Sunday Reads #6: All things climate, environmental and politics

Real Density Versus Experienced Density in Paris

I know I’m part of a very small group in Australia who believe discussions will need to focus on higher density on the coming decades, but all the signs are there. I am certain Australia a century from now will have it’s capital cities and many satellites with densities much the same as places like many of the biggest cities today. A massive rethink on how we envision cities and indeed the “Aussie dream” need to be on the cards sooner or later.

This is excellent fuel for thought. As is;

Transit Oriented Development Needs More than Just Location

Making Aussies pay more for fuel to invest in more roads is worthy of a face palm. We will need TOD’s for our growing population. Planning ahead while density is low and land is being chewed up from sprawl makes for excellent timing.

Five Exciting Designs Chosen for New Garden Cities

Of course, higher density can be beautiful, if planned ahead.

Saving Trees in Tropics Could Cut Emissions by One-Fifth, Study Shows

Why not? They are productive lands (assuming landholders don’t rip them up – little nutrients actually in the soil).

Bendigo and Adelaide Bank joins super funds in fossil fuel rethink

The shift is happening, regardless how much some might resist it.

Science funding cuts are generating fears for jobs and research output

Something I can relate with. Being a job searcher hearing CSIRO cutting jobs, various universities cutting non-academic roles, outsourcing, outsourcing, outsourcing. Let’s just say, it’s hard being green….

Abbott deserves to be punished relentlessly for his broken promises

And yet, a mad side show between Turnbull and a couple neo-conservative commentators are taking up the discussions. Speaking of which;

Reading the crazy illogical Turnbull-Jones-Bolt brouhaha

Another shameless plug. The Climate Spectator picked up my article and ran with it.

Richard Denniss: Hey Joe Hockey, while we’re on the subject of debt …

“Australia faces choices about climate change, not dilemmas.”