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Archives for December 2008

A Change In The Climate

December 30, 2008 @ 22:06 By Gavin Webber 7 Comments

I have been in a very strange and silent mood the last couple of days.  Let me try and work through it with you during this post.

I am reading a very thought provoking book titled "Climate Wars", by Gwynne Dyer.  The premise of the book is as follows;

"Dwindling resources. Massive population shifts. Natural disasters. Spreading epidemics. Drought. Rising sea levels. Plummeting agricultural yields. Crashing economies. Political extremism. These are some of the expected consequences of runaway climate change in the decades ahead, and any of them could tip the world towards conflict. Prescient, unflinching, and based on exhaustive research and interviews, Climate Wars promises to be one of the most important books in the coming years."

I have read 68 pages so far and it is riveting stuff, but I think it is responsible for my current mood.

In the book, Dyer argues that it is because of the "Politics as usual", and natural national protectionism being taken by most world governments, is the reason it will be extremely difficult for the leaders of the world to come to a consensus and a realistic emissions target to avert catastrophic climate change.  I tend to agree with him, which makes me sad.  Evidence for this argument has been visible all around us for quite some time.  In Australia, the damage done by the Howard Government over the last 11 years has been well documented in "High and Dry – John Howard, Climate Change and the Selling of Australia’s Future", by Guy Pearse.  An interesting read in itself.

The Bush administration’s similar campaign of denial and censorship of the scientific evidence regarding Climate Change may have doomed the entire human race to a gloomy future.  From reading Dyer’s book, this is what I have learnt so far.  Many climatologist’s believe that the planet is already locked in to a 3° C rise in global average temperatures with what WE HAVE ALREADY EMITTED!  A scary thought, but not so bad, I hear you say.  Think of it this way then. 

"People really need to understand that the average surface temperature is just an index of the state of the climate.  It’s sort of like the temperature of your body, and you say ‘What’s a few degrees among friends?’, and then you realise that if you have a fever of 40.5° C, then though that’s only three and a half degrees above normal, it’s potentially fatal.  The same thing is true of the world: differences of a few degrees in the average temperature of the world reflect massive changes in the patterns of the climate that are determinative of human well-being." – John Holdren, director, Woods Hole Research Centre in an interview with Dyer Feb 6, 2008

The key are the words ‘average surface temperature’.  It may not increase by much at the equator, with some scientists predicting only a 0.5° C rise, however, at the poles that equates to an 8-12 degree increase in average temperature by 2100.  An ice free arctic ocean, rapidly melting Greenland and Antarctic Ice sheets, and glaciers around the globe, mean rises in sea levels, the likes we have not experienced during the reign of our current civilization.  This will result in massive population relocations, many of them unorganised and forced upon the residents of low lying countries.

So, if no stand-out leadership presents itself in the next year or so, it is unlikely that the predecessor treaty to Kyoto will have any teeth and will fail to address the issue.  Where does that leave us?  With no real plans to reduce global emissions, can we expect the first major wars over resources, such as a basic human necessity for water?

Here is an example of what may happen with a 3° C rise in average surface temperatures.  The main rivers that flow out of the Himalayas are a huge issue when Climate Change is taken into account.  The Indus, Ganges and Yangtze Rivers are fed all year round by glacial melting and winter snow melt, however when the glaciers are fully melted by mid century, they will be reduced to a trickle during the summer months.  The Yellow River is fed by a seasonal monsoon event, which is also in threat of failing.  These four rivers alone provide drinking water and irrigation for nearly 30% of the worlds population.  Can you imagine over 2,500,000,000 hungry and thirsty mouths?  Where will they go?  Will the populations of China, India, Pakistan and Bangladesh go hungry, or simply invade to the north to take what they need to survive?  What do you think Russia will have to say about these Climate Change refugees occupying Siberia?  I don’t think they will be all that happy with the situation!  Also remember that three of the four countries (except Bangladesh) are known to posses nuclear weapons, as does Russia and a few of the countries in between.  China has the largest military force in the world, and not much would be able to stop a determined China seeking resources and food for a hungry population if this situation arises.

As for Australia, it is predicted that there will be more rain in the north west, but less in the southern part of the country.  That means that the entire "Wheat Belt" stretching from Perth to the Murray-Darling basin will get 20-30% less rainfall.  In this scenario, we will barely be able to feed our own nation let alone export grain or any other foodstuffs for that matter.  Similar events may happen across the globe as rainfall patterns change.  Famines will be common place, with nations turning inward to feed their own populations first. Countries that already import much of their food will be hardest hit.  No amount of money will be able to buy it.

Sounds very scary doesn’t it?  Now I know why I have this mood!  I suppose that unless something radical happens during President Obama’s first term of office, with massive cuts in the U.S.A’s emissions, and the convincing of China and India to also cut their emissions rapidly, we will definitely be locked in for troubled times ahead.

So what is the solution?  I don’t really have one, but the only one that comes foremost to mind is people power.  Let your elected officials know that you want and need real leadership regarding the issue of Climate Change.  If many of my readers and I can take decisive action by reducing our carbon footprint, why can’t the rest of the western, and developing world reduce theirs?   

I believe that all we need to do (or can do) is to show them that we have the courage to do what is the right, is a moral course of action and they will listen and follow our lead.  It has been proven throughout history that governments don’t lead the people, the people lead the government by popular opinion, and then governments mandate the people’s will by enacting a law.  If we all stand up for what is right, then the scenarios that I have proposed may never take place, and I would have been melancholy for absolutely no reason at all!  I can only hope that as global citizens, we can achieve what our politicians have until now, failed to deliver.

It will be an interesting year ahead politically! 

I am feeling much better now.  Thanks for listening to my rant.

Gav

 

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Filed Under: activisim, carbon footprint, climate change, Government

Holiday Mode And A Merry Christmas!

December 29, 2008 @ 12:42 By Gavin Webber 7 Comments

What a relaxing, but in the same breath, hectic time we have had over the last few days.

On Christmas Eve, Kim got into the swing of things and made some beautiful shortbread biscuits in the shape of trees, and Ben helped to decorate them with melted chocolate, smarties (M&M’s), and sprinkles.  Here are some of the finished products.  They made about 24, and I have never tasted a shortbread so nice and melt in the mouth. 

Consequently, there are now none left!

We also made up "Care Baskets" for each of the older kids.  We used a practical container to hold it all in.  For the girls we used wicker baskets that they can reuse as laundry baskets and Adam got a big blue carry basket that if you put a bin liner inside you can turn it into a drink cooler for parties.  Inside their baskets we placed items that we knew they used over the course of a year.  Things like shampoo (organic), razors, sunscreen, bamboo socks, deodorant, hair brushes, a 2009 diary for school/work.  Have a look for yourself.  Click to enlarge.

This single gift for each of the older kids only cost about $50 each.  I even slipped in a jar of home-made strawberry jam into Amy’s basket.  Kim then wrapped them in newspaper to hide the contents.  I believe they were all pleased with their gifts.  We made sure that all the plastic items were recyclable.  I would have liked to go fully organic with these gifts but the price would have been horrendous.

Our lovely neighbours gave us a special present.  They were chocolate brownies in a jar!  I have never seen this concept before.

 

The idea is simple.  You put the contents of the jar into a large bowl.  Add a teaspoon of vanilla extract, ⅔  cup of vegetable oil & 3 eggs.  Mix and pour into a 20 x 20 cm square pan.  Bake at 180° C for 25 to 30 minutes.  We haven’t tried it yet, but will do in the next few days.  We gave them a book made by the Diggers Club titled, "The Australian Vegetable Garden – What’s new is old".  I hope it helps to enhance their gardening knowledge.  I have never met a pair of budding gardeners so excited about their patch in such a short amount of time.  Well done neighbours!

I received some great gifts from family and friends.  A cook book from Megan, "The food of the world", some organic cotton T-shirts from Amy with cool stuff printed on them like, Ride Don’t Drive, Get Real Banana Peel! (yellow of course), and Far Out Brussels Sprout! (green).  From Adam, some Divine Calm relaxing massage oil, and from Ben and Kim a Sushi Express kit.  From Teresa, a coffee mug and from our friends Phil & Stacey some Solar powered LED Chinese lanterns which I charged up yesterday.  They stayed on all night.  Don’t they look cool?  Yes, it is dark because I purposely turned the flash off on the camera.

Here is what they look like with the flash on.

 

They give out a great ambient glow, and I could actually walk around the deck area without bumping into anything.  You can also see them hanging off of the only Christmas lights I have which are also LED.  I keep them permanently strung and switch them on when the mood strikes me.  I think I mentioned it before but they only use 7 watts or 0.007 kWh! 

On Christmas Day, Megan and Amy helped me cook a traditional roast dinner.  I bought two organic free-range chickens, and stuffed them with home-grown/made sage and onion stuffing.  Yummy, and served with roast potatoes, pumpkin, and onions, steamed broccoli and carrots and Yorkshire puddings, and pan gravy.  What a feast, and I am glad that it was on 22° C on the day.  Imagine if it was over 35° C like is was in some parts of the country.  I think I would have resorted to a BBQ lunch if it was that hot.  Most of the home-made crackers were pulled, but we still have about 6 left.  I will devour the contents of the spares over the next few nights!

The rest of the day was spent swimming, drinking a cold beverage or two, and watching the kids play "Guitar Hero World Tour" for a few hours.  Kim and the girls even had a go at ABBA Sing Star!  If you had have told me 25 years ago that we would be singing ABBA songs on Christmas Day in 2008, I would not have believed you!  We also had a nap in the afternoon.  What would Christmas day be without an afternoon nap after dinner?  I know that after a couple of hours rest, you are re-energised to carry on with the remainder of the days festivities. 

Well, that about sums up our Christmas.  We attempted to be green where we could, and reduced waste by using newspaper as wrapping paper on the majority of the presents to family.  We also used the left overs from Christmas Dinner the next day with Kim making about 20 Chicken and vegetable burgers.  They went down very well during the traditional Boxing Day BBQ!  Not a thing was wasted, and we are very proud that we got through the day without rampant consumerism and wastefulness, but still had a fantastic time. 

As I was going to bed on Christmas night, Ben said to me that it was the best Christmas he has ever had!  I though it was as well. 

A simple yet joyful day.

 

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Filed Under: Family, Friends, Sustainable Living

Merry Christmas to All!

December 25, 2008 @ 19:13 By Gavin Webber 7 Comments

A Merry Christmas to all my readers!  May you all have a very green Christmas and a sustainable New Year.

Gavin & Family.

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Filed Under: Sustainable Living

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About Gavin Webber

About Gavin Webber

An Ordinary Australian Man Who Has A Green Epiphany Whilst Watching A Documentary, Gets a Hybrid Car, Plants A Large Organic Vegetable Garden, Goes Totally Solar, Lowers Consumption, Feeds Composts Bins and Worms, Harvests Rainwater, Raises Chickens, Makes Cheese and Soap, and Eats Locally. All In The Effort To Reduce Our Family's Carbon Footprint So We Can Start Making A Difference For Our Children & Future Generations To Come.

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Podcast Reviews

  • Always inspiring and entertaining!
    August 4, 2016 by floriographer from Australia

    I've crowed about Gavin's podcast before but I just have to recommend it once again - I love that he shares his learning as well as his successes - it helps the rest of us try try try again! Thanks Gavin!

  • ms
    July 22, 2016 by Ketaea12 from New Zealand

    I really enjoy listening to Gavin, he has a kind lovely voice. He covers some great relevant topics for the everyday greenie. With lots of tips or how to or what not to do. Thanks Gavin, love it!!

  • Well worth your time to tune in
    October 23, 2015 by A Vision Splendid from Australia

    I can highly recommend Gavin’s podcast ! I have followed Gavin’s blog since the very beginning and have loved to see his journey unfold. Gavin has a lovely speaking voice so this podcast is always very easy to listen to. Gavin has a very authentic approach to his green living lifestyle. He shares the ups and downs but always provides motivation and practical steps that we can all implement.

  • very good
    June 28, 2015 by Scared pax from United Kingdom

    This is a great podcast if you want to improve your life in so many aspects and become a more sustainable person. I love the soothing voice, the good pace, and it contains lots of useful information. Recommended!

  • opened my eyes
    May 25, 2015 by Gorn4lyfe from Australia

    A wonderful show!

  • Inspiring
    April 30, 2015 by Alan Whelan from Ireland

    This is a great podcast if you're looking for practical info on saving money by living more sustainably from someone who's made that journey over the last few years. Told in a nice, easy conversational style

  • Green Living, inspiring and practical
    January 8, 2015 by EliseMac from Australia

    Thanks Gav for sharing what has (and hasn't) worked along your journey for living a greener lifestyle. Inspiring and achievable for anyone, I look forward to this podcast weekly.

  • Local food equals less waste
    December 27, 2014 by allotmentadventureswithjean from Australia

    Another brilliant podcast from Gavin Webber encouraging us, and showing us how, to cut down on food miles, growing our own food, and cutting down on food waste. Gavin is a really interesting speaker, showing us how to eat better, growing our own food and how to live more sustainably.

  • Honestly australian
    December 15, 2014 by HodgepodgeOz from Australia

    Fantastic podcast, with a wide variety of well thought and researched topics. Gavin is a honest, forthright pod aster with a genuine interest in helping others get green. Like a day alongside is a day wasted, so too is a week without listening to Gavin. Highly recommended for people starting out, or those in the midst of their new lifestyle. Keep it up Gavin, wish there were more great reviews! Kimberley

  • Morning motivation
    December 8, 2014 by Bunnyworm from Australia

    Gavin has a great passion for living this greener lifestyle that motivates others to do the same. The podcasts are always interesting and informative. :)

  • Passionate Advocate
    October 18, 2014 by BoomOpGirl from Australia

    Gavin's enthusiasm and passion for creating a more sustainable world is nothing short of contagious. Thanks Gav, you are my weekly source of motivation for living a sustainable life! :)

  • Gavin speaks from the heart
    October 13, 2014 by Green gavin from Australia

    Gavin's podcasts are required listening for anyone planning to live a more sustainable life. He doesn't preach, but tells you his story from the heart. You'll laugh, smile, share in his concerns and along the way you'll pick up some great tips on living a simple life.

  • Green thoughts, so well iterated
    October 9, 2014 by Kwasikwami from Australia

    This is a wonderful podcast. Not only does Gavin talk knowledgeably on a range of sustainability topics from gardening tips all the way to the issues facing humanity as a whole, but he does so in such a wonderful voice, it's like listening to my Dad, love it!!

  • Easy listening inspiration on being green
    September 24, 2014 by Broomedy from Australia

    Gav knows how to share his journey to a more sustainable life in a manner that shows just how easy it really is. Not to mention healthier, economically beneficial and generally rewarding. The podcasts are an easy way to absorb Gav's great lifestyle. I recommend to anyone.

  • Thanks Gavin!
    August 31, 2014 by Honeywoodmilk from Australia

    Great practical advice for a greener lifestyle. This podcast is for anybody interested in growing their own food in suburbia, saving electricity, brewing beer, making cheese, all that wonderful business and most of all, saving money! Thanks Gavin, love the podcast mate!

  • Enjoyed those ideas for staying warm
    August 15, 2014 by enduringdragon from United States

    Like you we are having winter here in Chile—brrr! Every bit we can save on heating we will.

  • Green Podcasts
    July 26, 2014 by Carneu from Australia

    Excellent podcasts, which are full of information to help get started on a sustainable lifestyle.

  • Practical ideas and inspiration
    July 19, 2014 by HeathrowHeath from Australia

    I highly recommend Gavin's podcast and blog. Down to earth, entertaining and inspirational. Thank you.

  • Interesting & easy to listen to
    April 27, 2014 by Velocity3 from New Zealand

    Gavin & his guests make this green journey lots of fun.

  • Great green listen
    April 18, 2014 by Obscurenickname from Australia

    Gavin is a great down to earth, tell it like it is aussie with a passion for sustainability and growing food and making cheese

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