Capturing Climate Opportunities

By Suzanne Dunford, Waverley Council Sustainability & Resilience on October 3, 2019 in Other

Bronte Public School leading the way.

Albert Einstein said, “In the midst of every crisis, lies great opportunity.” As carbon concentrations increase, so does the rate of climate change. Call it a crisis or emergency, it’s hard to stay positive while glaciers disappear, fires rage and drought extends across our land.
Unlike the natural world, humans have the ability to plan ahead and coordinate actions. Taking action locally, through technology and social networks, can help minimise impacts and also capture opportunities for resilience.
Here are some climate solutions available in the Eastern Beaches right now.

1. Solar your school
Top marks go to the many local schools that are shrinking their own carbon footprint, saving money and learning first-hand about low emission power. By the end of 2019, over 40 schools in our patch will have solar panels, with the help of the multi award-winning Solar my School program. This council program is now rolling out across Sydney. Visit solarmyschool.org.au.

2. Get Prepared for Emergencies
September 23-29 is Emergency Preparedness Week. You can download Get Prepared, a free and easy-to-use app to help you prepare for any type of emergency. Establish your key support people, review your local risks, and create and share an emergency plan. Visit getprepared.app.link/Waverley_Council.

3. Renovate your energy bills
From solar power to LED lighting, aircon, draught-proofing and pool pumps, you can get free home energy-saving advice and quotes via the Council-backed Australian Energy Foundation helpline and website. Phone 1300 23 68 55 or visit aef.com.au.

4. Get a MOOC on
(Massive Online Open Course)
Brush up on climate science and solutions through a free online course. The recently launched Climate Change and Health MOOC explores the nexus between planetary and human health. Please visit iversity.org/en/courses/climate-change-and-health.

5. Solar for your rental?
If you rent your house or business, you don’t need to own your roof to get the benefits of cheaper renewable energy. Check out Suntenants, a new innovative model Council is trialling in the Eastern Suburbs. Learn more at suntenants.com.

6. Take charge of low emissions mobility
Charge your EV at one of eight on-street charging stations as part of the Tri-Council Electric Vehicle Charging Network. Visit waverley.nsw.gov.au/electricvehiclecharging, or ride a bike!

7. Track your carbs and connect
You can now track daily actions and their impact to cut your carbon pollution, and connect with a like-minded community with the 1 Million Women App. Council-supported, it’s free and easy to navigate. Visit 1millionwomen.com.au/campaigns/1-million-women-app/.

8. Speak up
Like many councils and governments around the world, Waverley Council has recently reaffirmed its commitment to urgent action on climate change and commended school children for exercising their democratic rights and their fears about the future.
One of the first in Australia to adopt community and council emission reduction targets, we are delivering community-based programs to help make low-carbon living second nature, while investing in better street lighting, solar power and energy-saving upgrades, plus buying renewable energy from a solar farm in Moree.

Share a bright idea or question at secondnature.org.au or by emailing secondnature @waverley.nsw.gov.au.