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👋 G’day everyone, Archie here.
This week has absolutely flown by.
My photo of the week: this pic I snapped of Sydney’s Central Station, which I thought was pretty cool
Also, to update from Wednesday’s newsletter, I have continued with the morning running — and I can’t quite believe it myself.
The Sydney stereotypes are slowly starting to creep in.
Anyway, let’s crack on with the news 🗞️
Yesterday I filed a report on the Government’s climate reduction targets and what they mean for Australia. That story here.
Heat stress in cattle and sheep, driven by increasing temperatures and more frequent hot spells, is likely to reduce productivity and animal welfare
🗣️ Why did it say that?
When reading the National Climate Risk Assessment, released this week, you realise how much our food and water is going to seriously change as the planet continues to warm.
Farmers are already facing the impacts of climate change today. The report paints a more than uncomfortable picture of the future of farming and our food security.
By 2050, much of the country could be too hot for cattle, fruit harvests will shrink, and water will become scarcer.
This means higher food prices, struggling regional economies, and even more pressure on farmers.
For my full breakdown check out today’s video:
Around the Grounds 🦘
Across the country, things are happening at a local level that have an impact nationally. Here’s the stories you might not hear about in the traditional media.
🔥 Our health isn’t ready for the heat
Staying on theme: the Eastern Melburnian’s Matthew Sims spoke with Dr Christopher Leung, who has had first-hand experience with the effects of climate change in his literally life-saving work.
Including a time his operating theatre was full of smoke during the Black Summer bushfires.
The National Climate Risk Assessment released this week warns that extreme heat days could rise from four to 18 per year if the planet’s temperature continues its rise.
Vulnerable groups like the elderly, outdoor workers, and people with chronic illnesses face the greatest risks.
Doctor Leung said the extreme heat can make other symptoms of chronic diseases worse.
Read that story by clicking below 👇
💊 QLD says farewell to drug testing
The head of Queensland’s peak body representing doctors has hit back at the Crisafulli Government’s decision to ban pill testing in the state.
The government passed the ban on Thursday evening. It follows the scrapping of public funding for pill testing services in Brisbane and the Gold Coast, resulting in services closing in April.
Thursday’s ban makes drug testing illegal in Queensland.
Queensland Health Minister Tim Nicholls said:
“The Crisafulli Government has a zero-tolerance approach to illicit drugs. I want to make it absolutely clear that there is no safe way to take illegal drugs and this government does not support publicly or privately funded pill testing.”
Australian Medical Association Queensland President, doctor Nick Yim, said the organisation was disappointed with the government’s move to ban pill testing.
“Pill testing provides an opportunity for individuals to have a conversation with a health professional about their drug use.”
☀️ Old panels new jobs
A solar panel recycling centre in regional Victoria is gearing up to turn thousands of retired panels into a resource — and create local jobs.
As the Gippsland Monitor’s Jacob Wallace reports, the Kilmany facility in Victoria’s east will eventually handle up to 220,000 panels, harvesting materials like copper, silver and aluminium — and even turning shredded glass and PV sheets into “Solarcrete” for construction projects.
Marc Murphy, who’s an employee of the project, said for people dropping off panels for recycling, it’ll be like taking them to the tip.
With more than 30% of Victorian homes now using solar, demand for recycling is set to skyrocket, creating jobs and a circular economy in the process.
Read that story by clicking below 👇
Thanks for catching up with me. I hope you enjoyed this issue, and I’d love to hear your thoughts. Just reply to this email and I’ll be on the other side 👋
I’ll be back on Monday.
Cheers, Archie