Climate. Change. Clean energy. Commitment. Community

Dancing with Cs. Science confronts us with a question dominated by the letter C: Can we curb carbon emissions with clean energy in time to combat catastrophic climate change? The answer not only blows in the wind but is also full of compelling cs because of communities and citizens who collaborate and commit themselves to finding clever solutions and create clean energy co-ops. Listeners… “This is London calling!”

collage20_560

Guests in the studio:
Daniel Cowdell, Geelong Sustainability Group

Prerecorded interviews:
Margaret Rasa, Mount Alexander Sustainability Group
Craig Memery, Alternative Technology Association


Listen to The Sustainable Hour no. 20:



» To open or download this programme in mp3-format, right-click here (Mac: CTRL + click)


» Subscribe to ‘The Sustainable Hour’ podcast — via iTunes or via your own podcast/RSS software

“The listeners of The Sustainable Hour, tuning in… – they are the ones that are going to do something about climate change. We can’t leave it to anyone else. It has to be individual responsibility. (…) If you have got the knowledge and understand what is going – and even so remain quiet, I think it is just one of the worst things you could possibly do. We all need to act – and we need to act now.”.”
Daniel Cowdell, Geelong Sustainability Group



In The Sustainable Hour on 94.7 The Pulse on 9 April 2014 you can meet one of the change-makers in the forefront of a city’s sustainability movement – a citizen of Geelong, Daniel Cowdell, 33, who made up his mind to become an activist and start working with Geelong Sustainability Group.

Together with Friends of the Earth, Daniel Cowdell and Geelong Sustainability Group launches an eight-month campaign to put climate and clean energy on the state election agenda, asking: what does the climate change challenge which science present to us mean for Geelong and its citizens? What if we saw the challenge of curbing carbon emissions as an opportunity for creating new jobs developing and manufacturing cleantech technology and energy efficiency?

Margaret Rasa from Mount Alexander Sustainability Group highlights another example of brilliant change-making: Together with Energy for the People, Mount Alexander Sustainability Group has developed a clever way of building community solar for tenants and low-income demographics, so that people who can’t afford solar can get it on their roof.

Meanwhile the Alternative Technology Association are preparing a report about the gas industry and how government currently is using tax payers’ money to lock residents into a fossil fuel infrastructure which not only will become more and more expensive for them in the years to come, but also contributes to that pollution of the atmosphere which we know we need to stop. Craig Memery, renewable energy and smart networks specialist, explained about this at a seminar at Melbourne University about ‘Quick Clean Energy Jobs For Victoria’, held on 3 April 2014.

An American musician has launched a Climate Message Video Festival where performers make statements about climate change, while famous Hollywood actors now are launching a high profile tv-series about the topic. “It’s the biggest story of our time,” they state.


Audio excerpts from the programme

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

marg_560x250_IMG_1474

Margaret Rasa 
Mount Alexander Sustainability Group and Energy for the People



» To open or download the mp3-file, right-click here and use dropdown menu to download.

» Energy for the People’s home page: www.energyforthepeople.com.au

» Mount Alexander Sustainability Group’s home page: www.masg.org.au



. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

craig_cl-u_IMG_1469

Craig Memery  
Renewable Energy and Smart Networks Specialist at the Alternative Technology Association



» To open or download the mp3-file, right-click here and use dropdown menu to download.

This is an excerpt of a presentation by Craig Memery at the seminat ‘Quick Clean Energy Jobs For Victoria’ which was organised by the Clean Energy Council and Environment Victoria in Melbourne, Australia, to discuss job creation opportunities from targeted investment in renewables.

The seminar took place on 3 April 2014 at Melbourne University: “With jobs looming as a major state election issue, and growing concerns about the social and environmental cost of fossil fuels, what the options for quickly boosting employment in Victoria in the renewable energy industry? What sort of jobs could be created and what other benefits would they bring to the community?”

Craig Memery has extensive experience undertaking renewable energy feasibility studies for solar and wind energy projects and energy efficiency projects, for clients in the local government, community and private sectors. With qualifications in renewable energy technology and electrotechnology, Craig has complementary experience in project management, specification, costing, design and installation of renewable energy and energy efficiency systems, and as a renewable energy and energy efficiency trainer.

» Alternative Technology Association



Mentioned in the programme

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .



Here’s the links to Daniel Cowdell’s blog and worm farm video:

» Daniel Cowdell’s blog: www.sustainableyear2014.wordpress.com

» Start a worm farm: www.sustainableyear2014.wordpress.com/2014/03/16/week-11-start-a-worm-farm



. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

RESPONDING TO THE NEW IPCC REPORT

In the wake of the latest Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) report, health and medical organisations around the world are calling for urgent action to mitigate the risks of global warming to human health.

“Never before have we known so much and done so little. Failing to act decisively and quickly will inevitably cause great suffering and potentially catastrophic consequences.”
Letter to The Times signed by 60 leading physicians and medical scientists


“The reality is, cutting emissions will bring many immediate benefits for public health, as well as help limit climate change in the longer term. We can afford to do it but we cannot afford to wait.”
Dr Liz Hanna, climate and health researcher and President of the Climate and Health Alliance, 31 March 2014



BBC News – 8 April 2014:
World ‘needs Plan B’ on climate – IPCC report
The world needs a Plan B on climate change because politicians are failing to reduce carbon emissions, according to a UN report.

“When the most trusted and authoritative climate science body in the world – the IPCC – released its latest report yesterday, we created a video to help our scientists get the message out. Watch the video and help our scientists spread this important message. Thanks for your support.”
Amanda McKenzie, CEO, Climate Council



. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Years of Living Dangerously




» Full episode: See the first hour (59 minutes).
Published on youtube.com on 6 April 2014

Hollywood celebrities and respected journalists span the globe to explore the issues of climate change and cover intimate stories of human triumph and tragedy.
‘Years of Living Dangerously’ takes you directly to the heart of the matter in this awe-inspiring and cinematic documentary series event from executive producers James Cameron, Jerry Weintraub and Arnold Schwarzenegger.

“It’s the biggest story of our time.”





» Short clip: 3 minutes about the background of the film project
Meet the correspondents who participated in the documentary event series Years of Living Dangerously. 




» Short clip: 1 minute about religion and climate change
Katharine Hayhoe discusses the impact of climate change.




» Short clip: 2 minutes about drought




» The official trailer: 2 minutes

» The Years Project: www.yearsoflivingdangerously.com

» Follow on Twitter: www.twitter.com/YEARSofLIVING

» Like on Facebook: www.facebook.com/YearsOfLiving

» Official site: www.sho.com/yearsoflivingdangerously

» Subscribe to the Years of Living Dangerously channel for more:
s.sho.com/YearsYouTube



. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

China a world leader in clean energy

For the second year, an annual Pew Charitable Trusts report, ‘Who’s Winning the Clean Energy Race?’, shows that China is the world leader in clean energy investment, with $54 billion in investments in renewables in 2013, well above total U.S. investment of $36.7 billion.

On a global basis, 87 GW of clean power was added in 2013, and cumulative installed capacity now surpasses 735 GW.
Germany has the most installed solar of any country in the world, with 35.5 GW.

The world’s largest offshore wind project, the 630-MW London Array, was completed in 2013.
Australia ranked 10th in clean energy investment – with $4.4 billion.

» Read more: www.pewenvironment.org

» Download the report (PDF): www.pewenvironment.org/uploadedFiles/…



. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

SustainDirectoryCoverPress release from City of Greater Geelong:

“Pick up a free Sustainability Directory and change your life”

 
“Life changing help is at hand in the latest Sustainability Directory.”
 
Environment Portfolio Councillor Andy Richards said the Sustainability Directory was developed by the Geelong Sustainability Group.
 
“If you’re keen to save energy, reduce waste and live a more sustainable life then help is at hand”, said Cr Richards.
“From green tradespeople to solar installers, there is a wealth of local expertise ready to help you with designing and renovating your home.”
 
“The Sustainability Directory is also a great resource for business owners, who can make long term savings through recycling and more efficient practices.”
 
“The aim of the Directory is to open up local knowledge to people who want to make changes but may not know where to get help.”
 
“It’s a very interesting and eclectic mix of all things sustainable in our region ranging from farmers’ markets to the many local ‘Friends Of’ groups who do the hands on grass roots conservation work”, said Cr Richards.
 
“I find the ‘Rethink, Repair, Reuse, Repurpose and Recycle’ section particularly useful to see at a glance where to responsibly offload those household things that are no longer needed.”


The Sustainability Directory is proudly supported by Future Proofing Geelong through a seeding grant. www.futureproofinggeelong.com
 
Copies of the Sustainability Directory are available at all customer service centres, Geelong regional libraries or by phoning 5272 5272.

» More info at www.geelongsustainability.org.au



. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

earthday-poster_1000forFB

Renew Geelong Picnic
Take part in an open air ‘renewables day’ in the shape of a public and free picnic in Eastern Park on Sunday 27 April.

It will be a good day for families, schools, businesses, organisations and decision makers in Geelong to meet each other and mark this year’s Earth Day and its Green City theme with exploring and exchanging sustainable experiences, ideas and visions, and in particular: solutions to the carbon emissions problem.

» Read more on www.thesolution.org.au/picnic

» Also check out www.earthday.org/greencities

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Tonsley in South Australia

The South Australians also talk about “Solutions for a smart future” and how to design a sustainable community as well –

In Tonsley, the state government of South Australia helps create “a new industrial future”, which is sustainable, collaborative, creative – and “where green thinking is the heart of it”.

“Mounting evidence suggests that living and working in a ‘clean and green’ environment promotes goodwill among potential and existing customers, shareholders, employees and community members and increases health and wellbeing, morale and productivity.”

Geelong could be doing the exact same brilliant things right now, but where South Australia and Tonsley have the full support from local and state government, Geelong is in the opposite situation, with both the council and state government against the idea of creating a ‘Cleantech Capital’ in Geelong.

Geelong are currently missing out on riping the benefits of the the transition towards renewable energy and cleantech because of its elected leaders not having understood which way the world is moving.

Best-practice management
“Tonsley’s Urban Design Protocol reflects how buildings, energy and water networks, and open spaces are being created to meet best-practice water, energy and waste management considerations.

A photovoltaic (PV) solar power feed in – similar to rooftop solar panels but on a larger scale – will ensure the site contributes to statewide renewable energy targets.

A Smart Energy network will boost energy efficiency and reduce energy consumption, minimising the site’s carbon footprint.
Water-sensitive urban design including rain gardens, will capture water for re-use across the site.

A network of parks and pathways, combined with green areas planned for the areas within and around major business and residential buildings, will boost the site’s green credentials and the health and wellbeing of everyone at Tonsley.”

» Read more about Tonsley at www.tonsley.com



. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Music

Music played in the Sustainable Hour on 9 April 2014:

The Climate Message Video Festival – an online initiative bringing together musicians from all over the world to increase awareness of climate change – aims to have an even 1,000 videos by Earth Day, 22 April 2014.

If you are a performer in any idiom, you can join the Climate Message Video Festival – an online initiative bringing together musicians from all over the world to increase awareness of climate change: www.theclimatemessage.com.

Warren Senders, who is the festival’s initiator, wrote:

“Whether we reach that number or not, the Video Festival will keep on keepin’ on. The goal is to have sounds and voices from all over the world saying in as many different languages and styles as possible that the time to get serious about climate change is now.”



To make a Climate Message video, here’s how:

Use a smartphone or webcam (or a friend’s) and record about a minute’s worth of your music and talking. Then email it to theclimatemessage@gmail.com, along with your name, contact information, and any details you want included.

Warren Senders will then upload it to the YouTube channel, and feature it on The Climate Message website. Eventually all the videos will be linked to an interactive world map.

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

► Climate Message from Warren Senders, teacher and performer of Indian classical music in Medford, Massachusetts, USA.

“As a musician, as a human being, and as a citizen of Planet Earth, I can say that we all need to be committed to the fight against global climate change, so that our songs can go on to generations in the future.”


. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

► Climate Message from Jarrett Cherner – pianist from Brooklyn, New York, USA.

“It seems our Earth has got a fever…”
Jarrett Cherner



. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

► Climate Message from Banning Eyre, radio broadcaster, writer and musician in Connecticut, USA.

climate-message-videod590





. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

You can listen to all of the radio shows in full length as well as in selected excerpts. Use the links below. You will also find links to more information about the topics and sites that have been mentioned during the hour.

| Social streamHour no 20No 19No 18No 17No 16No 15No 14No 13No 12No 11No 10No 9No 8No 7No 6No 5No 4No 3No 2No 1 |




. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Promote The Sustainable Hour

Print this A4-poster and put it on a wall or a board at your work place, a local café, shop or where ever you think there’d be people who’d find this information interesting.

thesustainab_flyer200

Go to our Facebook-page and give us a click on the LIKE-button.

Let the The Sustainable Hour’s listeners know about your green product. To become a business supporter or sponsor, contact: Liz Carr, Marketing & Business Development, 94.7 The Pulse

94.7 The Pulse

» 947thepulse.comGeelong’s Premier Community Radio Station