An estimated 150,000 students and adult supporters across Australia joined massive, vibrant, nationwide climate strikes today, in over 60 cities and towns across the nation, demanding immediate and urgent leadership from Australian politicians to tackle climate change. Internationally, students in over 100 countries also took action.

The people of New South Wales go to the polls on March 23. Environment and climate have both featured strongly in the public debate around the election and it would appear that interest in these issues is of significance to many people as they ponder their vote.

As state and territory ministers consider a recommendation by the Federal Government that would leave a range of new genetic modification (GM) techniques unregulated, new evidence shows that these techniques are not as precise and safe as has been claimed. 

Small reactors are being heavily promoted but the economics don't stack up.

The Federal Coalition’s last-ditch attempt to hit the reset button on climate change has been a flop with several dozen community members appearing at a snap rally at the Prime Minister’s press conference in Melbourne this morning.“The Coalition has failed to review the science and adopt measures that are commensurate with the scale and urgency of the climate crisis,” said Leigh Ewbank, FoE climate spokesperson.“An Emissions Reduction Fund that fails to keep coal, oil, and gas in the ground is a hoax.”

The Maritime Union of Australia (MUA) has backed Australia's first major offshore wind project, Star of the South proposed off Victoria's Gippsland coast, urging the federal Energy Minister Angus Taylor to sign off on the project's exploration license.

Australia could soon be home to the world’s largest offshore wind farm, with the 2GW Star of the South proposed off Victoria’s Gippsland coast in June 2017.  This landmark project promises to deliver clean renewable energy to 1.2 million homes, creating an estimated 12,000 jobs and avoiding up to 10 million tonnes of polluting  greenhouse gas emissions.The Star of the South requires both state and federal planning approval, but has been held up by the federal Coalition government for unknown reasons.

At today’s Agriculture Minister’s Forum, State and Federal Agriculture Ministers will discuss proposed changes to our Gene Technology Regulations that would make Australia the first country in the world to deregulate genetically modified animals.

Environment group Friends of the Earth Australia reject indications that the Morrison government will seek to use public funds to underwrite new coal and gas projects, and say they should be 100% focused on landmark renewable energy projects like the proposed Star of the South offshore wind farm instead.

As another mammoth year draws to a close, it's a pleasure to bring you this month's news from the frontlines across the country, before we take some time out to power up for 2019.