This month saw the return of John Lloyd from his overseas trip. John had only been back a week and said that he’d already attended five meetings relating to various roles in working towards a sustainable future! While keeping an eye on shifting policy sands and environmental politics each session, we continue to be excited by good news stories. These can overcome the despair which at times overtakes us. An interesting development we heard about was that see-through solar cells have been created which could turn windows into small scale solar plants. Researchers at Michigan State University have developed thin, transparent, plastic-like material that can act as an energy-generating coating on windows, and provide additional power when coupled with a rooftop solar installation.
We have often discussed the plight of people having to leave low lying Pacific islands due to rising sea levels and it was interesting to learn that the New Zealand government could become the first in the world to recognise climate change as an official reason to seek asylum. If implemented the plan could see up to 100 refugees per year admitted to New Zealand on a newly created visa category. The 1951 UN Refugee Convention, written long before there was such a thing, does not recognise victims of climate change.
We also seek a response from John about the current work of Renewable Energy Benalla which will be conducting a community forum and workshop on Tuesday 28th November to launch Benalla's Renewable Energy Transition Strategy - a plan for how all Benalla's energy can come from renewable sources. It was good to welcome new member Brian Feeley recently – Brian clearly has a deep interest in working towards a sustainable future and asks many engaging questions.
John Lloyd and Bev Lee
We have often discussed the plight of people having to leave low lying Pacific islands due to rising sea levels and it was interesting to learn that the New Zealand government could become the first in the world to recognise climate change as an official reason to seek asylum. If implemented the plan could see up to 100 refugees per year admitted to New Zealand on a newly created visa category. The 1951 UN Refugee Convention, written long before there was such a thing, does not recognise victims of climate change.
We also seek a response from John about the current work of Renewable Energy Benalla which will be conducting a community forum and workshop on Tuesday 28th November to launch Benalla's Renewable Energy Transition Strategy - a plan for how all Benalla's energy can come from renewable sources. It was good to welcome new member Brian Feeley recently – Brian clearly has a deep interest in working towards a sustainable future and asks many engaging questions.
John Lloyd and Bev Lee
