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Australia fires and global warming- what can you do?

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Syrte
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Like everyone I’m sure I was very moved to see events in Australia, but also to see a very sad cartoon (below) posted on Instagram.

Anyhow, then it occurred to me that it’s not enough to « Pray for Australia ».

I’m not going to debate here whether human activity is causing global warning.
I’m taking it as a given and I went on line to see what I could do to offset my own carbon footprint.
I saw that according to a University of Michigan study from 2014, it takes about 100 USD per year to offset the carbon footprint of many American. Realiy?

So today I went to ask a colleague who’s been trained in environmental issues (and who’s a climate activist) how to best spend 100 dollars to offset carbon footprint, she told me those are the following factors to have most impact:

1/ where do you put your money? Most major banks use your savings or assets to finance carbon industries, that is the number one factor- if you put your money into truly responsible funds that has a major impact; she says that in France where I live, Credit Agricole is the bank with the worst carbon footprint, especially their life insurance plan.

2/ transportation; you know that. Try to use trains instead of planes, and plant trees if you have to fly;

3/ food is another key factor: buying seasonal food produced locally instead of food that had to be transported. Of course in France we are quite lucky to have plenty of local markets -- I’m pretty good on that front. Is your fruit brought by land or is it flown over ?
Also as we all know cattle is a major source of emissions and so reducing the amount of beef is also supposed to help.

i still don’t know what the best tree planting program is, but I thought I would share the info so everyone has it.
Edited:
 
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Larry S
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Well said @Syrte. Mrs S and I are doing our bit as well. We are looking at our energy / single use consumption and saving money in the process. Kind of a no brainer really. As far as the reality of global warming ...this brave kid may be a little pedantic but my mind is made up and it will not be changed.
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Larry S
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The RSPCA is also accepting donations to help with their efforts of gathering and evacuating threatened animals, as well as assisting at evacuation centers. Their staff will also be entering affected areas to treat injured animals and pets. You can make a donation to the RSPCA NSW here.


To help koalas displaced by the fires, you can give to the World Wildlife Fund, who will be using donations to help restore the “Koala Triangle," a portion of Australia’s east coast hit hardest by the fires. In addition, Port Macquarie Koala Hospital is installing koala water stations in burnt areas, as well as establishing the world’s first wild koala breeding program. You can donate to their GoFundMe here.
 
BlackTalon
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No question increasing the population is no bueno for the planet. I do wonder about those who are very aggressive about their stance on helping the planet, yet they have 4 kids, 2 dogs and three cats.
 
oinkitt
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The fires in Australia have little to do with global warming.

Australia has had a fire season for 1000s of years. The fact is that the Australian environment needs the fire as many plants cant germinate until after a fire.

There are 3 major reasons for the fires.

!, The Indian El Nino. The last one was in 2009 when we had the last bad fires in Victoria costing 178 lives.

2, The Greenies have stopped the back burning and allowing fire breaks to be made. The result is copious amounts of undergrowth for the fires to burn.

3, Arson, people not adhering to the fire bans, and outright carelessness. 184 people in NSW alone have been charged relating to the above offences.

I agree that the globe is warming. I think it is highly likely that 7 billion humans are having some effect. Even though the human component of extra carbon in very small I cant see any reason why humans as a whole shouldn't be trying to do our best to limit our carbon output.

THE FACT IS, UNTILL WE CAN CONVINCE CHINA AND INDIA TO JOIN IN THOSE EFFORTS WE AER REALLY WASTING OUR TIME. They are the biggest emitters.

Anyone supporting Greata really needs to look into what her HANDLERS and trying to force on the world. Team Greata was CLIMATE EQUITY!!!! They want socialism... Marxism!! Its been tried before and it just doesn't work!!!!

If we are really serious about addressing climate change we need to address the elephant in the room. POPULATION CONTROL!!!!

BUT NO ONE WANT TO TALK ABOUT THAT!!!!
 
Deafboy
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oinkitt oinkitt
The fires in Australia have little to do with global warming.

It's interesting you list these "facts" because they are mentioned in this NYT article published yesterday.

@Syrte , I think the best way an individual to influence the outcome of this existential crisis is by leveraging their voice:
- talk about it with people you meet
- write opinion pieces in in magazines, newpapers, media sites, etc.
- vote for leaders that make it a priority
Individual efforts of reduction of carbon footprint will not be enough. In fact, it is a strategy now used by groups who want to maintain the status quo.
 
lindo
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oinkitt oinkitt
The fires in Australia have little to do with global warming.

Australia has had a fire season for 1000s of years. The fact is that the Australian environment needs the fire as many plants cant germinate until after a fire.

There are 3 major reasons for the fires.

!, The Indian El Nino. The last one was in 2009 when we had the last bad fires in Victoria costing 178 lives.

2, The Greenies have stopped the back burning and allowing fire breaks to be made. The result is copious amounts of undergrowth for the fires to burn.

3, Arson, people not adhering to the fire bans, and outright carelessness. 184 people in NSW alone have been charged relating to the above offences.

I agree that the globe is warming. I think it is highly likely that 7 billion humans are having some effect. Even though the human component of extra carbon in very small I cant see any reason why humans as a whole shouldn't be trying to do our best to limit our carbon output.

THE FACT IS, UNTILL WE CAN CONVINCE CHINA AND INDIA TO JOIN IN THOSE EFFORTS WE AER REALLY WASTING OUR TIME. They are the biggest emitters.

Anyone supporting Greata really needs to look into what her HANDLERS and trying to force on the world. Team Greata was CLIMATE EQUITY!!!! They want socialism... Marxism!! Its been tried before and it just doesn't work!!!!

If we are really serious about addressing climate change we need to address the elephant in the room. POPULATION CONTROL!!!!

BUT NO ONE WANT TO TALK ABOUT THAT!!!!

Thank you for explaining that global warming has not contributed to the massive drought across Australia, to the exceptional temperatures being recorded, and to the unusual weather conditions that turn 'normal' bushfires into raging infernos.

I can rest easy now.
 
STANDY
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Best way is buy once buy right. We have cut down on all plastic from bowls to containers. We talk and think about each thing we buy and need.
Stop consuming. You can help alot by just buying a titanium fork and straw and carry it with you.
Where I live we have have had a container deposit scheme and no plastic bags for over 10 years. Recently introduced no single use plastic s at the market stalls they all have to use plates and bowls and wash them like restaurant s

It's the insects we will miss the most.

@Syrte buy wool it is 100 times better than the water consumption of growing cotton.
 
JimInOz
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Syrte Syrte
........................

I do not want this thread to turn into a debate whether human activity is causing global warning.

......................................

FIFY 😉.

In the current climate (pun intended), the most contentious issue is no longer religion (or politics for the atheists among us), but the even more divisive and polarising subject of climate change.

I have my own views on the issue but to put them forward would only feed the flames (sorry).

There are many reasons for our current situation and the media grabs snippets and blows them up into articles, many of which are flights of fancy to say the least. Social media has also contributed to the bullshit and propaganda, so I suggest we all keep to the subject and avoid quoting facts and figures seen on Facebook or in the press.

Finally, if you would like to donate, don't do it via Facebook or Instagram but go to a recognised organisation or charity.
 
Archer
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oinkitt oinkitt
THE FACT IS, UNTILL WE CAN CONVINCE CHINA AND INDIA TO JOIN IN THOSE EFFORTS WE AER REALLY WASTING OUR TIME. They are the biggest emitters.

Yes, let’s wait around and wait as all the world’s big emitters point fingers at each other and say “without them doing something there’s no point!” While the situation continues to get worse...
 
Walrus
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Well whatever is going on it must be horrible for the people and animals of Australia.
As far as global warming no doubt human activity plays a part. The US and Europe are doing a decent job decreasing emission but India and China are increasing in double digit percentages every year. Why doesn’t Greta talk to them?

Anyway I do what I can, cut down on plastic use etc. I do hope things get better in Australia soon.

That Al Gore film used science to tell us how bad things would be now and it was way off.
Edited:
 
oinkitt
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lindo lindo
Thank you for explaining that global warming has not contributed to the massive drought across Australia, to the exceptional temperatures being recorded, and to the unusual weather conditions that turn 'normal' bushfires into raging infernos.

I can rest easy now.

Well, I live in Australia, I have a property in rural New South Wales. I have helped fight the fires on the south coast and the north coast for the last 2 weeks.

I said, "THE FIRES HAVE LITTLE TO DO WITH GLOBAL WARMING", not the fires have nothing to do with global warming!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Look at all the weather predictions from scientists in the last 50 years.

THEY HAVE ALL BEEN SHOWN TO BE WRONG!!!!!!!!!!!!!

We need population control, AND WE NEED IT NOW!!!!!
 
oinkitt
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Archer Archer
Yes, let’s wait around and wait as all the world’s big emitters point fingers at each other and say “without them doing something there’s no point!” While the situation continues to get worse...

I never said that. I'm personally in favour of a carbon trading scheme. If it turns out human activity isnt responsible for warming, all we have done is cleaned the environment.

Either way, most of the western world have made vast strides in trying to curb carbon output.

The fact is that human activity is responsible for a tiny fraction of the carbon emitted every year. It is very possible that this fraction is very possible to tip the balance.

I've done my bit. The only things I buy new are undies, and food. Most things I buy are second hand. I drive an LPG powered car and I have no children.
 
oinkitt
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Walrus Walrus
Well whatever is going on it must be horrible for the people and animals of Australia.
As far as global warming no doubt human activity plays a part. The US and Europe are doing a decent job decreasing emission but India and China are increasing in double digit percentages every year. Why doesn’t Greta talk to them?

Anyway I do what I can, cut down on plastic use etc. I do hope things get better in Australia soon.

That Al Gore film used science to tell us how bad things would be now and it was way off.
China would tell Greata to fυck off!!!!! Just like they do to the rest of the world.

They would probably lock her up and accuse her of spying!!!!

Greata is preaching doom to the converted!!!!
 
JimInOz
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oinkitt oinkitt
........................... I drive an LPG powered car .....................

I won't be happy until you are driving an electric car charged by solar power.

😉
 
cicindela
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STANDY STANDY
@Syrte buy wool it is 100 times better than the water consumption of growing cotton.

And you get to eat the byproduct. 😁
 
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