Turnbull has politicked himself into irrelevance on energy and climate in 2018

As we approach the end of the year, it’s useful to look back and forward. Now is an auspicious time, as two major energy-related reports have been released this week: the federal government’s review of their climate change policies, and a discussion paper from the Australian Energy Market Operator (AEMO) on future energy paths.

The difference between the two is striking. The AEMO paper is practical, direct and realistic. On the other hand, the climate policy review relies essentially on Australia buying lots of international carbon permits to meet our Paris target (and, implicitly, on state governments taking up the challenge their Canberra colleagues have largely abanondoned).

It’s amusing to read a document that plays with numbers in such creative ways. But it is a fairy story, and it’s no way to drive national climate policy.

Read the piece on The Conversation by a Senior Industry Fellow at RMIT -  University, Alan Pears - “Turnbull has politicked himself into irrelevance on energy and climate in 2018.”

Discussion paper looks at climate and health with six "key" actions

Climate change poses both risks and opportunities for population health in Australia, according to the Melbourne-based Climate and Health Alliance (CAHA).

The alliance made this observation in “Executive summary” in a discussion paper it is taking to Canberra.

The paper – “Towards a national strategy on climate, health and wellbeing for Australia” has been prepared by Marissa Parry, Danielle Schutte, Rebecca Patrick, and Fiona Armstrong.

It argues that what it proposes will depend on the level of ambition and strategies chosen by the Federal Government and Australia’s climate policy will either negatively or positively drive health outcomes.

In proposing six key action areas it says: “To date, human health has been afforded a lack of priority in Australia’s national mitigation and adaptation policy and strategy actions.

“As such, Australia’s health sector is underprepared to deal with the health risks associated with climate change, and equally, to capitalise on the benefits of mitigation actions.

“A recent global survey reveals Australia lags behind comparable countries when it comes to protecting the health of its citizens from climate change,” the paper says.

CAHA chief executive, Fiona Armstrong, said about the discussion paper: “This is part of a national campaign to mobilise health professionals and groups in support of climate action.”

“We have a meeting with Parliamentarians and Health Leaders Roundtable in Canberra next Monday, October 10 to present this and talk about next steps,” she said.

Read the report – “Towards a national strategy on climate, health and wellbeing for Australia.”

Andrews government kicks off energy policy reforms

The Andrews government has kicked off energy policy reforms to clear the path for community-owned renewable energy projects, such as wind farms, with the release of a discussion paper on community owned renewables.

Environment group Friends of the Earth welcome the discussion paper and say communities, government and business must work together to smash Victoria’s Renewable Energy Targets.

“It is critical for the Andrews government to get the definition of community Renewable Energy Targets right to ensure communities contribute towards hitting Victoria’s Renewable Energy Targets,” said Em Gayfer, Friends of the Earth’s community energy coordinator.

Read the Yes2Reneables story - “Andrews govt kicks off energy reforms to help communities smash Victoria’s Renewable Energy Targets.”

Having your say about water and climate change

Water and climate change are intimately linked.

And now, interestingly, the Victorian Government wants to the public to join the conversation about the state’s water.

In a discussion paper entitled “Water for Victoria” the state’s Premier Daniel Andrews and the Minister for Environment, Climate Change and Water, Lisa Neville, have issued the invite.

Discussing “How to get involved” the discussion paper says:

This discussion paper for public consultation has been developed with input from key stakeholders across the water sector, including water corporations, catchment management authorities, the environmental water holder, local government, Traditional Owners, farming groups, environmental groups and recreational groups.

The government is now seeking broader community input and feedback to inform the final water plan. Your views and ideas are important for achieving our vision for water. The government welcomes and encourages the involvement of all Victorians in helping to shape the strategic directions for water management in Victoria for decades to come. The discussion paper will be open for public consultation until Friday 29 April 2016, with a final water plan released in mid-2016.

There are several different ways for the community and stakeholders to get involved.

Submissions will be made public unless confidentiality is requested. Submissions that are defamatory or offensive will not be published.

Intricacies and diffulties of discussion paper explained

The intricacies and difficulties of assembling a discussion paper about environmental matters and sustainability were outlined at today’s (Saturday, February 23) Beneath the Wisteria.

Travis Turner, the Environmental and Sustainability Officer with the City of Greater Shepparton, explained personal background and then outlined how he and his small team had created the impressive 144 page discussion paper.

Comments about the paper varied from praise to criticism, but all the nearly 20 at the gathering seemed delighted council had taken the initiative to first publish the paper, seek comments and then conduct a series of workshops throughout the city encouraging public input, from which a draft paper will be distilled and published.

Mr Turner, who had brought copies of the discussion paper with him, encouraged all Beneath the Wisteria supporters to comment, something they can do via writing on a form included with the paper, on online via the city council website at: http://www.greatershepparton.com.au/council/communityconsultation/consultation/environmentstrategypaper/.

Council has organized four workshops at which City of Greater Shepparton residents can comment on the discussion page with the first at Dookie on Monday, March 4, followed by similar workshops at Shepparton in the Senior Citizens Rooms at 5:30pm on Wednesday, March 6, followed by another the same day at Mooroopna at 7:30pm in the Sir Ian McLennan Centre, and with the final of the workshops at the Tatura Seniors Citizens Rooms at 5:30pm on Thursday, March 7.

Whether we feel this whole project is adequate or otherwise, we have a responsibility, not just as citizens of Greater Shepparton, but as citizens of the world, to involve ourselves helping make it say what we believe is necessary.