The need to design social policy for climate change refugees

So far the Australian government doesn’t seem to regard climate change as a primary issue. Elisabeth Stafford says we need a national conversation to pressure the Australian government into action to create social policy on a variety of climate change fronts.

How Greek philosophy can help us

Dialectic viewpoints are useful in complex issues like renewable energy and energy security, but rarely encouraged in the Australian public policy debate. Lindley Edwards supports so-called ‘skyhook’ ideas that bridge current realities and future possibilities.

Climate change dialogues: denialists and the disadvantaged

Many individuals and communities feel disempowered or ignorant when discussing climate change. Megan Bonetti says we need to foster a non-judgemental culture of awareness to make key stakeholders sit up and listen.

The Future of Coal Seam Gas after the NSW Election

The New South Wales state election will be held on Saturday 28 March. James Horne discusses the future of coal seam gas, one of the major issues in this campaign.

Meat Free Week is going global

When it comes to meat, people in Australia and the UK eat well above the world average. With a devastating impact on the planet and the suffering of billions of animals, Elise Burgess encourages us to support the Meat Free Week initiative.

Climate change: a global responsibility, but apparently not Australia’s

The government recently released its intergenerational report providing a snapshot of what the nation might look like in 40 years. Madeleine Ivett says the fact that climate change only gets a passing mention shows the lack of responsibility for our future.

Buy back privatised utilities and infrastructure? What for? Why?

Should state governments buy back privatised utilities and infrastructure? Max Thomas suggests to rather campaign for investing in state-owned renewable energy and other key infrastructure.

The health effects of climate change

Climate change is affecting people’s health in regions all over the world. Alice McGushin recently ran a workshop in Istanbul with the aim to inspire medical students to take action on climate change on a global level.

Population and the environment – a perspective

Many claim that overpopulation is the greatest contributor to environmental damage. Reducing the population seems like a simple solution, but is it?

Environmentalism and science

Science needs to be able to speak the language of its intended audience. Max Thomas says the challenge is to get the science of communication and the communication of science right.

When it comes to council complaints, where’s due process?

Here’s a little story about two planter boxes on a footpath, one complaint and the reaction of Randwick council. Russ Grayson says it’s time to bring due process, fairness and democracy to local government.

Who would the Reef vote for, if the Reef could vote?

Protecting the Great Barrier Reef is an important issue in the upcoming Queensland elections. Kate Galloway suggests elevating the Reef’s status to that of a legal rights holder to ensure its ecological sustainability as government and public authorities are failing to do so.