Planet 2050 Workshop October 26-31st, Lund Sweden

At the end of some leave in October, I have been invited to attend a workshop called the Planet2050 in Lund, Sweden, from the 26th to the 31st.

http://www.theplanet2050.org/

While there, I’ll be sharing insights and lessons from EPA’s Rising Above Hot Air workshop on Tuesday September 30th.

That said, frankly, I am humbled by the attendance list, and need some help from people back home. I will be writing up a day journal of the workshop on a blog, summarising and reflecting on proceedings. I am inviting comments and responses from interested people, which I’ll try to share at the workshop, and after.

The aim of the workshop is to

(i) describe a number of desirable futures for Earth between the years 2030 and 2050;

(ii) explore pathways to move from the present situation toward those futures; and

(iii) identify more immediate constraints to, and opportunities for, moving human environment systems onto the more desirable pathways.

Each participant has been asked to provide a short vision statement for a desirable future and pathways there, which I attach for your information.

The organisers intend a book to come out of it, amongst other communications.

 

 

What assures consumers on climate change

This study was conducted by the NetBalance Foundation on behalf of EPA Victoria, amongst others.

Oil and house pricing vulnerability study

This study by researchers from Griffith University compares 2001 and 2006 census data to identify areas of high and low vulnerability to oil and housing prices in major capital cities. The index is then mapped using a GIS. Its a relatively simple calculation of car ownership, journey to work, mortgages and income, so does not include secondary impacts such as cost of living more generally, but the maps are interesting none the less.

Event: ATA Seminar: Could carbon become a new currency? – Are personal carbon allowances, reminiscent of wartime rations, the way forward?

ATA Seminar: Could carbon become a new currency? – Are personal carbon allowances, reminiscent of wartime rations, the way forward?When: Thursday, 4th September, 2008

Time: 6:15pm onwards for a 6:30pm start

Where: The Banking Chamber theatrette, Ground Floor, KPMG, 147 Collins St, Melbourne. Disabled access via 161 Collins St.

Costs: $15, $10 for ATA members (ATA couples $15). Refreshments provided after the presentation

RSVPs required: Email Wendy Clarke on wendy@ata.org.au or ph:(03) 9631 5407

ATA’s seminar will explore carbon rationing, which has been examined by the UK Government in their report “A Rough Guide to Individual Carbon Trading” and also supported by George Monbiot in “Heat”. David Spratt, co-author of Climate Code Red, advocates personal carbon allowances as the most fair and equitable means of rapidly reducing carbon emissions. David will look at the science relating to global warming and why greenhouse emissions would be best controlled by personal carbon allowances.

David Spratt – is a climate-policy analyst, co-founded Carbon Equity in 2006 and, with Philip Sutton, he is the co-author of “Climate Code Red”, published in July 2008.

 

APA climate change page

The Australian Psychological Association have some interesting help sheets on dealing with the psychological impacts of climate change. They summarise some of the likely reactions to the issue and have some advice for practitioners and for supporting groups who might be particularly concerned, such as children.

Victorian Utility Consumption Survey 2007

This is a study focusing on Victorian concession holders’ use of utilities (energy and water), produced by the Department of Health. It is noteworthy for this blog as having a significant focus on the impacts of energy prices, and thus climate change exposure of low-income households. There is a lot of data, and full technical / social scientific details available.

‘Who cares about water and climate change’

This is a 2007 supplementary study on public water and climate change perceptions, building on the longrunning (1992) and comprehensive ‘Who Cares About the Environment’ study by the NSW Department of Environment and Climate Change.