The top postcodes making money from solar
The postcodes at the front-line of the solar revolution are not where you’d think…. (subscribers only)
http://www.afr.com/news/politics/the-top-100-postcodes-making-money-from-solar-20150903-gjelpl
Naomi Klein’s book is helped with marketing, by Australia’s climate criminal Tony Abbott
Climate Criminal Tony Abbott Is The Best Marketing Possible For My New Book: Naomi Klein, New Matilda, By Thom Mitchell, 6 Sept
Australia is leading the world in willful ignorance on climate change, says one of the world’s most prominent activists. Thom Mitchell sat down with Naomi Klein.
Canadian writer, activist, and film-maker, Naomi Klein has called out the Abbott government’s response to climate change as perhaps the worst in the world, describing the nation’s targets carbon reduction targets as “egregious” and our Prime Minister as the “best marketing” possible for her new book, ‘This Changes Everything: Capitalism vs The Climate’……..
Klein’s book is predicated on the argument that having failed to take any meaningful action for two full decades, the solutions to climate change must now involve a radical restructuring of global economies to provide the cash needed to cut out carbon, but it is couched in a vision of the climate crisis also acting as a catalyst for the progressive redistribution of wealth.
“The argument I make in the book is that the ideology, the world-view, that Joseph Stiglitz has called ‘market fundamentalism’ simply cannot accommodate what human beings need to do in the face of the climate crisis,” she said.
“This is an ideology that wages war on the regulation of corporations, wages war on the idea of collective action, is constantly trying to liberate corporations from the burden of taxation and that is just not compatible with what we need to do in the face of a civilisational crisis like climate change.”…….
Klein, who is also a board member of climate advocacy group 350.org, said that developed nations need to be slashing carbon pollution by 8 to 10 per cent year on year to keep within the two degree rise in average global temperatures the governments of the world have agreed is ‘dangerous’.
While the movements pushing for stronger action on climate change are winning, Klein said, “the problem is this [movement] is also on a firm and unyielding, science-based, deadline” and even the most ambitious targets countries have announced fall short of the pace of change science tells us is needed…….
Klein said the broader economic agenda of the Abbott government – which has promoted the regressive concentration of wealth into the coffers of the nation’s richest or foreign mining moguls like Gautam Adani, the Indian billionaire attempting to develop the nation’s largest ever coal mine – is driven by the same neoliberal ideology that shackles climate action.
“What the book is arguing is we don’t just need climate action, we need climate justice; we need to take action on climate change in ways that simultaneously fights inequality and improves quality of life for the vast majority of people,” Klein said.
“Some people are going to have to sacrifice because some people have way too much — I would include myself in that category. But the fact is that most people are going to have a better life than they have right now if we do this right, if we transition right.
– See more at: https://newmatilda.com/2015/09/06/climate-criminal-tony-abbott-best-marketing-possible-my-new-book-naomi-klein#sthash.IxahtaHO.dpuf
Queensland government makes a small start on recycling of batteries
Qld govt to recycle power tool batteries http://www.heraldsun.com.au/news/breaking-news/qld-govt-to-recycle-power-tool-batteries/story-fni0xqi4-1227514813359
ENVIRONMENT Minister Steven Miles says special battery bins will be placed in Bunnings, Masters and Trade Tool stores in the city until next June.
“If you’ve bought your dad a power tool this Father’s Day make sure to tell him he can turn in his old battery. It will save clutter in the shed and save the environment at the same time,” Dr Miles said in a statement.
No sense in New Nuclear – Naomi Klein
“Every time he (Prime Minister Tony Abbott) tells Australians that they need to choose between the economy and climate action, that is a lie,” she said. “The latest studies show we would create six to eight times more jobs if we invested in those sectors than if we invest the same amount of money in the extractive sectors (like mining).
“The problem we’ve had is only those extractive jobs have all too often been the only jobs on the table.”
“It is true that some of the most powerful actors in our current economic system … stand to lose a lot.” Naomi Klein will be appearing at the Festival of Dangerous Ideas on Saturday, September 5. The talk will also be streamed live online.
Naomi Klein says building new nuclear power plants ‘doesn’t make sense’ SEPTEMBER 04, 2015 BUILDING new nuclear power plants to create a carbon-free world “doesn’t make sense” and just serves as a distraction from the risks, Canadian author Naomi Klein says.
The activist and author of This Changes Everything, was asked what she thought about the possibility of building a nuclear power plant in South Australia, which a Royal Commission in the state is currently considering.
Backers of nuclear power often spruik it as an alternative to renewables because it does not produce greenhouse gases, unlike coal-fired power stations.
But Klein said building new nuclear plants did not make any sense to her.
“What’s exciting about this renewables revolution spreading around the world, is that it shows us that we can power our economies without the enormous risk that we have come to accept,” she told media on Thursday.
- These risks are sometimes called “sacrifice zones” and this is actually a phrase that was used in government policy documents in the United States, Klein said. Continue reading
Canada’s PM in election trouble – an indication for Tony Abbott
Author Naomi Klein says she hopes Prime Minister Tony Abbott is still paying attention NEWS.COM.AU SEPTEMBER 03, 2015 PRIME Minister Tony Abbott is fond of describing conflicts as those between goodies and baddies — but this time he’s the one being labelled a villain.
Canadian author and activist Naomi Klein says it’s time to stop glossing over climate change and instead, accept it as a moral crisis and treat it that way.
“There are huge numbers of lives at stake, (Pope Francis) calls destabilising the planet’s life support system a sin, that’s not the language I use, I call it a crime but too often we use this very bloodless language, this very bureaucratic language that glosses over the huge moral crisis that we are in the midst of,” Klein told media ahead of her sold-out show at the Festival of Dangerous Ideas this weekend.
In her book This Changes Everything, Klein argues the human race has entered “Decade Zero”, during which it must act on climate change or lose its chance.
“Our economic system and our planetary system are now at war,” she writes.
“The International Energy Agency warns that if we do not get our emissions under control by a rather terrifying 2017, our fossil fuel economy will ‘lock in’ extremely dangerous warming.”
Last month the best-selling author described Abbott as a “climate villain”, a term she told media on Thursday that she stands by, saying “I stand by saying these are villainous acts, I believe criminal acts.” But she noted Mr Abbott was increasingly stranded on the wrong side of the battleground.
“Tony Abbott has talked openly about how he has learned from my Prime Minister Stephen Harper, (who) has acted like this malevolent older brother,” Klein said.
Harper offered tips on how to “vilify indigenous people and grassroots activists”, and how to market planet destabilising carbon as “something ethical and good for humanity”, Klein said.
He may now have a new lesson for Abbott.
- In May, Canada’s resource-rich province Alberta turfed out a conservative government which had been in power since 1971.
“Alberta, Canada … is ground zero of our carbon boom,” Klein said.
“There has been 44 years of uninterrupted, conservative rule in Alberta, in May they voted in our third party, our left wing party the NDP (Alberta New Democratic Party) because Albertans were sick and tired of the boom, bust rollercoaster,” Klein said.
“Now we have a federal election coming up in October (and) Stephen Harper is not doing well in the polls … I hope that Tony Abbott, having taken notes from Canada’s prime minister, is still paying attention.”…………http://www.news.com.au/technology/environment/author-naomi-klein-says-she-hopes-prime-minister-tony-abbott-is-still-paying-attention/story-fnjwvztl-1227511435708
Australia is “full of climate heroes” – Klein
Author Naomi Klein says she hopes Prime Minister Tony Abbott is still paying attention NEWS.COM.AU SEPTEMBER 03, 2015 “……….This Changes Everything argues there is a conflict between what the planet needs in order to continue supporting human life, and what the current economic system needs to thrive, which is short term growth and “putting profits above all else”.
Klein said she owed Abbott a “debt of thanks” because the PM was her book’s best marketer.
“This is a government (Abbott’s) that shows perhaps more than any other government on Earth what that conflict looks like and what the costs of that conflict actually are,” she said.
On this battlefield, corporations are the ones which are on a war footing as they have a lot to lose.
“We see that fossil fuel companies have five times more carbon in their proven reserves than is compatible with life on Earth,” Klein said.
“This is why so many young people, faith organisations (and) local activists are joining the fossil fuel divestment movement.
“Australia, by the way, has what appears to be the fastest growing fossil fuel divestment movement in the world … this is all because people have done the math.” he said 80 per cent of proven fossil fuel reserves needed to stay in the ground if the world was to meet the two degree warming target that governments agreed to inCopenhagen in 2010.
“That represents trillions of dollars to those companies so they are fighting hard to protect their future profits and I think we see the outlines of the struggle very, very clearly here in Australia.”
But she said those who were trying to get the country on to a safe path were winning, with victories including against the Carmichael coal mine and the decision ofNewcastle City Council and others to divest from fossil fuels.
Klein said Australia was filled with “climate heroes” including a powerful indigenous rights movement helping to protect land, air and water.
“In so doing, (it) is protecting the planet as a whole,” she said. “This is a tough place to be an environmental activist and because of that we see some of the most exciting campaigns, the Bentley blockade (against coal seam gas),Lock the Gate (and the) historic struggle against the Adani coal mine which the world is watching and cheering every victory,” she said……….http://www.news.com.au/technology/environment/author-naomi-klein-says-she-hopes-prime-minister-tony-abbott-is-still-paying-attention/story-fnjwvztl-1227511435708
Jobs and solar energy are the concerns of Canning voters
Canning byelection: Voters want jobs, solar energy: Greens, WA Times,
September 1, 2015 The coalition is using the politics of fear in its bid to woo voters in the Canning electorate, but locals care more about jobs and solar energy, the Greens say.
Leader Richard Di Natale said it was “rich” that Liberal candidate Andrew Hastie told the party’s recent state conference it was “disgusting” others were using the byelection as a chance to kick the Prime Minister and advocate for solar energy.
But about half of the electorate used solar energy, including hot water systems, so solar was clearly an important issue, Dr Di Natale said.He referred to Friday’s Border Force debacle, saying locals were much more concerned about issues such as power prices, the West Australian economy and employment for young people………Greens candidate Vanessa Rauland, who runs a business that helps organisations reduce their carbon footprint, said she would move from Fremantle to the electorate if she wins. http://www.watoday.com.au/wa-news/canning-byelection-voters-want-jobs-solar-energy-greens-20150901-gjckgc.html#ixzz3kiFFdCBz
Eric Schlosser in Australia to talk about #nuclear weapons
Investigative journalist Eric Schlosser on America’s history of nuclear weapons, ABC, Lateline By Amy Sherden US author Eric Schlosser, best known for his book and film Fast Food Nation, has revealed how small human errors and complacency have led to the United States almost blowing itself up on several occasions.
The investigative journalist has been researching America’s history of nuclear weapons for his book Command and Control: Nuclear Weapons, the Damascus Accident and the Illusion of Safety.
He delves into great detail on the “Damascus incident” of September 18, 1980, where a missile equipped with a nuclear warhead exploded in a launch silo at the Little Rock Air Force Base in Arkansas.
An airman conducting maintenance on the USAF Titan-II ballistic missile dropped a socket wrench about 24 metres, with the two-kilogram tool punching through the skin of the fuel tank.
The rupture caused a fuel leak and nine hours later the missile exploded.
An airman was killed and the launch complex was destroyed. But thanks to the warhead’s built-in safety features, it did not detonate.
Schlosser is in Australia for the Festival of Dangerous Ideas, talking about our delusions over nuclear weapons. Here are some of the key points from his interview with Lateline…….
Tasmania set be be regional leader with the right renewable energy policies
The Abbott Government’s continued hostility towards renewables will see Australia slip down the ranks and fall behind. We cannot afford to be left behind.
Renewable energy promises to be one of the leading industries of the 21st century, and a long-term strategy should focus on attracting investment.
Over $2.5 trillion is expected to be invested in renewables in the Asia Pacific region by 2030 — we need to make sure this investment is made here in Tasmania.
Renewable energy policy key to growth http://www.themercury.com.au/news/opinion/talking-point-renewable-energy-policy-key-to-growth/story-fnj4f64i-1227511349295 HELEN POLLEY MERCURY SEPTEMBER 04, 2015
Tasmania can continue to lead the way if the correct policies, strategies and mindset are put in place now. By looking at renewable energy as an investment in Australia’s future and leveraging new opportunities Tasmania could become a world leader in this field.
Tony Abbott and his Liberals have done everything in their power to mess with renewable energy in Australia, and come election time there will be a clear cut choice between Labor and the Liberals when it comes to renewable energy Continue reading
Solar energy news items – South Australia and Victoria
Solar to replace nuclear and coal
UBS believes solar power could become the default power supply technology of the future
http://www.afr.com/business/energy/electricity/solar-power-to-take-on-wind-coal-as-industry-scales-up-20150901-gjd1u6 (subscribers only)
Energy company shows interest in building manufacturing plant in Adelaide
A Brisbane-based energy company flags the possibility of building a manufacturing plant in Adelaide, which will produce battery storage units for solar energy.
http://www.abc.net.au/news/2015-09-02/allgrid-shows-interest-building-manufacturing-plant-adelaide/6745118
Solar energy project to create 30 SA jobs
THE South Australian government says the expansion of a Queensland-based Indigenous renewable energy company will create more than 30 job
http://www.heraldsun.com.au/news/breaking-news/solar-energy-project-to-create-30-sa-jobs/story-fni0xqi4-1227508948669
Solar power storage system helps Croydon family slash power bill
CLEAN energy experts say home solar power storage technology could turn our power system on its head.
http://www.heraldsun.com.au/leader/east/solar-power-storage-system-helps-croydon-family-slash-power-bill/story-fngnvlxu-1227509334574
Institute of Public Affairs to win prize from USA right wing group?
Thinktank Institute of Public Affairs up for prize for role in repealing carbon tax, Guardian 2 Sept Organisation’s former policy director Tim Wilson – now Australia’s human rights commissioner – praised over efforts to counter ‘misinformation’ peddled by carbon tax advocates The Institute of Public Affairs is in the running to win an international prize for its role in repealing the carbon tax.
The rightwing thinktank is a finalist for the $US100,000 (A$142,000) Templeton Freedom award, granted by American non-profit organisation the Atlas Network.
A glowing description of the IPA’s campaign strategy against the carbon tax – which was passed under 
the Gillard government in 2011 and repealed by the Abbott government in 2014 – is detailed on the Atlas Network website…….The IPA will find out if it has won the prize at a New York event in November. http://www.theguardian.com/australia-news/2015/sep/03/thinktank-institute-of-public-affairs-up-for-prize-for-role-in-repealing-carbon-tax
New app ‘Welcome to Country’ teaches about Australian Aboriginal culture
‘Welcome to Country’ app teaches users about Aboriginal culture in Australia, Telegraph, 26 Aug 15 New app delivers a “Welcome to Country” video introduction when users cross a tribal boundary A new app that delivers a “Welcome to Country” video introduction when users cross a tribal boundary in Australia has been launched.
In the short videos a traditional owner (or elder) welcomes the user to their country and gives an overview of basic cultural protocols specific to the tribal area.
The app was created by Aboriginal company Weerianna Street Media with the intent of educating people on the Traditional Owners’ culture and heritage protocols right across the Australia. It uses GPS data from the device to work where the users are in relation to the country they are entering……….The first version of the Welcome to Country app contains more than 30 tribes and language groups, of over 500 groups, across Indigenous Australia……..http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/worldnews/australiaandthepacific/australia/11824895/Welcome-to-Country-app-teaches-users-about-Aboriginal-culture-in-Australia.html
Naomi Klein on climate change: ‘I thought it best to write about my own raw terror’
Naomi Klein, the Canadian author, film-maker and social activist, will arrive in Australia this month for a series of events. The author of No Logo and the Shock Doctrine will be discussing climate change and capitalism, the key topics in her new bestselling book This Changes Everything. She spoke to Guardian Australia’s Oliver Milman. …
Naomi Klein: For someone with a background of economic justice, what scared me about climate change is not just that the sea level will rise and we’ll have more storms, it’s how this intersects with that cocktail of inequality and racism.
This is my attempt to lay out what disaster collectivism looks like. The primary reason people look away [from climate change] is that they don’t see a way out and are told that the solutions to climate change involves giving things up.
If we can chart a path to post-carbon economy, it will involve gaining a lot of other things. We can have a higher quality of life, more liveable cities, greater equality, heal historical wounds. It can be exciting.
Fear can’t be the driver. That’s the big mistake the environmental movement made – “we’ll scare the hell out of you and you’ll become an activist”.
There has to be a counter-narrative that we can have a different economy with more, better jobs.
Nuclear power a costly relic, US economist warns commission
Nuclear power is an expensive resource that has no place in Australia’s future energy mix, a US economist has warned…. (subscribers only)
http://www.theaustralian.com.au/national-affairs/state-politics/nuclear-power-a-costly-relic-us-economist-warns-commission/story-e6frgczx-1227500265740
Mining conference told BHP Billiton expects to spend millions expanding Olympic Dam underground mine
BHP Billiton expects to spend hundreds of millions of dollars on expanding its Olympic Dam underground mine in the next few years, a South Australian mining conference was told on Wednesday… (subscribers only)
http://www.adelaidenow.com.au/business/mining-conference-told-bhp-billiton-expects-to-spend-millions-expanding-olympic-dam-underground-mine/story-fni6uma6-1227500438124
1 This month
Chernobyl: The Lost Tapes – A good documentary on Chernobyl on SBS available On Demand for the next 3 weeks– https://www.sbs.com.au/ondemand/tv-program/chernobyl-the-lost-tapes/2352741955560
15 April – Zoom –Nuclear Power is Not the Solution
Apr 15, 2026 01:00 AM in Canberra, Melbourne, Sydney
Join the International Physicians for the Prevention of Nuclear War (IPPNW) on Tuesday, April 14th for a timely webinar exploring the risks associated with nuclear power and challenging the myth that it offers a simple, safe, carbon-free solution to the climate crisis
21 April Webinar: No Nuclear Weapons in Australia
Start: 2026-04-21 18:00:00 UTC Canberra, Melbourne, Sydney (GMT+10:00)
End: 2026-04-21 19:30:00 UTC Canberra, Melbourne, Sydney (GMT+10:00)
Event Type: Virtual
A virtual link will be communicated before the event.
Host Contact Info: australia@icanw.org
of the week – Australians for War Powers Reform (AWPR)
To see nuclear-related stories in greater depth and intensity
Antinuclear 