Kids on school strike, councillors in emergency mode

Australian matters, Local Geelong matters

The Sustainable Hour no 233: Kids on school strike, councillors in emergency mode

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A podcast hour about what happens when we adults – as the school-striking climate campaign oracle Greta Thunberg requests in Sweden – begin to talk about the climate crisis as the global emergency it really is. In this hour, we learn about being aware and about how to keep our emergency messaging simple and sweet rather than sour.

Guest in The Sustainable Hour on 12 September 2018 is Jackie Matthews from Suburban Scrap Solutions, mother of five kids, and a sustainability leader who gives educational talks in the community about recycling and the circular economy – now also in The Sustainable Hour.

Tony Gleeson calls in from Northcote Town Hall in Melbourne where 350 people are gathered for Australia’s first local government Climate Emergency Conference, and where Climate Emergency Darebin Executive Officer Tiffany Harrison and campaigner Adrian Whitehead from Community Action in the Climate Emergency tell us about an extraordinary breakthrough at local government level for the climate emergency-framing.

Lou Baker, member of Geelong Inter-Church Social Justice Network which is organising a climate change forum on 11 October in Geelong West Town Hall – talks about “the sin of apathy”, and we follow up on Swedish Greta Thunberg’s “the-grown-ups-have-failed-us” school strike for the climate:

After three weeks, Greta’s strike was supposed to have ended last Friday, as she had hundreds of young people joining her in her strike in front of the Swedish Parliament… but then, on the following day, she announced in front of an even bigger crowd that she is going to continue her strike on Fridays, and she encourages school kids from around the planet to join her on this mission.


On Monday evening, 10 September 2018, the ABC’s Q&A Youth Special highlighted that Australian secondary school students, regardless of political viewpoints, certainly are fully updated on the climate crisis and the federal government’s failure to address it.

Dr Heidi Edmonds – environmental scientist, musician, founder of and blogger at Climate KISS, Australian coordinator of the International Eco-Challenge, and mother of two little girls aged two and four years – believes that children and young people need more adults talking to them about climate change. So she has written an open letter to the kids about this topic. “Climate change is simple, serious and solvable, but also urgent,” she tells The Sustainable Hour. Heidi has also written the song ‘Love for Our Future’ which follows the interview.

Tim Hollo, leader of Green Music Australia and of FourPlay String Quartet, tells about about a song he wrote, ‘Wish’, after a flooding incident, when his daughter had just told him that she wish that she “had been born before climate change happened.”

We round off the hour with a youtube clip where Bill McKibben answers the question: ‘What can I do about climate change?’

And before all that, Colin Mockett delivers his Global Outlook of the week: about renewables policy in the Philippines, China, the US and the UK, and about the emphasis Elizabeth II – the Queen of Australia – puts on speeding up the inevitable transition away from the dirty coal, oil and gas.

 

“We don’t inherit the Earth from our ancestors, we borrow it from our children”

~ David Brower, founder of Friends of the Earth




Listen to The Sustainable Hour no. 233 on 94.7 The Pulse:

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Tv-advertisement challenging the federal Australian government’s stance on climate change





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Content of this hour

Links, excerpts and more information about what we talked about in this Sustainable Hour

“It is a climate emergency, and to frame it in this way, I think that is a really good breakthrough. The faster it get normalised, the better.”

~ Tiffany Harrison, Darebin resident and Climate Emergency Darebin Executive Officer



 #CLIMATEEMERGENCY #DAREBIN: 

First climate emergency conference




Could local governments provide the kind of genuine, effective climate solutions which governments at national level – with a handful of exceptions such as Costa Rica and New Zealand – have failed to deliver?

The answer obviously depends on the numbers: How many councils will get on board? In Melbourne, for a start, the number just doubled: from one council to two. Darebin City Council has been working on its Climate Emergency Plan over the last two years, and now Moreland councillors decided to join them.

» More here

Ban Ki Moon and James Hansen: This is an emergency

It is encouraging to see local politicians find themselves able to do exactly what climate-striking Greta Thunberg is asking of the parliamentarians in Sweden: “Talk about the climate crisis as a crisis – because then what we have to do will follow naturally,” as she told The Sustainable Hour last week:

Working with nature to cultivate system change


Tiffany Harrison

“I’m still processing all that happened in terms of take homes. I think it was amazing that a Government climate emergency event was real and had active engagement from community and other Councils. Having Councillors, staff and community members all working collaboratively was great to see – and part of a shift we need for local government in terms of working with people power.”
~ Tiffany Harrison, Climate Emergency Darebin Executive Officer


Four new climate emergency publications

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‘The Climate Emergency Darebin Strategic Plan’
(PDF, 16 pages)
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‘Darebin Climate Emergency Plan 2017-2020’
(PDF, 118 pages)
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[one_half]
David Spratt and Ian Dunlop: ‘What Lies Beneath – The Understatement Of Existential Climate Risk’
(PDF, 44 pages)
[/one_half][one_half_last]
Jane Morton: ‘Climate messaging – Don’t mention the emergency?’
(PDF, 24 pages)
[/one_half_last]




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David Spratt

‘What Lies Beneath – The Understatement Of Existential Climate Risk’

This latest Breakthrough report argues for an urgent risk reframing of climate research and the IPCC reports. What Lies Beneath is the inside story of how climate policy-making has become embedded in a culture of failure and scientific reticence. The report brings together the voices of some of the world’s leading scientists.

» Download report

» More info on www.breakthroughonline.org.au




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Climate emergency radio relay

“Many argue we need a Churchill to lead us, that only a strong leader can take charge in a crisis and show us the way forward. Or maybe we need a climate “Pearl Harbour” – a major single event. This is not how systems usually change, but especially not in a globalised and connected world. Yes, we need leadership and across all sections of society. But the “Churchills” emerge from a context and the context shift we need is to accept we have a crisis. Critically, this acceptance is a distributed social phenomenon, not a technical question of science or evidence. This brings me back to Darebin in Melbourne…”
~ Paul Gilding, 11 September 2018



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Jackie Matthews

» Home page: Suburban Scrap Solutions

» Facebook page: www.facebook.com/scrapsolutionsgeelong

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Dr Heidi Edmonds

Dr Heidi Edmonds is an ecologist and environmental engineer with a PhD in freshwater ecology and experience in science communication. She wrote a letter to the kids of the world:

“Dear kids, I am an adult working to protect your safe, liveable planet. And I just want to say… hello…   

We’ve got a situation here. The planet is warming above safe levels, and we have to increase our efforts to protect our climate and keep it cool for your safe future. As renowned climate scientist Katharine Hayhoe says, “Climate change is real. It’s us. It’s bad. But there are all kinds of solutions.”

One of my friends has a 12-year-old daughter, Kaitlyn. Her dad told me that she was worried about the state of the world. So this is my way of letting her and other young people know what I know about the current state of the world, why I am inspired and hopeful about the future, and the many young (and old) people protecting it. I also share ways that young people can get involved in protecting their future…”

» Read the letter in full on www.climatekiss.com

Heidi also wrote this article for parents and child climate activists who have younger children/siblings: How to talk about climate and environment in age appropriate ways

“Environmental care can be taught to young children too young to engage on climate,” explains Heidi. 


In this presentation, Heidi talks about age appropriate engagement on environmental and climate issues for kids. As part of this, she also touches on how to fact-check climate news, ways to protect mental health in a changing climate, and some of her climate heroes.

As a mother of young children, and an advocate for protecting our climate, Heidi is passionate about making climate science and climate action accessible, simple and easy to understand. Heidi is based in Brisbane, Queensland and is a volunteer with Climate Change Lobby Australia.

» Slides and video of a presentation by Heidi Edmonds: 
How to talk to kids of different ages to engage them on climate change and environmental issues

» Climate KISS home page:
www.climatekiss.com

» Climate KISS on Facebook:
www.facebook.com/climatekiss


Climate science electro-pop song: ‘Love for our Future’

‘Love for our Future’ is a climate-science-electro-pop track with a positive message for all ages about looking after our planet to keep its climate safe for our little ones, and our young people. It’s written by Rose Carrousel, who is Heidi Edmonds – an award-nominated electronica musician and an environmental scientist.

The message of the song is that we can all be super heroes through learning all we can to live sustainably and to be advocates for a safe and healthy climate for our kids. With a kicking dance beat, and an energetic driving arrangement, her engaging voice and brushes of harmonies are the pieces in the puzzle that make for a song that kids and adults, parents and grandparents will be singing along to and spinning some dance moves to.

Through sales of the song she is also supporting the Long Future Foundation.

“I wanted this song to be happy and uplifting to get me and my friends into a good headspace for what we need to do to save the planet. I hope you might enjoy listening to it to feel supported in the big and small things you are doing to look after our planet and the future of the folks on it. We can all get aware, get educated, get inspired, get connected, stay positive, nourish the world and ourselves with a less is more attitude. We all have to be advocates and brave self-educators to get our planet back in balance. We can do it,” says Heidi.

The name Rose Carrousel is inspired by the idea of looking at the world through rose-coloured glasses – the way a carousel turns and spins and offers constantly new perspectives.

» ‘Love for our Future’ is available to purchase via bandcamp

» Hear more at www.rosecarrousel.com and www.soundcloud.com/rosecarrousel

» Rose Carrousel’s Facebook page:
www.facebook.com/rose.carrousel



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Tim Hollo

Tim Hollo

Tim Hollo and Fourplay: ‘Wish’ – a song about living in a climate changed world.

Tim Hollo is a musician and an environmentalist who co-founded Green Music Australia.

‘Wish’ and its accompanying clip calls for urgent action against climate change, with the outfit channeling two decades of talent into an emotionally-charged indie rock string onslaught.

“We combined narrative and symbolic elements drawn from singer/songwriter Tim Hollo’s personal story of what inspired the song,” Heidi Lee Douglas (Defendant 5, Little Lamb, Devil Woman), the brains behind the new clip, said.

His daughter’s anxieties about growing up in a world affected by climate change are embodied powerfully by actor/dancer Marigold Pazar. 
“By the end of the song her character has found the courage and strength to lead us into the future,” Tom Hollo explains

Fourplay String Quartet take ‘Wish’ around the country this month on an East Coast tour. On Sunday 16 September they performed at The Toff In Town in Melbourne

» The Music – 3 September 2018:
PREMIERE: Fourplay String Quartet – ‘Wish’

The Music’s Gig Guide has more details

» Green Music Australia

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“Like most parents I know, I am sometimes seized by anxiety about climate change, usually in the middle of the night when I can’t sleep. I lie in the dark wondering whether my children will grow up to face life on an uninhabitable planet.”
~ Wendy Becktold, story editor, Sierra, USA, on 4 September 2018

» Grist – 12 September 2018:
To stop climate change, the world needs more ‘artivists’
By Antonique Smith, a Grammy-nominated singer and actress from USA

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Colin Mockett’s global outlook #11

The Philippines are getting off coal

About renewables policy in the Philippines, China, the US and the UK, and about the emphasis Elizabeth II – the Queen of Australia – puts on speeding up the inevitable transition away from the dirty coal, oil and gas.

More outlooks here:

Colin Mockett’s global outlook


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 #YOUTH #SOLUTIONS 

Q&A High School Special with school panel


Bushfires and climate change policy was discussed in ABC’s Q&A on Monday 10 September 2018:

Question from young resident in Tathra: “In March this year we saw a bushfire tear through our town, Tathra, fanned by extreme weather conditions and in August we had another out control bushfire burning to the west of Tathra. We have just seen our elected prime minister ousted by the conservative right who don’t want action on climate change. When will we finally get politicians who will act for our future and take meaningful action on climate change?”

The question was answered by Holly Cooke from Mercedes Collage in South Australia, Penny Wong, opposition leader in the Senate, and Joanne Tran, a young Liberal from Burwood Girls High School in Sydney, New South Wales

Philippa Collin commented via Q&A’s twitter-account: “We can’t wait for these young people to get into parliament.”

Another tweeted: “These young people are going to have to clean up the mess of bad climate policy. Let’s hope it is not too late.”

The video clip of this question and answers was posted on Q&As Facebook page where it was viewed by around 4,000 people, received 60 comments and was shared 48 times during the first 72 hours.

Mik Aidt posted a comment about Greta’s climate strike, which provoked some cynical comments from the ‘Facebook-trolls’, such as ‘James Ham’ who wrote: “Hopefully she goes on a hunger strike”.



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Poster for the event on 11 October

Climate change and sustainability forum in Geelong

On Thursday 11 October, the Geelong Inter-Church Social Justice Network organises an evening of talks, performances and info-stalls at Geelong West Town Hall under the title ‘Care for our common home’, asking the key question concerning climate change: “Individually and collectively: what can we do?”

A panel of experts will give us some ideas about how we can individually and collaboratively take action to restore and preserve ecosystems that life depends on. The Pope’s encyclical ‘Laudato Si’ urges everyone to do this; the Geelong Inter-Church Social Justice Network’s response to this has been to organize this event in partnership with other local groups to involve everyone in our community, regardless of faith or spiritual path, to inspire local action on climate change. Primary and secondary school children will also voice their perspective.

The forum seeks to bring a Christian perspective to the crisis of climate change and to work with concerned like-minded people to develop environmentally sustainable and socially just ways to ‘Care for our Common Home’.

The panel will include:
• GRAEME ANDERSON – Climate specialist – Agriculture Victoria
• LIS BASTIAN – The Big Fix – a solutions-focused media service
• ADRIAN WHITEHEAD – Community Action in the Climate Emergency
• DAN COWDELL – Community Energy Project Coordinator
• MIK AIDT – Centre for Climate Safety
• DR MICHAEL LEAHY – GICSJ Network

Free event

» RSVP on this Facebook event page

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Victorian government supports new renewable energy projects

» Financial Review – 11 September 2018:
Victoria underwrites six new wind, solar farms
“The Government said the six developments would produce a total of 928 megawatts by 2020, powering the 640,000 homes.”

» ABC News – 11 September 2018:
Victorian Government promises half-price solar batteries if re-elected
“The Victorian Government has committed to provide half-price solar batteries for 10,000 homes if it wins the November election.”

Australia on track for 50% renewable electricity in 2025

“The Australian renewable energy industry will install more than 10 gigawatts of new solar and wind power during 2018 and 2019. If that rate is maintained, Australia would reach 50% renewables in 2025.”

» The Conversation – 10 September 2018
At current rate, Australia is on track for 50% renewable electricity in 2025

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“If you’re reading in a textbook that it’s possible to solve this issue through really small actions, like switching from plastic to canvas bags, you might get the idea that climate change is not that big of a deal when it’s actually a very large issue facing humanity.”
~ Seth Wynes, author and researcher at University of British Columbia

Media’s lack of climate coverage a reason for the inaction


Think 100%: David Arkush, Public Citizen – about media’s lack of climate coverage a reason for the inaction

» Website: www.think100.info


“What each individual needs to do is go out and find each other, and create a collective force. We need a movement in this country, more than anywhere, that makes it unacceptable for political leaders to […] not meet their climate obligations, or to deny that climate change is even a real thing.”
~ Dr Sam Myers, director of the Harvard’s Planetary Health Alliance



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 #SOLUTIONS 

Bill McKibben: What can I do about climate change?

A common question when understanding and combatting climate change is to ask ourselves “What can I do?”. American climate activist and co-founder of 350.org Bill McKibben has one quick-fix: “Become less of an individual. Come together and push for solutions.”

This video by Bill McKibben and the Sanders Institute tells the story of how we can push for solutions. These solutions fall into either of these three broad categories:

1) Go for 100 per cent renewable energy
2) Keep carbon in the ground
3) Divest from fossil fuels

About Bill McKibben
Author, environmentalis and activist Bill McKibben need little introduction to the climate community, but to a broader audience he is probably most well-known for his work in organisation 350.org, an international climate campaign that operates in 188 countries around the world. In 1988, he wrote the book ‘The End of Nature’, the first book aimed for a common audience about global warming.

» Read more on www.medium.com/wedonthavetime

» Retweet



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“Sustainable parenting means taking the well-being of all children into account—not just our own—when deciding how to live in the world and what to model around the ethical use of the world’s resources.”
~ Mary DeMocker, author of ‘The Parents’ Guide to Climate Revolution’, Oregon, USA

 #CLIMATEEMERGENCY #PARENTING: 

‘The Parents’ Guide to Climate Revolution’

New guide to parenting in the age of climate change

“Solving the climate crisis will ultimately require us to align our priorities as parents with what’s really important in the long run—the well-being of the planet on which our children live.”

““Relax,” writes author Mary DeMocker: “This isn’t another overwhelming pile of parental ‘to-do’s’ for shrinking your family’s carbon footprint through super-eco-heroism…”

Instead, DeMocker, the cofounder and creative director of 350 Eugene, lays out a lively, empowering, and doable blueprint for engaging families in the urgent, all-important endeavor of ‘climate revolution’.

In one hundred brief, action-packed chapters, parents learn dozens of wide-ranging ideas and activities that can be part of this revolution – from embracing simplicity parenting, to freeing themselves from dead-end science debates, to teaching kids about the political power of creative protest, to changing their lifestyle in ways that will bring their family together, improve moods, and also reduce their impact on the earth. Engaging and creative, this is for every parent who wants to act effectively and empower their children to feel they can do the same.”

Mary DeMocker: ‘The Parents’ Guide to Climate Revolution – 100 ways to build a fossil-free future, raise empowered kids, and still get a good night’s sleep.’ 360 pages.

» Read more on www.sierraclub.org

» You can buy this book on www.amazon.com.au

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The Climate Careers Commitment

“The youngest generations around the world will both experience the impacts of climate change and be responsible for continuing to reduce emissions and create global sustainability, at the same time as they respond to the climate change’s negative and positive impacts on an ongoing basis.

The Climate Careers Commitment will empower you to be an integral part of this solution. By signing on you are committing to be part of the wave of people who be implementing holistic solutions to climate change no matter what carer path you choose to follow. You are joining people from around the world who are all working to make our economies and societies sustainable, and equitable now and into the future.”

The Commitment
I commit to doing everything possible over the course of my career and in my work to be part of the climate solution. I will:

• Take action to help the world meet or beat the Paris Agreement’s target of limiting global temperature rise to 2°

• Do my part to transition to a low carbon energy system and encourage the organizations I work with and for to do the same

• Ensure that solutions are as inclusive and equitable as possible across the globe.

• Educate colleagues in the company I work for on climate change and how climate action can positively impact our business or profession

I will work to further this commitment in the areas where I do or can have influence. This includes in my workplace, in my industry, in my community, and in how I vote.

» Sign here

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Global shapers


» Global shapers’ Facebook page:
www.facebook.com/GlobalShapers



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“Adults, don’t just push it over to the youth”

Zero Hour executive director, 16-year-old Jamie Margolin, was the only Gen Z speaker at this week’s Global Climate Action Summit in California. “We need our leaders to put youth and frontlines first, because communities have the solutions, and marginalized people deserve a seat at the table,” she said.

» See video clip on Facebook




 ADDITIONALLY: 

In other news

From our notes of this week: news stories and events we didn’t have time to mention but which we think you should know about



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In the low-carbon economy, energy costs will go down

The reduction in fossil fuel costs is much higher than the cost increase from renewables and grids.

“For years the standard objection to the idea of the energy transition has been that the world can’t afford it.
And it’s true: the shift from fossil fuels to a low-carbon energy system will require massive new investment – both in renewable energy and in power lines and transformers. Grid costs alone are set to triple over the next 30 years.

That, at any rate, is one of the major findings of the second edition of DNV GL’s annual Energy Transition Outlook (ETO). Which is not just any outlook: DNV GL is one of the largest technical energy consultancies in the world. What is more, it bases its projections mostly on cost comparisons, i.e. real economic drivers, not on “scenarios”.

However, the good news is that in DNV GL’s outlook, total energy costs will actually go down as a result of the transition: from 6% of GDP to just over 3%. It turns out that the reduction in fossil fuel costs is much higher than the cost increase from renewables and grids.

If you want to know more about how this will work, and what else DNV GL expects to happen in our energy system, you can read this in-depth interview with the project leader, Sverre Alvik, and one of the lead authors, Paul Gardner:”

» Energy Post – 10 September 2018:
DNV GL’s Energy Transition Outlook shows massive shift of investment from oil and gas into power lines



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“Accelerate Transition to Clean Energy”

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hxahB_AqC_0

“We are allowing money and oil lobbyists to keep extracting carbon into our atmosphere.”

Elon Musk interviewed by Joe Rogan on 6 September 2018



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» UN Secretary General – 10 September 2018:
Secretary-General’s remarks on Climate Change




“We have left it too late; emergency action, akin to a war footing, will eventually be accepted as inevitable. The longer that takes, the greater the damage inflicted upon humanity.”


» CTV News | Associated Press – 15 September 2018:
Scientists: World’s warming; expect more intense hurricanes

» The Guardian – 13 September 2018:
High ice and hard truth: the poets taking on climate change



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Doctors: Australia’s new government is an extraordinary health hazard

Climate change denial is the denial of the public’s health, and we deserve better, write Doctors for the Environment Australia’s John Willoughby, Chris Juttner, Graeme McLeay and John Iser in a thoughtful piece published by Independent Australia:

“Climate change denial is the denial of many public health casualties. For example, the increasing number of injuries and deaths from extreme weather events and the psychological and economic trauma consequent to severe climatic change.

New Prime Minister Scott Morrison, who when Treasurer carried coal into Parliament, has appointed avid anti-wind farm campaigner, Angus Taylor, as Energy Minister and ex-coal-company lawyer, Melissa Price, as Environment Minister. There has been no mention of climate change in either portfolio.

If there is any doubt about the PM’s lack of commitment to Australia’s COP21 agreement to emissions reduction, also consider for a moment that his new chief-of-staff, John Kunkel, spent six years as deputy CEO of the Minerals Council, followed by two years as head of government affairs (that is, lobbying) for Rio Tinto!”

“To disregard the laws of arithmetic is foolish, and invites us to think of politicians who do so as being willfully ignorant and derelict in their duty to protect the future of the nation.”

» Independent Australia – 10 September 2018:
The Morrison Government: An extraordinary health hazard




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“The public is way ahead of the government”

By Ben Oquist, Executive Director, The Australia Institute

The annual Climate of the Nation report has tracked Australian attitudes on climate change for over a decade. This is the first Climate of the Nation report produced by The Australia Institute, after being produced for a decade by the Climate Institute.

The Australia Institute is delighted to be continuing this important work.

The 2018 Climate of the Nation report was launched on 12 September 2018 in Parliament House by former Liberal party leader and Professor at ANU Crawford School of Public Policy, John Hewson.

Key findings include:

• 73% of Australians are concerned about climate change, up from 66% in 2017

• 70% of Australians agree that the Government needs to implement a plan to ensure the orderly closure of old coal plants and their replacement with clean energy,

• 67% want to end coal-fired power within the next 20 years, up from 61% in 2017

• 15% of Nationals voters do not think climate change is occurring (down from 29% in 2017), and 45% of One Nation voters agree the seriousness of climate change is exaggerated, down from 56% in 2017

• Majority of Australians (52%) blame the privatisation of electricity generation and supply for increasing electricity prices

The decade of policy uncertainty on climate change and energy seems set to continue, but the results from Climate of the Nation make it clear the public is way ahead of the government.

Concern about the impacts of climate change is growing, Australians overwhelmingly support clean, renewable energy and the orderly phasing out of coal-fired power, and they continue to want to see Australia play a leading role in tackling climate change. Most crucially, Australians do not think the Government is doing enough to address climate change.

The Climate of the Nation report is a benchmark survey we plan to continue each year. If you can chip in to help fund future reports, please donate to our research fund.

» Download the full report

» Sydney Morning Herald/Canberra Times/The Age – 12 September 2018:
More Australians fear climate change as Morrison government dumps emissions legislation

» The Guardian – 12 September 2018:
Climate poll shows Morrison politically vulnerable as more voters back action
“Number of Australians concerned about impact of climate change and wanting coal phased out rises.”

» Australian Financial Review – 11 September 2018:
Scott Morrison links Paris climate commitment to regional security

» ABC Radio National Breakfast – 12 September 2018:
New report shows growing concern about Climate Change in Australia
Interview with John Hewson (listen)




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Projection: Melbourne heat similar to Cape Town’s

20 year climate projections for Melbourne: The projected future days of heat will be similar to present day in Cape Town, South Africa

Emissions for Melbourne City are estimated for the boundary indicated on the map using Google activity data combined with the Climate Action for Urban Sustainability (CURB) tool’s city energy profiles.

Building emissions and solar potential values are generated from 15,100 buildings. Transportation emissions are estimated from 697,000,000 trips that started or ended in Melbourne City in 2017.

» More on www.insights.sustainability.google

» You can explore Google’s sustainability initiatives on Google Sustainability



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QBE: Stop fueling global warming!

“All over the world, the damage to our climate is being felt. Heat records are being smashed, droughts are taking their toll and wildfires have cost lives and homes. You’d think that of all the businesses out there, the ones insuring those lives and homes would be at the forefront of the fight for a safe climate, since global warming is impacting their profits and threatening the viability of their business model.

Instead, Australia’s biggest global insurer, QBE, invests in coal, oil and gas companies and provides essential insurance coverage to coal mines, coal power stations, oil rigs and gas pipelines.

It’s time QBE stopped propping up the dirty fossil fuel industries that are fueling extreme weather and protected its customers, shareholders and the rest of us!

Come along to our friendly action at QBE’s Melbourne office to make sure they get the message:

When: Tuesday 18 September, 8-9am

Where: Outside 628 Bourke St, Melbourne

We will be handing out surveys to QBE staff and showing off our Extreme weather: made possible by QBE banner.

Convincing insurance companies to stop providing insurance to fossil fuel infrastructure will bring us one step closer to phasing out coal, oil and gas for good.

» Click here to share the facebook event

Hope to see you there!”

~ Pablo, on behalf of Market Forces



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Acknowledgement

We at The Sustainable Hour would like to pay our respect to the traditional custodians of the land on which we are broadcasting, the Wathaurong People, and pay our respect to their elders, past, present and future.

The traditional owners lived in harmony with the environment and with the climate for hundreds of generations. It is not clear – yet – that as European settlers we have demonstrated that we can live in harmony for hundreds of generations, but it is clear that we can learn from the indigenous, traditional owners of this land.

When we talk about the future, it means extending our respect to those children not yet born, the generations of the future – remembering the old saying that…



The decisions currently being made around Australia to ignore climate change are being made by those who won’t be around by the time the worst effects hit home. How utterly disgusting, disrespectful and unfair is that?



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