Facing Extinction: The Hope for Human Survival
At the present time, there are seven billion people on this planet pursuing a vision that is 
devouring the earth. Medium.com Violet Bee, Nov 15, 2019
In a recent post, William E. Rees laid out the case that humanity is on a direct path toward destruction. He sums it up neatly at the end of his post as follows:
Disastrous climate change and energy shortages are near certainties in this century and global societal collapse a growing possibility that puts billions at risk.
It’s an uncomfortable notion, and enticing to write him off as a zealot, but a truth that many scientists are warning we’re perilously close to passing the point of no return. …….
Accept & Adapt
Rees’ recommended course to resolve these problems is nothing less than remaking of life as we know it. I urge you to read the original post, but I’ve included his full list here, with the addition of my own headings for each (in bold)……….
Accept the End of Growth
Perpetual, exponential growth has been the basis of our civilization for the past 10,000 years. GDP, population, consumption, everything. We’ve long been sold the myth that our economy and civilization cannot function without growth, but that is a lie built on greed and power.
Accept a Lower Level of Consumption
To feed our perpetual growth is the requirement of ever-increasing consumption. We’ve been turned from Humans to Consumers. A new way of life, focused on other than the lure of material wealth, is our only chance.
Accept Renewable Energy Limitations
Fossil fuels are an amazing source of power. Their abuse has made modern civilization possible. Renewables have their place in a post-carbon world, but we must remember that renewables are not a panacea. Wind turbines, solar panels, geo-thermal systems and all the others require fossil fuel and rare element inputs for construction and maintenance. Beyond that, we have yet to reach the point of their being distributable and transportable the way we’re used to consuming energy.
The Work of Acceptance
If the world is saved, it will be saved by people with changed minds, people with a new vision.
- Our work then, is to accept. Not superficially, but deep within us, accept that our entire world must change. The hopes and dreams we’ve had for ourselves and our children must change. The values deeply ingrained in us must change. Our path forward cannot start until we let go of the old system that is dragging us down. Accept, grieve, hope. ……. https://medium.com/radical-hope/facing-extinction-the-hope-for-human-survival-98c44d5b5b7
How would nuclear benefit Victoria?
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Nuclear lobby takes aim at Victoria to tackle prohibitions, Michael West Media, by Noel Wauchope | Feb 26, 2020 “…………..The Terms if Reference ask for the “economic, environmental, and social benefits to Victoria.” Victoria is moving towards a renewable energy revolution, with a significant uptake of renewable technology by the State Government. Victoria has set a renewable energy target of 50% by 2030 and Melbourne’s iconic tram network is to be powered by solar energy. The Norwegian Radiation Protection Authority (NRPA) revealed that thorium-based nuclear energy plants – once vaunted as a clean alternative type of nuclear energy – is not an environmentally safe alternative. Thorium leads to highly radioactive nuclear waste. Consequently, the risk of accidents will always be present the report said. Uranium mining has widespread effects, contaminating the environment with radioactive dust, radon gas, water-borne toxins, and increased levels of background radiation. As to the “social benefits”, the introduction of any part of the nuclear fuel chain into Victoria would particularly impact rural Victorians. The effect on tourism and farming industries has not yet been adequatley analysed, whereas solar and wind technologies can be developed alongside agriculture and tourism. Economist John Quiggin told Michael West Media last week that he’d support the removal of Australia’s ban in exchange for the establishment of a carbon price. Quiggin believes that this would put the nuclear proponents on the spot and open up the subject of the poor economics of the nuclear industry. You can read Quiggin’s submission here. This Victorian Parliamentary Inquiry may not succeed in promoting the thorium or the pro nuclear cause. However, it is part of what looks to be a co-ordinated national attack on nuclear prohibition laws. The mainstream media, particularly the Murdoch press, seems to toe the nuclear industry line that the way to fix global warming is to go nuclear. This Victorian Parliamentary Inquiry may not succeed in promoting the thorium or the pro nuclear cause. However, it is part of what looks to be a co-ordinated national attack on nuclear prohibition laws. The mainstream media, particularly the Murdoch press, seems to toe the nuclear industry line that the way to fix global warming is to go nuclear. Nuclear power is not supported by either Labor or the Greens.https://www.michaelwest.com.au/nuclear-lobby-takes-aim-at-victoria-to-tackle-prohibitions/ |
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Bridgat McKenzie fires up for nuclear
McKenzie fires up for nuclear THE AUSTRALIAN 26 Feb 20 Former Nationals deputy leader Bridget McKenzie has thrown her support behind nuclear and hydrogen energy….(subscribers only)
Australia could soon export sunshine to Asia via a 3,800km cable
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It might sound ‘batshit insane’ but Australia could soon export sunshine to Asia via a 3,800km cable , The Conversation , 26 Feb 20, John Mathews, Professor of Strategic Management, Macquarie Graduate School of Management, Macquarie University. Elizabeth Thurbon, Scientia Fellow and Associate Professor in International Relations / International Political Economy, UNSW. Hao Tan, Associate professor, University of Newcastle, Sung-Young Kim, Senior Lecturer in the Department of Modern History, Politics & International Relations, Macquarie University
Australia is the world’s third largest fossil fuels exporter – a fact that generates intense debate as climate change intensifies. While the economy is heavily reliant on coal and gas export revenues, these fuels create substantial greenhouse gas emissions when burned overseas.Australia doesn’t currently export renewable energy. But an ambitious new solar project is poised to change that.
The proposed Sun Cable project envisions a ten gigawatt capacity solar farm (with about 22 gigawatt-hours of battery storage) laid out across 15,000 hectares near Tennant Creek, in the Northern Territory. Power generated will supply Darwin and be exported to Singapore via a 3,800km cable slung across the seafloor. Sun Cable, and similar projects in the pipeline, would tap into the country’s vast renewable energy resources. They promise to provide an alternative to the export business of coal, iron ore and gas.
To export renewable energy overseas, a high-voltage (HV) direct current (DC) cable would link the Northern Territory to Singapore. Around the world, some HVDC cables already carry power across long distances. One ultra-high-voltage direct current cable connects central China to eastern seaboard cities such as Shanghai. Shorter HVDC grid interconnectors operate in Europe. The fact that long distance HVDC cable transmission has already proven feasible is a point working in Sun Cable’s favour. The cost of generating solar power is also falling dramatically. And the low marginal cost (cost of producing one unit) of generating and transporting renewable power offers further advantage.
The A$20 billion-plus proposal’s biggest financial hurdle was covering initial capital costs. In November last year, billionaire Australian investors Mike Cannon-Brookes and Andrew “Twiggy” Forrest provided initial funding to the tune of up to A$50 million. Cannon-Brookes said while Sun Cable seemed like a “completely batshit insane project”, it appeared achievable from an engineering perspective. Sun Cable is expected to be completed in 2027. Bringing in businessThe proposal would also bring business to local high-technology companies. …….. https://theconversation.com/it-might-sound-batshit-insane-but-australia-could-soon-export-sunshine-to-asia-via-a-3-800km-cable-127612
February 26, 2020
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Former UN climate chief receives human rights award from Sydney Peace Foundation — RenewEconomy
Former UN climate chief Christiana Figueres awarded the Gold Medal for Human Rights by the Sydney Peace Foundation. The post Former UN climate chief receives human rights award from Sydney Peace Foundation appeared first on RenewEconomy.
via Former UN climate chief receives human rights award from Sydney Peace Foundation — RenewEconomy
February 26 Energy News — geoharvey
Science and Technology: ¶ “Scientists Warn Climate Change Is Destroying California Kelp Forests” • Kelp forests off the West Coast are being reduced at an alarming rate by marine heat waves linked to climate change, according to seven top marine scientists. They have written an open letter about the problem and had it published in […]
Getting off coal: Orderly exit or last-minute stampede — John Quiggin
I’m one of 10 000 Australian academics who signed an open letter to Unisuper (our industry superannuation fund) calling for a policy of divestment from carbon-based fuels. The first step in such a policy has to be divestment from thermal coal. Purely on fiduciary grounds, getting out of thermal coal is now a matter of…
via Getting off coal: Orderly exit or last-minute stampede — John Quiggin
Sydney Gay and Lesbian Mardi Gras 2020 – 100% carbon-offset in partnership with Powershop. — RenewEconomy
For the second time, Sydney Gay and Lesbian Mardi Gras largest events will be 100% carbon-offset in 2020 thanks to their partnership with Australia’s greenest energy retailer, Powershop. The post Sydney Gay and Lesbian Mardi Gras 2020 – 100% carbon-offset in partnership with Powershop. appeared first on RenewEconomy.
One cheer for Labor’s 2050 zero net emissions target — John Quiggin
If Labor plans to keep its promise of emission reductions by 2050, serious action must be taken as time is running out, My latest piece for Independent Australia argues that if the 2050 target is taken seriously, Labor must have policies for 2030 similar to those taken to the 2019 election.
via One cheer for Labor’s 2050 zero net emissions target — John Quiggin
Keith Pitt labelled “delusional” for ignoring costs of unproven “clean coal” — RenewEconomy
Resources minister Keith Pitt advocates for the most expensive option for new power generation in Australia. Labor says he is delusional. The post Keith Pitt labelled “delusional” for ignoring costs of unproven “clean coal” appeared first on RenewEconomy.
via Keith Pitt labelled “delusional” for ignoring costs of unproven “clean coal” — RenewEconomy
Another 100 stand-alone solar and battery systems to be installed by Western Power — RenewEconomy
Western Power to install another 100 solar and battery-based stand alone power systems on grid in state’s Mid-West, Goldfields, eastern Wheatbelt and Great Southern regions. The post Another 100 stand-alone solar and battery systems to be installed by Western Power appeared first on RenewEconomy.
via Another 100 stand-alone solar and battery systems to be installed by Western Power — RenewEconomy
Solar has smashed the centralised energy model, but can it bridge the social divide? — RenewEconomy
As rooftop solar booms in Australia, a closer look at the distribution of “prosumers” across the network reveals emerging inequalities that must be addressed. The post Solar has smashed the centralised energy model, but can it bridge the social divide? appeared first on RenewEconomy.
via Solar has smashed the centralised energy model, but can it bridge the social divide? — RenewEconomy
Regulator expects “second wave” of wind and solar projects if grid issues sorted — RenewEconomy
Clean Energy Regulator sees positive outlook for renewables sector in post-RET era as it attempts to revive stalled Emissions Reduction Fund. The post Regulator expects “second wave” of wind and solar projects if grid issues sorted appeared first on RenewEconomy.
via Regulator expects “second wave” of wind and solar projects if grid issues sorted — RenewEconomy
While Australia plays politics on coal, Asian markets tell the tale — RenewEconomy
A run around Asia reveals that coal generation faces headwinds in every country. But pig-headed politicians in Australia still choose to ignore the facts. The post While Australia plays politics on coal, Asian markets tell the tale appeared first on RenewEconomy.
via While Australia plays politics on coal, Asian markets tell the tale — RenewEconomy
Kimba nuclear waste dump – a total mishandling of the truth from Australian government.
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IN DAILY – YOUR VIEWS – 25TH FEBRUARY 2020 Fight To Stop Nuclear Waste In The Flinders Ranges
 Leon Ashton, When will the Federal Government finally acknowledge publicly that their process to establish a nuclear waste dump has not worked.? All that they have done to date is to destroy the community bond which is the glue that holds any small community together.They have portrayed the dump to the key communities as a win-win for all.
This they can do easily because they have only told half the story. The good bits.
They have the money to do this as its taxpayers’ money. If the people of South Australia only delved a bit deeper into the nuclear issue, they would soon discover a total mishandling of the truth from our government.
A few unanswered concerns are:
1) Why won’t the department tell the people of Kimba what the CEO of Lucas Heights told the doctor from Hawker in May 2018 that we are lucky to now be receiving intermediate-level waste, because without it there are very little economic benefits to any community.
 2) The department will not tell the community how long the highly dangerous intermediate nuclear waste will be temporarily stored. There are no such plans in place at the present to permanently bury this waste as it is too cost prohibitive to do so. This could easily end up stranded for hundreds of years to come in the centre of Eyre Peninsula. If the government watchdog ARPANSA agrees that it is to remain at Lucas Heights, where does that leave the community.3) Why won’t Sam Chard (Your views, February 19) tell the communities that once legacy waste is collected and stored at the dump, then there will only be about two and a quarter containers annually of low-level waste delivered provided every one chooses to use the dump. This will never provide 45 jobs.
4. A parliamentary enquiry in 2004 in NSW acknowledged it was misleading to the public by ANSTO, rebadging the high-level waste being returned from France and England as intermediate waste.
If Australia has to have a single waste dump for our low and intermediate-level waste then all Australians need to be involved. Not just kept low key on the few hundred citizens that are at present bulldozed into the decision that needs a national answer. https://www.facebook.com/groups/941313402573199/
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1 This month.
PETITION – To: Prime Minister Anthony Albanese and the Australian Labor Government
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/235274195556
19 May – Webinar- Webinar: No Nuclear Weapons in Australia
Start: 2026-05-19 18:00:00 UTC Canberra, Melbourne, Sydney (GMT+10:00)
End: 2026-05-19 19:30:00 UTC Canberra, Melbourne, Sydney (GMT+10:00)
20 May – Webinar – The dangerous world of AUKUS, US, military occupation and suppression of dissent
National Webinar, 20th May, 2026, 6.30pm AEST. Confronting laws restricting/suppressing protest speech and action
Speakers: Former Sen. Rex Patrick, Lawyer Nick Hanna ,Arthur Rorris ,Jorgen Doyle, Sen David Shoebbridge,
Facilitator Kelley Tranter.
of the week – Australians for War Powers Reform (AWPR)
To see nuclear-related stories in greater depth and intensity
Antinuclear 