The month of May is well underway and there is quite a bit happening!

Here are a few ideas for activities around Canberra relevant to Canberra’s 40% target, along with other interesting news.

Collaborating on Light Rail

Following on from last month’s newsletter, the only consultation seeming to be taking place about the light rail corridor is the ‘City to the Lake’ proposal.

Hopefully you have had your say about this, but If not, time is running out, so best you get in quick.

What can you do about this today?

Go to www.cityplan.act.gov.au or email EDDCommunity@act.gov.au.

You can see a project display at Suite 1, 72 Northbourne Avenue, Canberra City. It will be open Weekdays 10am-3pm
Or you can get involved on a Saturday (with the project team): 18 May 2013 – 2pm-4pm

Update on the 90% renewable energy target

The Environment and Sustainable Development Directorate (ESDD) is progressing work on large-scale renewables and the new 90% renewable energy target as a top priority.

While it is straight forward to actually set the target as an Instrument under the Climate Change and Greenhouse Gas Reduction Act 2010, finalising the methodology for accounting against the target is a bit more complex. It’s important that when the target is set there is a clear understanding of what the targets constitute and how we will measure ourselves against it over the long term. It is intended this will all be settled and the new target tabled in the Assembly around the middle of the year.

The Government has some of the data with regard to our renewable energy consumption for 2012 and this indicates we are on track to meet the 15% target for that year. However we are still awaiting the publication of GreenPower sales data for the 4th quarter of 2012 as well as renewable energy generation data for the NSW pool. Again ESDD hope to be able to report on this around mid 2013.

(Thank you ACT Government for providing this contribution.)

Green Drinks Canberra – 14 May 2013

Green Drinks Canberra is a monthly event for socialising and professional networking, created for those interested in environmental sustainability and eco-efficiency.

There has been a great crowd at this event thanks to the new organiser Stuart.

So come along to the next Green Drinks Canberra, which will be held Tuesday 14 May 2013. Click here for more details.

Public Launch of the Documentary: Do the Math – 16 May 2013

The ANU Environment Collective is really excited to invite you to the public launch of 350.org’s documentary “Do the Math” next Thursday 16 May 2013.

It documents award-winning author and environmentalist Bill McKibben’s Do the Math speaking tour of US college campuses last year, that kick-started the divestment movement, and explains the hows and whys of taking the fight for climate justice to the companies who are profiting from ruining the earth.

Bill McKibbin will be down under in early June, talking at the ANU on the 5th June about global warming and our country’s planned expansion of coal mining! But before Bill arrives, the ANU Environment Collective wanted to put on a public screening of the Do the Math documentary to let people know about the Fossil Free movement, why Bill is coming out here, but also about what’s going on with the Fossil Free ANU Campaign.

Documentary ‘Do the Math’ screening:
When: Thursday 16 May 2013 @ 6pm
Where: Manning Clarke Lecture Theatre 1

Bill McKibbin talk:
When: Wednesday 5th June 2013 @ 7:30pm – 9pm
Where: Manning Clarke Theatre 1
Info: http://billmckibbencanberra.eventbrite.com.au/

Also Bill McKibbin talk:
When: Thursday 6 June 2013 @ 12.30pm
Where: National Press Club
Cost: $70

For further information go to http://maths.350.org/australia/ or contact Tim Hollo from 350.org, 0409518452 or Geoff Lazarus, Climate Active Australia, 0419 369 206

(Thank you ANU Environment Collective for providing this contribution.)

Food Security – Our Hungry Future? – 21 June 2013

The issue of food security and food sovereignty has been getting a lot of exposure in the media lately. But how does this issue impact on the ACT?

SEE-Change and Fusion Canberra are sponsoring a series of events this year that will address this important topic, beginning with a public lecture on Tuesday 21 May 2013 by acknowledged food security expert, Julian Cribb.

Come along to find out more about securing your food future by visiting here.

60 minutes recently ran a story on food security, and growing food in a city environment. You can watch that program by following this link.

(Thank you SEE-Change for providing this contribution.)

World Environment Day Dinner – 1 June 2013

Join the Conservation Council to celebrate World Environment Day with a scrumptious four course feast and live entertainment at the Conservation Council’s annual fundraising dinner.

• Live entertainment – music for your ears as Canberra duo Chris Endrey & Bec Taylor of Yes/No (and Fun Machine) delight us with their sweet sounds
• Prizes to win!
• Gourmet four course meal cooked by Merici College Year 10 students

MC for the night will be the esteemed Canberra radio journalist Alex Sloan, presenter of ‘Afternoons’ on 666 ABC Canberra.

Where: Merici College, Wise St, Braddon
When: Saturday 1 June 2013 @ 7pm
Tickets: $80 Conservation Council member group individual or $100 non-member group individual
Bookings: http://worldenvironmentdayact.eventbrite.com.au/ or 02 6229 3200
Information: communications@conservationcouncil.org.au or 02 6229 3200

All funds raised go to support the Conservation Council’s vital work to continue to be a voice for the environment in the ACT.

(Thank you Conservation Council for providing this contribution.)

Power Shift 2013 – July

Power Shift 2013 (www.powershift.org.au), is Australia’s largest ever youth climate summit. This July, 2,000 young people will come together in Melbourne for an incredible 3-day summit about climate change, sustainability and campaigning.

The big focus of the summit will be the Federal Election. Held 8 weeks before the election, young people will be putting climate change front and centre on the political agenda.

The three days will include:

• Incredible speakers (e.g. James Hansen NASA, Tim Flannery, Paul Gilding, Bill McKibben, more)
• A political Q&A with all major political parties
• Valuable skill workshops
• A huge action
• The inspiration of meeting so many other active young people

For more information about this event, or to get Early Bird ticket discounts (until 19 May) visit www.powershift.org.au.

(Thank you AYCC for providing this contribution.)

Practical activities that you can do to reduce emissions

• Join in the ‘Carbon Challenge‘ to reduce your personal carbon footprint.
• Learn more at workshops held at the Canberra Environment Centre.
• Join Climate Action Canberra and get active on climate change issues.
• Find out all about SEE-Change for local climate change and sustainability information.
• Join the climate action movement of over 70,000 young people with the Australian Youth Climate Coalition.
• Join Conservation Council ACT to learn more about conservation activities happening around the Canberra region.
• Contact Simon Corbell MLA, Minister for the Environment and Sustainable Development, asking for action that is resourced to meet ACT targets.

Upcoming key dates for the diary
Tuesday 14 May 2013 – Green Drinks Canberra
Thursday 16 May 2013 – Screening of ‘Do the Math’
Tuesday 21 May 2013 – Food Security in Australia with Julian Cribb
Saturday 1 June 2013 – Conservation Council Dinner
Wednesday 5 June 2013 – Bill McKibbin talk
July 2013 – AYCC Power Shift

For a range of other activities happening around Canberra, check out climateXchange

The month of April is upon us, and there is lots happening!

Here are a few ideas for activities that are happening around Canberra relevant to Canberra’s 40% target, along with other interesting news.

Collaborating on Light Rail

Canberra Loves 40% was advised that a LRT Corridor consultation timeline was going to be released in February this year. Although the timeline has not yet appeared, there seems to now be a new ‘transformational’ project that is being consulted on that includes light rail. It’s called ‘City to the Lake’.

You might be wondering – How does this project fit into the LRT Corridor project? When is detailed community engagement actually going to happen on the LRT Corridor? When is the community going to be given the opportunity to collaborate on the LRT Corridor project?

If you would like to get these questions answered, why not get engaged with the ‘City to the Lake’ consultation process that is taking place until mid May.

What can you do about this today?

You can attend a free public seminar in the Theatrette, Canberra Museum and Gallery, corner of London Circuit & Civic Square, Canberra City on the following dates:

4 April 2013 – 12.15pm-1.45pm
5 April 2013 – 4.15pm-5.45pm
8 April 2013 – 5.15pm-6.45pm
9 April 2013 – 12.15pm-1.45pm

You can see a project display at Suite 1, 72 Northbourne Avenue, Canberra City. It will be open Weekdays 10am-3pm (closed 25 April 2013).Or you can get involved on a Saturday (with the project team):

6 April 2013 – 10am-12noon
27 April 2013 – 2pm-4pm
4 May 2013 – 10am-12noon
18 May 2013 – 2pm-4pm

ACT Climate Change Council Needs You!
The secretariat of the ACT Climate Change Council wants you to know about two new exciting initiatives of the Council.

The Climate Change Council will be holding its first public forum and community conversation at Pilgrim House on Thursday, 4 April 2013, between 6pm and 7:30pm.

Additionally, the Minister for the Environment and  Sustainable Development, Mr Simon Corbell MLA, is seeking Expressions of Interest from suitable qualified people for membership to the Council. Specifically, the Minister is seeking individuals with experience and knowledge in the energy sector, including renewable energy, and the ACT transport sector.

Details on both initiatives can be found on the Council’s website.

(Thank you SEE-Change for providing this contribution.)

Communities and Business Partnering to Create a Sustainable Canberra
Bianca Prichard the owner of Jindii EcoSpa entered into partnership with Woden SEE-Change in 2012 to make her business environmental footprint lighter and contribute to the sustainability of Canberra. This is an extension of her business philosophy of creating “wellness that doesn’t cost the Earth”. She believes this viewpoint is shared with her clients.

SEE-Change was able to link Bianca and her business into People Power Canberra. People Power Canberra – is a collaborative project between SEE-Change, Australian Youth Climate Coalition, Canberra Loves 40%, and Canberra Clean Energy Connection – which for this event joined with Greening Australia and Jindii to form an alliance to create a more sustainable Canberra.

In 2012 an energy audit of Bianca’s business was conducted. Areas where funds could be spent to improve energy efficiency in Jindii EcoSpa were identified. A tree planting in the Cotter was then organised to launch fundraising activities for energy efficiency and renewable energy projects in the business.

From the fundraising activities in 2012 and Jindii’s additional commitment, new energy efficient blinds were purchased for the business. This has resulted in a 10 degree better performance on hot days for the EcoSpa, meaning the airconditioner has been used far less. “I am looking forward to the summer electricity bill so I can see the decreases over last year” said Bianca.

Bianca intends to keep improving her business’ eco footprint in 2013 and once again is partnering with Woden SEE-Change to organise a program of activities. These will include another tree planting, opportunities to participate in a clothes swap, and upcycle jewellery.

To participate in the next tree planting to be held on Sunday 21 April 1:30-4:30pm  please RSVP through: http://peoplepowerjindii2013.eventbrite.com.au. For members of the community who cannot make it to an event but would like to make a donation to the Jindii Sustainability Fund, and have a tree planted on their behalf, please contact Bianca at: relax@jindii.com.au or visit: www.jindii.com.au

This is an inspiring way for business and communities to partner to create a more sustainable Canberra, and other businesses who would like to get involved can contact: http://peoplepowercanberra.org.au/contact-us/

SEE-Change’s 2020 Vision – is off and running!
On the 21st of March SEE-Change officially launched their centenary year 2020 Vision Project to a bumper crowd at the Village green.

Robyn Archer (pictured) spoke a few words about the project and it’s importance in a centenary year that is forward looking as well as celebrating Canberra’s achievements to date.

The Centenary 2020 Vision Sustainability Project, 2020 Vision: Imagining a Sustainable Canberra, is an interactive, participation-based sustainability project for ACT schools. Run with funding from the ACT Government Community Centenary Initiatives Fund, the Project aims to engage as many ACT school children as possible in a deep consideration of the sustainability issues we face and how the Canberra community can reduce its ecological footprint to address those issues.

The key question for students to consider is: ‘How will Canberra reach the ACT Government’s 2020 greenhouse gas emission reduction target (ie reduction of 40% on 1990 levels by the year 2020)?’

The 2020 Vision Project draws together related threads of activity:

• in 2010, the ACT Government committed to reducing our greenhouse gas emissions by 40% on 1990 levels by the year 2020;
• the new Australian school curriculum now includes three cross-curriculum priorities – one of these is sustainability; and
• in 2013 Canberra will celebrate its Centenary, a perfect time to engage our young people in imagining a sustainable future for our city.

The 2020 Vision Project includes three events:

• the Centenary 2020 Vision Competition – students are invited to represent their vision of Canberra’s sustainable future using a medium of their choice, ie visual, written, performance, IT. The competition will be judged in five year bands: Kindergarten to Year 3, Year 4 to Year 6, Year 7 to Year 8, Year 9 to Year 10, and Year 11 to Year 12. Entries close 23 August 2013;
• a Festival of Young Ideas – where the best entries for the 2020 Vision Competition from across Canberra will be displayed in a public exhibition – November 2013 (tba);
• the Centenary Parliament of Youth on Sustainability – where student representatives from all participating schools in Canberra will gather for two days to map out a path towards a sustainable Canberra based on work undertaken in those schools over 2013. Each ACT school is invited to send two student representatives from each of the five year bands: Kindergarten to Year 3, Year 4 to Year 6, Year 7 to Year 8, Year 9 to Year 10, and Year 11 to Year 12 – November 2013 (tba).

There are plenty of ways that you can get involved with the 2020 Vision project. Volunteers can assist with running events and other pre-event activities. For more information please write to 2020Vision@see-change.org.au.

(Thank you SEE-Change for providing this contribution.)

Practical activities that you can do to reduce emissions

Upcoming key dates for the diary
Thursday 4 April 2013 & through to mid May – City to the Lake consultation
Thursday 4 April 2013 – Climate Change Council meeting
Tuesday 9 April 2013 – Green Drinks
Friday 12 April 2013 – Canberra Sustainability Showcase
Sunday 21 April 2013: 1:30-4:30pm – Jindii EcoSpa Tree Plant
Tuesday 21 May 2013 – Food Security in Australia with Julian Cribb

For a range of other activities happening around Canberra, check out climateXchange.

Enjoy your week!

Professor Peter Newman is going to be talking about: How will light rail work in a small city like Canberra?

Come along if you can!

• What:  Our Renewable Energy Future – Port August to the ACT
• Who:  The Repower Port Augusta Team, Canberran Activists who walked 328km for renewable energy, Minister Simon Corbell and Greens Spokesperson Shane Rattenbury
• When:  5.30 – 8 tonight, Wed 10 Oct
• Where:  Bob Douglas Lecture Theatre, NCEPH, Corner Mills and Eggleston Roads, ACTON, the ANU
• RSVP:  http://www.eventbrite.com.au/event/4498808056

Media Release – Vote for your Climate Scorecard Released

The 20th October was an important day for the future of our 40% target.  Your vote helped decide if we will commit to 40% emissions reduction by 2020, and how we reach our target.

To give you all the information you needed prior to the election, the Conservation Council ACT Region, Australian Youth Climate Coalition ACT, Climate Action Canberra and Canberra Loves 40% asked all candidates what they will do on climate change. A summary of their responses is available right here.

Unfortunately the Canberra Liberals provided a statement rather than a set of policies to tackle climate change.  They outlined no emissions reduction target, or any actions that will reduce emissions. Read our response here.

To read each parties full response, click on the link to your electorate shown on the map below.

Brindabella | Ginninderra | Molonglo

Canberra Loves 40% today welcomed ACT Labor’s commitment to fund the first stage of Light Rail, and called for the Canberra Liberals to announce their position.

Light Rail within an integrated transport system is key part of reaching the 40% target and transforming Canberra into a cleaner, more livable city.

“This has been a central focus for us this election year, it’s exciting to see another of the major parties getting on board,” spokesperson Phoebe Howe said.

“Transport makes up nearly a quarter of our emissions, so making it easy for Canberrans to leave their car at home is central to reaching our 40% target.  Light Rail and public transport also has a big impact on how we build our city to reduce our carbon footprint.  The Light Rail project must go hand in hand with developing a truly sustainable city.”

The Government’s Action Plan 2, and the ACT Greens climate policy to reach our 40% emissions reduction target both require a significant increase in public transport use. Evidence from around Australia and the world show us that when Light Rail offers reliable, timely and convenient service it attracts people to leave their cars at home.

“Today’s announcement shows that our leaders are listening to what Canberrans want.  Innovative investment harnesses the economic boost Light Rail brings to cities, it’s not just one big lump sum from the public purse.  The ACT Greens have announced their own funding models, with the combined support and planning from all Territory parties we can invest wisely now and reap the benefits in years to come,” Ms Howe continued.

Canberra Loves 40% is now looking for promises to turn into action.

“The community want the constant call for Light Rail every election to stop, and the track laying to begin.  The ACT Greens promise works to start in 2015, the Government says 2016.  Canberrans will hold our leaders to account at the next election if we haven’t seen action.”

Canberra Loves 40% criticised the Canberra Liberals for their lack of vision following a disappointing silence on environmental and climate issues this election.

“So far all we have heard from the Liberals on transport is a 12-month trial of free shuttle buses and a vague mention of ‘looking at intelligent public transport systems’.  It seems the Canberra Liberals want to lock us into a car-dependent future with their massive increase on roads spending.  Canberrans know that more roads forces us to buy more cars, more cars mean bottlenecks and endless car parks, no matter how wide the parkways get.  It’s time for our city to mature with a modern public transport system,” Ms Howe concluded.

The Opposition have not yet ruled out support for Light Rail.

Today we have a policy plan, based on strong research, economic modelling and considered planning, that lays out actions to make our 40% target a reality.  With our eyes on this vision, with continued community support, we are so close to realising a solution to our high emissions way of life.  It includes 90% of our energy sourced from renewable wind and solar, 30% of work travel by modes other than the car, and drastically improved energy efficiency in all of our buildings by 2020.  The renewable energy that we create is recognized as additional to any national emissions targets.  No offsets to faraway plantations or gas power required.  This plan effectively reduces the impacts of the way we live for the long term, and will wean us off almighty coal.

With ice caps melting faster than expected and global emissions still rising, it has taken too long.  But it has happened.  This is not the first time an ACT Government has set emissions reductions targets or made climate policy, and many immediately reacted with skepticism.  To many, it is just another example of local politicians trying to leave a political legacy, or win brownie points.  It is another puff of hot air, soon to be forgotten.

This reaction typifies an Australian response to change, reminiscent of the tall poppy syndrome.  Those who try, fail, so why bother?

The only thing standing in the way of achieving our goal is that usual skepticism.  Not the productive critical thinking that makes good policy, but the ‘Tell ‘em they’re dreaming’ fob off that teaches those trying to make change to get back in their box.  We are afraid we are paying a lot for reducing emissions that are a drop in the global emissions ocean.  We are afraid that we’re putting more pressure on our own household budgets when life is already too tight managing a Canberra mortgage.

Investing in reducing our emissions does cost us.  But the investment will make a difference.  Canberra is a fantastic place to live, or so some of us think!  Yet it can be improved.  If you’re sitting in traffic trying to get to work from Gungahlin or Gowrie, or if you live in a drafty pre 1970’s house through our freezing winter nights, Canberra has a lot to work on.  The 40% action plan is an opportunity to face these problems, for the long term.  We can make our city more liveable while reducing our emissions; increasing our energy efficiency means we waste less power, and reduce our bills.  Using public transport, and walking or cycling more, reduces our own petrol costs and medical bills.  Increasing our renewable energy generation creates jobs in a cleaner economy and stimulates fast developing technologies growing cheaper every day.  We know we need to invest in the home so it is equipped for the family as it grows, and we know we need to invest in our city to make sure it works for us into the future.  The longer we wait, the more catching up we’ll have to do, and the greater the cost.  Inaction means a city that fails to plan for smarter, modern lifestyles, and waits to retrofit suburbs when problems like congestion are getting out of control.

Canberra is no Beijing or Mexico City with enormous total emissions.  It is, however, the capital city of the country that leads the world with the highest emissions per person.  Australians’ lifestyles create the largest carbon footprints.  Canberra’s plan is making national headlines, attracting letters of congratulation from across Australia.  Canberra can demonstrate that Australians can live a great lifestyle without that massive impact.  And we can show this carbon-control-shy nation that reducing emissions is nothing to be afraid of.

We are already hearing debates about cost, scoffing that it will never really happen.  Reading through the action plan, every action is qualified; they will only be taken if they measure up to economic expedience and cost of living concerns.  In those qualifications lie the enabler and the barrier we need to address every year as we approach 2020.  This community needs to ask, what will be the cost of living in a city that depends on fossil fuels long after the rest of the world has moved on?   What is the cost of hesitating to act until some other nation or city does?  What is the cost if each city fails to take actions to curb our emissions?  And what other benefits we can reap from investing in each and every measure to reduce our emissions?

To reach this target, our leaders need to hear from those of us who know the importance of overcoming the voices that tell us we’re dreaming.  Achieving our 40% target is possible, and we can afford to take responsibility for our emissions impact.  It just requires the community to continue to ask our leaders to act, to continue to be willing to invest in our future.  It requires the community to continue to acknowledge that the climate is changing and we must, too.

We have eight years to meet our 40% target, a target that reflects the best science, a target that responds to the reality of the problem rather than what is politically expedient. We now have an alternative to ignoring a problem that seems intractable.  We can hold our leaders to account and every year call for the next step on the pathway.  We can be proud of our city and our future.

Find the ACT Government’s action plan to reach the 40% target here.

Phoebe Howe

Project Manager

Canberra Loves 40%

info@love40percent.org

This will be a perfect opportunity for you to ask all parties their position on how they will ensure we reach 40%.  We’ve waited too long for the current Assembly to act to reach the targets it has legislated.  The next term is the only time we have left to curb our emissions, we need to get started.

Join us to ask your representatives if they’ve got what it takes.

What:     Our Future, Our Environment – Conservation Council Election Forum

Who:      Environment and Sustainable Development Minister Simon Corbell

Shadow Minister for Nature Conservation and Water Vicki Dunne

Greens Spokesperson for Environment, Climate Change and Water Shane Rattenbury

Chair:     ABC 666 Drive presenter Louise Maher

Panel:     Professor Barbara Norman, two others to be confirmed

When:     Friday 21 September 2012, 12 noon for 12.30pm

Where:    Pilgrim House, cnr Rudd and 69 Northbourne Ave, Civic

A light lunch will be provided from 12 noon. The formal event starts at 12.30 and will finish at 1.30pm

Please RSVP at http://ourfutureourenvironment.eventbrite.com.au/  or email  communications@consact.org.au.

What is People Power Canberra?

Are you sick of polarised debate about climate change and pricing pollution?

Ever wondered if there’s something you can do here, in your community, with your friends and neighbours, to make a real difference?

Imagine if we could easily change our buildings, offices and shops to drastically reduce the amount of energy we use, and increase the amount of renewable energy we generate.  All it takes is a little bit of up-front cash and the right ideas, and we can transform Canberra, reduce our emissions, and get on with moving to renewable energy now.  Join us at Cook shops, where the money you spend at participating shops will be invested in reducing emissions in store!