On ignoring a greenwash alphabet soup

Twelve days ago, Hepburn Wind celebrated the groundbreaking for its two community-owned wind turbines. Its website’s account of the event [1] is similar to its email to members, but lacks the following 84 words: The only disappointing aspect of the day was a protest organised by a group with the misleading name 'Australian Environment Foundation'. The group denies the existence of climate change and supports landscape guardian groups to target renewable energy projects, even supplying signs, banners and protesters. The protesters numbered around 20 and included few locals, and while Hepburn Wind supports the right of peaceful assembly, we believe there is no place in our community for abuse and intimidation – especially in the presence of children. The Castlemaine Independent, interviewing Cam Walker from Friends of the Earth [2], reported it well [3]. As I’ve written [4], AEF’s linked to the Institute of Public Affairs [5] and commingled with Timber Communities Australia [6]. Funded by Big Business [7, 8], IPA and TCA are climate change sceptics if not deniers. I can’t find out who’s behind Australian Landscape Guardians [9, 10] but I’ll bet it’s a greenwash organisation – as AEF is – and not a grassroots community one. It could be the brainchild of the nuclear energy industry [11]. Be this as it may, I respect the right of AEF, TCA, ALG or anyone else to protest. But not to be abusive and intimidatory in so doing. However it seems more of the same’s in store [12]. Ho hum.

farmdoc's blog post number 671

Here’s this week’s compendium. This week…

1. I read that Australia could generate all its energy needs from renewable sources by 2020 if we spent A$40B a year, or 3-3.5% of GDP, on green energy [1]. We should go for it. We’d lead the world and show all other countries what’s possible.

2. the federal Treasurer Mr Swan delivered the Government’s 2010 intergenerational report, Australia to 2050: future challenges [2] The IGR3 expects health spending to increase from 4% of GDP in 2009-10 to 7.1% in 2049-50. The major factors are population ageing, increased demand, and new technologies. What a frightening statistic.

3. Sir Richard Branson warned peak oil will occur before 2015 [3]. As his Virgin Group has airline, rail and space travel and F1 interests, he’s making peak oil happen much earlier than it would’ve otherwise.

4. a new bill was introduced to the US Congress aiming for 10 million solar roofs and 200,000 solar hot water heaters over the next 10 years [4]. That’d save the power produced by 30 nuclear power plants. I’d adore to see it happen.

5. Nutrition Diva told us where to store bread (for home-made bread, at room temperature for 2-3 days), and how to turn leftover bread into crostini that’ll keep for two weeks [5]. Sounds, and tastes, good to me.

6. a research report showed that among women at least a year diagnosed with breast cancer, aspirin use was associated with a much lower risk of distant recurrence and breast cancer death [6]. Aspirin is nothing if not a wonder drug.

7. smoking cigars and/or pipes was shown to reduce lung function, i.e. to be a risk factor for chronic lung disease [7a]. As Yul Brynner said: ‘Don’t smoke’ [7b].

8. Sweetheart Vivienne did a marvellous interview on ABC Central West NSW [8]. I’m so pleased for, and proud of, her. She’s great talent – in more ways than one.

Finally, I wish you, dear Farmdoc’s Blog readers, a wonderful week.