A nightmarish summer..but there's more.

It would be an understatement to say that Australia has had an upleasant 6 months. A crippling drought, bushfires, floods and then COVID-19. It feels as though we have been living in a thrilling "end of the world" saga, with a new season every couple of months. These have been just some of the headlines we have woken up to every day.

The bushfires burnt more than 12.6 hectares of land, emitted 434 million tonnes of CO2 and left more than a billion animals dead. The drought only exacerbated the conditions. Sydney alone had 81 days of poor air quality in 2019. On New Year's day Canberra had the worst air quality in the world, 26 times the level considered "hazardous" for humas. I wore a mask to work every day. There were so many days when I would look outside and all I saw was apocalyptic smog. I would keep my doors and windows closed, wondering when I would see Sydney's brilliant blue skies again. The bushfire smoke was linked to over 400 deaths in Australia. It took a while but the bushfires finally ended in early March, thanks to some record rainfall (which also landed up causing flooding in some parts). This bushfire season was one of the worst Australia has ever faced. It made us ask a lot of questions. Has this become our new normal? Are we equipped to deal with this catastrophe on a more frequent basis? Was this something that we could have foreseen? The drought made us ask similar questions. The 2006 drought was said to be a one in hundred year event, then how did we get here just ten years later?

Picture Courtesy: Matthew Abott, New York Times

We have known for years now that global warming will cause extreme weather events to become more common or more intense. Eerily, in 2008 a report commissioned by the Australian goverment predicted "Recent projections of fire weather (Lucas et al. 2007) suggest that fire seasons will start earlier, end slightly later, and generally be more intense. This effect increases over time, but should be directly observable by 2020." 

Surely with this knowledge we would have had some plans in place to address this threat. Renewable energy sources are responsible for only 24% of Australia's total electricity generation. Despite renewables rapidly becoming a low-cost solution globally. This report by Climate Works states that we can meet our goal of 1.5C heating by shifting to 79% of renewable enery by 2030 and 100% by 2050. Few can say whether current government efforts can make this a reality by 2030.

A worldwide pandemic has provided reason enough for some to find a convenient excuse to put this issue on the backburner. I'm not saying that the COVID-19 issue is not serious. It has had devastating impacts on many lives. Jobs have been lost. People have lost their loved ones. The economy has plummetted. But climate change is also a public health emergency. The timeframes are just different. While the window to act on COVID-19 is in the next few weeks and months. The window for climate change is the next few years. But both will be responsible for thousands of deaths globally unless urgent action is taken.

Many have celebrated a record drop in pollution levels across the globe since the lockdowns began. The skies are clear again, the local animal and birdlife seem to be reclaiming their land. As much as I hate to be the bearer of bad news, these effects are temporary. Carbon dioxide can stay in the atmosphere for centuries. Thus the total concentration will continue to increase even if there is less production temporarily. As soon as the economy is back, the emissions will be back too. Thus we really can't afford to push the climate crisis off our minds.

I've seen the below image doing the rounds on Linkedin. Perfectly summarises my thoughts.

Mum

I'm going to try and find the motivation to keep writing on this blog. My mum used to love my posts and always encouraged me to write a new one. I started this blog in 2014. When I started, I was quite active. But when the full time job started, the posts became infrequent. Mum would always urge me "write a new one!". Whenever I would finish a post she would be the first one to read it. Then she would share with all her friends and family. Even if nobody else was reading it I used to be happy I put a smile on her face. A doting mother, she always made me feel good about myself. She is the reason I have the confidence I have today. When the insecurities crept in, she told me to believe in myself. It was easy to do that when it came from her. All I had to do was look at her and see the solid belief she had in me. It was easier to believe then.

My mum passed away in September last year. It's been over 6 months now. Not a single day passes when I don't think of her. So many times I have caught myself thinking "oh I should tell mum about this" or "oh how does this work? Better ask mum". She was my answer to everything. My best friend. We would talk for hours and hours. Every single day I would call her on my way home from work. I would pour all my worries and frustrations on her and she would keenly listen to it all. Providing me with love and comfort after every interaction. 

Now she is gone and it is a process every single day. It'll become easier they say, for now I am just taking one day at a time.

 

Five every day things

I thought I'll keep this blog post nice and simple and share some of the easy ways you can have a lower footprint. They're just simple, small things but can make a whole world of a difference. It's just about getting in the habit.

1) Carry your own water bottle: This one is pretty easy, you just have to remember to do it! Plus it will save you precious money too. Why spend money on something you can get out of the tap?

2) Carry your own keep cup: I have spoken about this before. We simply cannot afford to throw a coffee cup 5 days a week in the bin. The waste this is generating is completely unnecessary. Plus look how much cuter keep cups look!

3) Carry your own shopping bags: I have always carried by own bags when going grocery shopping. Honestly I find them so much sturdier and easier to carry in comparison to flimsy plastic bags. I was doing this much before the single use plastic bag ban at Coles and Woolworths last year. It was a little amusing seeing everyone get used to this. There were quite a few grumpy people who thought the change was unnecessary and inconvenient. Nevertheless, the result was worth it. The ban saw an 80% drop in plastic use nationwide. That is commendable. 

(Courtesy Earth Bottles)

4)   Buy what you need: There is a running joke in my family about my fridge. People have often found a single tomato, a single capsicum and just a loaf of bread in my fridge many a times. Whilst it may be amusing, it is practical! I plan ahead for my week. I know exactly what I'll be cooking and when. So I buy the ingredients accordingly. I do this to minimise waste. I really don't see the point in buying a bag of carrots when I will only be needing one. I have to admit the supermarkets don't make buying small quantities of things easy. Bulk quantities are always cheaper. It boggles my mind why a 2L bottle of coke is $2.85 at Coles and a 600mL bottle $3.70? Consumers are forced to buy things in large quantities to get cheaper rates. The result of this, for single people like me is that a whole lot of it will simply go to waste. I never buy the 2L bottle of coke because the fizz disappears after the first day and then it goes so flat I just chuck the rest down the drain. Anyhow, resist the impulse to buy in bulk. Don't buy a bag of donuts which will expire in one day. You know you can't finish it (but if you can, I'm no one to stop you!).

5) Take public transport: I have to admit I am very lucky to live in a city like Sydney where there is an excellent, well connected public transport system. I don't have a car and very rarely take Ubers and have absolutely no problem getting around. If you live out in the country or are in a city with a poor public transport system, I feel for you. Investing in a good public transport system is imperative for every government to counteract the impacts of climate change. Think about this: a full bus can take 40 cars off the road. If you are lucky enough to have a choice, public transport should be the way to go. What's more? It gives you time to read a good book or get some work done while someone else does the driving for you. In my personal experience I have noticed that most millenials in Sydney prefer taking public transport whereas the older generation seems more comfortable taking their cars to their respective destinations. Some people like it the old fashioned way. While I understand that breaking a habit can be hard we have to understand the times are changing. The need of the hour is to do everything in our power to reduce the greenhouse gases we release in the air.

(My friend and I responsibly catching a train at Wynyard station, Sydney. 

Look how happy we are, public transport is fun!)

So there you have it. Those were my five every day things through which we can reduce our ecological footprint. There are many other ways and means to do better but it always helps to start with something small and easy so we don't overwhelm ourselves. Until next time!

The Time is Now

I feel cautiously optimistic. There is a growing realisation amongst people in Australia (the youth in particular) that the threat of climate change is no longer generations into the future. It's not a far away concept anymore where we don't see tangible consequences in the news every other day. 2018 was Australia's third hottest year on record. Rainfall levels were the lowest since 2005. Bushfires came early, coastal regions saw floods and erratic weather patterns were noticed all around the country. Drought conditions intensified and farmers in particular, suffered. Prof Will Steffen from Climate Council commented "We are concerned that there may be a point of no return a few decades down the track where we actually lose control of the climate system".

Australian Federal Elections are coming up next month. Nationwide polls are showing that the public attitude towards climate policies is shifting. According to a recent poll, only 13% Australians believe the government is doing a good job of addressing climate change. The drought in particular made many realise that climate change has the potential to destroy livelihoods for generations to come. The government's stance on climate action will play a pivotal role in the upcoming elections. 

When we talk about environmental issues in Australia, you cannot skip talking about the mega controversial coal mine project by Adani. The project aims to dig the biggest coal mine in Australian history. The catastrophic impacts of the project include, but are not limited to, releasing close to 5 billion tonnes of carbon pollution to the atmosphere, getting access to almost 300 billion litres of Queensland's groundwater (for free, might I add!) and severe coral bleaching in the great barrier reef. Just this week Environment Minister Melissa Price granted federal approval to the coal mine, strategically signing off right before the elections. The current government insists that the project has been subjected to a multitude of conditions which will restrict its environmental impacts. But that is hard to believe. What is disappointing is that the opposition has primarily taken a lukewarm approach as well, with no strong promises on how it will restrict the harmful environmental impacts of the project.

This is all happening at a time when it is clear that in order for the world to keep warming well below 2 degree celsius, we'll need to leave fossil fuels in the ground. Australia needs to take a strong, hard look at their policies if they are to meet the emissions reductions targets adopted in Paris in 2015.

Public support for large-scale energy transition is noticeable. A recent poll showed that a sizeable proportion of Australians believe that the government should focus on clean, renewable energy, even if it means that investment needs to be made to make the infrastructure more reliable.

We will have to wait and see how Australia truly stands on the subject of climate change and clean energy. The elections will reveal how serious the country is about electing a leader that will make tangible changes to improve our response to this climate emergency. Choose wisely, Australia. 

Escape to Mars

Mars. It has always been an enigma for mankind. Does life on Mars exist? How similar is it to Earth? Will humans ever get there? In recent times Mars has become synonymous with what people consider a safe haven, away from global warming stricken Earth. People casually joke "Oh well, I'm just going to move to Mars." This may not be too far from reality anymore as the race to Mars is real and talks about colonisation of Mars aren't all mumbo jumbo.

We have been told that Earth is heading towards its "tipping point". A term in climatology which means close to irreversible climate destabilisation. We have already raised global average temperatures by 1C pre-industrial levels. If this is raised by a further 1C, we will face a "hothouse" climate where Earth will continue warming even if all emissions cease. The Paris agreement on climate change made by 194 countries aimed to limit global warming 'well below' 2°C, or 1.5°C above pre-industrial levels if possible. However current efforts are unlikely to meet this target.

Reading reports such as these does make me pessimistic and I too wonder if we are fighting a losing battle and if Earth is hurling towards its inevitable demise. Grim huh?

This is probably one of the reasons why Elon Musk, Boeing and others decided it might be worth looking towards the skies for a way out. First humans on Mars are predicted to reach as early as 2020s. The idea is to start small,  build a base in Mars, learn how to survive and eventually build a self-sustaining community. It won't be easy. With freezing temperatures, radiation and thin atmosphere, humans can definitely not take a stroll in the Martian landscape without heavy spacesuits. But this too is being explored. A concept called "Terraforming of Mars" aims to alter the atmosphere of Mars through planetary engineering so it is more hospitable to humans. I have to admit, this concept does seem a bit far fetched to me and we definitely don't have the technology to do it in 2018.

But guess which place is hospitable to humans? Earth! I have nothing against space exploration. It is one of my key interests and it would be a grand day when we finally land on Mars. However I am hesitant to accept Mars as an escape route. We can make tremendous progress to reverse climate change here on Earth, through the resources we would invest in making a self-sustaining community on Mars. It almost sounds like we are giving up on this home, disregarding it as a sinking ship. Transferring the entire population of Earth to Mars is much, much more far fetched than making concrete efforts to reduce global warming here on Earth. Apart from everyday things that we do - reducing automobile use, eating greener etc. an important role we can play is to elect leaders who have an understanding of the delicate situation we are in and are willing to tackle climate change head on and not just cater to the whims and fancies of the fossil fuel industry and the likes.

So let's keep our eyes on the prize, shall we?

An Easy Switch - A Big Impact

I did not become a regular coffee drinker until recently. I mostly had a cappuccino at work if I felt like it, but for the most part takeaway coffee was usually only once in a while. However this has changed in the last year or so. There's a lovely cafe outside my gym and the smell of freshly roasted beans always lures me in after my workout. And then started my morning ritual of grabbing a coffee after gym and heading to work. For most Australians, having a coffee every day on their commute to work, going for meetings, etc. is extremely common. You'd be guaranteed to see busy commuters holding a cup of coffee from Starbucks or a local coffee shop while walking on George Street every morning.

Australians use 1 billion coffee cups each year. That is a LOT of cups. Is it sustainable? Most definitely not. Are there easy ways to reduce this waste? Most definitely yes.

Reusable coffee cups can be found quite easily in homeware stores around Australia. I prefer the brand KeepCup as their cups are quite high quality and come in various fun colours. But there are many other brands that you could easily choose from. Below are my cute KeepCups. I carry them while going to work, while going shopping (cause you never know when you might crave a coffee), they're pretty much in my handbag all the time.

I am not without fault. There are times when I forget. And that's okay. The important thing is to take the first step towards doing better. My good friend suggested that if you forget your reusable cup, you always have the choice of drinking your coffee inside the cafe in their ceramic cups - and that's always nice and relaxing.

The problem is that most people are aware of reusable cups but still don't think it's important enough to invest in them. There could be several factors responsible for this.

• Unawareness. People don't know the extent to which coffee cups have become a problem. Consider this -they are the second largest contributor to waste after plastic bottles. 

• Miscommunication. People think they are already doing right. Nearly all the takeaway coffee cups have a recyclable sign on it. But which part of the coffee cup is the sign referring to? If the sign is on the lid, it may just be referring to the lid, not the entire cup. Most coffee cups are not recyclable. This is due to the plastic lining inside the paper cup. Recycling rules vary from council to council - so you are better off not using them at all. 

• Just actually not caring. Had to include this cause there is a vast majority of companies and consumers in this category. Most cafes and hotels are well versed with the problem of waste. Despite this I find they are not making any effort whatsoever to reduce this. For instance, I stayed at a hotel in Melbourne earlier this year. When we ordered some coffees to our room, all of them came in takeaway cups. This made no sense to me as they could have easily used the ceramic cups when delivering coffees to rooms? Oh well. I left this feedback while checking out. I will have to stay there again to see if they've made any changes.

Okay so they're not all bad. I was heartened to see this movement pick up in Australia - https://www.responsiblecafes.org/. Basically participating cafes are offering discounts to consumers who bring their own reusable cups. How awesome is that! We need more measures like this to encourage behaviour change. You can look up if your cafe is participating through their map https://www.responsiblecafes.org/map-2/. You're instantly saving money AND doing your bit for the environment. Go you!

If it isn't renewable, it'll run out.

South Australia (SA) has been a shining beacon of light in Australia's clean, green future since more than a decade. In 2009 the state government committed to increase the renewable energy production target to 33% by 2020. This target was unsurprisingly reached earlier, by 2013/14. The target was then increased to 50% by 2025. This target was reached early as well, in 2016/17 - and they're not showing any signs of slowing down. With solar and wind capacity doubling in the next 5 years, they're heading towards 80% of renewable energy generation by 2021/22.

 

The state's stance on renewable energy has not been without its challenges. Last winter South Australia was hit by severe storms, causing thousands of homes to go without power. Criticisms came from far and wide. The opposition seized the opportunity with both hands. The blame was placed squarely on South Australia's renewables and their unreliability. There have been several articles since last year's events on what actually caused the mass blackout. The AEMO (Australian Energy Market Operator) itself has released contradictory statements on the issue.

Nevertheless the incident highlighted that something needed to change to increase the energy security for the state. Before the blackout, wind had been producing about 50% of SA's power needs with the remainder being imported from Victoria's interconnector. The state had the realisation that they had sufficient renewable capacity to source energy security within the borders. They did not need to rely on their neighbours.

Enter Elon Musk AKA real life Tony Stark. Musk offered SA Premier Jay Weatherill that his company will help resolve South Australia's energy security issue. They will build the world's largest lithium-ion battery in 100 days, else it will be free. The Government took him up on his offer. This move along with the Government's announcement on building a new gas fired plant were the first steps towards solving SA's energy security concerns.

Musk's battery is a 100 megawatt/129 MWh system. It has been designed to lower the intermittency issues and manage high demand during peak summer months. It has the potential to provide enough energy to power 30,000 homes for eight hours or 60,000 homes for four hours. The battery is by far the largest in the world, more than three times any existing storage facility. It is expected to stabilise SA's electricity grid and also lower energy prices. The battery was launched on 1 December this year. Its early completion demonstrated that sustainable solutions needn't be time consuming and difficult but could be fast and efficient.

What pleased me most about this entire ordeal was that even after the blackout, the voter sentiment in SA wasn't dampened. A poll taken soon after the storms showed that almost two thirds of the public still believed that renewable energy is the solution to Australia's energy needs. It sent out a strong message to the rest of Australia and even the world at large. Sure, venturing into new territories with renewables will come with its set of challenges and setbacks, as we saw last year. But the most important thing is to look at the bigger picture. Renewable energy is the only way forward. South Australia understands this and it is important that the rest of Australia understands this too.

In Musk's words "It’s a definition that if it’s not renewable, it’s going to run out at some point”.