Copenhagen Accord Leaves Many Unhappy

The Copenhagen Climate Change Conference has now closed, wrapping up the marathon talks that were attended by representatives from 193 nations.

The conference has seen the development of what will now be known as the Copenhagen Accord, which is a statement of intent surrounding climate change and not a legally binding treaty. The Accord was led by the United States, Brazil, China, India and South Africa, and rather than setting specified greenhouse gas cuts it instead outlines a committment to limit global temperature changes to within 2 degrees Celcius. This 2 degree C range is significant as it is seen as the threshold or tipping point for dangerous changes to our global climate.

Under the Accord all countries are to submit written plans to the United Nations outlining how they plan to curb carbon dioxide emissions by January 2010. These will then form part of the Accord.

The Accord also outlines a commitment to developing countries to provide $100billion per year in aid from 2020, although the details of this commitment are not yet clear.

It is important to note that generally United Nations led talks are meant to be agreed by unanimity, however a compromise was reached in this instance to avoid the talks collapsing entirely. Instead those countries that were in favour of the Accord can be listed alongiside those that were against.

The nations of Sudan, Nicaragua, Cuba, Venezula and Bolivia were very vocal in their denouncement of the Accord.

The details of the Accord will be followed up on during hte upcoming conference in Bonn, Germany due to take place in May 2010, with the final outcome expected in teim for the Conference in Mexico at the end of 2010.

Climate Talks Continuing

The second week of climate talks is continuing in Copenhagen, with a dramatic walk out by 135 developing countries around noon on Monday.

The main session talks were suspended following protests that were led by African countries, accusing developed countries of trying to 'wreck' the Kyoto Protocol. The Kyoto Protocol places emissions reduction targets on developed countries but imposes no such limits on developing countries.

Talks have now resolved the impasse and the countries have returned to negotiations, however time has been lost. The next few days are sure to be frantic ones for negotiators as they try to resolve a long list of technical issues before more than 110 world leaders arrive in Copenhagen later this week to close the Conference.

To find out more and keep up to date visit the official website of the COP15 or Council's webpage which has links to further information.

Melting for a Cause

A life size ice sculpture of a polar bear by animal sculptor Mark Coreth is slowly melting away outside the Bella Conference Centre in Copenhagen where the COP15 Climate Change talks are taking place.

The project is the brain child of Mark and not-for-profit group, Ice Bear Project, and came about after Mark travelled to Baffin Island in the Artctic in November 2007. During this trip Mark realised that while most people wouldn't get to visit the area, he could do his part to bring it to the attention of as many people as possible.

In the Arctic melting sea ice is threatening the future survival of polar bears. In Copenhagen the life size ice sculpture will slowly melt away over the next two weeks, leaving behind a puddle of water, a bronze skeleton and, hopefully, a powerful message about the far reaching implications of climate change.

To find out more or become a supporter visit http://www.icebearproject.org/. Image sourced from www.icebearproject.org.

Countdown to Copenhagen

The lead up to the the United Nations Climate Change Conference in Copenhagen is a great opportunity for all individuals, families, organisations and businesses to take concrete action to learn more about climate change and the difference that they can make.

Climate change is undoubtedly the biggest threat facing communities across the globe and it is an issue that will touch every citizen in some way. What is important to remember is that it is also an issue that we all have the power to act on.

The Copenhagen climate talks will see leaders from across the globe gather in an effort to agree on a new climate treaty to follow on from the Kyoto Protocol which ends in 2012.

The Copenhagen Climate Change Conference being held from 7 to 18 December 2009 marks the end date for negotiations on the new treaty and is expected to see governments from across the globe reach agreement on issues of mitigation (reducing greenhouse gas emissions), adaptation (coping with the inevitable consequences of climate change), and finance and technology (to help developing countries to step up actions to limit the growth of their emissions and adapt to climate change impacts).

There is significant scientific evidence to confirm that unfortuantely our climate has already changed, and is continuing to change at an accelerating rate.

Did you know?

• Every year this century (2001-2008) has been amongst the top ten warmest years since instrumental records began.


• The observed summer time melting of Arctic sea ice has far exceeded the worst case projection from climate models.
  
• Global ocean temperatures reached the warmest ever recorded for each of June, July and August 2009.


• Many of our climate indicators are tracking near or above the worst case projections from the most recent set of model simluations developed by the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC).

(Source: The Copenhagen Diagnosis 2009: Updating the World on the Latest Climate Science . I Allison et. al UNSW CCRC)

Based on research by the CSIRO for the Hawkesbury-Nepean catchment, probable climate change related impacts for Penrith will include more extreme heat days, high winds, increased threat of fires, prolonged droughts, increased storm activity and flooding and increased costs for essentials like food, energy and water.

Because of this communities world wide must adapt and respond, and indeed have already begun to do so. The challenge facing governments and societies alike is to adjust our behaviours so as to minimise the effects of climate change while also preparing for its now unavoidable impacts with minimal social, environmental and economic costs.

With more than half of the world’s people living in cities, and with cities responsible for up to 75% of the world’s greenhouse gas emissions, it is vital that any workable climate change agreement acknowledge local governments and local communities.

We really can make a significant difference. Everyday choices can make a difference: from how you travel, your shopping choices, and how you use energy at home or in the workplace.

You can also show your support for the Copenhagen Climate Change Conference to produce real and fair outcomes by visiting the following sites:

• Seal the Deal - United Nations led campaign
• Hopenhagen
• i speak earth - a coalition of global NGO's
• Planetcall - targeting youth on climate change
• Tcktcktck - a coalition of NGO's including Oxfam, World Vision and Greenpeace
• Vote Earth - WWF Australia
• Walk Against Warming - a coalition of NGO's including the Nature Conservation Council of NSW

For more information on climate change, the Copenhagen Climate Change Conference, or what you can do, visit our web page, or if you know of any more great links send them through so we can add them to our list.

Climate Change on Council’s Agenda

Unfortunately, our past climate is no longer a reliable guide to weather conditions in the future. The impacts of climate change are already being felt across Australia. Here in Penrith it will mean increasingly hotter weather, less rain, and more extreme weather events such as heat waves, intense rainfalls, wind gusts and electrical storms.

Maintaining our infrastructure and services under these changed conditions is set to be a challenge for Council. The decisions we make now can significantly impact on our ability to meet those challenges in the future.

So what should Council be doing do now - and in the years ahead - so that we are better able to cope with the challenges that climate change will bring?

These are the key questions being addressed through an important new project being undertaken, involving a process of climate change risk assessment and adaptation planning.

As part of the project, key staff from across Council will be invited to participate in interviews and workshops to identify, evaluate and rank climate change risks to Council’s infrastructure and services, and then identify and analyse options to treat those risks.

The support and participation of Council staff from across the organisation is critical to the success of this process and the value of its outcomes. Tapping into the knowledge of our staff and their understanding of what it is we do and how we do it, is vital in ensuring we develop effective responses to avoid or minimise the adverse impacts of climate change.

Some of our key external stakeholders have also been involved in providing their input to the risk assessment process.

The outcomes of this process will form the basis for an Adaptation Action Plan. This plan will be incorporated into Council’s existing risk management processes and will provide a strategic framework from which Council can implement actions to minimise climate risk and realise any potential opportunities.

To find out more about this important initiative please contact Council's Senior Strategic Planner, Bernadette Riad, on 4732 7629 or email briad@penrithcity.nsw.gov.au.

'The Prince and the Frog' Campaign for Climate Change

You might have seen news stories about the latest climate change campaign that has been launched globally. It's attracting a lot of attention due to the appearances made by a number of big name celebrities including Prince Charles, Harrison Ford and Robin Williams.

These eco-concious stars are encouraging viewers of the 90 second film to sign up to support the Princes Rainforest Project's Rainforest SOS campaign. Also starring in the film is a very realistic computer generated frog!

The campaign aims to make the link between the destruction of rainforests across the world and the global impacts of climate change. It's alarming to learn just how enormous the impacts of deforestation have the potential to be.

"What happens in the rainforest has an immediate and powerful effect on our lives," explained actor and long-time environmental campaigner Harrison Ford.

"The air we breathe, the clean air that's required, the services that ecosystems provide are beyond value," he added.

"I believe it is our moral responsibility to protect the environment, to save what we can of the planet's resources for future generations and our children." (BBC News Online, 5 May 2009)

Wordless Wednesday: - UNFCCC Bali December 2007

UNFCCC Bali December 2007, originally uploaded by penrithsustainabilityunit.

wordless wednesday

Penrith Walks Against Warming

After a week or so of overcast, cool and showery days it was a minor miracle that Sunday 11 November dawned as a mostly sunny and fine day - just perfect for the Penrith Walk Against Warming.

More than 100 people turned up to Weir Reserve in Penrith to lend their support to the walk, which aims to increase awareness of the issue of climate change and global warming among all levels of the community.

Just after 10am the crowd gathered for a couple of short speeches - one from Councillor Karen McKeown, who is Penrith City Council's Sustainability Champion, and another from a concerned local resident, Nevin Sweeney. Following these words the group headed off for a march along the Great River Walk.

It was a leisurely stroll alongside the beautiful Nepean River with most people stopping to pick up a temporary tattoo to mark the day!

After getting back to Weir Reserve there was plenty of time (and space) to relax with a sausage sandwich and cold drink thanks to the Penrith Lions Club and to pick up a free native tree to take home and plant in the garden.

All in all it was a great day that I'm sure will be bigger and better in 2008!

Eat locally, save globally

Upon returning from the supermarket recently I was casually reading the label of some blue berry jam that I had purchased when I noticed that my 284 gram jar of jam had been "Made in France from local and imported ingredients". This prompted me to look at a few more products where I discovered that a good proportion of my pantry originated overseas, and even worse the ingredients all seemed to be grown in countries foreign to where the products were produced. Through a quick call to my jam manufacturer I discovered that the fruit for my French made blueberry jam actually originated in countries like Canada or Australia, or wherever the markets were good.

Then I started to think about the route of the blueberries from the farm to my toast. Most likely my blueberries were trucked from the farm where they were grown to the airport where they were transferred to a plane where they travelled up to 21322 kilometres (5525km from Canada) to France. Upon arrival in France they were unloaded from the plane and trucked to the jam factory where they were made into jam. Once converted to jam, my blueberries began the lengthy journey to Australia. Back on the truck, transferred to ship or plane, transferred to a truck, sent to a distribution warehouse, transferred to a truck and on to the shelves of the supermarket where I take them, in my car, to put on my toast.

There are huge fossil fuel requirements associated with international food transport, and the question that should be raised is: are all of the movements necessary? With the looming issue of climate change it is about time we placed a greater focus on local produce.

Living in the Penrith local government area we are blessed with a vast array of locally grown produce. By purchasing locally grown and manufactured produce you are ensuring freshness, local economic viability, and you can save the resources required to send produce to the other side of the world. So the next time you are in the supermarket have a look at where your produce is grown and manufactured. Buy Australian produce and reduce the number of kilometres travelled by your food.

In 2000 a group of local people developed Hawkesbury Harvest which promotes locally grown produce. To find out where and what local produce is available visit www.hawkesburyharvest.com.au. A great way to discover what the region has to offer is to pack a picnic and take a leisurely drive along the The Farm Gate Trail.

Another great option for purchasing locally grown produce (as shown in the photo) is to buy from local produce markets. Several markets can be found in the Sydney metropolitan area:

• Camden Produce Market: Lower John St, Camden - 2nd and 4th Saturday of each month, 7am to 12noon
• Cobbitty Village Market: Cobbitty Public School, Cobbitty Road, Cobbitty - 1st Saturday of each month (except Jan & Feb), 8am to 1pm
• Fox Farmers' Market: Fox Studios - Every Wednesday, 10am to 4pm
• Good Living Growers Market: Pyrmont Foreshore - 1st Saturday of each month, 7am to 11am
• Hawkesbury Harvest Farmers & Gourmet Food Market: Castle Hill Showground, Showground Rd enter via Carrington Rd, Castle Hill - 2nd Saturday each month, 8am to 12noon
• Hornsby Organic Food & Farmers Markets: Hornsby Mall - Every Thursday, 8am to 4pm
• Hurstville Organic Food & Farmers Market: Cnr Forest Road and Durham Street - Every Sunday, 9am to 2pm
• Kings Cross Organic Food & Farmers Market: Fitzroy Gardens, Macleay Street, Elizabeth Bay - Every Saturday, 8am to 2pm
• Leichhardt Organic Food & Farmers Market: Orange Grove Public School, Cnr Perry St & Balmain Rd - Every Saturday morning
• Marrickville Organic Food & Farmers Markets: The Addison Road Community Centre, Addison Road, Marrickville - Every Sunday, 8:30am to 2pm
• Penrith Market: Penrith Showground - Every Wednesday
• Sydney Fresh Food Market: Sydney Markets, off Parramatta Road, Flemington - Every Saturday, 6am to 2pm
• Warwick Farm Trackside Market: Warwick Farm Racecourse, Governor Macquarie Drive, Warwick Farm - Every Saturday, 8am to 12noon
  

For more information on produce markets check out the Australian Farmer’s Markets Association website: http://www.farmersmarkets.org.au/.

Swimmer Suffers for the Planet

When you think about the impacts you might ‘suffer’ if you were to make some changes to live more sustainably and reduce your impact on climate change they probably seem fairly inconsequential when you read about the extremes that swimmer Lewis Gordon Pugh has gone to! Suffering through shorter showers and having to deal with the inconvenience of TVs and washing machines switched off at the wall just doesn’t seem to cut it.

On July 15 Pugh undertook a world first by swimming a kilometre in the north poles freezing waters (-1.8˚C!!), and he did this to raise awareness of the effects that climate change is having on the polar ice caps and the rapid rate at which they are melting. Pugh says ‘I can’t think of a better way to show that climate change is a reality than by swimming in a place that should be totally frozen over.’

Pugh braved the water for 18 minutes and 50 seconds while he thrashed out a lazy kilometre in a pool formed in thick ice by rising global temperatures. On emerging he said “I hope my swim will inspire world leaders to take climate change seriously. The decisions which they make over the next few years will determine the biodiversity of our world.”

It’s definitely inspiring to hear of someone so committed to a cause, and his brave call to action has generated a huge amount of media highlighting the issue of climate change and the need to act now. Though, based on the number and content of articles and stories that have been appearing in the media these days about climate change, global warming and other related subjects it seems that global attention to this issue is quickly increasing in priority and becoming more mainstream.

This week's announcement by the Federal Government of their plan to introduce an emissions trading scheme by 2012 is just another sign that climate change is an issue that is not going to disappear.

So, why not be inspired by Lewis Gordon Pugh and take the time to make a few more changes for the planet – lucky for us we needn’t jump into freezing cold water to do it! Although I do hear that Greenpeace are looking for volunteers to strip off for a photo on a shrinking glacier in Switzerland in the next couple of weeks!

But seriously, there are plenty of ways you can make a difference – check out some of our fact sheets or visit the websites listed below.

Useful Websites:
1. NABERS - http://www.nabers.com.au/home.aspx
2. GreenPower - http://www.greenpower.gov.au/home.aspx
3. Energy Smart - http://www.energysmart.com.au/
4. NSW Government Climate Change - http://www.greenhouse.nsw.gov.au/
5. It's A Living Thing - http://www.itsalivingthing.net.au/
6. Australian Greenhouse Office - http://www.greenhouse.gov.au/