Morrison is being transparently political in targeting climate groups

Condemning a protest is easy. Passing a new law to limit free speech is another matter altogether.

A blockade during a protest against the International
Mining and Resources Conference in Melbourne.

Prime Minister Scott Morrison is being transparently political in targeting climate groups like Extinction Rebellion in the hope he can tap into a resentment against activists who disrupt everyday life.

But he is yet to prove he can act on his tough talk when his own side of politics is supposed to stand for individual liberty. Would his own party room approve a law that forbids someone organising a boycott?

Isn't it free speech to urge your fellow citizens to ban a product or boycott a store or transfer their savings to a bank that will not lend to a controversial coal mine?

Read the opinion piece in The Age by David Crowe - “Morrison is being transparently political in targeting climate groups.”

France bans plastic cups, plates and cutlery

France has passed a new law to ensure all plastic cups, cutlery and plates can be composted and are made of biologically-sourced materials.

Plastic glasses, knives, forks and food boxes are
 pictured in a takeaway restaurant in Paris.

The law, which comes into effect in 2020, is part of the Energy Transition for Green Growth – an ambitious plan that aims to allow France to make a more effective contribution to tackling climate change. 

Although some ecologists’ organisations are in favour of the ban, others argue that it has violated European Union rules on free movement of goods.

Read Shehab Khan’s story from the Independent - “France bans plastic cups, plates and cutlery.”

France Declares All New Rooftops Must Be Topped With Plants Or Solar Panels

A new French law mandates that all new
buildings must have their roofs partially
covered in either plants or solar panels.
 

A new law recently passed in France mandates that all new buildings that are built in commercial zones in France must be partially covered in either plants or solar panels.

Green roofs, as they are called, have an isolating effect which helps to reduce the amount of energy needed to heat a building during the winter or cool it in the summer.

They are capable of retaining rainwater and reducing problems with runoff, and also offer birds a place to call home in the urban jungle.

French environmental activists originally wanted to pass a law that would make the green roofs cover the entire surface of all new roofs. However, partially covered roofs make for a great start, and are still a huge step in the right direction.

Read the CSGlobe story - “France Declares All New Rooftops Must Be Topped With Plants Or Solar Panels.”