About Climate Tasmania | Climate Tasmania

About Climate Tasmania

Climate Tasmania is about global climate from the point of view of this beautiful island to the south of the Australian continent, facing the mighty Southern Ocean and Antarctica. I’m Peter Boyer, and I’ve lived here most of my life.

I’m a freelance writer specialising in climate science, having worked for a long time for the Australian Antarctic Program. Since November 2006 I’ve been a member of Al Gore’s Australian Climate Project team of volunteer presenters. In this capacity I’ve provided a Tasmanian take on the Al Gore message that global warming presents the world with a massive problem which needs the attention of us all – especially those of us in the developed world. As of October 2009, I have spoken to over 7000 Tasmanians in about 170 audience groups from all walks of life.

As a former journalist in the daily media I became concerned that the many issues associated with climate change – the science, the politics, the economics, the local and national and world scenes – have not been getting enough exposure among the general public of Tasmania. Since September 2007 I have written a weekly column, Climate Challenge, published in Tasmania’s major newspaper, The Mercury, which is based in the island’s capital, Hobart. These columns, starting on 11 September 2007 and continuing weekly since then, have been consolidated in this blog, which was set up in April 2009. I’ve also included some talks I’ve given to various seminars and other public events over the past few years.

My own writing will, I hope, be only part of this website. Anyone can comment at the end of each article. And if you’re concerned enough about our long-term future on Planet Earth to write an article of your own that you’d like to see posted here, please send it to me by email.

I’d like this site to work for people who, like me, want to make a difference in their own part of the planet. I’d appreciate your ideas and thoughts about how I might improve the blog and make it do the job intended. You can contact me by email by clicking here.

—Peter Boyer

Comments are closed.

Ten Steps to a Safer Climate, launched in Hobart in January 2010, aims to make Tasmania a leader in developing and implementing strategies to reduce carbon emissions and prepare people for a more sustainable future. Click here for more information.

The Copenhagen Accord was agreed to by the world’s nations assembled in Copenhagen in December 2009. For the full text of this agreement, click here

“350”, the biggest movement for global action in history, has in 2009 provided world leaders with more than 5200 reasons to get serious at Copenhagen. Find out more.

If you have an event you’d like to see posted here send me an email. For information on past events go to Past Happenings.

2010

11 March: Vote for a Safe Climate—public forum. 6.30 pm at the Stanley Burbury Lecture Theatre, University of Tasmania Sandy Bay campus (off Churchill Avenue), on Thursday 11 March. See how the parties contesting this year’s Tasmanian elections shape up on climate policy. Lisa Singh (Labor), Cassie O’Connor (Greens), Vanessa Goodwin (Liberal), and Mel Barnes (Socialist Alliance) will be on stage to defend their parties’ climate credentials. Organised by Climate Action Hobart.

11 March: Lars Gemzøe on Launceston’s inner city. 6.00pm at The Tramshed, Inveresk. Lars Gemzøe is a senior partner in Gehl Architects, a firm which has transformed public spaces throughout the world to be people-friendly. The University of Tasmania hosted G.A. last year to discuss with government and community people about how Tasmania might benefit by a fresh approach to key urban spaces. Lars Gemzøe is introduced by Launceston Mayor Albert Van Zetten. Click here for more information.

12 March: Tim Flannery in Launceston. In the 2010 Examiner-John West Memorial Lecture (8.00 pm, Albert Hall, Cimitere Street), Prof Tim Flannery, author of The Weather Makers, will speak on climate, nature and our future. Don’t miss this rare opportunity to hear a renowned scientist, thinker and campaigner for a more responsible attitude to our environment.

13-15 March: Climate Action Summit, Canberra. At Australian National University, Canberra. This three-day event builds on the achievements of last year’s exceptional summit, which launched countless local initiatives around Australia. The Community Action Network seeks to build a diverse, participatory grassroots climate action movement, support the exchange of knowledge, skills and resources, implement the outcomes of national summits and facilitate major campaigns. The summit is open to all; to join the Network click here.

14 March: Save Tasmania’s Water. Open air forum, 1.00 pm Civic Square, Launceston. Speakers include Peter Cundall, Todd Walsh, Kim Booth, Vica Bailey, Jeremy Ball, Margy Dockray. For more information call 0427889789.

23 March: Understanding coastal changes—causes and implications (Ulverstone). All are welcome to this Tuesday morning seminar (9.30am - 1.00pm, lunch included) at the Ulverstone Civic Theatre. Three expert speakers will discuss implications of climate change for our coastal ecosystem: Chris Sharples, coastal geomorphologist, Richard Mount, from the University of Tasmania’s Centre for Spatial Information Science, and Peter Dann from Phillip Island Nature Park. Call Leanne on 64316285 to secure your place. Registrations are essential and will close on 19 March.

27 March: Earth Hour 2010. At 8.30 pm, on Saturday 27 March this year, cities and states, governments and companies, communities, families and individuals come together to recognise the need for action to reduce carbon emissions to lessen the impact of climate change. It is marked by turning out the lights for one hour as a symbol of our determination to continue to strive, every day of every year, for a safe climate. Click here for more information.

27-28 March: Penguin Organic Growing Centre—Back to the Future. Garden tour on Saturday to be followed by Festival on Sunday, with plenty of activities and stalls. For further information contact Prue Holling (tel. 64253871).

17-18 April: Tasmanian Community Gardens Conference, Devonport. This is the third annual statewide event for all community garden people — experienced community gardeners, recent recruits, and people who are still “just thinking”. A great chance to meet others from around our island. Full of ideas to enrich your experience of building a more sustainable community, get more food from your plots, and enjoy yourself while doing it. Click here for further information. Or you can email Nel Smit; or telephone either (03) 62279891 or 0428201654.