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TACKLING CLIMATE CHANGE: 50/50 BY 2020
Sydney’s Mosman residents launch Clean Energy for Eternity initiative
A group of environmentally passionate Mosman residents and business owners have formed a new chapter of Clean Energy for Eternity (CEFE), a community initiative that is aiming to generate a 50% reduction in the consumption of energy, and a 50% production of energy from renewable sources, by the year 2020 (50/50 by 2020).
The group, the first of its kind in a major city, together with Mosman Council, is inviting members of the public to an official launch, on 25 October 2007 from 7.30pm at the Mosman Community Centre at Myahgah Road.
The CEFE movement was inspired by Dr Matthew Nott, an orthopaedic surgeon from Bega, who believes in thinking globally and acting locally in response to climate change and its impact on the environment. Clean Energy for Eternity currently operates within five regional shires in the South East of NSW.
Warren Yates, Mosman resident and spokesperson of the newly established CEFE Mosman chapter sees 50/50 by 2020 as an ambitious project for Mosman and he is confident it is an achievable target.
“Considering the area’s profile as a wealthy community, it’s an ideal area to motivate residents to spend money on green technology. We have a huge ecological footprint and we are challenging the community to lead by example and change its ways.
“We also have a duty to ourselves and future generations to respect and take care of our environment. There’s nothing stopping people from taking immediate action by installing solar technology and rainwater tanks as opposed to waiting for further government incentives or for the price of green products to go down.
“We can also lobby local, state and federal governments to improve public transport, build cycle paths, and conduct feasibility studies into the use of renewable energies.”
Mr Yates is urging everyone from clubs, churches, social groups, schools, and business owners to attend the launch which will feature guest speakers including CEFE founder, Dr Matthew Nott, CEFE member Derek Povel, Gareth Johnson from Climate Risk, and Ross Maher, policy advisor for business support group NSW Business Chamber. A panel of local high school representatives will also be addressing their views.
“Business owners, especially, need to realise that climate change is not all doom and gloom.
“Smart operators are seeing climate change as a business opportunity starting with the implementation of simple energy efficiencies.
“Finding climate change solutions will become core business for many organizations and while many businesses are currently burdened by red tape, there will be growing concerns about ‘green tape’ as the government looks towards introducing environmental legislation.”
Mosman mayor and chair of the October 25 community meeting, Denise Wilton, said the CEFE initiative was a positive sign that the community was taking steps to become environmentally pro-active.
“We’re aiming to get Mosman residents and businesses to be early adopters of solar technologies and investing in solar is investing for the long term.
“The more we use green technology, the less the cost, Mosman Council has set the policy framework on the environment and climate change and we urge the community to commit at a grass roots level.”
Mr Yates said that for CEFE to proceed needed the support and commitment of Mosman residents.
“Once, and if we get this endorsement, we will be working in collaboration with the Mosman Council Sustainability Panel and the community to devise an action plan.
“Thereafter, it would be great to have other likeminded communities within Sydney adopt a similar initiative. The dream would be to see CEFE chapters eventually springing up all over the country!”
For media information and interviews contact Ron Krueger on 0418 617 680.
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