The Greening of Gavin

TGoG Podcast 059 – Climate Change Beyond 400ppm

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The Greening of Gavin PodcastAs global atmospheric concentrations of carbon dioxide pass through 400 parts per million, vested interests are still campaigning against action on climate change. Listen to the good, the bad, and the downright ugly facts about this global issue.

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I call the facts out as I see them, backed by sound science.  Over 97% of climate scientists cannot be wrong.

In fact at one stage I get a little angry and emotional during this episode.  Also, a minor correction.  I mention that the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change just released their third report.  It is actually their fifth report.  Sorry about that listeners.

Reference links mentioned during this episode, Climate Change Beyond 400ppm;

All this news doesn’t depress me, it just drives me harder to promote a lower consumption lifestyle, like voluntary simplicity or sustainable living.  Let’s take action before it is too late.  For the kids, and their kids.  Please.

Climate Change Beyond 400ppm

IMAGE: SCRIPPS INSTITUTION OF OCEANOGRAPHY

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Until next time, stay green and keep keen!

Divesting From Fossil Fuels – Update

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It feels good putting your money where your mouth is.

After attending the Do The Maths tour back in June, I decided to make sure that I was not funding the fossil fuel industry indirectly.  I really wanted to make sure that I was not part of the problem.

Well, so far these are the actions that I have taken;

Superannuation Fund (similar to 401k) – My investments are in cash and cautious schemes which are interest bearing cash and bonds, and I checked that none of the investments are in the fossil fuel industry.  There is a small percentage invested in commercial property, but that is it.  Looking good so far.

Shares – Sold all of my shares that were invested in financiers of the fossil fuel industry.  Had to wait until the new tax year (1 July) to ensure that I didn’t get stung with a big capital gains tax bill.  The money that I made from the sale is going straight onto the mortgage.  Win, win, both ways.

Mortgage – Not with any of the major banks and the company does not loan to fossil fuel projects (RHG Home Loans).

Banks – Still looking at my options here.  I believe that there has been some good research done by Market Forces, so if you are looking for a financial institution that does not support the fossil fuel industry then check out their reviews.  There is a great comparison chart on their site.

Anyway, that is what I have done so far.

Have any of you taken steps towards divesting from the fossil fuel industry?

Divesting From The Fossil Fuel Industry

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Picture this.  Friday 7th June 2013, Melbourne Australia.  I had my golden tickets in my hand, ready to receive a Bill McKibben math lesson.
It was windy and cold, as 800+ people piled into the Atheneaum Theatre.  Once my daughter Amy and I took our seats, the lights began to dim.

The Hon. Adam Bandt (Australian Greens) took to the podium, and addressed the crowd for about five minutes, and then introduced Bill.

Then Bill came on stage.  He was amazing.  His presentation, aka the Maths lesson, was well delivered, funny at times, and factual.  Basically the facts are this.  We do not have much time to lower greenhouse gas emissions back to 350ppm, and if the Australian mining industry is allowed to expand their coal exports as is planned, then it is game over for the support system that the planet provides us. You cannot change the laws of physics.
It was not one of those pumped up, motivational speeches.  Bill talked calmly, and with an honesty that was heart warming.  

It was truly inspiring.  The quiet type of inspiration, that once absorbed, you knew exactly what you had to do next.  Both Amy and I walked way from the presentation ready to fight the good fight, as I dare say everyone else felt that way as well.  As we walked down Collins Street,  I felt empowered and I knew that it was time for this elder to make a stand and put his real money where his mouth was.

So to that end, tomorrow I am changing my Superannuation fund to an ethical one, and I am selling any shares that I have invested in any companies that support the fossil fuel industry including their financiers.  I don’t own any direct fossil fuel company shares, as it would be totally against my values, but I am taking it to the next level.

I know that by divesting in this industry and their supporters may sound like small potatoes, but if everyone does it, it will make a huge impact.

Thanks Bill for having the moral courage to deliver this message to us here in Australia.