Zedlines - July 4
[Image: Creative Commons]
Japan look to decrease their coal dependency
Japan is looking to slowly remove 100 coal plants that were created in the mid-1990s as they produce too much carbon dioxide.
Japan’s energy goals by 2030 are to have 22 to 24% of their needs met by renewable sources like wind and solar.
At the moment, according to SBS News, coal provides 38% of Japan’s energy power needs while renewable energy only caters for 17%.
Elephants are dying in huge numbers in Botswana
Hundreds of elephants have been found dead in Botswana. However, why, these animals have died, is still unclear.
Dr. Niall McCann says colleagues have spotted more than 350 elephant carcasses since the start of May.
Botswana’s government has ruled out poaching, noting that tusks have not been removed, but that poisoning or disease could be the cause.
Dr. McCann points to the Coronavirus pandemic due to it originating within animals.
He says this incident is a conservation disaster but also has the potential to be a public health crisis.
Indigenous Australian leaders are working with the federal government to reset targets for Closing the Gap
Indigenous Australian leaders are discussing new targets with the federal government as a way to refresh Closing the Gap.
These new targets will aim to improve the health, education and job prospects of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people.
According to ABC radio Indigenous Australians Minister, Ken Wyatt said it was extremely evident that the council is showing commitment to wanting to work with Indigenous Australian leaders.
Quicksmart launch a digital platform for medical sharp safety management
This week, Quicksmart, announced the launch of a revolutionary digital platform for medical sharps safety management.
Every year, 18,000 nurses and healthcare professionals are affected by sharps injuries, many occurring within the operating theatre.
Sharps injuries are a dangerous occupational risk for hospital workers, as they lead to the transmission of bloodborne infections such as Hepatitis B, Hepatitis C and HIV.
Quicksmart Co-founder and physician, Dr. Michael Sinnott, sees the platform as an easily accessible tool for all hospitals.
Queensland enters Stage three of restrictions for COVID-19
Queenslanders entered stage three of the Covid-19 restrictions yesterday.
Stage three of the restrictions allow Queenslanders to play outdoor and indoor sports, with spacing requirements for players and spectators to minimise the risk. Additionally, Queenslanders can go to the pub, order drinks straight from the bar, and can host 100 people at a house party.
Other businesses such as casinos, nightclubs, and gaming rooms can now open as well if they have a covid-19 safe plan.
Domestic flights from Brisbane Airport are increasing
As Queensland looks to reopen its borders, domestic flights in and out of Brisbane Airport will increase by 7000 seats a day.
This will see almost two-dozen extra flights every 24hrs.
The demand would have been greater had Victoria not been excluded from Queensland’s safe border travel.
Brisbane Airport Corporation general manager Jim Parashos, said the week of July 10 will see a 25% increase in Brisbane’s domestic capacity.
Various Artists: Midnight Meditations
<p><span><span>- I’ve spent quite a deal of time reflecting on the effect COVID-19 has had on music. A lot of that effect has been, unsurprisingly, negative. However, it seems like, each week, I’ve been able to find bright points glinting in the blanketing darkness. One such spark in the firmament is less a single star than a constellation.
Willie Nelson: First Rose Of Spring
<p><span><span>- There have been three certainties in my short life so far: death, taxes, and Willie Nelson<strong> </strong>releasing new music. Now on his eye-watering and properly-staggering seventieth record, Shotgun Willie is still at the top of his game. If you contrast last year’s <em>Ride Me Back Home </em>to what we have on offer here, you cannot help but marvel in awe.
Banangun: The True Story Of Bananagun
- Melbourne’s Bananagun are an oddity within the Australian Indie scene. While psychedelia acts look to the future with electronic influences, the six-piece band has instead reiterated the past with a focus on afrobeat and '67’s Summer of Love. First catching my eye with excellent singles, the ensemble continue to lay down a never-ending groove on their debut album The True Story of Bananagun.