ecology, sustainability, environmental education and exchange
Australia’s native forests, the climate, and forest-dependent wildlife are in crisis.
With action, there is still time for change.
Each year, we are paying millions of dollars to prop up the ecologically destructive native forest logging industry.
The Australian government can end this ecocide. Forest protection is climate action and will bring wildlife back from the brink of extinction.
The Australian Bureau of Meteorology published an informative video to improve your understanding of the El Niño and La Niña and their impacts on our climate and weather. This “Understanding ENSO” video explains what El Niño–Southern Oscillation (ENSO) is, how the cycle works including the science behind the phases, and the potential impacts on Australia’s climate and weather.
Architects are familiar with the challenges of building sustainably. From affordability to aligning with stakeholders, it’s an unfortunate truth that sustainable construction comes with its own set of complexities.
Meet the Compass Model. This free tool created by EFFEKT Architects and VELUX offers a simple, holistic framework for the planning, ideation and design of sustainable buildings. Using seven strategic drivers, the Compass Model streamlines collaboration between teams, while ensuring quality and integrity throughout the entire design process.
You’ll be able to make more informed, sustainable design decisions from the start, with little cost and effort. The earlier these considerations are brought into the process, the greater the impact.
The Compass model provides the foundation for Living Places and serves as a strategic tool which outlines seven points of relevancy to guide the building and development process.The Compass provides an incremental approach to guide the building and development process and is layered in three steps:
This wonderful project is detailed and freely available at the Compass website.
Got 25-minutes for an overview on climate change, its impact on extinction, and promising strategies forward? Check out this informative video…
Even small changes can make a BIG difference.
Another day to reflect and celebrate the past — then dream and prepare for a brighter future… Earth Day has been celebrated for 53 years and over that time, we have seen great wins for the environment — and sadly, plenty of disappointments… Today, this day, is the best time to start making a difference. But HOW? How can each of us make a difference?
Let’s highlight what others are doing to protect the environment (and thus people, plants, and animals too). There are some inspiring stories, great insights of “how-to” and hopefully some motivation to get underway yourself.
Like podcasts and listening while you work, walk, or drive?
Then iHeart Radio has a great collection of Earth Day podcasts (the first, with Bill Clinton, Matt Damon and Gary White (the latter runs water.org who provides clean drinking water and sanitary toilets for millions of people).
Want to deep dive into Climate Change Impact and other enviromental topics?
Harvard edX (in partnership with 2U) offers numerous courses to get you properly resourced and well positioned do do even more to protect our environment. We’re taking the The Health Effects of Climate Change course now (either FREE or receive more access, validated completion, and a certificate for a fee). Looking for something else? Here are dozens more courses to choose from…
There are countless ways — both BIG and small to make an impact and every single action helps. Please let us know what else you are doing or other good ideas you’ve seen.
Google has a global sustainability trends resource — check it out.
Working together — we CAN make a difference.
Happy Earth Day 2023!