First Nation's network aims to end energy insecurity

A First Nations new clean energy network is set up to deliver cheap and reliable power to remote indigenous communities. 

The network formed by unions, industry bodies and academics aims to build renewable energy projects on indigenous land to end energy insecurity. 

Karrine Nolan from the community group original power said there are only a handful of clean projects in indigneous communities and they are not seeing enough involvement from medium to large scale enterprises. 

Chinese President Xi Jinping warns US President Biden in a 'frank' conference

 United States President Joe Biden has met with Chinese President Xi Jinping in a “frank” online conference to discuss growing tensions in the Taiwan strait. 

In the meeting, Mr Xi warned the US of encouraging pro-independence Taiwan forces, as the self-ruled island is still considered Chinese territory by Beijing.

Mr Biden maintained the United States’ would continue to support the “One China” policy in relation to Taiwan, however both leaders have agreed to work together on energy and climate issues/

 

UQ's research into excess battery energy usage

Researchers at The University of Queensland are investigating possible uses for excess energy in electric car batteries, to potentially power homes and support the energy grid.

UQ’s Dr Jake Whitehead says that most electric vehicles are using less than 20% of their dedicated range energy, which creates a unique opportunity to export spare energy generated overnight using vehicle-to-grid chargers.

Police advise border travels to use 'easier' automated system

Over 12,000 people are waiting to enter Queensland as police ramp up their presence at airports to ensure COVID compliance. 

Authorities have said recently that only over a thousand of those people are under a newer automated system which would allow travelers to enter the state more easily. 

Although police presence is increasing during an ease of border restrictions, the new system will seek to issue passes immediately with the upload of negative COVID tests and some documentation.

 

Australia to expand its vaccine program

The federal government will expand its vaccine program to include Pfizer and Moderna doses,with a focus on the Indo-Pacific region and nations in desperate need of doses. 

At the moment Australia is only sending AstraZeneca overseas, however aid and humanitarian groups have called on the government to be more generous.

After a surplus of vaccines in Australia, with more than 80% of the NATION double dosed, the federal government is confident it can begin exporting Pfizer in the coming months to ensure everyone gets a jab. 

 

Tensions on Poland and Belarus border escalates

Tensions on the Poland / Belarus border are continuing to escalate, as Polish forces have resorted to using water cannons to disperse rock-throwing migrants. 

Thousands of Belarussian migrants are trying to enter the European Union after being forced to flee their homeland in retaliation for protests against President Alexander Lukashenko’s re-election last year.

The Polish defence ministry has said that one policeman has been seriously injured in the protest, and was taken to hospital with a fractured skull.

 

Warmest October recorded in northern hemisphere

A US climate agency says last month was the warmest October in the northern hemisphere on record. 

The average land temperature over the northern hemisphere exceeds October 2019, the previous record holder with the average temperature being almost a degree over the 20th century average. 

The US National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration agency has said it is almost certain that 2021 will be one of the 10 warmest years since recordings began.