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Applying Pressure

September 22, 2014 @ 21:44 By Gavin Webber 4 Comments

People PowerIt was a great day at the Peoples Climate march yesterday, but after some more water under the bridge, I had time to put things into perspective.

As I previously mentioned, over 30,000 concerned citizens marched yesterday in Melbourne as is their democratic right.  But it got me thinking.

Where was everyone else?  In a city that has a population of 4.35 million, that is just 0.6% who attended the call to action on climate change.  It doesn’t sound like a lot when you compare it to these other events that occurred on the same day;

  • The Royal Melbourne Show had about 80,000 people through the gates.
  • The Victorian Football League Grand Final at Etihad Stadium saw 23,816 raving fans attend the game.
  • Even the home renovation TV Show “The Block” open day saw approximately 20,000 fans walk through the set.

I am sure there were other events that I missed, but that is quite a turnout.

I realise too well that we are a free and democratic people here in Australia.  We can do whatever we like within the law during our own free time.  I am only comparing attendance at events, not judging.  Even Ben and I hope to go to the Royal Melbourne show this year as well.

However, the figures may indicate that concern about the effects of climate change is still not a mainstream issue or even on some people’s radar (yet).

So let me ask this.  What will it take to make the rest of the population show their concern if not with a climate march like yesterday?

Do we need another Angry Summer like the last few?  Do we need our reservoirs to nearly dry up again?  Do we need a repeat of the Black Saturday bushfires?

I hope not.  These events in themselves were terrible and horrible enough, but with the current climb in global greenhouse gas emissions, they are more than likely to occur again soon.

What will it take?

Archdruid John Michael Greer of the Archdruid Report observed that;

Until the people who claim to be concerned about climate change start showing a willingness to burn much less carbon, it’s unlikely that anyone else will do so, and so I think it’s a pretty safe bet that fossil fuels will continue to be extracted and burnt as long as geological and economic realities permit.

I tend to agree with him.

So whilst the Peoples Climate mobilisation was a brilliant way to raise awareness and beneficial to the wider cause, there is so much more to be done.

Lifestyles need to change to more sustainable ones.  Legislation needs to change to put a price on carbon emissions forcing business to change.  Governments need to stop talking about it – or start talking about it – as the case may be, and begin to embrace renewable energy technologies and strategies to reduce consumption and phase out fossil fuels.

These things are all still in front of us if we are to bring  the climate back to within a habitable range for our children and grandchildren.

Without such changes, our continued presence on this planet is indeed uncertain, as the climate science suggests.

So what can you and I do to keep the momentum going now that hundreds of thousands throughout the globe expressed their concern yesterday?  I suggest we set an example, lead from the front, and continue to place firm pressure on the gaping wound that masquerades as our federal governments.

Some people power is good, but a lot more is a whole lot better!  Keep applying pressure where necessary.

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Filed Under: activism, An Inconvenient Truth, carbon footprint, Carbon Price, climate change, Climate Reality

Black Thursday

July 17, 2014 @ 19:57 By Gavin Webber 15 Comments

Black Thursday - Our current coat of arms

credit: David Pope

On this day, the Australian Government voted to repeal our effective climate change laws, and chose to dump them at the bottom of a coal-pit.  I shall call it Black Thursday.

I, along with millions of Australians fought hard for these laws to be passed  a few years ago, to reduce our country’s greenhouse gas emissions.  Laws that were working and reduced carbon emissions in the industry sectors that were covered by these laws.  Now, these laws are no longer.

And what has replaced them?  A big fat nothing, that’s what!

We have no effective carbon reduction laws in effect at this present time.

I am sad for my children.  I feel sad for their children.

I feel sad knowing that they will not look favourably at this day some time in the not so distant future and say to themselves “What on Earth were they thinking?”.  All the while up to their ankles in seawater in many of our major cities.

It makes me angry that there are some short-sighted politicians in our parliament, who are not willing to listen to the overwhelming scientific evidence on climate change.  It makes me angry that vested interests wield such power over our current government.  The political will is sadly lacking.

But you know what makes me glad.  It was something that Al Gore once said .  He said that political will is a renewable resource.  That it is.

That it is.

More to follow, whilst I ponder what actions I can take to help turn this around…

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Filed Under: Carbon Price, climate change, Government

Climate Action – Writing Emails to Our Senators

July 1, 2014 @ 20:01 By Gavin Webber 6 Comments

Climate ActionWell, this evening I have been quite politically active.  I am taking climate action, and have written one email to my local Federal member, Brendan O’Connor (ALP).

I have also written two to a couple of our crossbench senators (Ricky Muir and John Madigan) here in Victoria who will be influential during the upcoming vote in the Senate for the repeal of the price on carbon pollution.

Obviously, I want it to remain, as it has lowered our country’s greenhouse gas emissions during the two years it has been law.

So, here is the contents of one of the emails that I sent to the newly instated Senator Ricky Muir (Australian Motoring Enthusiast Party).  Thanks to the ACF for some of the words.


 

Dear Senator Ricky Muir,

I live in Melton West, Victoria.  I am a proud father of four wonderful children, and I am expecting my first grandchild this year.

I am also the proud owner of a Honda Civic Hybrid car that gets 4.6 L per 100 Km.  This fuel efficiency is truly amazing.  So many of my friend don’t even realise it is a hybrid car until the engine turns off at the lights!

Wouldn’t it be fantastic if Australia had fuel efficiency laws similar to that of the USA.  It would promote the production cars like this in the Australian manufacturing sector.

I was very pleased two years ago when the Australian Government introduced a price on carbon.  This was a great step forward to protect our future generation.

With the price on carbon pollution just turning two it’s already kicked so many goals on every level.

I remember when after only one year we found out that emissions from electricity had dropped by over 6 per cent. On its second birthday, we’ve seen a 37 per cent rise in renewable energy, like wind and solar! That’s incredible, and it makes me proud to call myself an Australian.

It was such great news to hear that the RET, the CEFC and the Climate Change Authority might be safe. But it’s worrying to hear that our price on carbon pollution isn’t being offered the same level of protection – especially when it’s achieved so much.

The price on carbon pollution is working hard to protect our future. I urge you to act in the best interests of the Australian people and not drop the ball on climate action now.

Please stick up for our climate and support the price on pollution.

Warmest regards,

Gavin Webber

www.greeningofgavin.com

 


 

You can find each of your senator’s email addresses at this link; http://www.aph.gov.au/Senators_and_Members/Senators/

I find that an email is good and gets the message across, however I am also going write a handwritten letter to each of them because a handwritten letter has more impact.

So what are you waiting for?  If you care about our children and grandchildren’s future, please take a couple of minutes out of your busy day and send through an email to your state senators.  People power is the only way we are going to turn this thing around.

Gav x

 

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Filed Under: activism, Carbon Price, climate change

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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!

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    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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