climateconsiderations-blog

[climateconsiderations-blog]

There are several levels of crapness about not having a Science Minister in Australia. Climate change can be less talked about and research and innovation can be pushed aside. And the one person who put up their hand to be Science Minister is a climate denier (and a PhD in physics interestingly enough).

[climateconsiderations-blog]

Imagine a 100GW power station that uses solar energy to pump water from Lake Argyle to an upper reservoir - and then exports the energy to Asia.

In happy news for renewable energy in Australia, serious plans are being mapped out for how we could grow our renewable energy and become a regional powerhouse. Changing our exports from fossil fuels to renewable energy is an idea that makes me pretty excited!

[climateconsiderations-blog]

After enrolment, now what?

With the electoral rolls closing not half an hour ago, the final list of people signed up to decide who will govern from the 7th of September has been completed. 

Whether you're on the roll or not, it's too late to worry about it. Instead, you can think of the opportunities that await for you, engaged climate activist that you are. 

There are many chances to be involved on election day with organisations you care about, GetUp! for example. Alternatively, there are campaigns happening around the country on climate, like Beyond Zero Emissions's Buildings Plan, or Environment Victoria's wind farm actions. 

Go on, take action.

[climateconsiderations-blog]

Election time

If you live in Australia, the biggest thing you're hearing right now is about the federal election on the 7th of September. If you think that the political system is not working right now, if it needs a change, or a fix or to stay the same, if you don't vote, you won't be able to make that happen.

http://www.aec.gov.au/enrol/

And if there's anything that you want your politicians to focus on, let them know! You can get their email addresses from this website.

http://www.aph.gov.au/Senators_and_Members/Members

Climate action needs the voices of the community to stand up, so go on, make a mark.

[climateconsiderations-blog]

The Climate Commission was established to provide all Australians with an independent and reliable source of information about the science of climate chang

What the Climate Commission does is it brings climate change down to the level of the community. The Commissioners talk to people everywhere around the country about the impacts on their homes and their lives. People respond, because they know that this is an issue that is affecting them now, and it's better to deal with it right now.

Oh, and they also make kick-ass infographics.

[climateconsiderations-blog]

 Climate action in Australia is in a bit of a transition point at the coming election. There could be stronger climate policy put forward, or there could be weaker climate policy. If climate is a vote changing issue for you, or if you want your representatives to deal with hard topics with the vision and determination required, make sure that your vote gets counted. 

The Australian Electoral Commission has a ridiculously easy online enrolment form that will only take a few minutes and give you a voice in the election. If you've moved house recently, if you never enrolled or if you're details have changed, get on the website. This way, you'll make sure that your vote gets counted.

[climateconsiderations-blog]

I recently saw this video of Tim DeChristopher talking about his protest of oil and gas in the US, and it made me think that his passion and focus are a really good example of effective climate action. He is eloquent and clear about his purpose and why he finds it so important. He has made decisions about his life, and he is standing by those choices. 

While this kind of direct action is hard and confronting, it raises the question: what could we do, each of us, to face our convictions on climate change? 

[climateconsiderations-blog]

The big news in terms of climate action in Australia this week is that Powershift, a huge climate summit, is happening in Melbourne with 2000 young people getting key skills and experience to demonstrate their passion for climate action, only a few months before the federal election.

Anyone who's anyone (and under 35) is going to be there, building the movement we need to solve the climate crisis. 

[climateconsiderations-blog]

A solar thermal power plant. These are a reality in Spain and in the USA. There are moves right now to get one built in Port Augusta in South Australia. Now that's a serious renewable energy project, and a lot of people want to see it happen.

[climateconsiderations-blog]

Climate Discussions

The thing about talking about climate change in Australia is that it's kind of an awkward topic. A lot of people are uncomfortable with climate discussions, because for us, there's an unbreakable link between politics and climate action. And as anyone who's been in an argument about politics can tell you, that's a space to stay away from. 

So that's what this is. This is about young people and activism and vision and communities and networks and inspiration. If you too want a source of climate news that helps, rather than hinders the debate, join in!