NCWQ Environment Adviser Pat Pepper writes that fusion energy, with its environmental credentials, may be a step closer to realisation. Two major branches of fusion energy research, Inertial Confinement Fusion and Magnetic Confinement Fusion, are being actively pursued.
NCWQ ENVIRONMENT ADVISER’S REPORT 2021/2022 Prepared for the NCWQ 2022 AGM by Pat Pepper, NCWQ Environment Adviser. A range of environmental issues were researched and reported on during the year
NCWQ Environment Report By Pat Pepper, NCWQ Environmental Adviser. This report focusses on aspects of the recently released State of the Environment Report, which are pertinent to Queensland. The situation is dire in many aspects. However, the Queensland Government in partnerships with community groups and landowners has an ongoing commitment for improvement and there are several new initiatives. Though, if Australia is to meet its targets more needs to be done.
NCWQ Environment Report By Pat Pepper, NCWQ Environmental Adviser. In this report (May 2022), marine plastic debris is revisited, and removal and remedial measures investigated. Removal of floating plastic from ocean garbage patches and from rivers which researchers calculated had a high probability of entering the oceans were considered together with the ocean currents which could distribute the debris to the gyres.
NCWQ Environment Report By Pat Pepper, NCWQ Environmental Adviser. In this report (Feb 2022), the health and resilience of the Great Barrier Reef are discussed together with various measures which are addressing or could address real and potential risks. Issues discussed include climate change, reef restoration measures, water quality, and control of Crown-of-Thorns Starfish.
NCWQ November Environment Report By Pat Pepper, NCWQ Environmental Adviser. Renewable technology is continually improving and there have been several developments to complement renewable energy sources. The major objection to solar and wind energy has been that they are intermittent energy sources requiring to be backed up by dispatchable power. With an abundance of natural resources to make clean energy, Australia should be in a good position to satisfy local energy needs and export hydrogen to other countries to help satisfy their needs.
NCWQ July Environment Report By Pat Pepper, NCWQ Environmental Adviser. Researchers at the Australian Institute of Marine Science (AIMS) have shown that without major disturbances from cyclones, coral bleaching and crown-of-thorns starfish outbreaks, coral reefs can recover as measured by hard coral cover. But that the composition of coral species can change. However, if the frequency and severity of disturbances increases, as expected from climate change, recovery could be more difficult.
By Pat Pepper, NCWQ Environmental Adviser. This report focusses on water quality in the Great Barrier Reef (GBR). As noted in the Position Statement by the Great Barrier Reef Marine Park Authority (GBRMPA), pollutants in land-based run-off are a major threat to water quality of the GBR and particularly inshore marine ecosystems and consequently to the long-term health and resilience of the GBR.
By Pat Pepper, NCWQ Environmental Adviser Renewable technology has advanced, helped by the support and funding from the Australian Renewable Energy Agency (ARENA). Security and reliability of supply has led
By Pat Pepper, NCWQ Environmental Adviser This report covers recommendations from the Royal Commission into National Natural Disaster Arrangements which aimed at increasing national co-ordination to prepare better for natural