Saturday, February 23, 2008

Hottest Ever!

OK, so it's officially the hottest day of the year (here in Brisbane). Of course, it hasn't been that hot a summer - at least here in Brissy.


But it's a different story Aus-wide. According to the Bureau of Meteorology, Jan 2008 has been Australia's hottest - ever!

(For the record, the previous title holder was Jan 1999)

Friday, February 22, 2008

Garnaut Preview

The Australian Government has commissioned Ross Garnaut to assess the impact of climate change on the Australian economy.


Yesterday, Professor Garnuat released the first installment of his report, and the gist was this... Australia is one of the countries most vulnerable to climate change. Australia should aim for more than 60% reduction by 2050. Australia, if it takes strong action, stands to benefit economically. [full story]

Hopefully the government listen. Hopefully we do too.

Wednesday, February 20, 2008

"Eco" Credit Card

Look, I am not a big fan of credit cards - hence I don't have one. But if you're someone who likes to take advantage of the interest-free periods, they can be handy. And of course, there's bonus rewards the companies give you (in order to entice you further into debt).

But some credit card companies have come up with an alternate idea. Instead of being 'rewarded' with stuff you never wanted in the first place, you can get the company to do something for the planet.

The first one i've seen in Australia is GE Money, with their eco-card. They will suport projects such as reforestation, renewable energy and energy efficiency to the value of 1% of what you spend on the card.

So, while i still think the world would be better without credit cards, if you're gonna have one, it might as well be doing the planet some good.

Monday, February 18, 2008

Greenpower Choices

I get my electricity through Origin. So i used to get greenpower through 'earthschoice'. But Origin decided they would end that programme (that they inherited from Energex) so i had decisions to make. What greenpower option is the best? What company has the best greenpower option?


Fortunately there is a website called Green Electricity Watch where all the different greenpower options available in your area are compared. So i went to section for Queensland and had a look at what was there.

Incase you're interested, I signed up with Origin's 100% Wind option.

Saturday, February 16, 2008

Rough Guide to Climate Change

Contrary to the title of this Robert Henson book, what it contains is actually far more than "rough guide".


Somehow, Henson manages to keep this book to a manageable size, while still covering the aspects of the greenhouse effect, climate science, politcal issues and technological solutions.

Friday, February 15, 2008

30% cut for just $1

Following on from my previous article Even Cheaper Solar Power, i see today that there is a report that Australia could reduce carbon emissions by 30% for less than 1 dollar per day.


The report also proved once again that the cost of action is far less than the cost of inaction - by pointing out that the 2002-03 drought alone, was three times more costly than a 30% reduction in greenhouse gases.

The report also found Australia could cut emissions by 60 per cent by 2030 – a full 20 years ahead of the Federal Government’s commitment to 60 per cent reductions by 2050. [full article from ACF]

Wednesday, February 13, 2008

Even Cheaper Solar Power

For those who are fans of renewable energy, you may appreciate this link about solar power


Renewable energy company Infinia is using solar collectors and the Stirling engine, and believe that they can produce power 20 to 30% cheaper than conventional solar photovoltaic panels.