ACOSS Australian Council of Social Service’s Post

Regional Development and Associate Energy Minister Shane Jones says it’s time to make the energy sector about power security, not profit. 🤔 At the start of a series of development summits around the country, the New Zealand First deputy leader flagged galloping energy costs as one of the major impediments to regional development. He says more than 340,000 people are on the edge of energy poverty. The market-based system brought in 30 years ago is no longer fit for purpose because of climate change and the failure by companies to invest in new capacity. “What is the point of New Zealand power companies being inordinately profitable if New Zealand businesses are leaving the regions or being driven to the wall (or) out of New Zealand because of energy costs. There’s no point in keeping an elegant theory intact if the practical impact is to undermine development, undermine the resilience and quite frankly degrade the quality of life of garden variety kiwis,” Mr Jones says. He says New Zealand First campaigned on power reform, and its coalition partner now seems to be coming round. https://lnkd.in/dAgTAnvD

Canada's recent decision to raise the carbon tax underscores the pressing need for collective action in addressing climate change. While this may bring forth economic implications, it's a stark reminder of the environmental toll we must mitigate. However, amidst these challenges lies an opportunity for proactive measures. Consider the long-term benefits of transitioning to sustainable energy solutions like solar power with Solar X. Not only does this offer a tangible way to reduce carbon emissions, but it also empowers individuals and businesses to contribute positively to our planet's health. Let's turn this necessity into an opportunity for a greener, brighter future.

Is Scotland's transport spending compatible with its climate and anti-poverty commitments? Our latest research finds that almost £1bn of public funds in Scotland's City Region Deals are dedicated to road-building – projects which will harm #climate, #publichealth and #equalities. Read the report 👇 https://lnkd.in/ejHN4UZt The Deals provided an opportunity for transformational investment in transport in our cities, but politicians have disproportionately favoured projects which will inevitably generate more #traffic and higher #emissions. Find out more and compare performance across the 6 city regions below 👇 https://lnkd.in/ejHN4UZt

NEW: Our latest research finds *over 70%* of transport funds in Scotland's City Region Deals are being spent on high-carbon infrastructure. That's almost £1bn on projects which: 1. Undermine The Scottish Government's climate strategy 2. Increase traffic 3. Damage public health 4. Worsen inequalities Read the report 👇 https://lnkd.in/eeKAynXe 🚫 We must halt all road building projects now. 🌎 All projects should be paused pending a #climate assessment.

Canada...you can do better. With all our protocol promises, GHG emissions have actually increased by 24% since 1990. That is irresponsible and pathetic. When will we start adapting an attitude of responsibility for future generations. When will our governments (left or right) actually deliver on promises to transfer carbon taxes to sustainable programs that make sense for the long term, and not just for candy programs, pre-election promises unfulfilled. to garner votes? Will we ever see a government that actually cares more about the health and welfare of the majority of givers instead of the takers? https://lnkd.in/gsP7W_rm

Great news! Zimbabwe is on the verge of concluding its Carbon Market Framework, marking a significant milestone in our journey toward sustainable development and climate resilience. This initiative promises numerous benefits, including incentivizing reductions in greenhouse gas emissions and promoting responsible land use and forest management. It will unlock economic opportunities in renewable energy and sustainable agriculture, attract foreign investment, and create jobs in green projects. Additionally, the framework encourages local community engagement in conservation efforts, fosters international collaboration for climate finance, and enhances emissions monitoring for greater accountability. By strengthening local institutions and raising public awareness about the importance of reducing carbon footprints, we can lead the way toward a greener, more resilient future for Zimbabwe! #sustainability #netzero

Pakistan is among the countries most vulnerable to climate change, with its diverse geography and economy facing significant threats. To address this, Pakistan needs to adopt a multi-faceted approach that includes policy reforms, community engagement, and technological innovation. This can involve establishing a National Climate Resilience Fund, promoting renewable energy sources, and implementing green infrastructure in urban areas. Read more at: https://lnkd.in/dMbwsz22 #Pakistan #ClimateChange #Sustainability #RenewableEnergy #GreenInfrastructure

Some of our favourite positive climate news stories from July ↓👏 🐋 A critically endangered North Atlantic right whale has been spotted off the coast of Ireland for the first time in more than a century. There are fewer than 400 of critically endangered species left and the sighting gives ‘glimmer of hope’: https://bit.ly/4d66t5R ♻️ The new UK Labour government has pledged to approve many new infrastructure projects - including on green energy. According to the Department for Energy Security and Net Zero (DESNZ), the projects could create a total power of 1.4GW - enough to power 406,994 homes: https://bit.ly/4dmbzdM 🐟  An initiative in Greece is working to clean up abandoned fish farms which contribute to pollution and marine debris, and affect local people’s livelihoods: https://bit.ly/3RtpczG      💰 New proposals to collect a wealth tax from the super-rich in Brazil could help tackle the climate crisis, poverty and equality. A 2% levy would affect about 100 billionaire families, but the $250bn raised could be transformative: https://bit.ly/4c9Y4Nj #ClimateNews #GoodNews #GoodNewsFeed #Sustainability #ClimateAction #NatureNews #PositiveNews #ClimateChange #ClimateActionNow #NewsUpdate #ClimateGoodNews #RenewableEnergy #LabourGovernment #RightWhale #GreenTax #TaxLaw #Greece #OceanConservation 

Housing has the most direct impact on people’s health and livelihoods🏡🌍 Equitable housing integrated with low-carbon and affordable key services like 💧water 🧼sanitation 🔋energy 🚏accessible transportation is critical to ensuring the least amount of harm from climate change and opportunities for a prosperous future for all. Yet housing is rarely discussed in international climate forums; and informal settlements (slums) located in developing and vulnerable countries are completely ignored. In low-income countries, 64% of urban dwellers live in slums. By 2050, over 200 million climate migrants are expected to move to urban areas, who often settle in informal settlements, while seeking jobs. Adequate housing and urban services may be a fiscal challenge, but it also provides opportunities for a just, climate-friendly transition that can help achieve sustainable development goals when done right. Learn more▶️ https://bit.ly/4alxKjs Meet REHOUSE▶️ https://www.rehouse.org #climatecrisis #climateresilience #environment #sustainability

⚡Last week, I had a conversation with Eng Michael Sakala, a key figure in Zambia's push for clean energy and eMobility. As we talked, it felt like diving into a story of challenges and hopes. 💰 We discussed the barriers in policies and funding, painting a picture of a country at a turning point. With just 94 electric two-wheelers on the roads by the end of 2023, it seemed like e-mobility was just beginning to tiptoe in. 🚌But the dream of electric buses promised something bigger. However, the green economy struggled to thrive, tangled in the lack of clear policies. 🏭Once a powerhouse, the Kariba Dam now suffers as water levels drop, a victim of changing climate. However, the country still has more power since it exports to its neighbors 💨🌑 With charcoal smoke clouding even in schools and hospitals, the government's focus on the past leaves Zambia's energy future hanging in uncertainty. Should we say slow governments are keeping us on the wait? Check more of the interview https://lnkd.in/dQ5HDiHv #greenenergy #minigrids #hydropower #solarenergy #Evs #Emobility #sustainability