President Elias opened the meeting with a welcome to country.
Therese had the job of managing our often-unruly meeting today and started with a toast to Rotary International. President Elias followed up with a welcome to all, including our visitors, Guest Speaker, Margot Delafoulhouze, her colleague in Climateworks, Freya Harding and our inquisitee-in-waiting, Sarah Carnovale.
Therese introduced Margot and this immediately led to Mary Voice wondering how someone so young has such a full and impressive CV. Your reporter can only wonder too.
Margot Delafoulhouze
Margot presented, after successfully combatting a small but tenacious cough, the role of Climateworks and her part in it. Simply put, Climateworks Australia is a not-for-profit founded by Monash University and the Myer Foundation to bridge the gap between research and climate action. For the past decade Climateworks has played a unique role in Australia’s transition to a net zero future. Climateworks Australia works within the Monash Sustainable Development Institute (MSDI) and is accelerating the transition to net zero emissions for Australia, Southeast Asia and the Pacific. As part of MSDI, Climateworks is committed to the UN Sustainable Development Goals, with a focus on climate action.
We are currently living in a world at about 1.1oc above pre-industrial levels and we are already experiencing record floods, temperatures, droughts, loss of sea ice and fires of larger frequency and intensity. Cuts in carbon emissions are recognised as vital but extrapolation of present trajectories suggest we are headed for +2.7o and clearly, we need rapid transformational change. We need net zero – globally – by 2050.
COP 26 is currently under way and is now focussing on halving emissions by 2030. Overall, COP 26 has agreed on
- 30% reduction in methane emissions,
- 40 countries will quit coal,
- Deforestation will end by 2030
Australia has agreed to zero by 2050, but not to halving by 2030. Also, we have not agreed to reducing methane or quitting coal. Interestingly, some Australian states are taking the lead in climate action.
Margot’s area of activity is around cities. She advised that Australia’s five capitals produce 40% of the country’s emissions. They are all near the ocean and are thus vulnerable and they produce 67% of our GDP. Keys to city emissions are
- Buildings,
- Behaviours and consumption,
- Infrastructure,
- Urban planning
And actions needed are required to embed Net zero into decision-making, implement a supportive environment, boost sustainable consumptions and behaviour, retrofits on buildings.
Questions
Q: Role of sequestration? A: Sequestration by natural/forestry is factored in and will play a major role in net zero.
Q: Is there a parallel with the ozone layer crisis? A: Yes, in that the ozone layer matter was dealt with international diplomacy leading to voluntary activation. In the case of CO2 the problem is in implementation. It is bigger and more widespread – both emissions and corrective actions
.
Q: Many (politicians?) say our economy is efficient but actually our systems are not – particularly in the cities. A: Yes, but for example, cars are major emitters, so electric cars are an appropriate direction, but also public transport and cycling can have major emission benefits as well as amenity benefits.
An interesting and informed presentation on a vitally important topic. Margot agreed to share her presentation slides and these are available by contacting David Jones.
Member Milestones
Member Birthdays
Trevor Dymond 11th November
Partner Birthdays
Alan Crawford, Michelle’s partner, 10th November
Veronica Love, Kevin’s partner, 10th November
Laura Soros, Rob’s partner, 11th November
Angela Ma, Daniel Lim’s partner, 12th November
Wedding Anniversaries
Stella Avramopoulos and Con Matsamakis, 25 years, 9th November 1996
Date Joined Rotary
Nil
Announcements
Rohan mentioned RIMERN, who need items for their second-hand store. Right now, they need household smaller electrical goods such as toasters. They also would like help in the form of volunteers. Please contact Rohan.
Rebecca advised that Christmas Hamper time is approaching again. Please contact her for supply of hamper bags. Also contact Beccy if you would like to take advantage of assisted procurement of goodies to go in hampers.
Nev 1 reported that two weeks of sausage sizzles at Bunnings Collingwood have netted $1,700. Thanks to all involved.
Therese reminded us (as if we needed it) of the upcoming Paul Harris Breakfast and asked us to not only cease procrastination and book, but also to seek attendees from friends and family. Guest speaker, Georgie Harman, CEO of Beyond Blue will be excellent. Campbell reminded us that the Paul Harris needs goods for the customary raffle and silent auction so please contact him if you have any contributions.
Frank reported on the passing of Ian Angus last week. Ian was a foundation member, a high contributor and was much liked and respected in the club. Frank will post an obituary on the Club’s behalf shortly.
Frank also reported that our member, Peter Duras was involved in an accident last week. Unfortunately, he was the pedestrian involved which left him with several fractures and trips to and from several hospitals. Sue, who has continued helping at sausage sizzle duties notwithstanding, reports that he is improving – including even his sense of humour.
The Inquisition
This week, Brett had Sarah Carnovale under the spotlight. Sarah and her partner (another Sarah – I’ll call her Sarah Junior) recently had a child - notwithstanding Covid.
Sarah always wanted to be a journalist and tried Uni five times, at three different universities; but she was generally unsettled until gaining a cadetship which has led to a life of Communications and Events.
Sarah met Sarah Junior in 2017 when she joined Sarah’s footy team and they immediately hit it off. Actually, they probably kicked off, rather than hit off. Both always wanted a family so they tried living together and that worked.
After deciding they wanted a baby, they knew that IVF was the path, but being a gay couple, they wanted no problems. As it turned out, the biggest problem was the lockdown. Sarah Junior was unable to get to her fertility specialist. It was strange having consultations over the phone. Sessions with a psychologist were required, presumably related to the nature of their relationship.
Sarah Junior’s parents were thrilled at the thought of the coming baby while Sarah’s parents were mixed. Dad ecstatic, Mum pleased but concerned for her 41-year-old’s wellbeing in embarking on parenthood.
Anyway, on 30 May, 2021, baby Farah was born and all’s well.
And furthermore, our Sarah’s favourite dish is …………….Pickled octopus!!
President’s announcements
- Next Wednesday evening there will be a board meeting. If anyone wants to attend, contact Paul Fowler.
- A Member Survey has come out from RI this week. All Rotarians should complete it.
- The RI International Convention is scheduled for Melbourne in May 2023. Now is not too early to think about roles for our club and our members. Start thinking.
