Discrimination continues to affect employment of migrants.

Just a quick post to link to an interesting story in The Age by Helen Szoke reporting on new research, Harnessing Diversity research report being released today by the Victorian Equal Opportunity and Human Rights Commission and the Victorian Multicultural Commission.

It shows that Sudanese, Congolese, Burmese, Iraqi, Somali or any other recent arrival from a non-English-speaking country is experiencing discrimination when attempting to find work.

The most disturbing passage from this report is

“Harnessing Diversity makes it clear that racial discrimination is behind many of the rejections people from culturally and linguistically diverse backgrounds face. While much of the blatant racism and name-calling is a thing of the past, the discrimination people face today is more subtle, entrenched and much more difficult to identify and deal with.”

Australia has been a country of opportunity for generations of migrants and it is disturbing to learn that subtle methods of exclusion are being used to sidestep laws that protect migrants from racism.

Read this story, Australia, land of the fair go (as long as you are not foreign) at this link.

Having just experienced the great mixing of people at World Youth Day, this story is particularly disappointing.

PHOTO OF THE DAY: World Youth Day pilgrims show what harmony can really be.

Photograph: Dom Marie, 15th July, 2008 ©.

World Youth Day - some photos of the pilgrims progress.

World Youth Day continues to be an amazing spectacle as the city of Sydney is awash with young pilgrims from all over the world.  There is a great sense of the Universal Church as one mingles with people from the many and varied cultures that already make up the multicultural mix that is Australia in 2008.  The pilgrims are making contact with the communities in Australia and with other pilgrims from countries that they may have never had any contact with.

There is also a great inter-faith contact and dialogue and one of the most inspiring news stories came from the Muslim community, where the Malek Fahd Islamic school in Greenacre has opened its doors to host 300 Catholic pilgrims in their school hall, as a gesture of ecumenical tolerance and friendship.

Today’s entry into Sydney by the Pope brought a crowd of an estimated  150,000 pilgrims from more than 170 nations, to the streets of Sydney.

Included today is a selection of photo’s taken at World Youth Day events over the past few days.  Hopefully there  will be more to come.

Opening Mass 15 July, 2008, Photograph taken by © Dom Marie.

Opening Mass 15 July, 2008, Photograph taken by © Dom Marie.

Opening Mass 15 July, 2008, Photograph taken by © Dom Marie.

Pilgrims at a Catechesis centre, 16 July, 2008. Photograph taken by © Dom Marie.

Old bloggers never die!- greenicebergs salutes Olive Riley.

Sometimes blogging has its depressing moments.  The misuse of the power of the internet and the restriction of free speech that some bloggers face in some countries leaves one wondering about what the internet really offers.  However it is people like Olive Riley that represent what joy of expression and  communication is made possible by this medium.  Yesterday the blogosphere lost a truly amazing and inspirational woman who was born in 1899 and left us at the great age of 109 years.

As the world’s oldest blogger, having entered the blogosphere at the ripe old age of 107, Olive contributed 70 posts to her blog:

http://www.allaboutolive.com.au and more recently http://worldsoldestblogger.blogspot.com.

she delighted her readers by sharing “her life’s experiences raising three children on her own, living through two world wars and the Depression, her work as a station cook in rural Queensland and as an egg sorter and barmaid in Sydney.” She made friends all over the world and enjoyed reading her emails.

She leaves us memories of her zest for living and an example of what can be achieved if we take some risks in life.

My condolences to her family and my great appreciation for the wisdom and humour that she shared.

This really is the blogosphere at its best. Yes old bloggers never die we will think of her often.

PHOTO OF THE DAY: WORLD YOUTH DAY.

Continuing on the theme of World Youth Day here is a photo of the pilgrims processing through the streets of Sydney with the World Youth Day Cross and Icon.  The Cross and Icon arrived in Australia on July 11 last year and their journey around Australia will end tomorrow when they are carried into the opening Mass.

World Youth Day 2008 - Sydney welcomes pilgrims from around the globe.

Sydney began welcoming thousands of pilgrims that have arrived for the week of World Youth Day events that culminate on Sunday with a Papal Mass.  The enthusiasm and excitement is reminiscent of the 2000 Olympic Games and it really is wonderful having youth from so many nations in the city. The excitement is palpable and Sydney is a wonderful backdrop to this great event.

Pope Benedict XVI has arrived in Sydney for Catholic World Youth Day celebrations today, his plane touching down at Richmond RAAF base, on Sydney’s north-western outskirts, at 3pm.

I hope to be out and about documenting this special event in Sydney and post some images of the pilgrims and of the city as it welcomes this multicultural flood of pilgrims from around the globe.

PHOTO: World Youth Day in Rome, 2000.

Source: Wikipedia.

Wilkins ice shelf winter collapse - a troubling sign of rapid global warming say scientists.

This week the European Space Agency released some new images taken by its Envisat remote sensing satellite that show the breakup of the ice bridge connecting the Wilkins ice shelf to Charcot island. The breakup of the bridge is significant because it stabilises the shelf and its collapse could lead to the disintegration of the whole ice shelf. This occurrence has surprised scientists and the agency is quoted as saying:

“This break-up is puzzling to scientists because it has occurred in the Southern Hemispheric winter and does not have characteristics similar to two earlier events that occurred in 2008, which were comparable to the break-up of the Larsen-A and -B ice shelves.”

“The persistently low sea ice cover in the area and data from some interesting sources, electronic seal hats [caps worn by seals that provide temperature, depth and position data] seems to suggest that warm water beneath the halocline may be reaching the underside of the Wilkins Ice Shelf and thinning it rapidly - and perhaps reaching the surface, or at least mixing with surface waters.”

The disturbing aspect of this most recent collapse is that it indicates that the time frame previously estimated for the breakup of the Wilkins ice shelf of thirty years appears now to be conservative. The shelf now seems likely to succumb sooner than expected because of the increased warming that has occurred in recent years.

Climate Skeptics in Australia  like elements of the Coalition cannot continue to pursue a policy of climate change denial and obstruction in the face of such rapid changes to Antarctica.

The fact that even the cold temperatures of winter cannot stop the effects of the oceans warming on Antarctica should disturb those that continue to push for delay in action. It is time to heed the warning signs and do something about it.

PHOTO OF THE DAY:

The following are the images released by the European Space Agency and further information can be read at their site at the following link.

Annotated image of Wilkins Ice Shelf acquired on 9 July 2008 by Envisat’s ASAR instrument, showing the ice bridge connecting to Charcot Island and Latady Island (bottom left). A new fracture that could open the ice bridge is visible at the bottom of the ice bridge.

Credits: ESA

Compare this with an image from 1992.

This image of the Wilkins Ice Shelf was acquired on 13 January 1992 using ERS-1’s SAR instrument. Shades of grey have been assigned to backscatter values, white indicates no backscatter, black indicates high backscatter.

Credits: ESA

The end of the fossil fuel age opens up opportunities for greentech ventures.

Recently I wrote  that climate change offers the chance to see the problem as an opportunity for the entrepreneurial to innovate and be part of a fossil-fuel free future.  I compared the paradigm change needed as something equal to the change that ushered in the industrial revolution.

In fact some go further in comparison of the challenge. The University of Michigan reported recently that Andrew J. Hoffman, associate director of U-M’s Erb Institute for Global Sustainable Enterprise, has written a “how-to” manual for companies interested in developing effective climate strategies. The report, Getting Ahead of the Curve: Corporate Strategies That Address Climate Change, is based on a 31-company survey and in-depth case studies of six companies: Alcoa, Duke Energy (formerly Cinergy), DuPont, the Shell Group, Swiss Re and Whirlpool Corp.

He is quoted as comparing the effort needed to counteract climate change as much like what it took to overturn slavery 200 years ago.

In an article in the magazine Ethical Corporation, “Climate change: Calling the f ossil fuel abolitionists”: he argues that:

“the strongly positive returns of energy efficiency are fueling an exploding green building market” and that the positive opportunities afforded by the growth of greentech industries is being taken up by companies as never before. Indeed,  Hoffman posits that “This field of greentech could be the largest economic opportunity of the 21st century. There’s never been a better time than now to start or accelerate a greentech venture.”

Read this interesting article at the link above.  It provides a positive outlook at a time when we seem to be buried by negatives and reports that are framed solely through the prism of the fossil fuel industry.  As unimaginable as it may seem and no doubt it will be difficult, the world does have the opportunity to refashion our energy dependency towards more climate friendly solutions.

We will need to act more cooperatively to achieve this adaptation but humankind has been able to surmount difficulties in the past.  As the problem is given the serious consideration it requires there is hope that it will drive innovation. Individuals, companies, states and even nations are leading the way and providing positive hope to us all.  Polluting industries of the old era and their investors, are the only ones defiantly fighting the new reality, unable to accept that they can no longer be driving forces for the future.

PHOTO OF THE DAY:

Ventifacts on Walker Peak, the Dufek Massif, Pensacola Mountains. Ventifacts are weather eroded rocks.

Photograph by: Bill Meurer, National Science Foundation. Date Taken: January 22, 2007.

US finally agrees to cut emissions at G8 summit - not much conviction but its a start!

Finally George Bush has accepted a long term target for emissions reduction for the US by agreeing to the G8 summit “vision” of fifty percent reduction in emissions by 2050.  The acceptance by the globe’s richest nations of this is some headway on climate change though the language is rather tentative. Thankfully there is some hope that Bush’s  time of recalcitrance is coming to an end and there may be change in the US in the near future. Individual states are already moving ahead, like the Pennsylvania Climate Change Act that is being enacted, and that gives us all some hope.

Meanwhile back in Australia echoes of past recalcitrance emerged with John Howard’s backing, in a  speech overnight, for the Nelson policy of obstruction on emissions trading.  He criticised the Rudd government for not having “a theme” and that politicians should have conviction.  The only conviction that Mr Howard showed during his period of tenure was to avoid any move to accept climate change and to stubbornly fall into line with the US in doing nothing about the growing problem.

In fact the only “theme” of the Howard government was moving in close unison with the US and blindly following it in every circumstance.  He is quoted in the Sydney Morning Herald as saying that rather than holding “starry eyed” views about international organisations, Australia had realised that “if you want to get anything done in the world” it had to do so with like-minded liberal democratic nations.”  It beggs the question: exactly did the Howard government “get done ” other than involve us in the Iraq war?

He even went so far as to defend opposition for oppositions sake “when it is in the national interest,” and because as he saw it, this is what Labor had done and now the Coalition should do likewise.  How burying one’s head in the sand in the face of a problem of global proportions that is being tackled by governments across the globe and even individual states within the US is “in the national interest,”is beyond belief. Of course it speaks volumes about Howard’s bitterness that he feels justified to cause further division in the Coalition ranks. The divisions in the Coalition on climate change are clear. Julie Bishop, deputy leader, is an example: “We support the Shergold recommendations that were given to the Howard government” she said — that a scheme was “doable by 2012″.  This moves away from Nelson’s “wait till China and India set targets” approach.

Returning to the G8 summit, the outcome is less than stunning but its a start.  The weak language of the G8 summit statement underscores the difficulty in getting the richest nations of the world, who contribute to “62 % of the carbon dioxide accumulated in the earth’s atmosphere,” to set quantifiable medium term emissions targets. Even their “vision” of 50% reduction by 2050 is rather lame but at this stage any action on climate change has to be welcomed.

The practical experience of individuals as climate change continues to affect them and the future of their children and grandchildren will be the moving force for change.

In Australia the only ongoing “theme” of the opposition and the media is denial, obstruction and dissemination of negative information and criticism on any action on climate change.  The “honeymoon is over” narrative of the media is becoming a little tiresome and it is time to move on and provide a less biased analysis of the policies that will have to be pursued by this new government.

For those that haven’t noticed because they have been in denial for so long, climate change is with us and demands action, leadership and some sacrifice.  On the other hand it also offers a wealth of opportunity for innovation and new ventures involving renewable energy and new ways of doing things in this 21st Century.  It will not be all doom and gloom if we remove ourselves from the gasole teat and our oil addiction to find new ways forward.  We may even be surprised by the economic benefits that courageous initiatives may bring. After all there must have been nay-sayers at the beginning of the industrial revolution.

PHOTO OF THE DAY:

Aurora australis over the elevated station at Amundsen-Scott South Pole Station. The red light in the distance provide guidance with minimal light pollution.

Photograph by: Calee Allen, National Science Foundation. Date Taken: May 2, 2008.

Australia faces more frequent and severe droughts study shows - supporting Garnaut’s call for action.

A   recent study by the CSIRO and the Bureau of Meteorology shows that Australia will feel the effects of climate change more acutely in the future with more frequent and severe droughts.  This surely underscores Ross Garnaut’s call for action on an emissions trading scheme in his recent interim report to the nation.

The media is full of skeptical comments and the Coalition opposition is talking of preferring a  delay to the introduction of an emissions scheme.  They continue with their previous obstructionist policies that have held up any positive action on climate change.  They are using the “we will do something when India and China get involved” line continuing to closely follow the Bush administration policy yet again.  In fact, Professor Garnaut  criticised the lack of action by the Howard government, arguing that it should have acted sooner and that Australia had given the US an excuse to do nothing.

Years of inaction have left us well behind other developed nations in moving on climate change.  After all, as a high per capita emitting nation we must, along with the other developed nations that have contributed to the current problem, lead by example and encourage emerging nations to make binding commitments.

As ever the mainstream media continues to push “if climate change occurs” blindly denying what scientists, increasing studies and even the obvious signs in nature point to.  Just as they have not accepted that the Rudd government won the last election, they continue to grasp at any contrary viewpoint to prop up their case.

The weight of evidence and the pressure of the impacts of climate change are forcing Australia to adapt and move away from the recalcitrance of the past.  Polls show that the public wants this change of attitude.  It is time for the government to take desicive action. If the current drought has affected the world’s food supplies and added to increased prices then the world will also need Australia to act and adapt as well.

PHOTO OF THE DAY:

Pressure ridges are formed by shifting sea ice colliding with stationary ice.

Photograph by: Andre Fleuette, National Science Foundation. Date Taken: November 6, 2005

Arctic Refuge should not be opened to drilling, poll finds.

It is pleasing to learn of new national polling in the US conducted over the past week that found  55 percent of those polled supported continued protection for the Arctic Refuge, while only 36 percent favoured opening the Refuge to drilling.

The Arctic Refuge is a pristine environment housing 250 species including caribou, grizzly bears, musk oxen, threatened polar bears, and tens of thousands of migratory birds and is critical to the Gwich’in people who rely on the Refuge as a source for their subsistence culture.  It has been a target for those advocating drilling and as gas prices have risen in recent weeks these calls have intensified.

Here is a summary of the findings:

1. A majority, 74 percent said that investing in new energy technology, renewable fuels, and more efficient cars is a better way to address energy prices for long term needs than relying on more drilling for a limited amount of oil.

2. A majority, 53 percent believe drilling in the Refuge will have no effect on the price they pay at the gas pump.

3. Some 56 percent of those polled said Congress should not allow drilling in the Arctic National Wildlife Refuge agreeing with the argument that “this is one of the most valuable wilderness areas left in the the U.S. and it would be permanently damaged by drilling.”

4. A majority, 68 percent of those polled  believed that there is no reason to open more Alaskan wilderness to drilling given that oil companies have not drilled in the acres already available to them.

(The poll, conducted by Washington, D.C., research firm Belden Russonello & Stewart, surveyed 817 adults between June 26 and 30, 2008)

Commenting on the results, William H. Meadows, President of The Wilderness Society, said:

” protecting America’s public lands and waters for future generations has been a cornerstone of our American values since the first national parks and wildlife refuges were created in the late 1800’s. It is extremely gratifying to see that these national values remain strong in the face of the current energy challenges being faced by the American public.”

PHOTO:

Caribou are just some of the many species that live in the pristine environment of the Arctic Refuge.

Source: U.S Fish and Wildlife Service-Alaska.

Continued talk about an attack on Iran is gold for oil speculators.

The world is already suffering from the oil crisis and now the US is creating even further oil price rises through the uncertainty about a possible attack on Iran.

If Australians are looking for someone to castigate for the rising price of petrol then they have no further to look than their ally the US. It is now creating such uncertainty that speculation is making oil prices surge.

Not happy enough with a war in Iraq and Afghanistan, the hawks are now using the presidential election to panic people into yet another conflict involving the whole middle east this time.  The wisdom of this is questionable.  In fact Admiral Mike Mullen questions the soundness of pursuing further action because “it could have unforeseeable consequences and put further pressure on US forces.”

As an outsider I wonder what the American public feels about all this?  The prestige of the United States could not be lower at the moment and this was highlighted yesterday as the IMF prepared to examine the US financial system.  This would have been unheard of before this. All this talk of war is conveniently burying this under a mountain of concern surrounding a possible strike on Iran

The world is already suffering from the effects of the Iraq war and the very thought of more conflict on a third front in this sensitive area leaves the rest of us reeling.

A supply shortage is part of the oil crisis, along with a weak US dollar and turning off supply in yet another oil producer will bring the planet to its knees.  Is this what the US wants?  The only winners are the speculators who are encouraged by the prospect of oil at $200 a barrel.

I would welcome comments from those living in the US because a new conflict is just so unbelievable to those of us looking in from outside.  The State Department has been hosing down the continuing speculation but is not diminishing our concerns.  Additionally, the destabilisation of the middle east through the war in Iraq has not led to increased democracy but rather suspicion and further internal strife.  These actions only serve to increase the  the reactionary pressure from those opposing US intervention into their region.

Diplomacy seems to be the last resort and military intervention no matter how unprepared and haphazard continues to be the primary policy pursued.

With the possible change of the Bush administration at the next presidential election those of us outside the US were holding our breaths waiting for a new fresh approach to US foreign policy.  One that would restore perceptions of the US as the fair and decent country that we remember.  One that considered its role as example of how civilized nations behaved in the modern era.  Where has that nation gone?  Please tell me that there will not be war on yet another front!

PHOTO OF THE DAY:

The moon above a glacier near the Antarctic Peninsula.

Photograph by: DJ Jennings, National Science Foundation. Date Taken: October 23, 2007.