Climate Action Show

EDEN- MONARO/   A NEW RELATIONSHIP WITH THE FOREST3RD AUGUST 2020PRODUCTION BY ANDY BRITTINTERVIEWS AND EDITING BY VIVIEN LANGFORDGUESTS:DAN MORGAN - YUIN MAN AND EXPERT ON CULTURAL BURNINGPETER HAGGAR - "CAFE EVOLVE" IN BEGA. PHILOSOPHICAL HEART OF THE RESISTANCEVIVIEN HARRIS - CLIMATE ACTION NOW ACTIVIST AT WEEK 71 OF HER REMINDER TO BEGA AUTHORITIESJO DODDS -  BUSHFIRE SURVIVORS FOR CLIMATE ACTION /EMERGENCY LEADERS FOR CLIMATE ACTION.ROUNDTABLE A new relationship with the forest is emerging after fires worse than those in the Amazon spread the length of The Great Dividing range in 2019/2020. The Eden Monaro By election in July, polarised people into the old blame game about hazzard reduction. Some blamed greenies for not wanting any, others blamed loggers for creating hazzards with the debris and flammable new growth they leave behind.  At the Emergy Leaders for Climate Action Summit, Greg Mullins said "We need to stop being such control freaks and develop trust. Climate change is drying out the land and making everything worse." We need to put resources behind the  traditional knowledge holders without trying to control them. We hear from Dan Morgan who explains how cultural burns start slowly so the birds and insects can smell the smoke. Then he talks about learning to read the message from the indicator species . In the video you will see land he has helped protect near Tathra. When the major bushfire went through Tathra, the land that had been managed in the traditional way were not detroyed.See Dan in this ABC video https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RM72NtXxyLshttps://www.abc.net.au/news/2019-11-14/traditional-owners-predicted-bushfire-disaster/11700320https://www.creativespirits.info/aboriginalculture/land/aboriginal-fire-management Locals told me "Go to "Cafe Evolve" it's the centre of the resistance. Peter Haggar, the owner takes us on a deep dive into the philosophy behind a new relationship with the forest. We talked about the quote on their wall which said "When our worldview is nolonger compatible with our knowledge of the world, isn't it wiser to alter our worldview rather than altering the facts?"Peter talks about local people still in shock, living in tents, un sure how to make themselves safe in the future. He says they have had an existential shock and although many voted for the old solutions, many more are seeking something new. He was influenced by an Australian Philosopher Val Plumwood who wrote "Feminism and the mastery of nature"Peter Haggar sees pluralism as the way forward. So even for city people, any stand for the plurality  of gender, race or class is part of the same battle for the diversity of  nature. The cultural management of land involves learning about hunderds of bio regions and how to deal with them, so learning to read the land like this is urgent climate action. .https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Val_Plumwood Vivian Harris was on week 71 of her her stand in front of Bega valley Council and before that the local MP under a Banner saying "CLIMATE ACTION NOW". She talks about the people who sit down to chat with her. Some are worried about their grand children, some are in denial of the science but all have been awed by the drought and bushfires. Despite her shyness she has learned courage from Greta Thunberg and the ripples from her non confrontational presence are felt in other communities like Geelong, where she connects via social media with people making a stand. Jo Dodds is famous for standing up to PM Turnbull after the Tathra Fires telling him Now is the very time we should be talking about climate change" She is now involved in taking the EPA to court with Bushfire survivors for Climate Action. https://www.facebook.com/bushfiresurvivors/They want to work with Matt Keane to develop adequate policies around climate change to prevent worse disasters. She talks about the smoke related deaths and the psychological trauma of prolonged fire. As Co Chair of the NSW Roundtable on Emergency Leaders for climate action she also  sees the urgent need to restore year long forest management in Yuin Country and a new relationship with the forest.https://www.abc.net.au/news/2020-07-30/fossil-fuel-industry-levy-should-pay-for-bushfire-impact-report/12503114https://www.smh.com.au/national/firefighting-tactics-should-change-as-climate-warms-say-fire-chiefs-20200729-p55gom.html

We spoke with Professor Judith Brett who wrote the current issue of the Quarterly Essay called the Coal Curse. This fascinating piece of research examines how Australia came to rely so heavily on coal, how it came to influence our political system and how psychologically it has become a religion for much of the right wing in Australia. Institute for Energy Economics and Financial Analysts Tim Buckley's discussed the future of coal - why very quietly during the COVID crisis, while so much of the world was distracted financial institutions divested from coal. Was it shareholder activism or simply the realisation that as an investment coal is dead and could this be the tipping point away from coal we were expecting?We spoke with my mate Dr Tom Doig heading back with him to the Latrobe Valley with his recently released book Hazelwood. A ripping read and an integral piece of Australian history.

CLIMATE FRONTLINES Episode 2SIBERIA, THE PACIFIC AND HIDDEN WATER IN AUSTRALIA20TH JULY 2020Production: Andy Britt and Vivien LangfordInterviews : James Whitmore, Reema Rattan and Kurt Johnson Guests: Angelina Davidova - Environmental Journalist in St PetersburgBradley Moggridge - Indigenous Water Scientist in CanberraDr Wesley Morgan - Pacific Hub at Griffith University Music: Thanks to Paul Sutyrin on balaleika and Gladky for the Russian bandIsa Lei was sung by the Suva Methodist Choir and thanks to Hilda and Bernie O'Brien who sang this often in my childhood.Thanks to Scolex for sound effects of underground water  and cyclones Episode 1 on BANGLADESH is here: https://www.3cr.org.au/beyondzero/episode-202007131700/bangladeshEpisode 2 takes us to the Climate Frontline in SIBERIA.  Angelina Davidova tells James Whitmore about the base of oil tanks cracking as the permafrost beneath melts and  there is a massive oil spill into the rivers. Plus wild fires since May and temperatures of 38 degrees C. She has been covering Climate Change for 10 years and notes that Russians used to joke about how good it would be for Russia. Now as the EU Green Deal will  create a border tax on imported gas, oil and coal, they are worried. Like Austrlalia they have low targets to reduce emissions and worry about  economic threats as the world moves away from fossil fuels. We both have melting poles behind us and fossil fuels blurring our vision. The next climate frontline is in Australia which is 70% arid .Changing rain patterns and frequent droughts have made us anxious about water. Reema Rattan wants to know why we are so ignorant of indigenous water management. The mega fires have humbled us to listen to indigenous fire managers but what about protecting the vast hidden water.?Bradley Moggridge is an expert in Hydro-Geology. He says we need to celebrate ancient knowledge not as myth but as science. "Don't mess with the springs" seems like a clear message yet The Great Artesian basin could go the way of the Great Barrier Reef if we frack it and pump out its waters for mines. THE PACIFIC contains hundreds of languages, cultures and bioregions. Kurt Johnson talks to Dr Wesley Morgan about the now frequent Category 5 cyclones that are wrecking the tropical idyll. Adaptation is expensive as they have to build much tougher roads and more resilient hospitals and schools now. He says that Pacific Islanders are a lot more climate literate than Australians and maybe could send us some reverse aid to get us up to speed. As Fijian PM Frank Bainimarama says "We're all in the same canow, it's leaking water and you can't fix a lealy boat with Kyoto credits"It may be unpalatable for the mainstream media to bring us stories that show Australia in a negative light. This is the beauty of the alternative media and I am very grateful to the two 3CR jourtnalists who did guest interviews from the frontlines and to Kurt who did an extra one because he knows this frontline well.As I learned recently" When our worldview is no longer compatible with our knowledge of the world, isnt it wiser to alter our worldview rather than alter the facts?"

Bangladeshi farmer in CovidTimesCLIMATE CRISIS FRONTLINES Episode 1- BANGLADESH13th July 2020Guests: Runa Khan - Founder of "Friendship" floating hospitals in Bagladeshhttps://friendship.ngo/floods-in-bangladesh-and-friendships-response/https://friendship.ngo/about-us/leadership/runa-khan-founder-and-executive-director/Dr Saleemul Huq - Scientist and Director of International Centre for Climate Change and Developmenthttps://www.iied.org/climate-covid-19-collaboration-we-needCOP is no longer fit for purpose :https://www.youtube.com/watch?list=PL1iUHL94bWo7kN34oPG6V_dny1BJ4hwEW&v=g3nuz1_Ani0Music: Stand Up tall by Miguel Heatwole and the choirSound Effects : by Maqubul from Freesound "Be prepared" is the message from Bangladesh. Runa Khan describes the thousand rivers and silt islands in her country. She says  saving lives is not enough.  Her floating hospitals have expanded into , schools in the refugee camps, paralegal help, para veterinary help and training people to maintain the solar panels that connect them to government services. The secret of a long lasting project like this  is treating everyone with dignity. It is thrilling to hear how Runa imbues her volunteers and staff  with a deep respect for human rights. She speaks to European donors in the same way, wanting their empathy and understanding in a sustained partnership rather than just a guilty cheque. She says seeing the Rohingya refugee camps nearly broke her but she is undaunted. This is one of our best podcasts and should be a tonic for anyone feeling climate angst or despair. The motto of "Friendship" is "Think big, start small, begin now!". Dr Saleemul Huq spoke to an international audience about "Climate, Covid19 and the collaboration we need." He described how the recent Cyclone Amphan was supercharged by the elevated temperatures in the Bay of Bengal. It caused damage in the Sundarban Forests and over two million people were evacuated to safety with their lifestock. But his pride is in the fact that the death toll was low. Compared to the 140,000 killed in the 1990's, Bangladesh is now a model of early warnings and adaptation.The millions of volunteers who go around with loud speakers in the villages, warning of a climate emergency , now go round wearing face masks and giving a Covidsafe health message.  "Be prepared!" Dr Huq says that Covid19 is a rehearsal for the great climate crisis which will affect all of us. He says  governments and businesses who refuse to listen to scientists are acting unconscionably. Just as the pandemic crosses all borders so does the climate disruption we cause by our emissions. Listening to these two compassionate and energetic Bangladeshis will remind you of the moral vision of Martin Luther King. When I read  that Global Fossil Fuel  Subsidies are currently $5.2 Trillion and $29 Billion in Australia according to the IMF, I understand why the climate frontline states demand justicehttps://reneweconomy.com.au/global-fossil-fuel-subsidies-reach-5-2-trillion-and-29-billion-in-australia-91592/As well as sending a cheque in a crisis and reconnecting with the Green bank, we need to understand and empathise with the suffering caused by the emissions our government is subsidising. This podcast might awaken some so please forward it to those who need to hear.Australia was criticised by the architect of the Paris Climate accord Laurence Tubiana who said " If you want this (cary over credits from Kyoto) it is just cheating . Australia was willing in a way.... to destroy the whole Paris agreement" Any ideas for interviewees please send to : [email protected]

"ENERGIESPRONG" RETROFITTING AND BUILDING  ZERO EMISSIONS HOMES6th July 2020 Produced by Vivien Langford and Andy Britt HOW could we retrofit 100,000 buildings each year with no upfront costs?France is building 500,000 zero emissions buildings p/a. Could we do the same?CHRISTIANA FIGUERES, architect of the Paris Climate Agreement asked a largeBeyond Zero emissions audience Why is Australia not yet a leader in Renewable Energy? She praised BZE's One Million Jobs plan but said we need to create political excitement around it. She told us COVID 19 is maybe the " last chance for Australia to wake up and understand where your energy and especially your energy exports need to go".With accelerated  melting at both poles, we must have a plan.MICHAEL LORD- BZE LEAD RESEARCHERsays there are many ways to pay for a massive retrofit of buildings  with insulation, heat pumps, smart energy systems and solar panels. The average cost would be $30,000.In Europe you can get a managed Energy Service Agreement. ENERGIESPRONG, for example, retrofits your house then manages the system for a flat charge. They are paid for the solar energy you supply to the grid and eventually will be self financing.HEIDI LEE - BZE ONE MILLION JOBS PROJECTHEIDI gathers an expert panel to discuss such things as how to prevent condensation if you draft proof your house, how low income people can benefit from retrofitted rental housing, and how decent long term jobs and a stimulus to the training sector will flow from the massive roll out of zero emissions buildings. The panelCAROLINE PIDCOCK - LEADING AUSTRALIAN ARCHITECTROB PRADOLIN - HOUSING ALL AUSTRALIANSSCOTT BOCSKAY - SUSTAINABLE AUSTRALIA FUNDGODFREY MOASE - UNITED WORKERS UNIONKELLIE CAUGHT - AUSTRALIAN COUNCIL OF SOCIAL SERVICES

TREES, SOIL CARBON AND CARBON CREDITS Monday 22nd June 2020Produced by Vivien Langford and Andy BrittGuestsJessica Panegyres - Wilderness SocietyWayne Wescott - GreenfleetLouisa Kiely - Carbon Farmers Australia

RISING FROM THE EMBERS15th JuneProduced by Vivien Langford and Andy BrittGuestsDr Bronwyn Gould AM - Sydney Wildlife RescueJames Link - Landcare AustraliaFrom the Embers Episode Home and housed . Produc ed by Alice AnsaraPart 1"A billion animals dead" was the headline. Were the worst fires in our history caused by arson, failed land management or the accelerant of climate change?While the focus of climate action is to rapidly reduce emissions, the quiet work of wildlife rescue and habitat restoration also plays a big part. Rising from the embers is like rising from the pandemic - huge mourning and a desire to build back better.Bronwyn Gould tells us about a possum called Phoenix, about de antlering trees to give a refuge to nesting species and what you can do to preserve wild life even in the city. Her photos of Phoenix and the Tawny Frogmouths in the link below will take your breath away.https://photos.app.goo.gl/V7RWddtj3B6PHNXm7  PHOENIXhttps://photos.app.goo.gl/FhbdbZz7T9WQfk5J9 MAKITA https://photos.app.goo.gl/jJqhX6VAAB2bAKct1 Tawny FrogmouthsBut when they are restored to the wild what are the rescued creatures to eat?Landcare Australia to the rescue. After the fires they have 600 groups weeding out exotics  and replanting food species, clearing water ways and doing citizen science. James Link tells us about ther 6000 groups caring for coastlines and inland places as well as in city creeks and spaces. They benefit from indigenous knowledge and local enthusiasm for place. Landcare Australia formed a partnership with WIRES to use the $1 million received in donations to fund the " community-led protection of habitat"  WIRES is actively supporting Landcare groups and networks, and other environmental community groups to improve the outcomes for wildlife and biodiversity.’https://www.echo.net.au/2020/04/wires-and-landcare-australias-1million-wildlife-partnership/Community groups like The Friends of the Leadbeater's possum can also have far reaching wins. The Federal court recently set a prec edent using federal threatened species protection laws to override state logging interests in their habitat. The carbon sequestered by not logging Leadbeater's habitat will be a lasting legacy of that community's tenacity and creativity.https://www.smh.com.au/environment/conservation/franklin-dam-like-court-judgement-to-protect-victoria-s-endangered-species-from-loggers-20200528-p54xib.htmlPart 2The Community Broadcasting Association of Australia created a series of podcasts about the recent bushfires called From the Embers. This episode- Home and Housed is a brilliant audio record of the devastation and determination of that time. We hear froim wild life carers from WIRES, the ones who have to euthanase very injured animals and the people of Eurobodalla. Thanks to Alice Ansara and the team who produced it. https://www.cbaa.org.au/embers-podcast-radio-saves-day-ep-1

We've all seen the empty supermarket shelves which are now thankfully full - we're just trying to figure out what it means. We have been assured by the Department of Agriculture and Water Resources in a report hurriedly released that we in fact have nothing to worry about. The spin in the report and the speed with which it was released is a clear indication that the federal government is worrying itself. Yet the discussion surrounding food security has skewered some basic assumptions we have about food security in this country and how this relates to climate change. The models built on the past will not longer apply which means we can not look to the future with the same confidence we did. Former Deputy Chief of the Royal Australian Air force John Blackburn AO who analyses the resilience in the Australian food supply chain as a national security issue.Writer Laura Jean McKay in NZ about how her decision to cut emissions while travelling opened up some new adventures and her new book THE ANIMALS IN THAT COUNTRY.Richard Heath the Executive Director of the Australian farm institute and co-author of Change is in the air: defining the need for an Australian agricultural climate change policy a report released in June last year about Australia's ability to confront climate change and it's predicted impact on agriculture.

HEALING THE EARTH1st June 2020Producer: Andy Britt Interviews: Vivien LangfordGuests:Greta ThunbergDr Tjanara Goreng GorengRev Glenn LoughreyBruce ShillingsworthVanessa  PetrieRhys Anderson  "Not everything that is faced can be changed, but nothing can be changed until it is faced"  James Baldwin Greta Thunberg spoke to the EU parliament.. The speaker said "You meet politicians who take a photo with you and then do nothing." But make no mistake, "you are not at the white house with Donald Trump, you are not in Australia where the prime minister is  " climatosceptique" You are in Europe! We are making the Green deal ."But Greta tells  this huge assembly  how we are deluding ourselves that we are taking climate action. How we are all pretending,pretending,pretending."We notice the house is on fire yet we go inside, go to bed and do not even call the fire brigade. Our targets for 2050 are wrong. We should have targets for 2020 and each year after that until the carbon emissions are right down."It's a humbling moment and humiliating for us to hear that everybody knows what an obstacle Australia is.There was a standing ovation. For healing we then talk to Dr Tjanara Goreng Goreng. She is a clinical psychologist and Songwoman.She has insights into endurance because Aboriginal people have already been through a holocaust. She wants transformational leaders brave enough to take bold climate action. She says " If you move beyond  being ego centric, you can reach a higher level of thinking. I discovered a number of things that were unique to Aboriginal culture so that a person can navigate to that higher level." Bruce Shillingsworth spoke at the Transitions Film Festival about saving the water in the Darling Barker river. Carbon emissions are behind the drought but unfair draining of the water brings preventable suffering to wildlife and communities. He makes an impassioned appeal for us to defend the river, to supply water tanks and filters to communities that feel abandoned. He invites us to the second great Corroboree tour in September October to go to Bourke and Menindee and listen to the people. The film is " When the river runs dry" by Rory Mc Leod Rev Glenn Loughrey spoke on a panel  about " Sustainable Nation". As a Wiradgeri man, minister and artist he talks about reading the land. It's had enough as the drought, fires and fish kills attest. We can notice these signs but how can we demand less and start the healing?. Vanessa Petrie CEO from BZE and Rhys Anderson water business leader  from Arup talk about working in communities  to  build water and energy solutions that will endure and not cause future damage.