52. Thanks, Melbourne!

It's been a fantastic year in Melbourne with so many opportunities to meet people, attend events, engage in projects and write papers! Along the way I have had the chance to meet with many researchers working at universities and practitioners from municipalities in Melbourne. Based on all these conversations, I have put together a paper (with a colleague) with the title: "The Rise of the UniverCity? Cross-sector Partnerships for Urban Sustainability". The abstract reads: "There is increased interest in the role of universities and municipalities in cross-sector partnerships on sustainable development and climate change. This paper investigates recent experiences with collaboration between municipalities and universities on urban sustainability in Melbourne, Australia where the City of Melbourne has defined an Eco-City vision. Collaboration is described and analysed in Melbourne from two viewpoints. First, looking at innovative actors and networks that act as bridging organisations between municipalities and universities. Second, looking at projects and activities in terms of five channels for action on urban sustainability. In essence, this paper reveals a web of actors and networks as well as activities and projects in Melbourne that could be the foundations for an emerging “UniverCity for Sustainability” where researchers and practitioners work extensively and strategically together on urban sustainability. However, tapping into the full potential of research-practice collaboration on urban sustainability in Melbourne demands intensified efforts on practical and strategic challenges. Key conclusions of this paper for Melbourne are that universities and municipalities need to establish persuasive incentives for collaborative efforts that are connected to work activities for practitioners and researchers, link activities and projects under a deliberate framework, facilitate placements of researchers (and students) at municipalities, promote regular physical and virtual interactions, and engage in urban sustainability experiments through living labs that involve physical changes in buildings, infrastructure and precincts."

51. Co-creation for sustainability

I have recently been engaged in some collaborative work on a paper entitled "Beyond the third mission: Exploring the emerging university function of co-creation for sustainability". It will soon be published in the Science and Public Policy journal. This paper explores a global trend where universities are collaborating with local government, industry and civic organisations to advance the sustainable transformation of a specific town, city or region. With empirical evidence, we argue that this function of "co-creation for sustainability" could be interpreted as the seeds of an emerging, new mission for the university. We demonstrate that this still evolving mission differs significantly to the economic focus of the third mission and conventional technology transfer practices, which we argue, should be critically examined. After defining five channels through which a university can fulfil the emerging mission, we analyse two frontrunner "transformative institutions" engaged in co-creating social transformations in pursuit of materialising sustainable development in specific locations and regions. This study seeks to add to the debate on the third mission and triple-helix partnerships. It does so by incorporating sustainable development and place-based co-creation with government, industry and civil society.

50. Energy efficiency improvements and fossil fuel subsidies

Scientists have repeatedly warned that GHG emissions must peak before 2020 if the world is to avoid a temperature rise of over 2 degrees. But countries are locked into negotiations on a global climate deal that will only come into effect in 2020. I am always surprised to hear energy efficiency down-played. In so many cases, the focus is almost entirely on increasing renewable energy, which is so important, but it goes hand-in-hand with massive energy efficiency improvements. Another key area is the continuation of fossil fuel subsidies, which is simply absurd in the context of climate change. It is therefore great to see that the International Energy Agency (IEA) recently released a report proposing 4 key initiatives that could significantly reduce GHG emissions within a short period of time, while enhancing economic welfare.

A partial phase-out of fossil fuel subsidies: The IEA suggests the phase-out of fossil fuel subsidies in importing countries and a cut of 25% in subsidies in exporting countries by 2020.

Targeted energy efficiency measures in buildings, industry and transport: Energy efficiency measures in buildings and industry could deliver almost half the carbon cuts needed by 2020 to keep the world on track for global warming of less than 2 degrees.

Halving methane emissions from oil and gas extraction and transport: Measures to reduce methane releases from oil and gas operations, for example through flaring or leaks, could deliver a further 18% of the emission savings needed and could be accomplished at relatively low cost since the technology is available.

Limiting construction and use of the least-efficient coal-fired power plants: A further 20% of the emissions savings needed could come from CO2 pricing, CO2 standards for industry and limits on the use and construction of inefficient coal plants.

49. Teaching sustainability research - action, innovation and transformation

I will be teaching a course to international Masters students when I return to Sweden on how to do sustainability research. Essentially the course prepares students for undertaking a thesis. First, I will cover the basics of data collection, looking particularly at how to do interviews and carry out a literature review as well as case studies, questionnaires and site visits. Second, I will help the students to understand data analysis, and how to use theory and apply an analytical framework. And third, and perhaps mostly importantly, I will engage the students in why sustainability research is relevant, and what types of topics and research problems are "worthy" of research. It is here that I think sustainability research needs to reflect the "urgency" of bringing about sustainable development and responding to climate change. I will focus on three main approaches that can shape sustainability reserach - action research, social innovation and tranformation design.

"Action research is a research initiated to solve an immediate problem or a reflective process of progressive problem solving led by individuals working with others in teams or as part of a "community of practice" to improve the way they address issues and solve problems. It sometimes called participatory action research."

"Social innovation refers to new strategies, concepts, ideas and organizations that meet social needs of all kinds - from working conditions and education to sustainable development and health - that extend and strengthen civil society. Research has focused on the types of platforms needed to facilitate such cross-sector collaborative social innovation."

"Transformation design is a human-centered, interdisciplinary process that seeks to create desirable and sustainable changes in behavior and form – of individuals, systems and organizations – often for socially progressive ends. It is a multi-stage, iterative process applied to big, complex issues – often, but not limited to, social issues."

48. One Planet Councils

Today, I attended a presentation and discussion on One Planet Councils, which is based on the One Planet Living framework developed by BioRegional and WWF. It sets out 10 principles for sustainability and provides a very understandable metric - we have one planet, so we need to live within its capacity. If everyone in the world consumed as many natural resources as the average person in Australia we would need four planets to support us. This is clearly unsustainable! One Planet Councils allows Australian local governments to assess their sustainability programs against this simple concept - do we consume more or less than our share of one planet's worth of resources? Ironbark Sustainability has teamed up with  One Planet Living, BioRegional, and the Victorian Local Governance Association to introduce One Planet Councils within Australia. The session highlighted three rather interesting points for me. First, applying One Planet Living to neighbourhoods has significant positive health impacts for residents, predominantly related to using cars less and walking more as well as healthy eating and lifestyles. With health problems and assocaited costs rising in many industrialised countries, the planning of our cities may well become a key approach to tackling this issue. Second, major property developers are now seriously looking at applying One Planet Living across their developments as the benefits associated with lower energy and transport costs as well as a better quality of life are highly valued by customers. Third, some retail stores are applying One Planet Living in their product lines, including what is called "choice editing" when a company removes certain products from its stores, which are identified as not being consistent with One Planet Living. These are all exciting developments!

47. Cities, Sustainability and Solutions!

After many months of work the Special Volume of the Journal of Cleaner Production on Advancing Sustainable Urban Transformation is now published!!! It's been a great experience to be a guest editor working with researchers and practitioners from all around the world. Over 50 authors have contributed to 20 articles based on 35 cases and 130 surveyed examples of urban initiatives on sustainability in many countries. The abstract to the lead article reads "Despite increased awareness of the urgency to respond to climate change and to promote sustainable development, there are few powerful initiatives that are decisively shifting urban development in a sustainable, resilient and low-carbon direction. This Special Volume of the Journal of Cleaner Production explores sustainable urban transformation focusing on structural transformation processes – multi-dimensional and radical change – that can effectively direct urban development towards ambitious sustainability goals. The 20 articles are based on 35 cases and over 130 surveyed examples of urban initiatives on sustainability in many countries. While cities in Europe dominate, there are also examples from North America, South America, Africa, Asia and Oceania. The combined articles in this Special Volume contribute to knowledge and understanding on sustainable urban transformation across a range of areas, including governance and planning, innovation and competitiveness, lifestyle and consumption, resource management and climate mitigation and adaptation, transport and accessibility, buildings, and the spatial environment and public space. Overall, this Special Volume documents and analyses real-life action in cities and communities around the world to respond to sustainability challenges and it provides critical insights into how to catalyse, intensify and accelerate sustainable urban transformation globally. A main finding of the articles is that governance and planning are the key leverage points for transformative change."

Read the lead article and see the entire Special Volume.

46. 100 Resilient Cities

To enable 100 cities to better address major 21st century challenges, the Rockefeller Foundation is inviting cities from around the world to apply for the:

100 Resilient Cities Centennial Challenge

In August, cities can be nominated through a formal application process.
Winning cities will be announced in three rounds over the next three years, with the final round of winners named in 2015.
Each winning city will receive:

1. Membership in the 100 Resilient Cities Network which will provide support to member cities and share new knowledge and resilience best practices.
2. Support to hire a Chief Resilience Officer to oversee the development of a resilience strategy for the city and be part of a learning network of other CROs.
3. Support to create a resilience plan, along with tools and resources for implementation.

Now is the time for action to ensure our cities remain places of opportunity for the next 100 years.
- See more at: http://www.rockefellerfoundation.org/100-resilient-cities#sthash.atfkTk7y.dpuf

The Rockefeller Foundation has launched a program called "100 Resilient Cities" with the aim to enable 100 cities to better address major 21st century challenges and become more resilient. Cities can be nominated through a formal application process. Winning cities will be announced in three rounds over three years. Each winning city will receive the following:

1. Membership in the 100 Resilient Cities Network which will provide support to member cities and share new knowledge and resilience best practices.
2. Support to hire a Chief Resilience Officer to oversee the development of a resilience strategy for the city and be part of a learning network of other CROs.
3. Support to create a resilience plan, along with tools and resources for implementation.

I could imagine Stockholm is a likely candidate. Stockholm has been ranked very highly in sustainability and environmental awards, and the city is home to the Stockholm Resilience Centre (SRC). This is an international centre that advances transdisciplinary research for governance of social-ecological systems and resilience.

Melbourne must also be a chance to join such a network. Both Stockholm and Melbourne are members of the C40 Cities Climate Leadship Group. Based in Melbourne, the Victorian Eco-Innovation Lab (VEIL) works extensively with resilience. It seems to me that the presence of research-innovation collaborations like the SRC and VEIL are critical to cities becoming more resilient making programs and activities likes "100 Resilient Cities" a success.

45. A world you like

I just checked out the ‘A World You Like. With a Climate You Like.’ It is worth a look! The EU Commissioner for Climate Action, Connie Hedegaard, puts it pretty nicely in a short film and the following text.

"Building a climate-friendly society is without doubt a big challenge, but it is also a huge opportunity. Making our society low-carbon will create new, green jobs and cutting-edge technologies. It will give us lower energy bills, comfortable and modern homes, cleaner air and more mobility. The low-carbon economy is about a smarter kind of growth. About getting more out of less. And if we start now we can make a smooth and cost-effective transition whereas the bill will rise if we postpone action.

A low-carbon society is not a distant Utopian vision. We already have many of the necessary technologies. The real challenge is to apply them and bring them to scale. And all of us can help with that. Fighting climate change is about creating a world we want to live in, a world we're proud to present to our kids. If we continue with business as usual, climate change can reach dangerous levels in the coming years and its consequences are already being felt around globe. But we can prevent that by taking action now." 

44. Beyond Growth Domestic Product?

I recently read an article entitled "Beyond Growth Domestic Product: Social Progress Index versus Happy Planet Index". As we all know, GDP is the global measure of progress. But there are increasing attempts to develop a replacement for GDP that better measures progress, quality of life, and environmental sustainability. A couple of initiates worth a look are the Social Progress Index and the Happy Planet Index.

The Social Progress Index is based on three dimensions:

1. Basic Human Needs: Does a country provide for its people’s most essential needs?
2. Foundations of Well-being: Are the building blocks in place for individuals and communities to enhance and sustain well-being?
3. Opportunity: Is there opportunity for all individuals to reach their full potential?

The Happy Planet Index also has three dimensions:
1. Experienced well-being
2. Life expectancy
3. Ecological footprint

The scores of both Costa Rica and Sweden illustrate the difference between these initiatives. In the Happy Planet Index, Costa Rica is rated the “happiest country in the world”. But in the Social Progress Index, Costa Rica ranks only #12 among the sample of 50 countries, due to poverty and lack of other "basic human needs". In the Social Progress Index, Sweden ranks #1 but only #52 in the Happy Planet Index due to a heavy ecological footprint.

Interestingly, this news article was posted on the Rebuild21 website, which is an annual international conference for "leaders, innovators and entrepreneurs who want to build alliances and drive change". The tagline for the Rebuilds21 conference is "the new Nordic way". It will take place in Copenhagen, Denmark on 22-23 May 2013. Looks pretty interesting!

43. Is Australia crucial to international climate policy and action?

I have been thinking quite a lot about the role Australia plays in global climate policy and action. I just read an article entitled "Does Australia hold the keys to solving climate change?" in Climate Spectator. Perhaps the title is a little bold, but the points raised are very valid. Opponents of climate change action often point out that Australia’s direct emissions are only 1.5 per cent of the global total, and claim that it does not matter what we do. But there are several key areas where Australia’s actions could affect global outcomes.

Australia’s action (or inaction) influences other countries, like China
While it’s true that Australia’s direct emissions are only 1.5 per cent of the global total, it’s worth bearing in mind that we are not only one of the highest per capital emitters in the world, but also the 15th largest emitter in total. This means that of the 196 odd nations of the world, barely a dozen are larger than Australia. Therefore, if Australia isn’t moving, most other nations in the world can feel justified in a similar degree of inactivity. In particular, as our most important trading partner, China watches about what Australia does. 

Australia can influence global renewable energy markets
As the 14th largest electricity consumer in the world, Australia has the potential to be a major player in developing renewable technologies. Renewables and fossil fuel technologies are now close enough in cost that investing heavily in renewables to bring them down the cost curve could have dramatic influence over the investment decisions of other nations. By bringing forward the point of cost competitiveness of renewable energy we could drive huge emissions reductions, particularly in developing economies that are likely to be reluctant to take on carbon pricing in the near term.

It remains Australia’s choice to expand fossil fuel exports (or not)
Of course, we also need to acknowledge that it remains our choice to expand our fossil fuel exports (or not), and with Australia on the path to becoming the largest fossil fuel exporter in the world, our potential influence in this space is immense. By supplying vast amounts of fossil fuels into international markets over the next two decades we have the potential to reduce global fossil fuel prices, increasing the likelihood that other nations (particularly developing nations) invest in coal and gas-fired generation. Alternatively, we could choose to slow or prevent expansion of fossil fuel mining through a range of possible mechanisms (such as meaningful mining taxes). 

Finally, Australia’s vast renewable resources give us a huge advantage in establishing ourselves as a home of energy intensive industries. In the past we have attracted them with the promise of low cost, low risk energy. By leading the global transformation we are excellently placed to continue in that tradition. As stated by David Cameron, the Prime Minister of the United Kingdom, “it is the countries that prioritise green energy that will secure the biggest share of jobs and growth in a global low-carbon sector set to be worth $4 trillion by 2015.”

42. Decarbonisation

I just read two pieces of news today. The first was from the International Energy Agency that warns that decarbonisation of the global economy is proceeding alarmingly slowly. Despite rapid growth in renewables in recent years, the carbon intensity of energy production worldwide has remained flat for more than two decades. In 1990, 57.1 tonnes of CO2 were released per terrajoule produced while in 2010 the figure stood at 56.7. Not much change there! This puts decarbonisation efforts far below what is necessary to keep within a rise of 2˚C by 2050. Coal power continues to dominate growth in electricity generation. And about half of new capacity, found chiefly in the developing world, uses obsolete and inefficient technology. But there is some good news. Sales of electric and hybrid vehicles are increasing and the advanced biofuels sector grew its capacity in 2012. More countries are also improving the energy efficiency of buildings and appliances. Photovoltaic capacity rose by 42% in 2012, with wind power growing by 19%. The second news item I read came from the Swedish Environmental Protection Agency where research shows that Sweden reduced its greenhouse gas emissions by 5% between 2011 and 2012, and that since 1990 Sweden has reduced its emissions by 20%. Sweden is in the process decarbonisation!

41. The Ultimate Sustainable Community

Some friends and colleagues of mine recently launched greenApes with the tagline "You are not alone in the jungle". I am just learning how greenApes works but it aims to be the ultimate sustinable community where you can share green actions, learn from others, challenge your friends and be part of an online community making a difference in a fun way. On their facebook page it reads "Our mission is to help people become more sustainable. Enjoying it, every day. Our ambition is to challenge and inform, and to be able to offer access to accurate sustainability information to the greenApes community." Check out the film! And download greenApes today here.

40. Nearing the end?

It's been 9 months in Australia and just 3 months to go before I return "home" to Sweden. As a visiting researcher at Melbourne University I have been asked to give a talk, which I have entitled "Reflections on Sustainability: From Australia to Sweden and back again". My abstract for this talk reads "I grew up in Melbourne, Australia but have spent the last 10 years living in Sweden and working at Lund University (first as a doctoral candidate and today as an Assistant Professor). A fantastic opportunity came up for me to return to Melbourne University for 12 months (from July 2012 until June 2013). In this talk and discussion I will present my thoughts and activities on sustainability from my experiences in Australia and Sweden/Europe and back again. I have a background in political science and environmental science, and I engage in a combination of research, education, communication and innovation activities. Broadly speaking I work in the fields of sustainability and governance. Specifically, I concentrate on how to accelerate the implementation of renewable energy (focusing on bioenergy and biofuels) and energy efficiency, catalyze sustainable urban transformation, and promote education for sustainability." I plan to talk on 3 main points. First, there is much to learn from Sweden about sustainability transitions and climate action. Second, the world is watching Australia both in terms of climate policy (and the impending change of government) and climate impacts on weather patterns. Third, the role of the university in sustainability transitions is changing markedly as the science and understanding of global warming expands and spreads.

39. The Price of Carbon

I recently watched this great short film by the Climate Reality Project on the price of carbon (which is being debated in Australia and it is clear that the message in this film needs to be communicated better and stronger). This film tries to explain what global warming is costing us - individually, nationally and globally. It really goes straight to the core issue around emissions trading schemes and carbon taxes and why pricing carbon is fundamental to transformative shifts in our development path. Check it out!

The Climate Reality Project is dedicated to unleashing a global cultural movement demanding action on the climate crisis. Despite overwhelming international scientific consensus on climate change, the global community still lacks the resolve to implement meaningful solutions. The Climate Reality Project employs cutting-edge communications and grassroots engagement tools to break the dam of inaction and raise the profile of the climate crisis to its proper state of urgency.

38. Toolbox for Environmental Change

I recently attended the Toolbox for Environmental Change, which is the premier event for environmental and sustainability education in Victoria and Australia. It attracted some 300 participants and involved many workshops and displays. I presented and promoted the Young Masters Programme on Sustainable Development or YMP and learned a lot more about the organisations in Australia engaged in environmental and sustainability education. Most importantly, I learned that the Australian Curriculum has defined three cross-curriculum priorities, which includes: Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Histories and Cultures; Australia and Asia; and Sustainability. The three cross-curriculum priorities are to be embedded in all learning areas, across all schools. There are various organisations that are producing learning material and activities on sustainability that teachers and schools can utilise within the Australian Curriculum, including Cool Australia, Carbon Kids and the Savewater Alliance. There are also other great inititives like Kids Teaching Kids and Habitat Heroes. Furthermore, it appears that many schools in Australia are engaging in sustainability both through teaching and learning, but also through investments in school property and infrastructure, like solar power, water tanks, energy efficiecny improvements, and vegetable gardens. In other words, schools are linking learning with actions. What I also learned is that while there are vibrant activities within and between schools in Australia, there is little international cooperation or linkages. So, in short, it seems the YMP could play a role in linking Australia to the world, and meeting the three cross-curriculum priorities, particularly Sustainability and Australia and Asia (as China and India are major partners in the YMP), but also Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Histories and Cultures, as the YMP encourages students and teachers to work in their local contexts and tap into knowledge and understanding in local communities.

37. Urban water governance - From Malmö to Melbourne

I am currently supervising an international Masters student who is looking into urban water governance. At this stage, there are two possible cases, including Malmö, Sweden and Melbourne, Australia. Both are engaging in innovative approaches to water, including a green and blue strategy in Malmö and water sensitive urban design in Melbourne. The research plan for the thesis states that the water sector has traditionally been driven by investments in technological innovations like increased water efficiency, improved water quality and treatment, and developing alternative water supply and recycling. However, scholars argue that “it is the co-evolution of the socio-institutional and technical systems that enable a system wide transition”. The emphasis on technical solutions has left the water resource community with "blind spots" about the social and institutional dimensions of sustainable urban water management. 

An increase in awareness about the complexity of water management, the multi-functional character of water and the need to adapt to climate change, has called for new modes of governance that focus on more process-oriented societal co-steering through public-private partnerships and formal and informal networks. However, the literature reveals that there are institutional barriers impeding transitions towards sustainable urban water management, and building institutional capacity has been identified as a key strategy for transitions. Furthermore, governance theories have been more descriptive and analytical in nature and that an opportunity exists to offer a more prescriptive basis for how to achieve the required change in governance to facilitate the adoption of more sustainable urban water practices. Looking forward to the results of this thesis!

36. Climate Policy Down Under

There has been many interesting articles about climate policy in Australia recently looking at different issues, but all linking together. Climate policy down under is approaching a critical point, namely the next election in September this year! What happens after the election will have major ramifications for Australia, and in many ways the world, since what happens in Australia will be used as "evidence" of either success or failure on climate policy and action. The article entitled "Will Australia's carbon price last?" argues that the carbon price in Australia can survive a change in government. The opposition has argued forcefully that it will scrap the carbon price if it wins government (which appears likely), but it clearly will not be so easy to simply remove the carbon price. Another article entitled "Who's in charge of coalition climate policy?" explores what the opposition plans to do instead of a carbon price, if it manages to remove this policy framework. The so-called direct action plan looks very weak at best. And finally, an article entitled "Who's doing the heavy lifting on carbon?" identifies who exactly in Australia is driving the country towards a low-carbon economy. So, that is three big questions and three interesting answers!

35. Ready for disaster?

A colleague of mine here in Australia at the Victorian Eco-Innovation Lab (who also studied at the International Institute for Industrial Environmental Economics in Sweden) appeared in the newspaper on the weekend in an article entitled Ready for disaster? The article was centred around the argument that communities need to begin preparing for the big problems caused by global warming (likes fires, heatwaves and floods to name a few). The article discussed scenario work with two communities, Anglesea and Creswick, to explore the possible impact of climate extremes and the ways residents could best adapt. A powerful quote from the article sums up the future in a couple of sentences. ''Our planning standards and institutions are based on an assumption that the world we live in is fairly stable. Climate change is already rewriting those standards. Uncertainty will be the norm.'' But the article also cautioned that adaptation is only part of the response to global warming. We must continue, and drastically ramp up, mitigation efforts to avoid the worst impacts of climate change. The work being done with these two communities goes to the heart of the local, concrete problems, and also where the solutions can be designed and implemented.

34. Positive Charge

I was recently at the Sustainable Living Festival in Melbourne and learnt about an exciting new social enterprise called Positive Charge, which aims to provide cost-effective delivery of community sustainability services – both reducing greenhouse gas emissions and empowering households to better manage rising energy costs. The foundation of Positive Charge is that there is a growing demand for energy-saving services and advice, particularly those that are independent, trusted and tailored to individual needs. Backed by the Moreland Energy Foundation, Positive Charge aims to make energy efficiency as easy as possible. It will be a mainstream service that goes beyond the already engaged ‘green core’, providing services and advice for households of all shapes and sizes. Positive Charge will launch with the support of a number of foundation partner councils, including Melbourne, Port Phillip, Banyule, Manningham, Moreland, Whittlesea and Baw Baw. Residents in these areas can access an extended service, while households across Melbourne can still take advantage of Positive Charge energy tips and recommended products. There is huge potential for energy efficiency improvements in buildings in Australia, and such a service that is tailored to individual needs and the local context will hopefully take off!

33. Sustainability in Schools

While I am in Australia I am working to promote the Young Masters Programme on Sustainable Development - a global web-based learning network for high school students (16-18 years) on education for sustainable development (ESD). It provides unique opportunities for schools, teachers and students to engage in a truly global community on sustainability and climate issues. The programme is totally free, supported by UNESCO and SIDA, and coordinated through Lund University in Sweden. Over 22,000 students have completed the programme in over 100 countries since 1999 when it was established. But now the programme is tapping into the full power of the internet, social networking, e-learning and gaming, and the possibilities are endless! Additionally, the programme is expanding into India and building on its success in China. Exciting times!

So what am I doing in Australia? I have started by contacting the coordinators for the Australian Sustinable Schools Initiative (AuSSI). As I am based in Melbourne, I am focusing on the State of Victoria, and I recently met with the education team at Sustainability Victoria who coordinate AuSSI in Victoria. I have sent off dozens of emails to schools, teacher networks, and education organisations. I will present the programme at the up-coming Toolbox for Environmental Change which is an annual event that attracts over 300 people engaged in ESD in Victoria and Australia. In addition, I am learning a great deal about what already exists in Australia on ESD, such as a great initiative called Cool Australia which provides education resources on ESD, and Kids Teaching Kids which uses local environmental issues as a theme for learning.

32. Coal versus wind. And the winner is ...

A recent article in The Age has argued that the costs and risks associated with building new coal power plants are now more than new wind turbines, and that Australia is unlikely to build new baseload power stations burning coal because of falling prices for renewable energy and the rising cost of finance for emission-intensive fuels, based on research by Bloomberg New Energy Finance. Even without a carbon price, wind energy is now 14 percent cheaper than a new baseload coal-fired power station and 18 percent cheaper than a new gas one. The gap widens further when the carbon tax is added. Wind farms can now generate electricity at $80 per megawatt-hour, compared with $143 for a new coal power station and $116 for a new baseload gas power station. Now, these numbers can be debated but the trend is pretty clear. The costs and risks with coal power are rising in contrast with renewable energy. And the banks know it too. So financing will become easier for renewable energy and more difficult for coal and fossil fuels. Of course, there remain many barriers for new renewable energy projects, but the future looks bright!

31. Coal, China and Climate ...

A colleague of mine who was recently in China, forwarded the below information about air quality in parts of China as a result of burning coal. It is disturbing reading and points to a huge problem for China and the world. The mix of coal and a growing China is certainly not good for responding to global warming. Not to mention the devastating air quality impacts in cities, like Beijing.

According to the EIA, China is now burning almost as much coal as the rest of the world combined, due to an increase of more than 200% in Chinese electric generation, in comparison to 2000 levels, fueled mostly by coal. Currently Chinese coal demand accounts about 47% of global consumption.

Additionally, China was the world's largest coal producer in 2011, with more than 3.5 billion metric tons, or nearly 46% of global coal production in 2012, according to data published by the IEA. China was also the world's biggest net importer of coal in 2011, importing about 177 million metric tons of coal and has the third-largest coal reserves. Coal is cheap, and China has access to much of it both within its own borders and through import agreements with other countries.

Global demand for coal has grown by about 2.9 billion short tons since 2000, with 82% of that demand growth registered in China, the EIA said. Meanwhile, in the rest of the world, coal consumption had a hard time, increasing only 1% on average per year, in the last 12 years.

Air pollution in China hit a record high at the beginning of January 2013 at 30- 45 times above recommended safety levels with the Air Quality Index in Beijing increasing to a record 755. China intends to increase the amount of renewable energy it consumes, but growing demand for electricity denotes that coal consumption will remain strong.

30. Can shale oil fuel Australia?

I recently read an article on The Conversation entitled "Can shale oil fuel Australia?" The article described the recent discovery by a company called Linc Energy of shale oil in South Australia. Independent reports estimate between 233 billion and 103 billion barrels of oil equivalent could be exploited. The estimates released by Linc Energy were classified by the consultants as unrisked prospective resources because of their “lack of commerciality or sufficient drilling”. Consequently, their potential value may not be as high as $20 trillion as suggested by some mainstream media outlets. However, the "find" has resulted in much enthusiasm in South Australia. The Mineral Resources Development Minister for South Australia, Tom Koutsantonis has stated that “shale gas and shale oil will be a key part to securing Australia’s energy security now and into the future.” In fact, it has been suggested that the discovery may be enough to turn Australia into a self sufficient fuel producer.

What is striking about this article is that the only mention of climate change comes with the statement "the potential for carbon-intensive oil shale production in South Australia is likely to draw ire from vocal environmental activists and the Greens." That's it! So essentially the greenhouse gas emissions associated with exploiting shale oil and the implications for climate change are dismissed, and the Greens and "environmental activitists" are simply an annoying obstacle. It is just so disturbing that such articles are common place. Let us also put this article into context. It comes at a time when there are bush fires raging and flooding causing havoc in Australia. It comes at a time when some of the hottest days ever have been recorded not just in parts of Australia but across the whole country. Yet, so few dots are joined together. The media continues to treat these events in isolation, and does not make the connection between climate change, weather events, and the implications of exploiting fosill fuels, such as shale oil. Indeed, Australia's future is tied to shale oil and if we ever join the dots!?

29. Hot = Costs

Just read an article this morning in the newspaper about how the hot weather in Melbourne is set to cost the city on average $46.5 million a year to the middle of the century. The study commissioned by Melbourne City Council found projected total costs for 2011-2051 for Melbourne due to hot weather - heatwaves, the urban heat island effect, and single hot days - will be $1.86 billion. The costs will be a result of transport delays, increased energy demand, health impacts and increased mortality, anti-social behaviour, and impacts on plants and animals. And this is just some of the costs linked to rising temperature due to climate change. The submission also refers to social research carried out across 2011 and 2012 that surveyed 400 residents, 250 business and 100 visitors about their preparedness for climate change and extreme weather events. The survey found almost all residents surveyed believed in climate change but most said they were unprepared for very hot days and flooding. This is just part of the growing evidence about the practical costs of a changing climate (and the lack of adaptation) ... and this just for the Melbourne City Council. There are some 30 councils in Melbourne. That's a lot of costs!?

28. The Overview Effect

Check out this fascinating short film! It cuts straight to a key challenge of our times ... that is bringing about a new worldview of the Earth that is indeed a worldview in the fullest sense.



"On the 40th anniversary of the famous ‘Blue Marble’ photograph taken of Earth from space, Planetary Collective presents a short film documenting life-changing stories of seeing the Earth from the outside by astronauts – a perspective-altering experience often described as the Overview Effect. The Overview Effect is an experience that transforms the perspective of astronauts of the planet and humans place upon it. Common features of the experience are a feeling of awe for the planet, a profound understanding of the interconnection of all life, and a renewed sense of responsibility for taking care of the environment. Overview is a short film that explores this phenomenon through interviews with five astronauts who have experienced the Overview Effect. The film also features insights from commentators and thinkers on the wider implications and importance of this understanding for society, and our relationship to the environment."

27. Heat, fire, rain and floods ...

I have recently been on holidays in the Grampians (and it was hot, very hot ... 40 degrees). It is a beautiful part of Australia with forests, mountains and plenty of wildlife. While there I was able to learn a little more about recent 'climatic' or weather events from the locals. In 2006, they were hit by a substantial bush fire that spread through most of the forests. Then between 2006 and 2010, there was a drought that impacted the local communities and natural environment. Then it rained and rained in 2010, bringing so much water that many of the rivers over flowed. The changing weather patterns have clearly had a deep impact on people and the environment. At the same time as being in the Grampians, the news was filled with images and reports on the bush fires raging in different parts of Australia. Bush fires are common in Australia, but the changing climate is creating 'perfect' conditions for fires. On returning to Melbourne, I read that the Bureau of Meteorology’s interactive weather forecasting chart has added new colours – deep purple and pink – to extend its previous temperature range that had been capped at 50 degrees. The new forecasting map now has colours that go up to 54 degrees. Australia’s Bureau of Meteorology doesn’t pull any punches on what is driving this astounding heat. "The current  heatwave – in terms of its duration, its intensity and its extent – is now unprecedented in our records," the Bureau of Meteorology’s manager of climate monitoring and prediction, David Jones, said. "Clearly, the climate system is responding to the background warming trend. Everything that happens in the climate system now is taking place on a planet which is a degree hotter than it used to be." And this all means, heat, fire, rain and floods …

26. Post carbon pathways

I have recently been following the developments of a fascinating project at Melbourne University called Post Carbon Pathways. It is a project that explores what visions and strategies are being formed around the world to combat climate change. The website reads ...

As the risks of runaway climate change continue to escalate, so too does the urgent need to build public support for a rapid transition to a just and sustainable post carbon society. The Post Carbon Pathways project is informed by the view that, while increased public acceptance of the necessity of urgent climate change action is crucial, the transformational changes required to rapidly reduce greenhouse gas emissions also depend on broad recognition that alternative, more desirable futures and pathways are indeed possible.

This website  brings together information and analysis about some of the most promising large-scale post carbon economy transition plans and strategies from around the world. Interestingly, Sweden is not there! I think I better let them know what Sweden is doing on this front.

There are some great interviews on the website with some leading thinkers on how to bring about a low carbon future. There are also links to many of the major global and national strategies being developed by both government agencies and other actors.

25. Lucky, very lucky!

As 2012 drew to a close, I looked over Facebook to see many of my friends were putting up a few thoughts about the year that was and their hopes for 2013 as well as pictures of fun from celebrations around the world. But I noticed a particular post that read as so ...

As we approach the end of 2012 I beg your indulgence of a few words - sincerely meant for ALL family and friends. It's very easy to get swept along in the day to day challenges, trials and tribulations and forget just how genuinely lucky we are. We are only the third generation in the history of all human kind to have exactly whatever we genuinely need whenever we want it - we have local supermarkets filled with endless, gorgeous, delicious foods from around the world that would have seemed like a miracle only 50 years ago, we have heating/aircon, utilities, cars, flights to anywhere we can think of in the world, healthcare that is truly incredible compared to even 20 years ago, a clean bed every night, entertainment of every possible kind at our fingertips, and increasingly on demand exactly what we desire as soon as we want it. Not only are we the second or third generation ever to have this, of the 7 billion human beings on the planet, we are in the extremely lucky few hundred million who have all this. We do not have to fight for survival, we do not suffer needlessly, we are fed, clothed, pampered and genuinely the luckiest people in the history of the human race. We are truly, TRULY, blessed to live in these times, where we do. Let us all be truly thankful for what we have, be mindful that it is for future generations not just selfishly for our own lucky generation, and genuinely massively appreciate the world of plenty that we are blessed with.

It is indeed easy to forget just how lucky some of us are today. A true fundamental of sustainability and prosperity for all is that the lucky few keep these thoughts in mind all the time, and not just at particular moments.