Southern Ocean plankton faces extinction from global warming: Aussie study

Manila Bulletin News: "Deppeler said that the extinction of the phytoplankton would have significant consequences for the Southern Ocean habitat.

“They draw down carbon as they photosynthesize, and capture it in the deep ocean when they sink to the seafloor. The level of atmospheric carbon would be around 50 percent higher without the uptake provided by Southern Ocean phytoplankton,” she said.

“Changes to phytoplankton communities therefore could have significant implications for our environment and climate."

Australia - Noosa - tens of thousands ride free holiday buses

Noosa News: "TENS of thousands took a free ride on the festive holiday buses, making use of the complimentary transport period unique to Noosa.

In its third year, the free holiday buses proved popular with more than 40,000 people choosing to use the free holiday bus during the 10-day period between Boxing Day and January 4.

...."They have enjoyed the benefits of leaving the car behind, and when the next peak period came around they opted for the bus again, instead of the car.

"These people have realised that it makes sense not to sit in a long queue of traffic and then spend ages looking for a park, often without success.

"While we can see we now have many locals getting into the habit of using the free buses during holidays, we really want to encourage even more locals and visitors to use buses and other non-car transport.

"This will help to reduce congestion into our main shopping, dining, entertainment and beach areas."

Record-busting heat in eastern Australia as climate warming goes extreme

Climate Code Red: "The southwest Queensland town of Birdsville is forecast to reach 45-48 degrees from now until Thursday and could extend this run to 10 days by next weekend. This spell would smash the existing record of six consecutive days over 45 degrees from 2014 and 2004. Overnight minimums during this time should remain above 30 degrees, beating the 2012 record of six in a row. Birdsville's hottest day on record was 49.5 degrees on 24th January 1972."