Archive for February, 2008
The State of Australia’s Birds 2007 – Birds in a Changing Climate
Since 2003 Birds Australia has produced an annual State of Australia’s Birds report. The reports collate and disseminate information on trends in bird populations to inform Australians of the status of their birds and help bring about improved understanding and better management of the land for birds and other biota. They also provide feedback to the dedicated thousands who volunteer their time and skills to monitor birds.
New guide to sustainable water use around the home
Water Not Down the Drain is a comprehensive guide to sustainable water use around the home. With Australia experiencing one of its driest phases in history, everyone has to think about how they use the water available to them and find ways to reduce their day to day water use. The good news is that with rainwater and greywater, people have more water available to them than they think.
The book is available from www.notdownthedrain.org.au or Borders book stores (check both the magazine and book sections of the store to locate a copy). It is published by the Alternative Technology Association and supported by the Smart Water Fund.
Solar Ark: Worlds most stunning solar building
Sanyo has built an ark for the solar century – an impressive 630 kW solar-collecting building that boasts over 5,000 solar panels and kicks off over 500,000 kWh of energy per year. Even more outstanding is the fact that most of the monocrystalline modules used on the Solar Ark were factory rejects headed to the scrap pile. Located next to Sanyo’s semiconductor factory in Gifu, Japan, the Solar Ark stands as one of the best examples of building integrated PV design to date.
ANPC National Conference 21 – 24 April 2008, Mulgoa NSW
- distribute this advice to members of your organisation (as relevant), or to networks with an interest in plant conservation
- consider submitting abstracts for oral and/or poster presentations (on- or off-theme) for this conference (late abstracts will be considered up to 29 February)
- register for the conference and book accommodation
The conference will bring together plant conservation practitioners from around Australia and New Zealand, and will focus on threatening processes and the responses we can effectively make. The registration, accommodation and abstract form and important information can be found here.
THECA’s 2008 Forum ‘A Green Future? Biodiversity under Climate Change’, 12 April 2008, Brisbane
The Hut Environmental & Community Association’s (THECA’s) 2008 Forum ‘A Green Future? Biodiversity under Climate Change’ will explore the impacts of climate change on the biodiversity of South East Queensland, and strategies for mitigation of these impacts, ensuring the long-term future and sustainability of South East Queensland biodiversity.
Further information can be found here.
‘Volunteering on the Edge’ Conference, 3 – 6 April 2008, Hobart
Australian Association for Environmental Education Conference 9 – 12 July 2008
The 15th Biennial National Australian Association for Environmental Education (AAEE) Conference “Environmental Education up the Track: Hot Topics for our Community” is on in Darwin at Charles Darwin University from 9 – 12 July 2008. There are discount rates for delegates who decide to register early with an early bird special for AAEE members, non-members and students.
The AAEE Conference is the premier professional association for those who work in the fields of environmental or sustainability education. AAEE serves to represent the environmental education fraternity: it advocates for the interests of environmental educators through representative roles on state and national government and Industry committees and its state-based chapters. AAEE provides an important network that supports members with up-to-date research and policy information, access to resources, and regular workshops and conferences.
Further information about the conference can be found here.
Victorian Sustainable Development Conference, 22 – 23 April 2008, Melbourne
The Victorian Sustainable Development Conference 2008 will bring together key public sector decision-makers, industry leaders, local government, scientists, conservationists and others to discuss the current and future directions and frameworks for sustainability in Victoria, and will review how it will affect Victorian local government, business and the community.
It will provide an opportunity to examine progress towards sustainable objectives in a range of key areas such as: Victorian policy and progress, water, waste and resource recovery, energy efficiency, climate change response, planning and urban design, including a review of the Melbourne 2030 strategy.
Further information can be found here.
Clean Up Australia Day – 2 March 2008
Registrations are now open to participate in Clean Up Australia Day 2008. The day provides a focus for community action to address not just the growing problem of plastic bottle rubbish but greenhouse gas pollution as well. Registrations are now open. Anyone can register a Clean Up site and community organisations are also encouraged to get involved by visiting Clean Up Australia or calling 1800 CUA DAY (1800 282 329).
