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Which living person has done most to destroy the natural world and the future wellbeing of humanity? Donald Trump will soon be the correct answer, when the full force of his havoc has been felt. But for now I would place another name in the frame: Angela Merkel.

Related: Germany won’t lead the free world. It barely looks beyond its own borders | Natalie Nougayrède

While greenhouse gas emissions in other European nations have fallen sharply, in Germany they have plateaued

Mining giant will clarify how its position on climate and energy policy differs from the industry bodies to which it belongs

The giant Anglo-Australian miner BHP has agreed to reconsider its membership of the Minerals Council of Australia, as well as other industry groups, and to clarify how BHP’s position on climate and energy policy differs from those bodies.

The move comes as BHP faces a shareholder resolution urging the company to terminate membership of bodies that demonstrate a pattern of advocacy on policy issues at odds with the company’s positions since 2012.

Related: Mining lobby calls for 10% limit on environmental charities' spending on advocacy

Related: CSIRO a paid-up member of Minerals Council, which fights climate change action

The postal survey will be an interesting test of our civic engagement. Only if enough people take part will it become meaningful

As a strong supporter of same-sex marriage I am not happy about the postal survey. But as a career researcher, I am even more dismayed. It’s not a plebiscite, obviously. It’s not a vote as we understand it in the Australian context (not compulsory, not conducted by the Australian Electoral Commission and no satisfying sausage afterwards). And no self-respecting researcher would call it a survey. I’ve started referring to it as “a thingy”. But let me be clear – it is a vitally important “thingy”.

In fact it is probably more important to take part in this “thingy” because the usual rules around voting and surveys don’t apply. The results will not be weighted to reflect Australian Bureau of Statistics data, as any decent survey would be. And the usual carrot and stick involved in voting is absent. If enough Australians deliver their postal survey in time, we can transform this into something real and meaningful. If almost all of the community gets involved – not just the dedicated supporters for and against – then this “thingy” becomes something else. More than deciding the issue of marriage equality, it will also be an interesting test of our civic engagement. How prepared are we to have our say if a fine or a cake stall is not involved?

Related: Marriage equality support falls but yes vote still leads – Guardian Essential poll

Related: How can we get control over our electricity prices? | Christopher Zinn

‘Less of an opportunity to clear the mind,’ is the verdict from Bidyadanga, where winter highs of 33C were replaced by 36C as records tumbled across the country

It’s always hot in Bidyadanga but a few degrees can make a big difference in the remote Aboriginal community, about 190km south of Broome in Western Australia.

“It’s always hot – it’s the desert – but the difference between 33C and 36C can be quite oppressive,” said Shaun Burgess, a teacher in the community.

Related: Q&A: panellists spar over coal as energy debate dominates

Related: Enough tiptoeing around. Let’s make this clear: coal kills people | Tim Hollo