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Posts Tagged ‘climate change’

Paper on Hope, despair and transformation: Climate change and the promotion of mental health and wellbeing

Posted in Research by Ferne Edwards on November 25th, 2008

Following on from the recent Sustainable Cities Round Table on the topic of Healthy Cities, this research paper published in the International Journal of Mental Health Systems explores the relationship between climate change and mental health. This abstract was recently listed on Australian Policy Online. To access the full text click here.

Hope, despair and transformation: Climate change and the promotion of mental health and wellbeing
Jessica G Fritze, Grant A Blashki, Susie Burke and John Wiseman / International Journal of Mental Health Systems
The authors argue that:
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Climate Change Conference papers online

Posted in Research by Ferne Edwards on November 20th, 2008

Free climate change conference ONLINE at http://www.climate2008.net. Everyone can view about 200 papers at this online conference on climate change hosted by Hamburg University.

The aims of the Conference “Climate 2008/ Klima 2008″ (now no longer accepting papers) were:

  • to introduce the latest findings on scientific research on climate change, including elements related to its environmental, social, economic and policy aspects;
  • to introduce projects and other initiatives being undertaken in both industrialised and developing countries by universities and scientific institutions, government bodies, NGOs and other stakeholders;
  • to discuss the problems, barriers, challenges and chances and potentials related to sustainability research projects in general in Europe;

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REVIEW: Challenging “politics as usual” - Climate Code Red

Posted in Research by Ferne Edwards on November 19th, 2008

This review was recently published on Australian Policy Online. To see the original document visit REVIEW: Challenging “politics as usual” .

Climate Code Red: The Case for Emergency Action
David Spratt and Philip Sutton
Scribe, 2008

Reviewed by Peter W. Newton

THIS is one of a growing number of books about climate change. Its title incorporates the key words “code red,” a medical term denoting a patient needing immediate and advanced life support. It is a powerful metaphor for our planet in relation to the symptoms beginning to materialise in relation to the “virus” of climate change (after Al Gore) which will rapidly accelerate as our planet progressively heats by one, two, three and possibly more degrees Celsius in the decades ahead. This would represent its most significant transition of the past 10,000 years – from an era of “remarkably stable climate that has allowed the whole period of human development to take place” (as the authors put it) to a future world with temperatures where livability as we know it becomes highly uncertain.


Variability and trends in the Australian wave climate and consequent coastal vulnerability

Posted in Research by Maeztri on November 14th, 2008

This abstract was recently listed on Australian Policy Online. To see the original document visit Variability and trends in the Australian wave climate and consequent coastal vulnerability

Variability and trends in the Australian wave climate and consequent coastal vulnerability
M. A. Hemer and others / CSIRO for the Department of Climate Change
Posted: 27-10-2008

Changing wind systems projected to occur with climate change will alter the surface ocean wave energy felt on Australia’s coasts. These changes must be quantified in order to assess the ocean wave resources available for renewable energy generation, and to determine how any changes will affect Australia’s coastal infrastructure and environment. The Department of Climate Change and CSIRO Wealth from Oceans National Research Flagship funded this study to describe Australia’s ocean wave climate and identify the trends and year-to-year changes in Australia’s offshore wave climate, including an estimate of the range of the extremes. Possible impacts of changing ocean waves in the coastal zone are: • coastal inundation during severe storm events through the combined effects of sea-level rise, storm surge, and ocean waves. • chronic coastal erosion brought about by large wave events, or changes in wave direction shifting coastal sand and sediment • sea-bed disturbance impacting sub-tidal habitats. The study has the effects of increasing our understanding of the potential impacts of these processes. Additionally, the study has quantified the wave power in Australian waters available for electricity generation, which has the potential to reduce emissions and reduce any negative impacts of climate change.
To read the full document download Variability and trends in the Australian wave climate and consequent coastal vulnerability.


Beyond Zero Emissions Discussion Group Monday 1st December Ian Dunlop- A nation building response to climate change and peak oil

Posted in Events by Mark Ogge on November 13th, 2008

Topic: A nation building response to climate change and peak oil
Guest Speakers: Ian Dunlop * Via video conferencing link- up
When:Monday December 1, 6.30pm
Where: Top Floor, Kindness House 288 Brunswick St Fitzroy
Charge: By donation
Link: www.beyondzeroemissions.org/discussiongroup

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Polar Ice Caps and Climate Change

Posted in Events by Devin Maeztri on November 6th, 2008

What: Public Lecture by Tim Jarvis, Environmental scientist, explorer and author
When: Wednesday, November 19, 2008/5:30pm
Where:Turner Theatre, Botany BUilding, University of Melbourne
RSVP recommended. Visit

In this seminar, Tim Jarvis will relate his expeditions to the North and South Poles, with observations about climate change impacts on these remote locations. A slideshow presentation of spectacular visual and graphic images will be used to support his presentation.


Seeking for Climate Project Connectors

Posted in Movements by Devin Maeztri on November 4th, 2008

Australian Conservation Foundation needs you to become a Climate Project Connector!
To apply to be a Climate Project Connector visit Connect Me!

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Invitation to Australia’s Climate Action Summit

Posted in Events by Ferne Edwards on October 23rd, 2008

Please find an invitation below from Australia’s Climate Action Summit Organising Team.

Let’s make 2009 the year the Australian climate movement turned the tide of history! In February, community climate action groups from across the continent are joining together for Australia’s Climate Action Summit in Canberra, the weekend before the first day of the 2009 Federal Parliament.

Last year, Kevin Rudd was elected to government in the world’s first climate change election. One year on, we are still waiting for the urgent action needed to peak our greenhouse gas emissions and begin this urgent transition to renewable energy. In December 2009, Kevin Rudd will meet with world leaders in Copenhagen, to set the framework and benchmarks for future global action on climate change. We need to ensure the Australian Government goes to Copenhagen with the strongest commitment to reducing greenhouse pollution and averting runaway climate change.
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Walk Against Warming on again this year!

Posted in Events by entropygravity on October 9th, 2008



SATURDAY, 15 NOVEMBER, 2008 @ 1.00PM

FEDERATION SQUARE

Last year Melbourne’s Walk was the world’s biggest climate change rally.

Two months later, Australia ratified the Kyoto Protocol.

Now, we need your help again as the future of our planet hangs in the balance

WALK AGAINST WARMING is Australia’s community day of action on climate change. It is a unique opportunity for all Australians who are concerned about climate change to show their concern in a way that has real impact and makes a difference.

Last year, record numbers of Victorians from all walks of life joined Environment Victoria to make the 2007 Walk Against Warming the world’s biggest ever climate change rally. Two weeks later, we had a new federal government, elected on the back of a surging green vote.

A month after that Australia finally ratified the Kyoto Protocol. The Walk was a resounding success.

This year the need for action is even greater. Our leaders may finally be talking the talk, but they are definitely not walking the Walk.

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Australia’s 2020 carbon pollution reduction potential

Posted in Visions by Devin Maeztri on September 15th, 2008

The abstract was recently listed on Australian Policy Online. To see the original document visit Australia’s 2020 carbon pollution reduction potential

Australia’s 2020 carbon pollution reduction potential
The Climate Institute and McLennan Magasanik Associates

Posted 02-09-2008

The newly developed Australian Emissions Reduction Model can be used to identify the technologies and strategies needed to meet a user defined emission reduction target. This policy brief provides a preliminary snapshot of one scenario of how Australia could achieve a 25 per cent reduction in emissions below 1990 levels by 2020.

To read the full document visit: Australia’s 2020 carbon pollution reduction potential - full document