (ABC News: Mark Bennett)

Cheap and abundant oil supplies have helped keep hydrogen on the back burner.

But Woodside, a company that's made its money extracting oil and gas, spent almost a fifth of its "new opportunities" budget on hydrogen in 2020.

Woodside's Executive Vice President of Sustainability Shaun Gregory said at its "core" Woodside was an energy company and would deliver what customers wanted.

"We're seeing increasing customer demand for hydrogen and that's great for us, that's great as an energy provider but it's great for the world as well as we move to a lower carbon future," he said.

Woodside has proposed a pilot project called H2TAS in Northern Tasmania.

Plans for Woodside's proposed H2TAS hydrogen project at Bell Bay in Northern Tasmania. (Supplied: Woodside)

Mr Gregory said it would use hydro power to create four tonnes of hydrogen a day for transport.

But he said Woodside was already looking at bigger volumes.

"We have plans to grow those to 100 tonnes per day, in order to match that market demand," he said.

"As the customer starts buying more and more and the market grows, we'll need to grow the size of those plants and you'll see us make announcements on the size of plants."

A big question mark remains about the viability of transporting hydrogen.

Plans for Woodside's proposed H2TAS hydrogen project at Bell Bay in Northern Tasmania. (Supplied: Woodside)

It's why Fortescue Future Industries has been scouting green hydrogen production opportunities overseas, closer to international customers.

But Mr Gregory was confident transport hurdles could be overcome.

"Forty years ago, we didn't expect to transport natural gas in a liquid form either and we did," he said.

"I think we'll see the same with hydrogen."

Kobad Bhavanagri takes a different view.

"It's not easy to put enough of it on a ship to make it worthwhile to take halfway around the world," he said.

"Hydrogen is best used in the places where you produce it."

Mr Bhavnagri said as a country blessed with the ability to create vast amounts of renewable energy Australia could become a hydrogen "superpower."

But he said it would require more Federal Government support, including the signing of a net zero carbon emissions target.

"Until you are clear that you want to reduce and eliminate emissions from your economy, you don't really have a business case to develop something like hydrogen," he said.

Federal Energy and Emissions Reduction Minister Angus Taylor disagreed.

"I think the real debate here is not about whether to reduce emissions," he said.

"We all accept the need to reduce emissions."

Energy and Emissions Reduction Minister Angus Taylor was pleased with the work Australia had done on hydrogen. (ABC News: Jess Davis)

"It's how to do it and absolutely, Australia recognises that hydrogen is one of the important technologies where Australia has a competitive advantage."

The German Government is spending billions of dollars on hydrogen development compared to the Australian Government's $570 million investment.

But Mr Taylor argued as a smaller country, Australia was punching above its weight.

"We developed a national hydrogen strategy several years ago through the excellent work of Alan Finkel and that was path breaking work, not just for Australia but for the world," he said.

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(AU SBS) United States And China Are 'Committed To Cooperating' To Tackle Climate Change

SBS - AFP

The world's top two economies have issued a joint statement on climate change, raising hopes they can work together on the global challenge despite sky-high tensions.

US special envoy for climate John Kerry attends a press conference in March 2021 in Paris. Source: AP

The United States and China are "committed to cooperating" on the pressing issue of climate change, the two sides said Saturday, issuing the pledge days ahead of a key summit hosted by President Joe Biden.

The joint statement came after a trip to Shanghai by US climate envoy John Kerry, the first official from Mr Biden's administration to visit China, signalling hopes the two sides could work together on the global challenge despite sky-high tensions on multiple other fronts.

But to achieve the global climate goal, Mr Kerry said words must be put into action and urged China to reduce its use of coal.

"The United States and China are committed to cooperating with each other and with other countries to tackle the climate crisis, which must be addressed with the seriousness and urgency that it demands," said the statement from Mr Kerry and China's special envoy for climate change Xie Zhenhua.

It listed multiple avenues of climate cooperation between the world's top two economies which together account for nearly half of the greenhouse gas emissions responsible for climate change.

It stressed "enhancing their respective actions and cooperating in multilateral processes, including the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change and the Paris Agreement."

Both countries also "look forward" to a virtual climate summit of world leaders that Mr Biden will host next week, though the statement did not say if Chinese President Xi Jinping would attend.

"We very much hope he will take part," Mr Kerry, who is now in South Korea, told reporters on Sunday.

"Of course, every country will make its own decisions," he said, adding: "We're not seeking to force anybody. We're seeking cooperation."

'Biggest coal user'

China currently has about half of the world's coal power, Mr Kerry said, adding that he "talked a lot" about it with officials in Shanghai.

"I am not pointing fingers," said Mr Kerry.

"We've had too much coal, other countries have too much coal, but China is the biggest, biggest coal user in the world," he added.

"And because it's such a big and powerful economy and country, it needs to move."

Mr Biden has made climate a top priority, turning the page from his predecessor Donald Trump, who was closely aligned with the fossil fuel industry.

The US president has rejoined the 2015 Paris accord, which Mr Kerry negotiated when he was secretary of state, and committed nations to taking action to keep the temperature from rising no more than two degrees Celsius above pre-industrial levels.

With the world badly off track to meeting the goal, Mr Biden hopes his summit will result in stronger pledges in advance of UN-led climate talks in Glasgow at the end of the year.

'Unequivocal commitment'

According to their statement, both Washington and Beijing "intend to develop" their respective long-term strategies to achieve carbon neutrality by the Glasgow meeting.

Other moves in the near term include boosting "international investment and finance" to support the transition to green energy in developing countries, as well as phasing out production and consumption of hydrofluorocarbons, gases used in refrigeration, air conditioners and aerosols.

Longer-term actions that need to be taken to keep the temperature goals of the Paris accord "within reach" include reducing emissions from industry and power generation while stepping up renewable energy, clean transportation and climate-resistant agriculture.

The United States and China's pledge to cooperate on climate follows recent acrimony over accusations about China's policies in Hong Kong and its treatment of Uighurs in its northwestern Xinjiang region - criticisms Beijing rejects as interference in its domestic affairs.

If the United States refuses to work with China on climate because of other disagreements, "you're just killing yourself," Mr Kerry told CNN before his trip to Shanghai.

Li Shuo, a policy advisor at Greenpeace East Asia, said the joint statement showed the "unequivocal commitment" of the United States and China in tackling climate change and should "put global climate momentum back on high gear."

"The difficult meetings in Shanghai bore fruit. Let that move the politics closer to where science requires us to be," he said.

China - the world's biggest polluter - has announced an ambitious target to be carbon-neutral by 2060, but analysts have warned high reliance on coal and modest short-term targets could scupper the ambition.

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