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September -  Amazon rainforest fires; economics vs the future of civiliation; recycling; energy bills and more

1/10/2019

 
At our first session in September there was much discussion about the fires in the Amazon rainforest and the fact that many were deliberately lit to clear land for agricultural use. While these fires are a major concern for the global community we were reminded that many governments around the world were not heeding the warnings from climate scientists. Dr Andrew Glikson, an Earth & Climate scientist at the ANU, writing in The Age (27/8/2019) stated, "As fires rage across the Amazon and while forests are ablaze in Siberia, Alaska, Greenland and southern Europe and parts of Australia …… it would appear parliaments - including Australia's - are preoccupied with economics and international conflicts while they hardly regard the future of civilization as a priority." Unfortunately, many of the articles studied at Sustainability sessions reinforce this point.

The use of recycling is another topic regularly discussed with a number of members suggesting that Victoria should adopt a system similar to Germany with its better sorting of recyclables.  An article by a recycling and waste consultant suggested that Victoria should implement a 4 bin system - organics, glass, other recycling and residual waste. If you live in urban Benalla you already have an organics bin which has been very successful in reducing the amount of material going to landfill.

Discussing the issue of recycling always raises the issue of why Victoria is the only state that has not adopted a container deposit scheme.

Another topic that led to much discussion was the question of energy bills and how they had been rising. This led to information about the Victorian government's energy reforms that were introduced on July 1st, including the Victorian Default Offer and the requirement that energy retailers must inform customers if they are on the best energy plan for their circumstances.  (See  www.esc.vic.gov.au/getting-best-energy-plan  and www.energy.vic.gov.au/victoriandefaultoffer)

As the second Sustainability session for September would clash with the "Global School Strike 4 Climate" on September 20, I informed the group that I would not attend the session, as I would be attending a regional 'school strike' to support the young people who are asking adults all over the world to take urgent action on climate change. I encouraged other members of the group to do the same and no doubt this will be a topic for discussion at our first session in October.


John Lloyd
    BSFG on:

    '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. 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. Our sessions during the year will examine different aspects of these major topics with a focus on looking towards a sustainable future. No prior knowledge of these topics is required just a general interest in the issues around climate change and sustainability. With discussion of these topics throughout the year you will find that you become better informed about these issues.

    Meeting Times

    1st and 3rd Friday
    10 am to 12 midday
    ​U3A Meeting Room 1

    Convenors and contact details

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    John Lane
    ​0474 936 460

    Convenor 2008-2021

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    John Lloyd 

    Local Links 

    Benalla Sustainable Future Group:
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    Renewable Energy Benalla - website

    Other Links

    Fifteen Tips to Lower Your Carbon Footprint
    Economists 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'

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We acknowledge the traditional owners of the land on which we meet and pay our respects to their elders - past, present and emerging.
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