CoolOz - people taking action on climate change

CoolOz - people taking action on climate change http://cooloz.multiply.com/ Welcome to CoolOz tribe - people taking action on climate change in our lives and communities. Let's all become carbon neutral as our individual contribution to combatting the emissions of carbon dioxide - protecting our home and our futures. Being carbon neutral is a way of living our lives without contributing any emissions to climate change. Let’s work together to: ::: Be carbon neutral in our own lives ::: Achieve 30% reduction in Australia’s emissions to 395 million tonnes CO2-e by 2020 ::: Achieve at least a 60% reduction in Australia’s emissions to 225 million tonnes CO2-e by 2050 If you think a small thing can't make a difference - remember trying to sleep when there's a mosquito in the bedroom! It only takes 1 person to change the world. So let's get started... The two quickest, easiest and most effective ways to becoming carbon neutral in a heartbeat are: 1. Purchase greenpower for your home (available from all electricity companies, often at exactly the same price you already pay - check out http://www.greenpower.gov.au/pages/Home-Who-Sells.php) 2. Reduce your car and air travel (Where you must travel, carbon offsets are available from organisations like Climate Positive, Carbon Planet and Greenfleet - check the links) There are loads of other great ideas and useful info on this site, so please explore and add your own thoughts and suggestions. Tue, 27 May 2008 10:13:13 -0000 Thu, 15 Mar 2007 12:32:57 -0000 CoolOz - people taking action on climate change http://images.cooloz.multiply.com/logo http://cooloz.multiply.com 100 100 Prime Ministerial Task Group on Emissions Trading On 10 December 2006, the Australian Prime Minister, John Howard, announced the establishment of a joint government-business Task Group on Emissions Trading. This Task Group is due to report on 31 May http://cooloz.multiply.com/links/item/44/Prime_Ministerial_Task_Group_on_Emissions_Trading Thu, 15 Mar 2007 12:32:57 -0000 40 hour drought 40 HOUR DROUGHT – 7am Wednesday 21 March - 11pm Thursday 22 March Can you manage with just 40 litres of water in a 40 hour period? That's the challenge being set by ABC Local Radio in a nationwide initiative launched today to encourage people to experience what it's like to live with a limited amount of water. The average person uses well over 200 litres a day so trying to use just 40 is quite a feat. Whether or not you successfully meet the challenge, we hope that by spending more time thinking about our water usage at home, we can better understand the value of water and some of the problems facing those who are living with serious water restrictions. Check out <a href=http://www.abc.net.au/water/40hourdrought/>http://www.abc.net.au/water/40hourdrought/</a> http://cooloz.multiply.com/calendar/item/10008/40_hour_drought Thu, 15 Mar 2007 12:23:15 -0000 Earth Hour - Sydney Sydney plans to turn off its lights for one hour at 7.30pm on Saturday March 31, 2007 as a major step towards reducing the city's greenhouse gas pollution. http://wwf.org.au/news/sydney-to-send-message-to-the-world-on-global-warming/ http://cooloz.multiply.com/calendar/item/10007/Earth_Hour_-_Sydney Thu, 15 Mar 2007 12:21:59 -0000 Earth Hour - Sydney Sydney plans to turn off its lights for one hour at 7.30pm on Saturday March 31, 2007 as a major step towards reducing the city's greenhouse gas http://cooloz.multiply.com/links/item/43/Earth_Hour_-_Sydney Thu, 15 Mar 2007 12:19:58 -0000 40 hour drought Can you manage with just 40 litres of water in a 40 hour period? That's the challenge being set by ABC Local Radio in a nationwide initiative launched today to encourage people to experience what it's like to live with a limited amount of water. The average person uses well over 200 litres a day so trying to use just 40 is quite a feat. Whether or not you successfully meet the challenge, the organisers hope that by spending more time thinking about our water usage at home, we can better understand the value of water and some of the problems facing those who are living with serious water restrictions. http://cooloz.multiply.com/links/item/42/40_hour_drought Thu, 15 Mar 2007 12:18:25 -0000 Controversy, Gearing Up and Getting Active And the big year continues...   <UL style="MARGIN-TOP: 0cm" type=disc> <LI class=MsoNormal style="MARGIN: 0cm 0cm 0pt; mso-pagination: widow-orphan; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; tab-stops: list 36.0pt">Yesterday the UK government announced plans to make Britain the first country in the world to set legally binding limits on its carbon dioxide emissions. Under proposed legislation the UK will have to reduce its emissions of carbon dioxide by 60% by 2050, with an interim target of at least 26% by 2020. Failure could land the government in court.</LI></UL>   As Australia gears up to get serious…   <UL style="MARGIN-TOP: 0cm" type=disc> <LI class=MsoNormal style="MARGIN: 0cm 0cm 0pt; mso-pagination: widow-orphan; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; tab-stops: list 36.0pt">The Business Council of Australia has called for the streamlining of climate change policy in Australia, claiming the current mix of state and federal schemes are "increasingly complex to operate within".</LI></UL>   <UL style="MARGIN-TOP: 0cm" type=disc> <LI class=MsoNormal style="MARGIN: 0cm 0cm 0pt; mso-pagination: widow-orphan; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; tab-stops: list 36.0pt">John Howard has set up an Emissions Trading Task Group. Their terms of reference is as follows: " Australia enjoys major competitive advantages through the possession of large reserves of fossil fuels and uranium. In assessing Australia’s further contribution to reducing greenhouse gas emissions, these advantages must be preserved.&nbs... http://cooloz.multiply.com/journal/item/18/Controversy_Gearing_Up_and_Getting_Active Thu, 15 Mar 2007 12:16:20 -0000 Some events Hi All     A very belated happy new year to all.   It’s already been a big year for climate news with the latest scientific report from the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) on the weekend. IPCC brings together 2,500 scientists from more than 30 countries   The IPCC concluded that the likelihood that the climate change has been created by the burning of fossil fuels and other actions is greater than 90%. <A name=article_continue></A>  This, the IPCC’s 4th report said global warming is an "unequivocal" fact and likely to continue for centuries, warning of a likely rise in world average temperatures of up to 4C.   For a summary of the findings, go to <A href="http://www.ipcc.ch/SPM2feb07.pdf"><a href=http://www.ipcc.ch/SPM2feb07.pdf>http://www.ipcc.ch/SPM2feb07.pdf</a></A>   Remember the key things that we can all do as individuals:   <OL style="MARGIN-TOP: 0cm" type=1> <LI class=MsoNormal style="MARGIN: 0cm 0cm 0pt; mso-pagination: widow-orphan; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo2; tab-stops: list 36.0pt">Reduce your energy usage – switch off appliances at the wall when not in use, use a water-efficent showerhead</LI> <LI class=MsoNormal style="MARGIN: 0cm 0cm 0pt; mso-pagination: widow-orphan; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo2; tab-stops: list 36.0pt">Purchase greenpower for your home (available from all electricity companies, often at exactly... http://cooloz.multiply.com/journal/item/17/Some_events Thu, 15 Mar 2007 12:15:19 -0000 Flexicar - Around the corner, around the clock Melbourne-based company providing the freedom of a car without the costs and hassles of ownership http://cooloz.multiply.com/links/item/41/Flexicar_-_Around_the_corner_around_the_clock Wed, 13 Dec 2006 11:51:28 -0000 Charter Drive Sydney company providing the freedom of a car without the costs and hassles of ownership http://cooloz.multiply.com/links/item/40/Charter_Drive Wed, 13 Dec 2006 11:48:28 -0000 The Alliance for Climate Protection The creation of a new Alliance for Climate Protection in the US, using the proceeds from “An Inconvenient Truth". It is a campaign, focused on the US as the lynchpin of global change to change public opinion, energy policy and cut greenhouse gas http://cooloz.multiply.com/links/item/39/The_Alliance_for_Climate_Protection Wed, 13 Dec 2006 11:37:35 -0000 ClimatePositive - launch! Hi All   In this blog: •       Great news – the launch of ClimatePositive – a very Victorian way to combat climate change •       A round up of the phenomenon of people power ClimatePositive launch You may remember at the movie night that Brendan from ClimatePositive drew the raffle. It’s great to announce that ClimatePositive (<A href="http://www.climatepositive.com.au/">www.climatepositive.com.au</A>) is now up and live. Congratulations!! The $200 donations received from the Inconvenient Truth movie night have been contributed to ClimatePositive – a big thank you! This offsets 10.4 tonnes of greenhouse gas emissions – well and truly offsetting the cinema’s power use and all our transport in getting to the movie – a truly ClimatePositive event! ClimatePositive is a not-for-profit project to reduce carbon emissions, build the renewable energy industry and replant some of the world's most majestic forests right here in the Strzelecki Ranges in Victoria. I recentl... http://cooloz.multiply.com/journal/item/15/ClimatePositive_-_launch Wed, 13 Dec 2006 11:36:01 -0000 Turn Up The Heat This site aims to ensure people who are greenwashing their environmental practices don’t get away with it. It is run by George Monbiot and has a UK focus - some interesting commentary for example on BP and Richard Branson. Read and make up your own http://cooloz.multiply.com/links/item/38/Turn_Up_The_Heat Tue, 21 Nov 2006 11:40:31 -0000 Rebounding on the Khazzoom - Energy efficiency vs Energy reduction Hi All   Not sure if any of you managed to get a seat to hear Al Gore? Be interested in your feedback. Great to see so much media coverage and street talk on climate change.   Also, I’ve been doing a little research on the different offset programs available and might make that the subject of a future email – pros, cons and regulation in the industry. I’d be interested to hear of any you’ve subscribed to and your views.   Recently I’ve been indulging in a little background reading and thought I might share one of the snippets with you. So, as a result thoughts in this email relate to Rebounding on the Khazzoom! - Energy Efficiency vs Energy Reduction. Again, a little bit lengthy but worth the read.   Overall the message is – Reducing our energy use comes first and foremost. Energy efficiency in the absence of energy reduction policies is not only a waste of time – counter-intuitively it’s counter-productive! ie being more efficient actually increases the amo... http://cooloz.multiply.com/journal/item/14/Rebounding_on_the_Khazzoom_-_Energy_efficiency_vs_Energy_reduction Tue, 21 Nov 2006 11:32:25 -0000 The Car Pool This free site puts people in contact with others who want to save money by sharing their travelling http://cooloz.multiply.com/links/item/37/The_Car_Pool Wed, 8 Nov 2006 12:55:36 -0000 Needaride Find someone to share long distance car rides http://cooloz.multiply.com/links/item/36/Needaride Wed, 8 Nov 2006 12:53:44 -0000 GoGet CarShare GoGet gives you access to a network of new cars parked locally which saves you time and money. It is designed for people who don't need a car everyday or want to get rid of that second http://cooloz.multiply.com/links/item/35/GoGet_CarShare Wed, 8 Nov 2006 12:51:24 -0000 Green Vehicle Guide Australian government website helping you by rating new Australian vehicles based on greenhouse and air pollution emissions. http://cooloz.multiply.com/links/item/33/Green_Vehicle_Guide Wed, 8 Nov 2006 12:47:01 -0000 A driving theme A massive turnout on Saturday for the Walk against Warming – 30,000 people in Melbourne! On a long weekend even.   On the theme of driving…     How many cars in Australia – 11 million (roughly 1 between 2) How many CO2 emissions - 46 million tonnes of carbon dioxide per year   …and growing…at a rate of 60%   To achieve a reduction of 30% by 2030, there are a few things we can all do…   Here are a few tips from WWF-Futuremakers (<A href="http://www.wwf.org.au/">www.wwf.org.au</A>) on reducing the impact of your car   Reduce your car use <P class=MsoNormal style="MARGIN: 0cm 0cm 0pt 18pt; TEXT-INDENT: -18pt; mso-pagination: widow-orphan; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo4; tab-stops: list 18.0pt; mso-margin-top-alt: auto; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto">•       Use public transport <P class=MsoNormal style="MARGIN: 0cm 0cm 0pt 18pt; TEXT-INDENT: -18pt; mso-pagination: widow-orphan; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo4; tab-stops: list 18.0pt; mso-margin-top-alt: auto; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto">•       For short trips, consider walking or riding a bicycle instead. (Half of all journeys are less then 3 km) <P class=MsoNormal style="MARGIN: 0cm 0cm 0pt 18pt; TEXT-INDENT: -18pt; mso-pagination: widow-orphan; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo4; tab-stops: list 18.0pt; mso-margin-top-alt: auto; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto">•       Run a number of errands on any one car trip   Use your car more efficiently •       Drive in high gear – change up through the gears as soon as you can. For Automa... http://cooloz.multiply.com/journal/item/13/A_driving_theme Wed, 8 Nov 2006 12:45:49 -0000 Walk Against Warming The Government will only take real action on climate change and protect our kids' futures if you to tell them to. Join thousands of other Australians in a peaceful walk urging action on climate change now Organised by a collection of environmental http://cooloz.multiply.com/links/item/32/Walk_Against_Warming Tue, 31 Oct 2006 12:02:30 -0000 Stern Review Report This is a report commissioned by the UK Prime Minister the Chancellor of the Exchequer on the Economics of Climate Change. It has been prepared by Sir Nicholas Stern, former former chief economist with the World Bank and current Head of the Government Economics Service and Adviser to the UK Government on the economics of climate change and development. A hard hitting http://cooloz.multiply.com/links/item/31/Stern_Review_Report Tue, 31 Oct 2006 12:00:33 -0000 Who Killed The Electric Car? This documentary looks at the birth and death of the electric car, as well as the role of renewable energy and sustainable living in the future. The film explores the roles of automobile makers, the oil industry, the US government, batteries, hydrogen vehicles, and consumers in limiting the development and adoption of this technology. I haven’t seen the film as yet so can’t recommend it, but check out the cool website at <a href=http://www.sonyclassics.com/whokilledtheelectriccar/>http://www.sonyclassics.com/whokilledtheelectriccar/</a> The plan is to go to the movie at the Kino Dendy (45 Collins St) at the 7 pm showing (exact time to be confirmed) and then a drink at Bridie O’Reillys on Little Collins Street afterwards To book your ticket call the Kino Dendy on 9650 2100. Let me know if you’re coming http://cooloz.multiply.com/calendar/item/10006/Who_Killed_The_Electric_Car Tue, 31 Oct 2006 11:59:29 -0000 Events and the Stern Report Thoughts in this blog relate to:   •       What’s on – a walk and another movie •       The very Stern report •       A few Victorian facts and figures on climate change •       A 10 point plan towards a planet-friendly life   Walk against Warming – Saturday 4th November 1pm   This Saturday there is a peaceful walk urging action on climate change now, organized by a collection of environmental organizations. The aim is to get the Australian Government to take real action on climate change. It starts at the Town Hall and goes to Birrarung Marr.   Take a little time out of your day and come and join me and thousands of others on the walk. Meet at 12.30 outside the Hairy Canary at 212 Little Collins Street to walk down to the Town Hall at 12.45. (yes, I only know my way round via the bars!). Let me know if you’re coming – bring your friends... http://cooloz.multiply.com/journal/item/12/Events_and_the_Stern_Report Tue, 31 Oct 2006 11:58:19 -0000 Walk Against Warming This Saturday there is a peaceful walk urging action on climate change now, organized by a collection of environmental organizations. The aim is to get the Australian Government to take real action on climate change. It starts at the Town Hall and goes to Birrarung Marr. Take a little time out of your day and come and join me and thousands of others on the walk. Meet at 12.30 outside the Hairy Canary at 212 Little Collins Street to walk down to the Town Hall at 12.45. (yes, I only know my way round via the bars!). Let me know if you’re coming – bring your friends and family. www.walkagainstwarming.org http://cooloz.multiply.com/calendar/item/10005/Walk_Against_Warming Mon, 30 Oct 2006 11:29:41 -0000 Skybus Super Shuttle Beat the traffic from the city to the airport by going on Skybus - who have also signed up to the Greenfleet carbon neutral program, to offset our bus emissions by planting trees. They are also signatories to the International Public Transport Association's Charter on Sustainable Development. http://cooloz.multiply.com/links/item/30/Skybus_Super_Shuttle Sun, 29 Oct 2006 12:07:06 -0000 The Economy and Climate Change Thoughts in this blog relate to:   •       Tackling climate change will stimulate the global economy – new report due out next week •       A website to find the original science underpinning our understanding of climate change – read it for yourself •       Search at sensis and plant trees   The economy and a climate solution Next week a new UK study is coming out, prepared by Sir Nicholas Stern, a former chief economist with the World Bank. Here is a synopsis (plagiarized from the UK Guardian newspaper – check it out at <A href="http://environment.guardian.co.uk/climatechange/story/0,,1931542,00.html"><A href="http://environment.guardian.co.uk/climatechange/story/0,,1931542,00.html">http://environment.guardian.co.uk/climatechange/story/0,,1931542,00.html</A></A>)   The report will warn that governments need to tackle the problem head-on by cutting emissions or face economic ruin. The findings will turn economic argument about global warming on its head by insisting that fighting global warming will save industrial nations money. The report,... http://cooloz.multiply.com/journal/item/11/The_Economy_and_Climate_Change Thu, 26 Oct 2006 11:57:00 -0000 Solar Power for Victoria No doubt you would have seen yesterday's news of the biggest solar power station in the world to be built in Mildura - great news. Some facts and info below. Check it out at <A href="http://www.solarsystems.com.au/" target=_blank>www.solarsystems.com.au</A>   Fantastic to see a shift away from dependency on oil and coal, helping us towards a carbon-neutral world.   Solar Systems press release....   <A name=10e814f6aef217d6_Victorian_Project_Page></A>A $420 million large-scale solar power plant – the biggest and most efficient solar photovoltaic power station in the world - is to be built in north-west Victoria. Australian company Solar Systems will demonstrate its unique, world leading design incorporating space technology in a 154MW solar power station connected to the national grid. The power station will use high performance solar cells originally developed to power satellites. Solar Systems has developed the capability to concentrate the sun by 500 times onto the solar cells for ultra high power output. The Victorian power station will generate clean electricity dir... http://cooloz.multiply.com/journal/item/10/Solar_Power_for_Victoria Thu, 26 Oct 2006 11:21:41 -0000