BREAZE

While the debate is raging in Australia about the best approach for putting a price on carbon, our neighbours in New Zealand have fairly seamlessly decided to implement an Emissions Trading Scheme, underpinned by 10-20% emissions reduction targets (on 1990 levels) and to commence in July this year. Also, in contrast with the Australian Labor government’s decision to shelve the Carbon Pollution Reduction Scheme for the next 3 - 4 years (a decision that is tracking us towards reducing our emissions by ONLY 2.5% by 2020!), around the world we have seen:

• UK have committed to reducing their emissions by 1% in the next twelve months
• European Climate Commissioner is pushing to increase their in emission reduction targets from 20% to 30% by 2020
• US unveiling its Senate bill to introduce an Emissions Trading Scheme, underpinned by emissions reduction targets of 17 per cent of 2005 levels by 2020 and 80 per cent by 2050!

This has not gone unnoticed by the Australian public, and businesses in particular that are desperate for certainty on a carbon price so they can make decisions about their future. A couple of interesting articles if you are keen to read more:

* http://www.theaustralian.com.au/politics/climate-shifting-against-kevin-rudd-newspoll/story-e6frgczf-1225861785148
* http://www.smh.com.au/environment/climate-change/rudd-on-the-nose-after-ets-delay-20100503-u3ev.html

To make the urgent and necessary decisions that will genuinely contribute to protecting the planet from dangerous climate change, Australian politicians must start working together to find workable solutions. Political wrangling must not be our downfall. Nor a pretence that we can continue Business as Usual. If you want to get a better handle on the political argy-bargy this article presents a clear picture of some of the battles being fought -  http://www.smh.com.au/opinion/politics/labor-needs-detente-with-the-greens-20100515-v5bf.html.

State of the Climate
Climate data reveals that March this year was the warmest March on record. And if you are up for some gut retching predictions, have a look at these warnings from Australian Scientists – Too hot to live.

On a brighter note, The Climate Group research shows that Victoria’s emissions from petrol, gas and coal fired electricity is still down on last years data... so maybe we are starting to make a shift in the right direction.

Committee news
I am thrilled to announce that that the BREAZE Presidential hot-seat has been filled again! Steve Burns, one of BREAZE’s inaugural Committee members (who had a brief break from committee in 2008), has rejoined with all (clean energy) engines firing. Steve has been passionate about working with the committee to develop our governance processes and we are all starting to feel the benefits of this. Check out Steve’s bio on the BREAZE website.

And, in my garden...
I have just picked the last of the cucumbers and capsicum – an amazing crop this year – and still have a few zucchinis coming on (much to my children’s dismay!). We have an abundance of silverbeet and I have recently discovered a delicious Silverbeet and Potato Torte recipe that is keeping us all very happy. Last year I planted some heirloom butter beans and have let the last of the crop go to seed – the pods are full of beautiful dappled-purple beans that have proven perfect for beading as well as hopefully planting next spring.

Lisa