Theme: Valuing nature and biodiversity - Session Outline and Links

• The concept of ecologically sustainable development (ESD) is a cornerstone concept in ensuing development decisions don’t just favour economic or financial outcomes.
• We have well accepted means of valuing the ‘economic’ component of ESD, both at the big picture scale, such as Gross Domestic Product (GDP), and at the small or project scale, such as financial viability.
• The fact that we don’t have an agreed ‘formula’ for valuing biodiversity, as we do for economic and financial accounting, most likely results in decisions that favour the measurable value (economic) over the unmeasurable value (biodiversity).
• But how do can we value biodiversity (a concept that includes nature, ecology, habitat and species)?
• There have been many by attempts research ecologists, natural resource economists and others to do this, either to integrate biodiversity into the GDP equation or at the development assessment level; but the fact is there is no one approach that has been taken up.
• This is strange given consideration of environmental impacts has been included in most development legislation for almost 50 years in some jurisdictions.
• Complications arise because of the ‘nature’ of nature itself.
• There is no real agreement on which component or combination of components of nature should be used in the value equation.
• Valuing nature can be considered at a species level (such as relative rarity), ecosystem level (such as intactness, or by type of ecological community), via the ecological services an area provides and other components.
• In the concept of valuing nature for ‘nature’s sake’ how can a value ‘index’ be crafted that can be reasonably compared the monetary index used in economic or financial valuations.
• Alternatively, is it OK to just value nature or its components in relation its usefulness or financial value to people?
• The following links provide a brief look into the work being done in the field of biodiversity valuation.
• Some of these try to measure the financial value of one or more environmental services (e.g. recreational fishing), others try to establish biodiversity valuation index not related to money or people (e.g. the ‘econd’), while others attempt to value a natural area in terms of its non-financial benefits to people.

Incidentally, the ABC published today (1 June 22) an article about the limitations of only relying on GDP to our wellbeing:
https://www.abc.net.au/news/2022-06-01/gdp-figures-measure-growth-but-are-we-counting-the-wrong-thing/101111454
 
Primary links
 
United Nations – System of environmental – economic accounting: https://seea.un.org/
 
DAWE (Aust) – Environment – Economic Accounts: https://eea.environment.gov.au/
 
Wentworth Group of Concerned Scientists – the ‘Econd’: https://wentworthgroup.org/programs/environmental-accounts/
 
https://wentworthgroup.org/wp-content/uploads/2013/12/Quick-Guide-for-Constructing-Regional-Scale-Environmental-Asset-Condition-Accounts.pdf
Secondary links
 
Wikipedia - Ecological economics: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ecological_economics
 
European Forests Institute - Valuing Biological Diversity of Forests: https://efi.int/sites/default/files/files/publication-bank/2018/ir_04.pdf
 
OECD – Choice Modelling: https://www.oecd.org/officialdocuments/publicdisplaydocumentpdf/?doclanguage=en&cote=env/epoc/geei/bio(2001)3/final
 
Ecosystem Valuation Group – contingent valuation: https://www.ecosystemvaluation.org/contingent_valuation.htm#over
 
Oregon State University – Intrinsic value of biodiversity: https://today.oregonstate.edu/archives/2015/feb/conservation-needs-recognize-nature%E2%80%99s-intrinsic-value-researchers-say
 
Healthy Parks Healthy People (Victoria):
https://finalreport.rcvmhs.vic.gov.au/personal-stories-and-case-studies/healthy-parks-healthy-people/#:~:text=Healthy%20Parks%20Healthy%20People%20was,strong%20focus%20on%20mental%20health.
 
https://www.parks.vic.gov.au/-/media/project/pv/main/parks/documents/get-into-nature/healthy-parks-healthy-people/200507_hphp-framework_revised-final_compressed.pdf?la=en&rev=345c7e8418e04e58a135d2ae660cd281&hash=A05116EFF35BEE2AD9D21804CC0E06C48FB6C07C
 
Ecology Centre (USA) – Measuring the value of biodiversity: https://www.ecologycenter.us/natural-history-2/measuring-the-value-of-biodiversity.html

The Sustainability group met on 6 May and 20 May. Based on several articles, our 6 May session continued discussions on how best to achieve net zero carbon gasses emissions from landscapes, both urban and rural. We also considered whether disruptions and social disturbances, such as the war in the Ukraine, will create long-term impediments to meeting global emissions goals by 2050. At a local level, we considered the achievement of a local farmer at Warrenbayne who has been awarded carbon neutrality status under a Meat and Livestock Australia scheme. We also examined which sectors are the biggest carbon emitters in Australia and how these emissions have been tracking over time.

At out 20 May session we discussed the relatively new science that aims to determine how much human emissions of greenhouse gasses (GHG) can be attributed to severe weather events and our future climate. Attribution science in this scenario makes extensive use of large-scale climate models called general circulation models that assess whether events are made more severe as a result of the presence of human generated GHG emissions. This is still a developing area of science and cannot be reliably used for all types of weather events. We also briefly considered the headline statements from the latest report from the Climate Mitigation working group of the Independent Panel on Climate Change (IPCC), which confirmed that without immediate (by 2030) and deep cuts to global GHG emissions, keeping global warming within the 1.5c to 2.0c range is unlikely to be achieved.

John Lane

Theme: How climate models are used to attribute human induced climate change to severe weather events and future climate projections

• We frequently hear in the media comments about how climate change is making extreme weather events worse as well as how human activity is affecting our changing climate.
• Comments about recent bushfires, floods, coral bleaching, tropical storms and polar ice melt events are often stated as being made worse by human caused climate change
• But what is the veracity of these claims given extreme weather events are inherently variable and other natural factors influence climate change.
• In relatively recent times scientists have adopted and applied the concept of ‘attribution’ to specific weather events and future climate projections.
• In this context attribution science attempts to determine the extent that human activity has contributed to severe weather events and climate change.
• Using climate models, attribution science attempts to determine how the severity of an event or future climate projections has/will be changed by human impacts.
• Following are links to several articles and a nine minute video on the subjects of attribution science and climate modelling.
• If time permits, we could also consider the latest ‘headline statements from the IPCC working Group 111 – Mitigation of Climate Change. A link to these statements also follows.

 
 
Colombia University – Attribution science : https://news.climate.columbia.edu/2021/10/04/attribution-science-linking-climate-change-to-extreme-weather/
 
Verisk  - Attribution Science: https://www.air-worldwide.com/publications/air-currents/2020/the-new-science-of-event-attribution/
 
CSIRO ECOS – Climate change attribution to severe weather events: https://ecos.csiro.au/climate-change-attribution/
 
Pacific Institute for climate solutions - climate models video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bkcrH9tYv8g
 
MIT – What are climate models: https://climate.mit.edu/explainers/climate-models
 
BOM’s climate models - http://www.bom.gov.au/climate/ahead/about/model/access.shtml
 
IPCC working group 111 headline statements from the April 2022 report: https://www.ipcc.ch/report/ar6/wg3/resources/spm-headline-statements/

This week's session will be held this Friday, 6 May, beginning at 9:30 am. The theme will be: 'Achieving net zero CO2 (equivalent) emissions by 2050 in a turbulent world' 
 
Background

The New Scientist article indicates that the Ukraine crisis has generated a scramble for resources that is jeopardising the thrust for renewables and accelerating the increase in atmospheric CO2. Alternatively, sanctions imposed on Russia's gas pipe line may pave the way for the exit from hydrocarbons as the critical energy source.  
 
The CSIRO ECOS (link: https://www.csiro.au/Newsletters/ECOS/2022-04 ) article discusses the method use to determine how to meaure climate change attribution to specific severe weather events.  

The Benalla Ensign article showcases a local farmer who has achieved carbon neutrality under a scheme promoted by Meat and Livestock Australia. 
 
Frank Dunin’s paper considers the difficulty of measuring the take up of carbon in wooded ecosystems. 
 
Introduction 

• Urban communities with high population density that sponsor high traffic and industrial activity lead to concentrated sources of trace gas emission. Of major concern are two carbon gases, CO2 and CH4 because of heating capacity and having relatively long residence time in the atmosphere. Does Urban Planning have a role in mitigating carbon emissions such as venting methane for energy generation or effecting appropriate drainage around industrial sites? 
• Rural landscapes are characterised by the presence of green vegetation for extended periods. This presence is supported by Photosynthesis entailing the assimilation of CO2 predominantly from the atmosphere. This capacity for CO2 assimilation has attracted industrial enterprises to offset their carbon emissions in striving towards carbon neutrality by 2050. Wooded ecosystems appeal as effective agents for this offset. The capacity for legitimate offset is being questioned in wooded communities as to their effectiveness and raises the question of "Is carbon neutrality achievable by 2050"?   
• Tom Crocker's contribution of land capability survey with perturbations through land management becomes a valuable asset to judge whether urban emissions can be balanced with rural assimilation.   
• Judging ecosystem efficacy to offset urban emission require understanding of carbon balance of these systems and how they are distributed across the landscape.  

Who are the big GHG emitters in Australia? 

• Key groupings of GHG emission sectors consist of: 
  • Electricity 
  • Stationary energy (except electricity) 
  • Transport 
  • Agriculture 
  • Fugitive emissions 
  • Industrial processes 
  • Waste 
  • Land use, and use change and forestry (LULUCF) 
• What do they each proportionally contribute to Australia’s total GHG emissions? 

https://www.industry.gov.au/data-and-publications/national-greenhouse-gas-inventory-quarterly-update-march-2021   

• How does Australia’s GHG emissions compare to other nations? 
  • By volume: https://ourworldindata.org/co2-and-other-greenhouse-gas-emissions 
  • Per capita: https://data.worldbank.org/indicator/EN.ATM.CO2E.PC?type=shaded&view=map  

Attachments: 

• New Scientist article 
• ECOS article link: https://www.csiro.au/Newsletters/ECOS/2022-04  
• Ensign article  
• Frank’s paper 

John Lane

First apologies for not getting a Sustainability Group report into last month's newsletter. All my own forgetful self's fault!

In April the group had only one session due to the Good Friday holiday. However, Tom Crocker bravely volunteered to take our session on Friday April 1. No April fooling involved as Tom gave a terrific account of his family moving their farming properties to a more sustainable footing over the generations.

Tom showed us some great of maps of the area south west of Benalla and explained how management issues and their treatment varied between the eastern slopes of their properties to the adjacent plains and the lessons learnt along the way.

He also talked about how the area was described by the first Europeans surveying the area as being an almost 'park like' environment created by thousands of years of Aboriginal land management practices.

Additionally Tom provided some fascinating soil mapping undertaken by Dookie College produced by students under guidance who undertook what sounded like a 'line search' across the landscape taking soil samples at short regular intervals. The resulting soil maps have been used by many farmers since to plan their operations.

Finally, Tom pulled, not out of a hat, but out of a steel bucket, some really interesting Aboriginal artifacts picked up while ploughing. He showed beautiful examples of grinding and milling stones, as well as cutting stones. It was a great session. Thanks Tom.

John Lane

At our February sessions the Sustainability Group looked into the history of the sustainability concept and how it has developed since the 1980s.

We discussed various definitions and examples of sustainability including the sustainable development goals of the United Nations.

We also looked at examples of sustainability strategies at the Australian, State, local, industry and household level, noting that most of these only dealt some aspects, such as waste, unlike the comprehensive approach adopted by the United Nations.

We also discussed a number of cases where nations have begun to move away from a single economic focus of measuring our wellbeing (‘gross domestic product’) to including social and environmental components as well, such as Bhutan’s concept of ‘gross domestic happiness’.
​
John Lane

During November our focus, like that of the media, was on Australia’s poor performance at the COP26 in Glasgow.
​
In the lead up to COP26 we spent much time discussing the political “theatre” that took place between Scott Morrison and the Nationals to reach an agreement on Net Zero Emissions by 2050.
 
We studied an interesting article about the modelling behind the government’s “so called Plan” for emissions reduction, which revealed that the Prime Minister had got the Nationals to agree to a plan that supported fossil fuels over farmers.
 
The modelling showed that the government had been considering two scenarios. One that could see Australia increase its investment in domestic carbon sequestration, achieved primarily through increased revegetation of Australian land, which would boost income for farmers and result in Australia achieving full net zero emissions by  2050. However, the government and the National Party room chose a plan that cuts emissions by 85 percent by 2050 and leaves the fossil fuel industry better off.
 
We also had much discussion about what was happening at COP26 and, in particular, the issue of reducing the use of fossil fuels. We read an article about the “Fossil Fuelled 5”, wealthy countries that have amassed vast amounts of wealth from fossil fuels over centuries and are unwilling to give it up – when the wealth could be used to fund the transition to cleaner energy for developing countries.

The five wealthy countries nominated in the report as the “Fossil Fuelled 5” are the United States, United Kingdom, Canada, Norway and Australia. All of these countries plan to approve and subsidize new fossil fuel projects despite claiming to be leading the climate fight.
 
Freddie Daley, from the University of Sussex, and the author of the report “The Fossil Fuelled 5” says:
“Not only are these wealthy nations jeopardizing their own futures and the future of their citizens through this continued expansion, but they are condemning communities in the global south to a sate of perpetual crisis which they did the least to create. If these nations want to be climate pioneers, it is time they addressed the elephant in the room: fossil fuels.”
 
For many of our meetings throughout the last 12 months the politics of climate change was a major focus of our discussions and will no doubt be a major issue in the coming federal election.
 
After thirteen years as Convenor of the Sustainability group this will be my final report as we will be moving away from Benalla in the new year. However, the group will continue in 2022 as two current members have agreed to act as joint convenors.
 
John Lloyd

Over the last several weeks the media has been full of "Will the Prime Minister declare a target of Net Zero emissions by 2050, or will he not?"  And of course there has been the issue of the resistance from the Nationals.
​
The Nationals don't seem to have the support of the agriculture sector for their resistance as the major farming and livestock groups have set their own target for emissions reductions. It seems that the Nationals are more concerned about coal miners in NSW and Queensland, as the writing is certainly on the wall for the phasing out of coal.
 
We recently viewed a Foreign Correspondent program, "Old King Coal" , which looked at what was happening in Spain, where the government has declared an end to coal mining and coal fired energy.  The program interviewed some of the miners who had been able to take government funded early retirement and others who had moved to different government sponsored jobs. There was some criticism from former miners about this transition program.
 
We have often talked about the need for a national transition plan in Australia to help coal mining areas cope with the decline of coal mining. At our most recent session we discussed an article about what had happened in the Latrobe Valley with the sudden closure of the Hazelwood power station. The Victorian government established the Latrobe Valley Authority, with a $226 million rescue package designed to retrain workers and entice workers to the Valley. It seems that this transition plan has worked well, as the gloomy predictions for the Latrobe Valley following Hazelwood's closure have not eventuated, and there has been an increase in employment rates.  Members felt that what had happened in the Latrobe Valley could provide some guidance for a national transition plan.
 
John Lloyd

U3A members concerned about sustainability and climate change were among those supporting the Benalla Student Climate Change rally on Friday 21 May, Delfina and Brian proudly wearing their Grandparents for Climate Change T-Shirts!

Photos - Bev Lee/Bev Thornell

Victoria's Climate Change Strategy was released at the beginning of May and was a major topic of discussion at our session. While it was considered to have many positive aspects the general feeling from conservation groups was that it had not gone far enough. Dr Nicholas Aberle from Environment Victoria suggests that the climate goals are caught between politics and science. While the Victorian emission targets are politically bold, they are scientifically inadequate. He argues that we must encourage the government for taking responsibility and praise them for their leadership while also pointing out that we need to go much further, much faster, if we are to stay within the 1.5 degree warming limit.

And then of course there was the release of the Federal Budget which was severely criticised for being very light on climate and environmental issues. It seems that the government does not like to even use the word 'climate'. It just appears in two items in Budget Paper Number 2.

The budget allocated considerable money to fund new carbon capture and storage projects which aim to capture some CO2 at the point of emission and store it underground. The aim of this is to allow continued fossil fuel use with lower emissions, which demonstrates the priorities of the Federal government. Recent research into carbon capture and storage projects shows that the vast majority of projects fail.

There was much discussion about this and other aspects of the budget including its support for a 'gas fired recovery', which group members believe will not reduce emissions. Gas is sometimes described as emitting about half as much as coal when burned, but studies have shown its impact is much higher due to the leakage of methane during extraction and piping.

The world's leading energy authority, the International Energy Agency, issued a statement saying that rich countries like Australia have an obligation to reach net zero emissions earlier than 2050 if we are to meet the Paris target. The statement said that no new mines are needed, no new coal plants should be built and that no new natural gas fields are needed. Group members contrasted this with the continued support of the federal government for coal and gas. On the same day that the statement from the International Energy Agency was released the government announced it would be spending $600 million of tax-payer's money on a new gas fired plant in northern NSW.

Sometimes it is hard to come away from our sessions with any real hope that Australia will take effective action in relation to climate change.
​
John Lloyd

Due to Easter, we only had one session this month.

As many readers would be aware there has been much discussion in the media about the impacts of climate change, the decline of coal, the 'gas led' recovery and of course emission reduction targets.

Many members had watched the Four Corners program on the "Gas Led Recovery" and the issues presented during that program led to much discussion. A report from the Australian Energy Market Operator that declared "there will be no gas shortfall" also contributed to the discussion.

The topic of battery storage was also raised during these discussions and we read an article about some research conducted by the Australia Institute titled, "Renewables plus batteries offer Australia the same energy security as coal." This led to discussion about how battery storage can provide stability to the grid. Questions were raised about how long battery storage could maintain grid operation in the event of major breakdowns. This is something we need to explore a little further.
​
John Lloyd

Due to the building renovations Sustainability was unable to meet during February and our first session will be on Friday 5th March.

This year we have 17 people enrolled which is the largest the group has ever been over the thirteen years it has been operating.

Maybe this is an indication that sustainability and climate change are becoming important issues to a greater number of people.

It would be good to see that reflected throughout the Benalla community.

There has been a lot of talk about ‘green hydrogen’ as a major source of clean energy and members have been provided with two articles about Twiggy Forest’s ambitious plans to develop ‘green hydrogen’ and ‘green steel’.

I look forward to starting our meetings and to the interesting discussions about such issues
​
John Lloyd

This course aims to explore topics such as global warming and climate change, reducing greenhouse gas emissions, clean energy options, the challenge of population growth, sustainable agricultural practices, water use, sustainable use of resources, sustainable and energy efficient building design and various economic and lifestyle issues.  

The first session of Sustainability in 2021 is scheduled in the U3A meeting room on Friday 19th February from 9.30 to 11.30 am.
 
John Lloyd 5765 2476

​Victorians seem to have done the right thing to suppress the Corona virus and it is looking hopeful for a reasonable Christmas.

This will be the final distribution of sustainability articles for this year as this Friday would have normally been the final meeting for the year.
 
Because it is the final email I have taken the liberty of attaching quite a few articles.

You may have heard the announcement from the Victorian government that the budget will include a major household energy efficiency package which is a very significant amount.
I have attached the media release from the Minister, Lily D’Ambrosio. 

Those of you who have known me for some time know about my passion for energy efficient and sustainable housing, so you won’t be surprised that I have included two articles on this issue.

Other articles include the ‘State of the Climate Report’, good news of renewable energy developments in NSW and of some major ‘green energy’ projects across Australia.
​
The final article is about how Australia could become isolated over its inaction on climate.
 
The Sustainability Zoom meeting on Friday will be the final one for this year. See the link below.
 
As this will probably be my final email for 2020, I would like to take the opportunity to wish everybody all the best for the coming festive season, and hope that we will be able to have face-to-face meetings in 2021.
 
The link for the Sustainability Zoom meeting at 10am this Friday, 20th November is:
https://us04web.zoom.us/j/79362106059?pwd=MWphTUpmT3RXTkV3QU1INmxCWkNrUT09
 
John

Reading List

Household Energy Efficiency Package
Media Release Lily D'Ambrosio Victorian Government  November 17, 2020

All-electric, self-sustaining homes for suburban Sydney
ARENA 15 October 2020
​
Should energy efficiency ratings be compulsory?
Penelope Thomas           The West Australian                      Mon, 19 October 2020

​Green giants: the massive projects that could make Australia a clean energy superpower
The Guardian            Environmental Investigations           Adam Morton            Sat 14 Nov 2020

NSW's coal heartland to host state's newest renewable energy zone
Peter Hannam                        Sydney Morning Herald                     November 16, 2020

Australia warned it could be isolated over climate inaction after Joe Biden victory
Adam Morton            The Guardian             Sun 8 Nov 2020

​State of the climate: five big issues from the report that will affect every Australian
The Guardian Environmental investigations           Graham Readfearn     Sat 14 Nov 2020

It is that time of the week again when I send you some more articles about sustainability issues.

​This week’s articles include two about China’s announcement of its target of Net Zero Emissions by 2060 and the impact this would have on Australia’s coal exports.
Another article explains how the International Monetary Fund (IMF), a major promoter of neoliberal economic policies, is now calling for ‘green investment’ and carbon pricing.
The final article explains what makes a Green New Deal.

I trust you will find these articles of interest.
 
Zoom Meeting: I did not hold a Sustainability Zoom meeting last Friday because of other commitments, however as there are 5 Fridays this month we have space to have a Zoom meeting this Friday.

There are two weeks’ supply of articles to discuss- a total of seven. I would suggest we deal with these articles as follows:
First session – discuss ‘Backwards Budget’, ‘Net Zero Emissions’ from last week and ‘Neoliberals’ and ‘Green New Deal’ from today’s articles.
15 minute break.
Second session – discuss ‘Old King Coal’ from last week and the two articles about China I sent today.
 
The link to the Zoom meeting at 10am on Friday 23rd October is:
 
https://us04web.zoom.us/j/73358790567?pwd=UGNlVHpZL0thS1ZMRmFncmlaaFM0UT09
 
Regards,
John

China just stunned the world with its step-up on climate action – and the implications for Australia may be huge                    The Conversation                   October 8, 2020

​China's power game puts the pressure on Australian coal
Cheryl Durrant                 Sydney Morning Herald                October 15, 2020

Some say neoliberals have destroyed the world, but now they want to save it. Is Scott Morrison listening?      The Conversation                   October 16, 2020

​You’ve probably heard of the Green New Deal in the US — is it time for one in Australia?
The Conversation            October 20, 2020

Here is your now ‘weekly dose’ of sustainability articles.

I hope you enjoyed the positive articles I sent you last week. It is not often that I can just focus on ‘good news stories’.

There is one ‘good news’ articles this week about ‘Old King Coal’ surrendering to solar. Some welcome news.

I won’t be conducting a Zoom meeting this Friday as I have other commitments but as we have five Fridays this month, I could conduct one on the fourth Friday, October 23rd. That would still leave two weeks till the first meeting in November.

I will send out the link next week.
 
John

Old king coal has surrendered to solar, says global power report
Nick O'Malley                   The Age               October 13, 2020

‘Backwards’ federal budget: Morrison government never fails to disappoint on climate action
The Conversation       October 7, 2020

Net-zero emissions target could spark $63 billion investment drive by 2025
Matt Johnson             The NewDaily             Oct 12, 2020

The ‘lungs of the Earth’ are burning: 2020 Amazon rainforest fires the worst in a decade
Cait Kelly        The NewDaily             Oct 4, 2020

I am a week earlier than usual, but then with so many articles available I thought I might start a weekly distribution of 3 or 4 articles.

This week there were a number of positive articles and I thought it would be a nice change to send you just the positive news for once.

Of course we then had the budget, which didn’t have any positive news for the environment or climate change, but more about that next week.

Enjoy the ‘good news’ articles.

John

Recommended reading:

Solar installations go through the roof despite Victoria's lockdown
Miki Perkins               The Age           October 6, 2020

West Australia to build 100MW big battery – the first on state’s main grid
Giles Parkinson                      Renew Economy                    3 October 2020

South Australia wind and solar served stunning 73% of demand in September
Giles Parkinson                       Renew Economy                     2 October 2020

Aussie tech gurus driving local, low-cost solar panel breakthrough
Mike Foley                  The Age                       October 5, 2020

Hi All,

Here I am again with another bunch of articles to keep you well informed.

I have attached seven articles and as usual I found it difficult to restrict it to this number.  Of course some of these articles are about the so called “Low Emissions Technology Roadmap” launched by the federal government last week.  To me, this roadmap is more about ideology and politics rather than a genuine energy plan. You can read the criticisms for yourself.
 
Are you aware that President Xi, at the UN General Assembly spoke of a "green revolution" and committed China, the world’s largest carbon emitter, to reaching net-zero emissions by 2060?
You can read about that in one of the articles.
 
Once again I will be conducting a Zoom Sustainability meeting at 10am on Friday.
 
The link to the Zoom meeting at 10am on Friday 2nd October is:
 
https://us04web.zoom.us/j/79165309010?pwd=NUwwUG0vL0xwQ1FGYmVTb2VXQ1BwUT09

Recommended Reading:  

Anything but wind or solar: Taylor’s technology plan is “roadmap to nowhere”
Michael Mazengarb ReNew Economy 22 September 2020

Morrison’s gas push isn’t about energy security, it’s about ideology at any cost
Zali Steggall                Renew Economy        22 September 2020

What are the key technologies in the Coalition's low emissions roadmap, and can they deliver?
Royce Kurmelovs                    The Guardian             Sun 27 Sep 2020

​Why Australia’s hydrogen industry should be renewables only
Michael Mazengarb               Renew Economy        28 September 2020

​The world's richest one per cent emit more carbon pollution than the poorest half of humanity
SBS News        22nd September, 2020

China's push puts end of fossil fuels in sight
Nick O'Malley             Sydney Morning Herald                     September 26, 2020

EU ramps up emissions reduction target to 55 percent by 2030
Joshua S Hill               Renew Economy                    22 September 2020

Hi All,

I expect everyone is looking forward to the easing of COVID restrictions in regional Victoria from Thursday, but it still important that everyone practices good hygiene and stays safe.

I thought I had selected the articles I was going to send around, but then the Prime Minister makes his announcement on a ‘gas led recovery’ and so some additions were necessary.  The PM”s ‘gas plan’ has created a lot of controversy. I have attached two more articles about the plan. These will obviously contribute to our discussions at the Zoom meeting on Friday morning.

As well as sending the articles have forwarded two emails responding to that announcement, one from the Climate Council and another from GetUp who are seeking signatures for a petition.
 
Once again I will be conducting a Zoom meeting on Friday morning to discuss these matters.
​
To join the Zoom meeting at 10am on Friday 18th September click on the following link:
https://us04web.zoom.us/j/71630395963?pwd=ZlQyQ0N0aW1sS2loaXBweG9USmsrZz09

John

Reading:  

Renewable energy can save the natural world – but if we’re not careful, it will also hurt it
The Conversation       September 2, 2020    
Laura Sonter, Lecturer in Environmental Management, The University of Queensland;
James Watson, Professor, The University of Queensland; Richard K Valenta, Director -  Mining and Geology Research Centre - Sustainable Minerals Institute, UQ

Greta Thunberg champions the plight of climate refugees
Pip Hinman                 GreenLeft                    September 10, 2020

These Aussie teens have launched a landmark climate case against the government. Win or lose, it’ll make a difference                
The Conversation                   September 10, 2020
Laura Schuijers       Research Fellow in Environmental Law, University of Melbourne

When will Australia's government act on the climate imperative?
John Hewson              Blue Mountains Gazette                    September 10 2020

Earth Hasn’t Warmed This Fast in Tens of Millions of Years
Chelsea Harvey, E&E News on September 13, 2020     Reprinted in Scientific American

Phasing out gas would benefit Australian manufacturers and households
Richard Denniss         The Guardian             Thu 3 Sep 2020

Dawn of 'green steel' and the revival of Australian manufacturing
Nick O'Malley            The Sydney Morning Herald              September 7, 2020

No, Prime Minister, gas doesn’t ‘work for all Australians’ and your scare tactics ignore modern energy problems                  The Conversation                   September 15, 2020\
Samantha Hepburn, Director of the Centre for Energy and Natural Resources Law, Deakin University

​'We don't need it': Critics say plan for new gas power is unnecessary
Nick O'Malley and Nick Toscano                   The Age                       September 16, 2020

Spring has arrived and Spring is always full of promise. Let’s hope this Spring brings an easing of restrictions.
 
I hope you all watched the third episode of ‘Fight for Planet A’ which was focussed on food.
What I thought was significant about this episode was how it highlighted the significance of behaviour change in reducing carbon emissions.  One amazing reduction was the change by the university student to eating chicken rather than very large servings of beef.  There were quite a few other behaviour changes that resulted in a smaller carbon footprint.  The challenge to all of us is, “Are there behaviour changes we can make to reduce our carbon footprint?”
 
You may remember in one of our February meetings I gave out an article ‘Fifteen Tips to Help Lower Your Carbon Footprint’.  I would be interested to hear if you have made some changes to reduce your carbon footprint.  
 
A number of sustainability articles have been included below for your regular ‘update’. As is usual I have difficulty trying to limit the number I send.  Following on from the Planet A series, I have included an article about reducing meat and dairy intake.  Other topics include the push by business for a  ‘green recovery’, proposed changes to environment protection legislation, and Victoria’s move to encourage more clean energy.
 
Friday morning Zoom meeting
I will be holding another Zoom meeting at 10am on Friday morning. It would be good to see a couple of ‘new faces’ at the meeting.  We will be discussing the final episode of ‘Fight for Planet A’ as well as some of the articles I have attached.  As the free Zoom time runs out at 40 minutes we normally have a 15 minute break and then come back using the same link for a second 40 minutes discussion.
 
Zoom details:
Click on the following link to join the Sustainability Zoom meeting at 10am on Friday 4th September.
https://us04web.zoom.us/j/76763834922?pwd=L1ZQbWI3Uk5rTmZLN205cHVtaWg3dz09 
 

John

Recommended Reading:

Avoiding meat and dairy is ‘single biggest way’ to reduce your impact on Earth
Damian Carrington The Guardian Fri 1 Jun 2018 (more than 2 years old)
Biggest analysis to date reveals huge footprint of livestock - it provides just 18% of calories but takes up 83% of farmland

Climate crisis: business, farming and environment leaders unite to warn Australia 'woefully unprepared'
Adam Morton             The Guardian             Friday 28th August 2020
An extraordinary statement by 10 groups says the nation’s future prosperity is at risk without a coherent response

Morrison government resurrects Abbott's 'one-stop shop' environment laws
Mike Foley                  The Age                       August 27, 2020

'A shot in the arm:' Victoria backs clean energy in bid to fuel COVID-19 recovery
Nick Toscano and Miki Perkins                     The Age           September 2nd, 2020


Australian Industry Group urges Coalition to spend 'at least' $3.3bn on renewable energy over coming decade
Paul Karp                   The Guardian              Mon 31 Aug 2020
Extract from above article - Peak employer body warns Australia faces ‘costly increase in climate-related impacts and risks’ even in best-case scenario

​

It has been a particularly interesting month for people concerned about sustainability and the environment, with Craig Reucassel’s wonderful series ‘The Fight for Planet A’ engaging many of us.  The dilemma of how to engage people with issues surrounding climate change has often been discussed in the Sustainability class – Craig Reucassel seems to have found the key. 

Late August’s Zoom meeting provided the opportunity for members of the Sustainability group to engage in a follow up discussion of the issues raised.  This discussion will continue at the next meeting on Friday September 4 at 10am. 

The articles selected for discussion at Sustainability’s fortnightly Zoom meetings are being added to the Sustainability page on this website.    If you are interested in keeping up with current issues in the sustainability area, just click on the links to the articles in the posts below.

Bev Lee  

Having watched ‘Fight for Planet A’ last night, which dealt with transport emissions and the advantages of electric vehicles, Here's a link to an interesting article about one group trying to encourage the purchase of EV’s.

​The Green Recovery--Electric cars have few downsides except price. One company is looking to change that
Royce Kurmelovs                   The Guardian             30 July, 2020

How about that drag race segment on the show last night? I knew EV’s had considerable power but WOW!
 
I am looking forward to our Zoom discussion on Friday morning.

John

I trust you are all doing what you need to keep yourself safe.  I hope you all watched the first episode of ‘Fight for Planet A’ last week and the second episode, which focused on transport emissions, at 8.30pm on Tuesday night. If you missed them you can view them on iView. 
 
I have attached five articles for your regular ‘diet’ of Climate change/sustainability articles. I have tried to include articles with some positive trends.

There have been a lot of significant groups urging the government to implement a ‘Green Recovery’ for the economy, following the pandemic.

We will have plenty to talk about at our Zoom discussion on Friday morning.

We might spend the first 40 minute session discussing ‘Fight for Planet A’, have a short coffee break and then spend the next 40 minutes discussing the articles I have sent you.
 
Click on the following link to join the Sustainability Zoom discussion at 10am on Friday 21st August:
https://us04web.zoom.us/j/73470252715?pwd=RVBUcUpGRm4zenAzL2Z1dnZLN2g0Zz09
 
If you haven’t joined a Zoom meeting before, I have previously sent an instruction sheet about Joining a Zoom Meeting for the First Time.

It would be good to see some ‘new faces’ on Friday morning.

​John 

Reading List:

Blackballed: will coal bounce back from slump or is it terminal?
Nick O'Malley The Sydney Morning Herald August 15, 2020

Business chiefs urge PM to invest sustainably for COVID-19 recovery
Mike Foley The Age August 10, 2020

Joel Fitzgibbon blasted by Mark Butler for backing gas-led Covid recovery plan
The Guardian Wed 12 Aug 2020 Katharine Murphy

Medical experts urge Scott Morrison to act on climate change as part of the COVID-19 recovery
SBS News Tuesday 11 August, 2020

​Coal power hits record low, but Taylor still can’t credit wind and solar for lower electricity prices
Michael Mazengarb RenewEconomy 14 August 2020

​I would like to inform you about some interesting, and I think important, television shows next week.

First of all on this Monday 10th August at 8.30pm on ABC 4Corners is Plastic Wars: Recycling spin in the plastics industry, a PBS Frontline production presented by Craig Reucassel.
You will remember Craig Reucassel from his ‘War on Waste’ series.
 
Craig will also be presenting a new three part series titled ‘Fight for Planet A:Our Climate Challenge’, which begins on Tuesday 11th August at 8:30pm.
           
Fight for Planet A: Our Climate Challenge

The ABC's new show to inspire our thinking and challenge our behaviour on climate change, Fight for Planet A: Our Climate Challenge premieres on August 11th at 8.30pm. Over three episodes Craig Reucassel takes on a climate challenge to reduce our carbon emissions and understand where our energy comes from, how transport and travel emissions affect our health and just what is the carbon footprint of the things we eat?

The series will showcase how individuals, families, schools and businesses can help reduce our carbon footprint by making practical day-to-day changes, especially in our homes. Far from taking the pressure off governments and industry, Craig will check in to see if they are doing all they can to make the changes we need and challenge them to do better.
 
I would encourage you to watch this series as I believe it will be very informative and could provide all of us with ideas to reduce our carbon emissions.
 
If the series motivates you to get involved in solutions to reduce our carbon emissions there is an online personalised plan which will provide you with useful tips, tools and advice, https://fightforplaneta.abc.net.au/solutionsplan.
 
This series will be the major focus of our discussions at our Sustainability Zoom meetings.
 
In relation to our Zoom meetings I thought we might have had a few more participants. Many group members contributed to our discussions when we were able to physically meet and I think many of you could also contribute to our discussions via Zoom. The few who have participated have enjoyed the discussions.

The technology may sound a little ‘scary’ but in fact it is relatively simple once you join  your first group.

While Zoom meetings are not the same as face-to-face meetings they can at least break the monotony of isolation at home.

I have attached the guide sheet for joining a Zoom meeting which should help those who are unfamiliar with Zoom and may feel a little reluctant.
 
Can I encourage you again to watch this important series and I look forward to seeing a few more people joining our Zoom meetings.
 
Stay healthy and stay safe.

Regards,
​
John