Swanpool Environmental Film Festival: Finding a path to a sustainable future; Finding the Money; And understanding the 'Undercurrents'

The potential election of Donald Trump (pictured) as the next U.S. President seems to have provided oxygen to Australia's Liberal/National Party: "How the prospect of Trump 2.0 is emboldening the Coalition on climate change"; "Tiny and unsubstantiated nuclear idea grabs the nation's attention"; "Former Liberal minister’s new climate role heightens federal energy clash"; "Voters split on nuclear but most see renewables as way forward"; "Peter Dutton’s nuclear gamble – Full Story podcast"; "Our Strathbogie Forest"; "India's 'heat trap' cities make summers worse, says government official"; "G7 vows to drop fossil fuels faster, but activists unimpressed"; "Analysis: Wind and solar added more to global energy than any other source in 2023"; "Landslides kill at least 15, displace millions, in Bangladesh and India"; "Gaza conflict has caused major environmental damage, UN says"; "Here’s why floods are inundating the Midwest right now"; "Climate and energy have emerged as a federal election flashpoint. But unless the economy improves, will voters be listening?"; "Estimation of groundwater storage change in the Helmand River Basin (Afghanistan) using GRACE satellite data"; "View from The Hill: Paul Keating labels Dutton a ‘charlatan’ as nuclear debate gets down and dirty"; "Gas flaring back on the rise, fuelling calls for stronger regulation"; "Heatwave scorches US over weekend as midwest sees deadly flooding"; "As climate disasters grow, early warning systems become essential"; "Plucking numbers from the air: Victoria’s big build for housing relies on impossible targets"; "Climate crisis driving exponential rise in most extreme wildfires"; "One of three missing people found dead after heavy rain in Switzerland"; "Climate change is already making your bills more expensive"; "Fire erupts at Costa Mesa park, spurring evacuation warning"; "Five things we learned from the UN’s climate mega-poll". --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/robert-mclean/message

Mexico has it all in just one day (picture: hail 'flooded" street)- "‘Multiple disasters all in one day’: New Mexico’s brutal week of fire and flood"; "Big Solar is already outperforming Big Oil – learn how"; "‘Dripping with self-righteous sanctimony’: Littleproud lashes teal MPs in nuclear debate"; "Dutton’s claim nuclear waste would be size of Coke can ‘hard to swallow’"; "Dutton goes off script, labels Albanese a ‘child in a man’s body’"; "These paddocks should be lush and green. Now the earth is dry, the lambs perishing"; "Peter Dutton’s nuclear gamble – Full Story podcast"; "Power bills could rise by $1,000 a year under Coalition plan to boost gas until nuclear is ready, analysts say"; "No Reprieve: Extreme Heat at Night Contributes to Heat Wave Mortality"; "Three missing after heavy storms cause landslide in Switzerland"; "Major power outage hits Balkan countries as region swelters in heatwave"; "With Heat Waves, an Increased Risk for Heart Problems, New Research Shows"; "As the Country Heats Up, ERs May See an Influx of Young Patients Struggling With Mental Health"; "Climate Activists Blockade Citigroup’s Doors with Model Pipeline and Protest Bank’s Ties to Israel"; "There’s a yawning Coalition credibility gap on the cost of renewables and nuclear"; "There is no shortage of Coalition U-turns on nuclear. But this Aukus example might be the most remarkable"; "Confusion reigns about the Coalition’s nuclear proposal. Here’s how the rhetoric has shifted"; "Climate activists bemoan scant progress on finance as Cop29 looms"; "Database of Climate Disinformation Supporters"; "Billions of people just felt the deadly intensity of climate-fueled heat waves"; "The cut-through message: wind, solar and pumped hydro are all we need, and cheaper"; "Peter Dutton’s nuclear plan could cost as much as $600bn and supply just 3.7% of Australia’s energy by 2050, experts say"; "A reactor in the backyard? What Latrobe Valley residents think of Dutton’s nuclear plan – video"; "California wildfires have already burned 90,000 acres, and summer is just beginning"; "‘If the land is sick, so are we’: Australian First Nations spirituality explained". --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/robert-mclean/message

Australia's Opposition leader, Peter Dutton (pictured) and his LNP cohort want Australia to build seven nuclear-powered electricity-generating power plants - "Dutton’s nuclear gamble puts everything on the line – except the details"; "Liberals, Nationals split over support for big wind and solar"; "Why Dutton’s nuclear power plan is so Soviet"; "Nuclear engineer dismisses Peter Dutton’s claim that small modular reactors could be commercially viable soon"; "Peter Dutton’s nuclear energy policy will do nothing to ease Australians’ hip-pocket pain, now or in the future"; "Dutton’s plan to build nuclear plants on former coal sites not as easy as it seems"; "Dutton reveals locations for seven nuclear power plants under Coalition plan"; "‘What if there just is no solution?’ How we are all in denial about the climate crisis"; "No costing, no clear timelines, no easy legal path: deep scepticism over Dutton’s nuclear plan is warranted"; "Blocked by the law and the states, how can Peter Dutton's nuclear proposal go ahead?"; "Dutton didn’t put a price on nuclear power plants. The world shows they come at a cost"; "The Coalition's nuclear power plan misses one key component: the cost"; "Nuclear power keeps the corporates in charge. No wonder it's conservatives' preferred solution to climate change" - this story by Tim Hollo is nearly a decade old; "Peter Dutton’s plan to cut the 2030 climate target would be an own goal for Australia’s Pacific ambitions"; "Peter Dutton has revved up Australia’s climate war – and scientists and business are in despair"; "Why Dutton’s energy switch may help Albanese keep Labor’s lights on"; "Thank you, Mr Dutton. With Lithgow going nuclear, the Shamrocks are daring to dream"; "Dutton’s nuclear plan contains a fib, but there’s also a fact in its favour". --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/robert-mclean/message

Alison McCormack (pictured) leads the Melbourne-based Bicycle Network and is excited and overwhelmed by what is "Australia's e-bike moment". Working with her team, Alison recently organized an e-bike event at the Brunswick Velodrome attracting some 4000 people from all parts of Victoria. The event, which allowed people to test-ride their preferred bike was so successful that Alison's team is now contemplating an "E-bike roadshow" that might visit Shepparton and, if arranged, visit the Museum Vehicle of Vehicle Evolution. This venue already has an impressive display of classic bicycles. As Alison previously worked with the Australian Centre for the Moving Image, she is well aware that Shepparton has a celebrated Olympic cyclist in Steve Fairless and would love to combine the screening of that movie, "Fairless", with the e-bike roadshow. --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/robert-mclean/message

Ray Evans (pictured) founded the Australian Business Forum (ABF) and is excited and energized by the "Electric SUV Expo" that people can enjoy at the Melbourne Exhibition and Convention Centre over three days from August 9. The ABF is a premier business platform dedicated to supporting entrepreneurs, business owners and professionals in the small and medium enterprise sector seeking to start, expand or transition their business domestically or across the Asian markets. Ray sees the electric vehicle market as a wonderful opportunity for those businesses his group represents. The Melbourne expo, Ray explains, allows people to see and experience some of the latest range of SUV vehicles from many manufacturers. Visitors will be able to learn about financing an electric SUV, charging and, in what's a first for the Exhibition and Convention Centre, test drive the electric vehicle of their choice. --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/robert-mclean/message

The June 15 Swanpool Environmental Film Festival was in equal portions depressing and uplifting - the latter arising from the fact that the Swanpool theatre was full of people eager to understand what is ahead for humanity and how best they could contribute to decisions ensuring the correct path was chosen. The eight-hour festival included the screening of three movies - "The New Corporation", "Finding the Money", and "Undercurrents" by Margot Nash. An intriguing, and almost laughable aspect of the Finding the Money movie was the interview with Jared Bernstein, the Chair of America's Council of Economic Advisers. Dr Steven Hail from the Torrens University Modern Money Lab in Adelaide introduced "Finding the Money" and mentioned Professor Stephanie Kelton, who was, by default, the movie's star. Musical entertainment was provided by the "Hot House Quartet" and in entertaining the crowd with the song "The Carnival is Over", I was reminded of Richard Heinberg's 2003 book, "The Party's Over: Oil, War and the Fate of Industrial Societies". Dr Mark Diesendorf, co-authored "The Path to a Sustainable Civilisation: Technological, Socioeconomic and Political Change" with Rod Taylor. Sponsors for the festival were the "Swanpool and District Land Protection Group"; the Benalla Sustainable Future Group"; the "Gecko Clan"; "Winton Wetlands"; "Benalla Rural City Council"; and the "Goulburn Broken Catchment Management Authority". A separate episode of "Climate Conversations" has a presentation by Dr Mark Diesendorf. --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/robert-mclean/message

Dr Mark Diesendorf (pictured) delivered a powerful and relevant address at the Saturday, June 15, Swanpool Environmental Film Festival. Dr Diesendorf is an associate professor from the University of New South Wales and is the co-author of "The Path to a Sustainable Civilisation". During his presentation, Dr Diesendorf pointed to the "Australian Conversation Foundation" and the "Australian Democracy Network" as groups that could help to bring some balance into society and so slow the advance of the climate crisis. --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/robert-mclean/message

Matthew B.Eisenson (pictured) from the Columbia Climate School Sabin Centre for Climate Change Law was the guest on a recent webinar where he talked about the "Myths and Misinformation about Renewable Energy". A recording from the session will be posted soon on the Columbia Climate School YouTube site, please check back there. --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/robert-mclean/message

Professor Alex Halliday founded the Columbia Climate School and has long championed the need for climate action. "US Elections: Could Trump Surprise Us On Climate?"; "Get on with orderly energy transition, says Origin boss"; "‘It makes our life easier’: Climate campaigns seize on Dutton’s refusal to set target"; "Talking the Talk: Dutton dumps climate commitment, Labor speaks with forked tongue"; "Maine college builds climate-friendly dorm out of wood"; "Why scientists fear a second Trump term, and what they are doing about it"; "Peter Dutton has reignited Australia’s climate wars. We fact-check the major claims"; "Farmers who graze sheep under solar panels say it improves productivity. So why don’t we do it more?"; "Will Mexico’s New Climate Scientist President Change the Country’s Energy Policy?"; "At risk from rising sea levels, these First Nations peoples are finding solidarity in their shared struggle"; "Serious heat wave to scorch the East next week. Maps show areas at risk."; "‘It makes our life easier’: Climate campaigns seize on Dutton’s refusal to set target"; "I'm a conservative. We need to make the environment non-partisan"; "Minnesota takes rare step to allow power lines alongside highways"; "Shocking: man who joked about Pacific Island nations sinking doesn’t actually care about the environment"; "EnergyHub receives CEC grant to support expansion of virtual power plants in California"; "Congestion Has Never Been Worse; The Need for Congestion Pricing, Never Greater."; "Cemeteries Can Be Damaged by Climate Change—and Provide Climate Refuge"; "As the Country Heats Up, ERs May See an Influx of Young Patients Struggling With Mental Health"; "Looking at the Planetary Past to Prepare for Our Climate Changed Future—An Interview with Steven Earle"; "A year of record global heat has pushed Earth closer to dangerous threshold"; "Heavy flooding hits parts of South Florida after severe rains"; "Anatomy of a flood"; "European Union Hits E.V.s From China With Extra Tariffs Up to 38%"; "If regional communities don’t want a windfarm, why would they accept a nuclear power station?"; "Peter Dutton accused of trying to ‘rip up’ Australia’s commitment to Paris climate agreement"; "Best-case scenario: 5% survive Milford Sound tsunami"; "End of the windmill era: NSW switches to safer, more efficient solar water pumps"; "Low-Traffic Neighborhoods Are Reclaiming London’s Streets From Cars"; "Acropolis in Athens closed as Greece bakes in heatwave: What travellers need to know"; "EU to slap extra tariffs on Chinese electric cars in a bid to close competition gap"; "Where will climate change hit hardest? These interactive maps offer a telltale glimpse."; "The city that is trying to sleep: Paris seeks to cut noise pollution by four decibels"; "Up to 5m of beach are disappearing from this Spanish coast every year: Is climate change to blame?"; "My Climate View: online tool allows Australian farmers to project changes out to 2070"; "Scientists have built a ‘digital twin’ of Earth to predict the future of climate change"; "How Congestion Pricing Makes Cities More Livable"; "Super election year: What are candidates in the UK, US and Australia planning on the climate?". --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/robert-mclean/message

Peter Dutton (pictured) has damned Australia's climate efforts, proposes nuclear energy and so will see Australia burst past its Paris agreement. Subsequently, the leader of Australia's Liberal Party seems to have cornered the news services, here are a few: "Dutton and Albanese both think they’re on a winner with nuclear power. Only one man can be right"; "‘Worse than Scott Morrison’: PM attacks Dutton over revival of climate wars"; "Gas made from cow manure could be new front in energy fight"; "Four Corners - Wind Wars"; "Dutton to pull Australia out of Paris Agreement if elected"; "Is nuclear energy feasible in Australia (and how much would it cost)?"; "Regional Queenslanders say electric vehicles worth it for fuel savings but challenges remain"; "The anti-windfarm 'odd couple' joining forces to fight the renewable energy projects Australia's already failing to build"; "The CAT guide to a good 2035 climate target"; "Who thinks people can affect what the government does about global warming?"; "Europe veers right but centre-ground resists: What the EU election results mean and what's next"; "Analysis: UK climate aid reaches record £1.8bn in 2023 after loosening rules"; "This word was rejected by geologists. But it’s already taken over the world."; "Peter Dutton’s plans will breach the Paris agreement on climate – that much is clear"; "We have a moral responsibility to help low-income nations restore coral reefs"; "Investors have bid against each other to buy Australia’s first green bond. Here’s why that’s a great sign"; "Weakening or collapse of a major Atlantic current has disrupted NZ’s climate in the past – and could do so again"; "Winds of political change blow through environmental conference"; "Living Hot: Surviving and Thriving on a Heating Planet"; "Could low-carbon cement and steel be cheaper than we think?"; "View from The Hill: Peter Dutton sets up a debate about Australia’s ambition on emission reduction targets"; "Why Do Americans Feel Entitled to a Leadership Role on Climate?"; "North Korea’s trash balloons deepen tensions with the South. Here’s what’s happening between rivals"; "The Macroeconomics of Australia’s Energy Transition"; "Living and Dying in the Shadow of Chemical Plants"; "In Brazil’s Semi-Arid Region, Small Farmers Work Exhausted Lands, Hoping a New Government Will Revive the War on Desertification"; "Could spraying sea salt into the clouds cool the planet?"; "Home insurance was once a ‘must.’ Now more homeowners are going without."; "The UN chief has called for a ban on fossil fuel advertising – is the NZ industry listening?"; "A renewable energy transition that doesn’t harm nature? It’s not just possible, it’s essential"; "View from The Hill: Peter Dutton sets up a debate about Australia’s ambition on emission reduction targets"; "3.2 million people in the U.S. may be exposed to dangerous heat today"; "Brutal heatwave cooks US south-west, an early sign of sizzling summer ahead"; "End climate silence"; "Far-right fossil fuel company allies pressure US supreme court to shield firms in unprecedented campaign"; "Water firm seizes stake in Devon sewage protester’s home over unpaid bills"; "Climate scientist Susan Solomon: ‘Let’s not give up now – we’re right on the cusp of success’"; "North Africa’s disappearing nomads: Why my community needs climate finance"; "Blackout risk lower this winter, says National Grid"; "Developing countries suggest rich nations tax arms, fashion and tech firms for climate"; "What Happens When Climate Change Threatens to Bury Your Home?"; "UN Secretary-General Calls for Ban on Fossil Fuel Advertising, Says Next 18 Months Are Critical for Climate Action"; "Most planes are powered by fossil fuels. That could change."; "How to support climate change education in your state’s schools"; "Research on Earth’s raging fever of 2023-24 is picking up"; "What’s the deal with terms like “greenhouse effect,” “global warming,” “climate change,” and “the climate emergency”?"; --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/robert-mclean/message