CHIMPANZEES and humans split from a common ancestor 4 million years ago — a much shorter time than present estimates of 5 million to 7 million years ago. Full story from The Age but it doesn’t answer the question: who is the common ancestor?
Category: Archive
Archived material from historical editions of The Generator
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National Water Restriction Ratings
The combination of record low inflows into our dams, predictions of continued hot and dry weather and higher than expected water consumption this summer means that Water Restrictions have come into force across the country. What water restrictions govern your water usage.
At a glance …
Australian Capital Territory
Stage 3 water restrictions have been in force since 16 December 2006.
These are the most severe restrictions imposed in the ACT’s history and compliance with them is crucial to ensure sustained water supply during these extremely dry conditions.New South Wales
Level 3 mandatory water restrictions now apply across Sydney, Illawarra and the Blue Mountains. Click here for more information, cost of fines for breaking this restriction etc.
Northern Territory
Water restrictions have not been posted on the NT government’s web site.
Queensland
As of 1 November 2006, South East Queensland is operating under Level 4 water restrictions. Water restrictions apply to households as well as businesses, industries and Government agencies. Click here for full details.
South Australia
Level 3 water restrictions apply for Adelaide and other River Murray water users from 1 January 2007. Click here for full details.
Tasmania
Stage 1 water restrictions are currently in place in Hobart. However, water restrictions vary around the island state. Click here for specific ratings on towns and shires.
Victoria
Stage 3 Water Restrictions apply from 1 January 2007. Click here for full details.
Western Australia
From 1/1/07, Stage 3 water restrictions apply to all towns serviced by Western Water. Click on the following link for full details of Stage 3 water restrictions.
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Rio Tinto calls for delay in carbon trading
Mining giant Rio Tinto made representations to the Australian Federal parliament yesterday, calling for a slow start to carbon trading to avoid "excessive pressure" on industry. The presentation, billed in some media as a call for carbon trading, in fact outlines a plan to postpone any carbon trading for ten years and then make sure that it has as little impact on industry as possible. The focus of the presentation was on burying carbon dioxide underground.
The ABC reported that:
Yesterday company representatives addressed a House of Representatives Science committee investigating the reduction of emissions through geosequestration, which involves capturing the pollutant gases and burying them underground.
Rio Tinto’s Alex Zapantis says the Government should invest in carbon capture and storage projects locally and promote them globally.
He says the Government could also start planning an emissions trading scheme now without placing excessive pressure on industry.
"The Australian Government, or any government for that matter, could say there will be a price on carbon, it will commence in 2015 and it will be this amount," he said.
"That will start the industry adjusting immediately without the burden of that price of carbon on the economy."
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Greenhouse and Energy Taskforce tells WA Govt to lead by example
Reference: Department of Environment and Conservation, Greenhouse and Energy Taskforce – A cleaner energy future, 5 February 2007, P. 7. This document is available at http://portal.environment.wa.gov.au/pls/portal/docs/PAGE/DOE_ADMIN/GREENHOUSE_REPOSITORY/TAB6327544/GREENHOUSE%20AND%20ENERGY%20TASKFORCE%20-%20A%20CLEANER%20ENERGY%20FUTURE.PDF
Erisk Net, 20/2/2007
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BHP water privileges exceed reason
The Australian Financial Review, 22/2/2007, p. 58
Source: Erisk Net
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Tas Gov ignores environment over new dam
The Mercury, 15/2/2007, p. 19
Source: Erisk Net
Read what the politicans and professionals have said, go to www.abc.net.au