The Newsletter exists to inform members of what we are doing on their behalf and our current work has two interlocking themes. We need to explain to our representatives, firstly, that climate change is basically a matter of human health and wellbeing and secondly whatever the debate about nuclear power, clean coal and carbon trading, we have to reduce emissions now if we are to have any chance of controlling the ultimate peak of CO2 emissions. It is easy for our representatives to commit to 2050 targets, they will not be answerable for obvious reasons, and indeed 2020 targets will find most of them in their beach-houses, (or if they are wise, in the houses in the foot-hills). All our members recognise that only energy saving and renewables can have a significant impact in the short term. Some of the decisions are easy, eg expanding renewable resources which are already cheaper than fossil fuels if one accounts for externalities. Some are difficult for they need decisive legislation and financing to deliver them. However, at a personal level we can all help and set an example to others. How do the activities of DEA fit into this scenario?

The GreenClinic initiative by the ACF and DEA has now been in existence for some time, yet I meet many doctors who have not heard of it. We also know that some of our members look at our web site but not those of the environmental groups. So this communication is to summarise the recommendations and enourage you to look at the ACF GreenClinic web site which says

 “GreenClinic assists doctors and practice managers to identify simple changes to make in clinics that will save energy and water,reduce waste, and help patients and communities to live more sustainable and healthy lives”

The recent IPCC report estimates that sea level rise will be 0.3 meters by the end of this century. However more recent evidence of acceleration indicates that 0.5 meters may be reached if all other variables remain the same.

These estimates are likely to be conservative for several reasons. Firstly the IPCC collection of data for the 4th IPCC report finished about two years ago. Data since then suggests acceleration. Secondly, the IPCC scientists are conservative in their consensus opinions. Like many scientists they are reticent to overstate even if they feel there is a likelihood of more extreme rises. Thirdly, the IPCC final reports have government influence to tone down the reports - governments do not want to face the facts on this issue.

Rarely can one have a simple, easy choice that has a simultaneous impact of reducing the use of electricity and water, enhancing biodiversity and reducing atmospheric pollution. The choice is to purchase the appropriate copy paper for your practice. yet nearly all paper consumed in Austraia is made using chlorine that creates dioxins that are discharged into the environment and uses the timber of native forests.

This article is written because my supplier of Canon paper, OfficeWorks, has dropped it. This environmental battle is being lost as detailed by the ACF, "in the 2001-02 financial year, Australians used 1.23 million tonnes of writing and printing paper. This equates to over 30 million trees being cut down". Most of these trees are culled  from native forests,under Regional Forest Agreements supported by both major Parties

By Professor Peter Newman
Murdoch University

This article is also posted as a blog where members of DEA are invited to comment.

Carbon neutral is becoming the policy for innovative companies, individuals and even football teams. Can it be applied to a country?  What would it mean for Australia?

I have recently returned from a 6 month study trip which coincided with the remarkable increase in global awareness on climate change due largely to Al Gore and the Stern Report. Of course there was considerable work over 20-30 years by NGO’s, scientists and European politicians that laid the foundation for this awareness. Nevertheless the world tipped into carbon politics over the past 6 months.

Greenhouse gas emissions continue to rise
The Climate Institute issued a statement on April 27 about the increase in Australia’s  greenhouse emissions. It said

. “Greenhouse pollution increases in 2005-2006 and 2006-2007 are above Australian Government projections over the same period indicating current government policies are not having the desired impact. Even with Government projected trends, total emissions in 2010 will be more than 110% of 1990 emissions and it is looking increasing unlikely that Australia will meet its goal of meeting its Kyoto target of 108% of 1990 emissions.