In late November climate scientists again sounded the alarm as the world briefly smashed through the 2-degree warming limit from pre-industrial levels for the first time (and again the following day for the second time in recorded history). Although the threshold was crossed just temporarily and does not mean that the world is at a permanent state of warming above 2 degrees, it is a symptom of a planet getting steadily hotter and hotter, and moving towards a longer-term situation where climate crisis impacts will be difficult — in some cases impossible — to reverse.
Meanwhile at COP28 where the nations of the world are supposedly looking at ways in which to maintain a habitable earth and limit global warming to 1.5C, the COP28 President (UAE’s Sultan Al Jaber – who also happens to be chief executive of the United Arab Emirates’ state oil company, Adnoc) claimed that there is “no science” indicating that a phase-out of fossil fuels is needed to restrict global heating to 1.5C, the Guardian and the Centre for Climate Reporting revealed. The comments were “incredibly concerning” and “verging on climate denial”, scientists said, and they were at odds with the position of the UN secretary general, António Guterres. Guterres told Cop28 delegates: “The science is clear: The 1.5C limit is only possible if we ultimately stop burning all fossil fuels. Not reduce, not abate. Phase out, with a clear timeframe.”
Not that Sultan Al Jaber isn’t on his own - the number of fossil fuel lobbyists (2,456 representatives) at this year’s U.N. climate summit is nearly four times higher than it’s ever been, revealing an extraordinary amount of influence from the biggest climate polluters on Earth. “The sheer number of fossil fuel lobbyists at climate talks that could determine our future is beyond justification,” said Joseph Sikulu, the Pacific managing director of environmental group 350.org, in a statement. “We come here to fight for our survival, and what chance do we have if our voices are suffocated by the influence of Big Polluters?”
As we have mentioned previously it will take the voices of thousands of ordinary citizens like us to show our concern, and continue to push for the phase out of fossil fuels in the very short term.
I would like to take this opportunity to express our many thanks to Mary Debrett who has stood down as President after 4 years and also to our Treasurer, Paul Tant who has also stood down as Treasurer and from the Board. We welcome Vandna Chawla to both the Board and to the Treasurers position. Also, many thanks to the BREAZE Board for their efforts this year and to Patrick Hockey, BREAZE membership officer who also puts out the e-newsletter; and to our community of BREAZE members, whose support is vital to our work.
Wishing you all the very best for Christmas and the New Year.
Campbell Mercer (President, December 2023)
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BREAZE Activities / In the news
• 16th Nov: Green Drinks: An excellent presentation from Sue Broadway and Ian Rossiter on the many benefits of induction cooktops and getting off gas. A lively Q&A followed the presentation.
• 22nd Nov: Smart Living Ballarat: Ellen Burns presented on Gas versus Induction cooktops. If you missed this excellent demonstration, you can catch it here: https://www.facebook.com/smartlivingballarat/videos/215823098131152
• The Climateworks Centre announced that as of November, half of Australia’s biggest companies have net-zero emissions plans, but there’s more to be done. Read more here: https://www.climateworkscentre.org/news/half-of-australias-biggest-companies-have-net-zero-emissions-plans-but-theres-more-to-be-done/
• The International Energy Agency (IEA) said in a November 23 report that the oil and gas industry is relying excessively on carbon capture to reduce emissions and called the approach "an illusion," sparking an angry response from OPEC which views the technology as a lifeline for future fossil fuel use. Read more: - https://www.reuters.com/business/environment/why-carbon-capture-is-no-easy-solution-climate-change-2023-11-22/
Upcoming Events
• 15th Feb 2024: Ballarat Green Drinks - Third Thursday of the month: 6:30-8:00pm, Bunch of Grapes Hotel, 401 Pleasant St, South, Ballarat Join us for drinks/dinner, great talks and conversation. Book via Trybooking
• 28th Feb 2024: Smart Living Ballarat - Fourth Wednesday of the month. Follow Smart Living Ballarat on Facebook to stay informed.
• 25th Feb 2024: Buninyong Sustainability Festival. Find out more here
BREAZE Inc. Board Meetings
Paid up members are invited to attend BOARD meetings - every third Monday of the month – contact