Turnbull Government promises $1 billion to protect Great Barrier Reef

The Turnbull Government says it will establish a
$1 billion fund to protect the Great Barrier Reef.

The Turnbull government will establish a special $1 billion fund to protect the Great Barrier Reef from the ravages of climate change and declining water quality.

The Reef Fund – to be announced by Prime Minister Malcolm Turnbull in Queensland on Monday – will invest in clean energy projects across the reef's catchment area in a bid to keep the World Heritage-listed icon healthy.

Under the first major environmental policy announced by Mr Turnbull during the campaign, the money will be come from the Clean Energy Finance Corporation's $10 billion special account – meaning it will not affect the budget bottom line.

The corporation will manage the fund, which will finance – through debt and equity – a raft of projects over 10 years.

The government believes the fund will also deliver economic benefits to Queensland by mobilising public and private finance that will increase investment, create jobs and boost farm profitability. The reef supports an estimated 70,000 jobs.

Read Adam Gartrell’s story in today’s Melbourne Age - “Election 2016: Coalition's $1billion funding promise for Great Barrier Reef.”

A day to honour our Earth, and our trees

Honouring trees in advance
of 'Earth Day'.

This week, organizations around the world are honoring our planet and our trees in advance of the 46th celebration of Earth Day on April 22. To join in the conversation for “Earth Week,” we are celebrating the intimate connections between trees and climate change. Trees filter the air, trap atmospheric carbon, and help contribute to healthy, beautiful landscapes –from the city to the wilderness.

Trees are a part of daily life. From planting a single tree at home to understanding the science behind drought and tree health, the stories below, all of which aired previously on our radio show Climate Connections, show just how people are working with trees to combat climate change worldwide. Listen in to learn more!

Read the Yale Climate Connections story - “Trees for the Earth. Trees for Our Climate.”

Understanding risk, accepting climate change

“T

here’s a bad flu going around this year… but I’m healthy enough to not have to worry.”

“Speed is the biggest contributor to fatal road accidents… but I’m a good driver and can handle the conditions.”

“Yes, climate change is happening… but it won’t affect me.”

Sound familiar? These statements are what’s known as an ‘optimism bias’ – a cognitive bias that causes people to believe that they are at less risk of experiencing a negative event compared to others.

Read the CSRIO story - “What’s with our attitude? Australians and climate change.”