An article “Australia bucks global trend - Investment in renewable dives sharply as a government review of clean energy has spooked investments” stimulated discussion as did news that the ACT has set the aim of 70% renewable energy and may purchase wind towers from Portland, where a factory producing them is ‘in mothballs’. We read that research is suggesting fuel reduction burning prior to wildfire decreases both the intensity of wildfire and the amount of carbon and greenhouse gases emitted to the atmosphere. An article on research that treed city streets stay cooler over summer than those devoid of trees led on to an interesting discussion on the role of grasses in cooling temperatures. Coming up – Euroa’s Environmental Seminar Series begins with ‘Conversations, Climate Change and the Strathbogie Region’ with Professor David Karoly and in Shepparton, a lecture by George Marshall explaining why our brains are hard wired not to accept climate change. More food for thought!
There was much to discuss at our first meeting for the year, including Benalla Indoor Recreation Centre’s external display board monitoring results of its solar program (see photo); the hydrogen powered Hyundai becoming available in Australia; the electronic highway likely to involve battery swap instead of recharging; the increase in hybrid systems in both cars (petrol/battery) and homes (solar and grid); the carbon positive cube sealed home on display at the City Square in Melbourne in the second week of February; the on line retail energy challenger Powershop, which allows consumers to choose renewable energy sources for their electricity—and more!
An article “Australia bucks global trend - Investment in renewable dives sharply as a government review of clean energy has spooked investments” stimulated discussion as did news that the ACT has set the aim of 70% renewable energy and may purchase wind towers from Portland, where a factory producing them is ‘in mothballs’. We read that research is suggesting fuel reduction burning prior to wildfire decreases both the intensity of wildfire and the amount of carbon and greenhouse gases emitted to the atmosphere. An article on research that treed city streets stay cooler over summer than those devoid of trees led on to an interesting discussion on the role of grasses in cooling temperatures. Coming up – Euroa’s Environmental Seminar Series begins with ‘Conversations, Climate Change and the Strathbogie Region’ with Professor David Karoly and in Shepparton, a lecture by George Marshall explaining why our brains are hard wired not to accept climate change. More food for thought! |
'Sustainability'True sustainability is only achieved when our society achieves this in three spheres of our activity: Social, Economic and Environmental. Sustainability in each of these three spheres is far from being achieved. This has become the concern of governments and ordinary people world-wide and has resulted in many questions about the sustainability of our present lifestyle. Meeting Times1st and 3rd Friday
10 am to 12 midday U3A Meeting Room 1 Convenors and contact detailsJohn Lane
0474 936 460 Convenor 2008-2021John Lloyd
Local LinksRenewable Energy Benalla - website
Other LinksEconomists for Equity and the Environment
The Future Economy Population Matters-For A Sustainable Future Strathbogie Voices Seminars on Climate Change in Euroa (YouTube) Frank Dunin's paper 'Fire reduces water harvest from Melbourne's water supply catchments'. Frank Dunin's response 'Chemistry Lesson for Scott Morrison' Archives
October 2024
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