Tune into Radio 3BA on Friday 28 May to hear BREAZE Treasurer, Paul Tant, talk to Brett about steps people can take to ‘green’ their finances. As the world slowly adapts to the task of decarbonising the economy, global financiers are moving their funds to clean investments. And the Biden administration's commitment to climate action is accelerating that transition. It's a shift that's good for the environment and one that is also showing good returns.
BREAZE 2020 AGMAt the BREAZE AGM this year – 16 November – we were very fortunate to have BZE’s Michael Lord as guest speaker. Michael who is the Head of Research at Beyond Zero Emissions (BZE) and author of the Million Jobs Plan – BZE’s detailed plan for a clean recovery https://millionjobs.org.au – is also, fortuitously a Ballarat local, and so was able to add a local flavour to his discursive account of the various ingredients of the Plan. He recommended improved cycling infrastructure and energy efficiency housing retro-fits as two elements of the Plan with particular relevance for Ballarat. To questions regarding how the Plan’s various recommendations were travelling in terms of take-up, Michael noted influence will not necessarily be acknowledged but that various recent green initiatives by state governments are evidence the message is getting out – a renewables-led clean recovery can simultaneously reboot and decarbonise the economy. Great to see some members taking the opportunity to log on to hear the talk.
The 2020 AGM saw some board members departing - many thanks for all your contributions – Barbara Whitfield, Jeremy Hunt and Barry Sullivan.
We also saw some new additions and changes in office holders. Paul Tant has taken over the BREAZE Treasurer role from Peter Reid, (who will be remaining on the Board). Another new Board member, Jakki Mikus has taken on the role of Chair of the BREAZE Public Fund, a role previously filled by outgoing Board member, Jeremy Hunt. Many thanks are due to Jeremy for all his work in this important role. Welcome too, to Suzanne Nunn and Sally Missing.
November Member Activities
Climate/Environment News
Some devastating initiatives for the environment in Canberra this past month. My take on the three worst and three best–in no particular order–below:
To all BREAZE friends and members, when choosing Christmas presents for loved ones, please consider a donation to BREAZE’s One Dollar, One Watt – the gift that keeps on giving: to the environment and the community - https://breaze.org.au/one-dollar-for-one-watt
All the best
Mary
Mary DebrettPresident, November 2020
This has been a year like no other and many will understandably be glad to see the back of 2020, the year that bought us the COVID-19 global pandemic, with over one million lives lost to date and the health of many left permanently damaged, along with a national recession that has driven many into poverty.
Before all of that started, for those concerned about climate change, 2020 signalled the dawn of the crucial last decade – in which we must rapidly decarbonise the world economy to keep global warming to within 1.5C. While all of our state governments have set targets of net zero emissions by 2050, the more significant targets are those for 2025 and 2030, which are needed to set the right trajectory and which remain outstanding. In Paris in 2015 the Climate Change Authority had recommended a 2030 emissions reduction target of 45-65% below 2005 levels for Australia – our current 2030 emissions reduction target is 26-28% reduction below 2005 levels. By February 2020, Australia’s Climate Council was advising that the science indicates keeping global warming to below 1.5 degrees needs a 75% or greater emissions reduction target by 2030.
Budget FailureThe crushing disappointment of the 2020 Federal Budget will probably linger for a very long time for many of us. In failing to back the clean recovery that multiple think-tanks and clean energy NGOs, backed by leading economists had endorsed as a pathway to Australia becoming a renewable energy superpower, the Treasurer missed a rare opportunity to build back cleaner and better. In subsidising coal mines and funding a ‘gas-fired’ recovery when there’s a mere decade left to radically reduce emissions to contain global warming to 1.5C, the government has shunned common sense and current global investment trends. The $1.8 billion announced for the environment – wildlife protection, national parks and protection of mangroves and sea grasses – is but a drop in the bucket of what is needed. The tragedy – writ large – is the rejection of research undertaken by so many talented and knowledgeable people into how public money strategically invested in renewable energy technologies, energy efficient housing, electrification of transport, modernising/reinvigorating manufacturing plus other sectors, would leverage considerable market investment. Reducing energy costs, stimulating jobs and driving down emissions, a clean recovery would have set Australia up to become an clean energy exporter. While the market appetite and State governments’ enthusiasm for renewables will continue to drive decarbonisation of the economy, without the impetus that the budget could have provided, setting the trajectory for 1.5C by 2030 will by most estimates be a stretch.
In this free Zoom presentation, Anton Vikstrom from the Good Car Company will discuss how to transition to low emissions transport including 100% electric cars.
Anton will also talk about some of the myths and fears around electric vehicle (EV) ownership.
He will also explain why they are better for the environment and how they can save you up to $1500 in fuel costs.
About the Presenter
Anton Vikstrom is co-founder of The Good Car Company and is a sustainability expert with a passion for decarbonising transport. His previous experience includes delivering international Solar PV projects and targeted residential and commercial Energy Efficiency programs. He has previously worked for nationally recognised NGO’s, the Alternative Technology Association (now ReNew), Sustainable Living Tasmania and is also co director of Good Life Permaculture.
This free (now online) talk is hosted by Smart Living Ballarat for BREAZE Inc. and is part of a free series of monthly sustainability workshops presented every 3rd Wednesday of the month. If you wish to discuss media opportunities, would like to join our monthly newsletter, or have an event you would like listed in our newsletter, please email Smart Living Ballarat Coordinator, Tim Drylie. Email: .
Event will be live on Zoom - you can access the event from this page. A recording of the event will be made available to particpants afterwards.
BREAZE social solar, in collaboration with disability support provider Pinarc, has received funding through the State Government's New Energy Jobs Fund to install 68kW of solar PV at four sites across Ballarat. This will mean energy savings for Pinarc, which can now dedicate more of its income to core community services for its clients, plus reduced emissions across the region, as well all more local jobs at a time of great need. Pinarc supports about 1,000 children and adults with disability, their families and carers.
L-R: Local State MP Juliana Addisson (Wendouree) joined BREAZE volunteers, Mary Debrett and Peter Reid, Pinarc CEO Marianne Hubbard, and State member for Buninyong, Michaelia Settle, to mark the announcement.
With the State Government funding the bulk of the costs of the $100,000+ project, BREAZE and Pinarc will pick up the balance making this is truly collaborative community energy project.
As you are probably aware the Minister for Energy and Emissions Reductions, Angus Taylor, recently announced the Morrison Government’s first Low Emissions Technology Statement, described as – ‘the first milestone in Australia’s Technology Investment Roadmap.’
While this Technology Roadmap is very disappointing on many fronts—with no emissions reductions target (ERT), no emissions trading scheme (ETS), no dates set for the retirement of coal-fired power plants and no incentives for electric vehicles — there are two stand-out problems that have stirred a call to action by environmental groups across the country.
1. The Roadmap refers to ‘clean’ hydrogen as a future renewable energy source. But ‘clean’ here refers not to hydrogen produced from renewable sources — wind and solar — but to hydrogen produced by gas where the CO2 emissions have been buried via Carbon Capture and Storage. And this has become the justification for changing the funding rules of ARENA (Australian Renewable Energy Agency) and the CEFC (Clean Energy Finance Corporation) so that public funds can be invested in CCS – a technology intended to extend the life of the fossil fuel industry.
CCS is a technology that has a long history of not delivering what it claims. A recent case in point being Chevron’s Gorgon LNG plant in the Pilbara, WA. Established in 2016 on the promise that 80% of the GHG emissions would be captured through CCS, Chevron is now facing a potential fine of $100 million, likely to be levied by the WA government in mid 2021 for release of approximately 4 million tons of CO2.
2. In another semantic sleight-of-hand, wind and solar are lumped with coal and gas as ‘mature technologies’ and thereby excluded from the six priority technologies that will be funded by ARENA and the CEFC. These were the technologies both agencies were set up to fund and which still need that investment.
With only one decade left to keep global warming to within 1.5ºC it is imperative that we do everything we can to drive investment in renewable energy. Please join the campaign to direct public pressure, particularly on the Senate,to stop these changes to ARENA and the CEFC. This will not become law if the Senate refuses to approve it.
As Victoria settles into the struggle to flatten the curve of the second wave of COVID-19, it seems life is increasingly centred on the small screen, with web-conference platform Zoom now omnipresent. For BREAZE, and for all who are aware that it’s not just the next few months but the next few years that are critical, there are plenty of online events to motivate and incentivise actions to flatten that other curve – global warming.
Eighteen participants logged into the first of the Green Drinks via Zoom on Wednesday 26th August to hear Environment Victoria’s senior climate campaigner, Taegen Edwards talk about her experiences on the front line of climate action. With BREAZE Board member Tony Goodfellow facilitating, Taegen began with a video about the work of Environment Victoria and the environmental threat that triggered the organisation's formation. A video of the talk is now available for viewing online. There is an article about the talk by Rochelle Kirkham of The Courier - https://www.thecourier.com.au/story/6899525/emissions-reductions-remains-the-focus-of-victorian-environmental-campaigns/?cs=62
August’s Smart Living Ballarat talk, ‘Garden Design and Management’ from BREAZE’s John Ditchburn on how to get the most out of your vegetable garden proved an overwhelming success, drawing 500 attendees. For those who missed it you can still catch up – the talks remain available on the SLB Facebook site - just click on the ‘videos’ link on the left. Please register for Smart Living Ballarat talks on Smart Living Ballarat Facebook. https://www.facebook.com/smartlivingballarat/
The Advocacy Action Group met via Zoom on 20 August to discuss how to raise awareness of ecologically sustainable design. With Sustainable House Day looming on 20th September, Ballarat sustainable home owner, Jeff Dobell offered to make a selection of homes likely to interest people living in the Ballarat region. Jeff’s selection and comments are being featured on the BREAZE website and Facebook sites. The work of the Advocacy Group and Sustainable House day was also the focus of a story by Rochelle Kirkham in The Courier on 5 September – thanks to Jeff Dobell and Advocacy coordinator Therese Footner. If you would like to log on to the next Advocacy Group zoom discussion please contact
BREAZE Green Drinks online - Council Election Forum: This is a great opportunity to put the environment and climate on the election agenda. The date is 30th September and the time 7-9pm. Attendees who wish to ask questions of the candidates should email these to the Forum coordinator, Tony Goodfellow: Go here to register https://www.eventbrite.com.au/e/ballarat-local-election-candidate-forum-2020-tickets-119851766861
Smart Living Ballarat – Prepare Your Property for Fire. Permaculture designer, firefighter and home builder Hamish MacCallum presents a free Zoom webinar on Wednesday 16th Sept at 12.30pm for BREAZE Inc. on how to best prepare your property for the fire season. This presentation is also in association with Sustainable House Day. Book your free tickets here: https://fireready.eventbrite.com.au
Social Solar Action Group – This group has its first zoom meeting this month on Monday 28 September at 6:00 -7:00 pm. The group aims to support the work of the BREAZE Public Fund, which administers donations to BREAZE Social Solar - adding value to these through applying for grants in order to install rooftop solar, solar hot water systems and/or batteries on the buildings of not-for-profits–with a particular focus on social housing. This means fewer GHG emissions for all of us plus reductions in energy costs, for those who need it most. Those interested in volunteering with the group should register at - https://www.trybooking.com/BLMYT
• Cities Power Partnership webinar – Re-energise Australia: A clean jobs summit for local government – began with Helen Haines, Independent Federal MP for Indi, talking up the need for a better deal on renewable energy for the regions — where those resources originate would probably resonate with Ballarat locals. Among the impressive line-up of speakers was Mark Watts from C40Cities—a global network of 96 cities committed to sharing knowledge on addressing climate change. Declaring a need for a green and just recovery, Mark endorsed Kate Raworth’s concept of Doughnut Economics – putting public services at the heart of the recovery. Shared solutions ranged from reducing car parking to fast-track cycle paths (Sydney) green bonds (Auckland) and the 15 minute city where all basic services are within 15 minutes for everyone. Another speaker, Zoe Whitton, an Environment and Social Governance (ESG) expert from Citi spoke on the shift in investor thinking on climate change, which she said had moved on from risk management to ‘how can we get transition to happen,’ the new field of taxonomizing activities into those that contribute to the transition and the Australian Sustainable Finance Initiative. ‘Climate financing is now a thing.’
• The Australia Institute’s Electrifying our roads: Norway's way – began with Christine Bu, Head of the EV Association in Oslo talking about how her country has forged its global leadership in EV uptake, in a discussion that outlined the rational and thoroughly sensible way in which policy is managed in Norway – where 70% of new vehicles sales are EV/hybrid with a mandate all new vehicle sales to be zero emissions by 2025 – in comparison to absence of policy in Australia where lack of any incentives has resulted in a lamentable range of EVs on offer to Australian consumers.
• The Melbourne Sustainable Society Institute’s – The Case for Urgent Action – chaired by Don Henry, which featured the always impressive Climate Councillor and former Australian of the Year, Tim Flannery and UNSW climate scientist and ACT’s 2019 Scientist of the Year, Sophie Lewis. Flannery suggested three lessons we could learn from the government’s COVID response regarding possibilities for climate action: 1) It was possible to go hard and fast on; cutting emissions, just as went into lockdown to control virus transmissions, and there was still time – just! 2). We need to create enough emergency capacity to cope – evoking COVID contact tracing failures – with CC effects such as heatwaves, coral reef die-offs, rising sea-levels eroding coastal habitat, and extreme weather events. And this must be front and centre of government priorities. 3). We must accelerate our search for solutions for drawdown to take back control – the equivalent of a COVID vaccine – it will be hugely expensive, with success uncertain. In addition to all the investing we need in renewable energy and emissions reductions, we also need massive investment in research into drawdown technologies – enhanced rock weathering—spreading crushed silicate rock on farmland which could drawdown up to 2 gigatons p.a. and the cultivation of seaweed to capture CO2 and store it in the ocean. Noting our window for action was very small, 3-4 years, and the colossal scale on which such ventures would need to be undertaken, Flannery was not optimistic. He conceded however, that the drop in renewable energy costs had eliminated many barriers to investment.
As the climate crisis deepens there is always much more that can be done in raising civic awareness of the steps that need to be taken, than our current Board can deal with. Our call for expressions of interest from members who would like to work with us on the BREAZE Board remains open. Board members are elected at the AGM in November. We invite any member who has ideas about what BREAZE should be doing, or would just like to find out more about what’s involved, to get in touch and log in to one of our monthly board meetings. Contact:
Some devastating initiatives for the environment in Canberra this past month. My take on the three worst and three best–in no particular order–below:
All the best
Mary
Mary Debrett
President,September 2020
BREAZE Advocacy Group's second meeting in August has resulted in some initial actions being taken. Several participants have responded to the CoB- Community Infrastructure Planning Policy via the CoB My Say page. Jeff Dobell has selected three homes that have been listed for Sustainable House Day which will be run virtually this year. Please see the houses that he has recommended. Find out more in Rochelle Kirkham's article in The Courier (5/9/20) Sustainable House Day highlights house design principles for cost and emissions savings.