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News
11 November 2007
This Sunday is the Walk Against Warming - an opportunity to send a clear message to our politicians, to the media and to undecided voters, that the people of Australia want our next Government to get serious about climate change!
For details on the walk, registering and the map, see:
www.walkagainstwarming.org
www.walkagainstwarming.org/downloads/WAW_Sydney_route_2007.pdf
Mosman Clean Energy for Eternity will be there!
If you wish to walk together as part of the Mosman community, please meet us at 12:30pm at the track in the Domain leading from the Art Gallery. See the Google map below for details:
maps.google.com.au/maps/ms
28 October 2007
Homework sheet from Mosman CEFE launch now available for download. This is your opportinity to measure your impact and actively do something about it.
25 October 2007
Mosman’s residents rally to climate change cause
Sydney's Mosman residents voted unanimously last week to attain the 50/50 by 2020 target within their community.
Over 100 residents from a cross section of the area including schools, churches, clubs, businesses and locals agreed to reduce their energy consumption by 50% and see a 50% production of energy via renewable energies by the year 2020.
Convenor for the Mosman Chapter of CEFE (with the support of Mosman's Sustainability Panel and the Mayor, Denise Wilton) Warren Yates, wants all households and businesses within the area to conduct energy audits to define their own personal 2020 targets. "The aim is to mitigate action now and we're encouraging all of the community to enact five immediate actions to reduce energy consumption."
Mr Yates, with the support of the founders of Bega-based Clean Energy For Eternity, Dr Matthew Nott, Derek Povel and Philippa Rowland, urged the audience to consider such things as:
- Shifting to green power
- Turning off appliances at the stand by mode
- Driving slower to reduce fuel consumption
- Using sustainable transport options - walking, cycling, pubic transport
- Turning off lights
Mr Yates believed that wealthy communities such as Mosman could do more but taking these first steps are critical to making a difference to climate change. "We can all make a difference and communities such as ours that have a carbon footprint which is well above the national average can afford to invest in green technology. "We can't wait for governments to commit to emissions targets, nor can we necessarily wait for them to provide additional incentives to investing in green technology."
"There are so many options - increasing efficiency, changing your habits, sourcing your energy renewably, offsetting. But the end point is the same emitting our global fair share of carbon and no more."
At the beginning of the evening, Mr Yates referred to a map of Mosman highlighting markers representing families that had begun the journey to sustainability. It is hoped that residents, in taking their first step to sustainability, would put themselves on the map within 12 months.
To support this action, attendees were given a worksheet outlining immediate actions to combat climate change. "We believe it is deeply unethical not to take urgent steps to bring our living patterns into line with what the planet can support," said Mr Yates.
"Taking the first step is in many ways the hardest. Then it is just a question of continuing the journey. Ultimately you will get there, but you do need to have a target.
"Travelling alone is boring, but travelling with likeminded others is stimulating and enjoyable. We hope that Mosman CEFE can be your travelling companion, whether you are a household, a business or a community organisation."
Impassioned speeches and presentations were given by the Bega CEFE team, Gareth Jones (Direct Corporate Risk - Climate Risk) and Ross Maher (sustainable development policy advisor for business support group NSW Business Chamber).
Students from Queenwood and Monte Sant' Angelo schools expressed their concern about climate change representing the voice of youth in the district. A number of local businesses that employ sustainable practices, or are involved in green technology, also supported the cause.
Dr Matthew Nott said that partnerships were key to reaching the 50/50 by 2020 targets. "The more demand for green technology, the lower the price of this technology. Energy providers can provide users with attractive prices but only if more people purchase green energy, solar panels, rainwater tanks, hybrid cars, good insulation and so on.
"We are looking at developing partnerships with rural providers of energy, in particular solar and wind farms, to provide cost effective energy to the growing towns within Australia." A local energy provider has stepped up to the cause and is offering attractive discounts based on more local residents buying into green energy.
CEFE is encouraging all households throughout Australia to become active in climate change.
"There are many immediate opportunities such as the Walk against Warming on 11 November and the Lifesaving Energy human sign at Manly on 2 December," said Dr Nott.
"We're also challenging our politicians to respond to the CEFE question sheet so that we can formulate a Clean Energy for Eternity Election guide for our 50/50 by 2020 electorates."
At the end of the evening Mr Yates also urged local residents to consider joining the Mosman CEFE as fully paid up members or joining the mailing list.
"Climate change is a threat," said Mr Yates. "We are not going to deny it and we are not going to be overwhelmed by it. Let's get on with meeting the challenge head on."
Local businesses present on the night included:
- Graeme McMullan - GWM Engineering
- John Davie Natural - Solar Products
- Chris - Dunstan Clean Energy Council
- Daniel Sealy - Harbour Trust
- David Blowers and Gerard McCord from Mosman Toyota
- Gavin Pereira - The Carbon Institute
- Susan Neill from Conergy
- Members of the Mosman Women for Change Alliance
For media contact Ron Krueger on 0418 617 680
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