Peter Sainsbury

Peter Sainsbury is a retired public health worker with a long interest in social policy, particularly social justice, and now focusing on climate change and environmental sustainability. He is extremely pessimistic about the world avoiding catastrophic global warming.

Peter's recent articles

PETER SAINSBURY. Sunday environmental round up, 15 March 2020

Teck Resources withdraws from an oil sands mining project in Alberta Canada and Equinor oil company pulls out of drilling for oil in the Great Australian Bight, even though the project has already received Australian government approval. Coronavirus is just one of a string of dangerous new infections caused by the clearing of forests by multinational agribusinesses. Ongoing coal mining in India is causing extreme human suffering as well as warming the planet.

PETER SAINSBURY. Sunday environmental round up.

Three articles from the USA, all with relevance for Australia. Economist Jeffrey Sachs analyses the costs and timelines for decarbonisation; activist and writer Bill McKibben provides an overview of climate change and climate action at the start of the decade; and essayist Mary Annaise Heglar discusses the relationship between climate change and racism and oppression. Finally reports from the Victorian and NSW governments about their responses to the bush fires.

PETER SAINSBURY. Sunday environmental round up.

Without the services provided by nature, humanity could not exist so why do we keep destroying nature? Financial institutions have cold feet about investing in Albertas oil sands and the Premier directs a blow torch at their bellies. A follow up to last months Siemens story and hints for environmentally sustainable alcohol intake. Finally, a reminder that the Great Barrier Reef is still in danger.

PETER SAINSBURY. Sunday environmental round up, 23 February 2020

A disturbing report about how climate change exposes women and girls to violence, abuse and exploitation. Calls for a treaty to protect the Arctic from militarisation and commercialisation. Concerns that some people are more concerned about preserving pictures of animals than animals themselves, and increasing covering of climate change in the media.

PETER SAINSBURY. Sunday environmental round up, 16 February 2020

Migration is the focus this week, particularly within country migration, with stories about human migrations in Sub-Saharan Africa, Latin America, South Asia and the USA, bird migrations in Australia and bee migrations in the USA.

PETER SAINSBURY. Sunday environmental round up, 9 February 2020

If wed started the transition 30 years ago, gas might (might!) have been a viable transition fuel but its certainly not in 2020 despite what the PM and his gassy friends say.

PETER SAINSBURY. Sunday environmental round up, 2 February 2020

Despite the rhetoric of support for action to combat climate change from senior company executives and members of government, banks and rich nations continue to fund the development of coal mines and power stations, even in countries that currently dont have any coal power. Centuries of abuse of waterways leads to problems along the Mekong River and in the Everglades, and plagues of locusts devastate crops in East Africa.

PETER SAINSBURY. Emission reduction or fuel reduction

The last month has clearly demonstrated to all thinking Australians that Scotty-from-Marketing may well know how to run a brilliant election campaign that against all predictions saved the Coalition from an absolute drubbing (while basically maintaining the political status quo), but that he has no vision for Australia beyond keeping the masses as docile as possible .

PETER SAINSBURY. Sunday environmental round up, 26 January 2020

A development plan for the 21st century is needed for northern Australia, perhaps informed by lessons from the Niger Republic. Three stories from north America: dead penguins along the west coast indicative of severe ecosystem disruption caused by ocean warming; Trump fails to halt coals decline; and US Department of Justice provides support for oil companies being sued by city governments. Finally, 2019 was a very hot year.

PETER SAINSBURY. Sunday environmental round up, 19 January 2020

Excess heat will be responsible for 8.5 million deaths per year by 2100. Russia possibly developing plans for adaptation to climate change but Australian politicians continue to rage against the dying of the coal-generated light while investors flee coal companies. Meanwhile an Australian hero works for a just transition.

PETER SAINSBURY. Sunday environmental round up, 12 January 2020

The dismal failure of the Madrid COP meeting in December starts the round up for 2020, and no one should be surprised by Australias disgraceful performance in Madrid when they see the governments latest greenhouse gas emission projections to 2030. In better news, the highest court in the Netherlands has required the government to reduce greenhouse gas emissions by 25%. Nothing about the fires themselves, just a couple of observations about reactions to them.

Sunday environmental round-up, 15 December 2019

Strong evidence that every days delay in reducing greenhouse gas emissions makes the ultimate task more difficult (and less achievable; exploding the myth that natural gas is a safe, low emissions transition fuel to a carbon free world; hoped-for outcomes from the current COP meeting in Madrid; some Christmas suggestions; and a visual tribute to a genuine hero of 2019. Happy Christmas and lets hope 2020 sees progress towards the creation of an environmentally sustainable world.

PETER SAINSBURY. Sunday environmental round up, 8 December 2019

With this years climate change Conference of the Parties (COP) getting underway this week in Madrid, the articles this week focus on climate change: the future of coal and renewables in China, problems with projects funded by rich nations in developing countries, climate tipping points, responses to climate deniers arguments, and counting and reducing emissions from industrial processes.

PETER SAINSBURY. Health professionals stepping up to support action on climate change

Climate change is already causing injuries, illness and premature death. This is only going to get worse. Health professionals, individually and collectively, are taking action to highlight the health problems, including being arrested for blocking development of the Adani mine.

PETER SAINSBURY. Sunday environmental round up, 1 December 2019

How much can we trust the certification system for palm oil? Not much according to two reports over the last 4 years. Air pollution kills 3,000 Australians each year theres an opportunity to put pressure on ministers to enact higher national air pollution standards. Bankers are increasingly recognising the need for urgent action to combat climate change but governments are planning to increase the production of fossil fuels over the next decade.

PETER SAINSBURY. Sunday environmental round up, 24 November 2019

A very strong international flavour this week. Land degradation problems and encouragement to shift to renewables in India; Bangladesh planning to massively increase its coal-fired power generation; California fighting back against Trump and car makers on fuel efficiency standards; Germany legislating to achieve its Paris agreement targets; and large increases in nitrous oxide emissions globally. Closer to home, encouragement to give the young people your support this coming Friday.

PETER SAINSBURY. Sunday environmental round up, 17 November 2019

Fire chiefs and health professionals stand up for action on climate change. Fly ash from coal burning causes major problems in Indonesia. The International Energy Agency identifies the main trends influencing energy supply over the next 20 years.

PETER SAINSBURY. Sunday environmental round up, 10 November 2019

Nearly all about climate change this week: 20 fossil fuel companies responsible for producing 35% of all greenhouse gas emissions and confusing the public and politicians about the causes of climate change; the USA starts the formal process of withdrawal from the Paris agreement: will others follow? is the Paris agreement dead in the water regardless?; and security companies making big profits from climate migrants. Finally, our sea eagle chicks fledge and Richard Flanagan talks about birds.

PETER SAINSBURY. Sunday environmental round up, 3 November 2019

The articles this week provide follow-ups to previously reported items: the NSW government changes legislation to promote climate change; the worlds largest reinsurer models the risks posed by climate change and walks away from coal; melting glaciers are but one manifestation of the changes wrought by climate change in mountain areas; Decembers Conference of the Parties climate change meeting moves from Chile to Spain; and 2019 certain to be one of the hottest years on record.

PETER SAINSBURY. Sunday environmental round up, 27 October 2019

A report on levels of peace around the world demonstrates that climate change is associated with conflict and forced migration. On-demand bus services and electric vehicles are proving popular, economical and good for the environment. Is social collapse arising from inaction on climate change inevitable and if so how do we prepare for it? Deforestation continues to rise despite declarations of intent to the contrary.

PETER SAINSBURY. Sunday environmental round up, 20 October 2019

Investments in renewables are increasing but not fast enough. Oil and gas companies continue investing to produce yet more greenhouse gases, including burning coal underground to produce gas in SA. On current trends Australias economy is going to take a big hit from climate change, particularly the property and agricultural sectors. Rising sea level is one among multiple threats to Pacific islands. Dont come back as a tiger in Laos.

PETER SAINSBURY. Sunday environmental round up, 13 October 2019

This weeks articles all have visual cues. Climate change is already affecting peoples lives and its not always the environment itself that causes the harm. In various ways though people are resisting, as demonstrated in three short videos from around the world. And finally, rising water temperatures are devastating salmon breeding and stocks in the Pacific.

PETER SAINSBURY. Sunday environmental round up, 6 October 2019

Synopses of two books: why climate change is happening quicker than expected and why civilisation will look very different soon. Antibiotic resistance is a serious and growing problem, not helped by spraying antibiotics on citrus trees in the USA. Microplastics are in the water we drink but thats probably not a health problem, certainly not compared with what else is in the water many drink. Coal generated power is collapsing in the EU.

PETER SAINSBURY. Sunday environmental round up, 29 September 2019

Six deep transformations in the structure of society will be required to meet the SDGs and the Paris goals but are the proposals deep enough? Net zero emissions is Mission Possible though for the hard-to-reduce industrial and transport sectors of the economy, even if the Trump administration is hell bent on reducing environmental controls, including on the rapidly rising methane emissions.

PETER SAINSBURY. Sunday environmental round up, 22 September 2019

The worlds rich countries continue to pump US$64 billion per year into coal companies, with Japan leading the charge internationally and domestically. Unhealthy environments are responsible for almost a quarter of deaths globally, but maybe if your community is in an environmentally-challenged area its best to stop fighting the environment and move. And a shout-out for mangrove swamps.

PETER SAINSBURY. Sunday environmental round up, 15 September 2019

A focus on the economic aspects of climate change this week: business-as-usual will reduce global GDP but climate action is blocked by potential financial losers; the Adani mine is viable only because of massive government subsidies, while in India investment in coal facilities is plummeting; and hydrogen power seems to have some answers for Australia if the right investments are made. To combat the heat island effect, Singapore is going green.

PETER SAINSBURY. Sunday environmental round up, 8 September 2019

An update on the Adani mine to start and on Sydneys Sea-eagle chicks to close. In the middle of the sandwich is evidence demonstrating the lethal effects of air pollution and the health benefits of reducing even apparently low levels of pollution, a new World Heritage site recognising the link between Indigenous culture and country in Victoria, and an explanation of why weve got only 12 years left to act on climate change.

PETER SAINSBURY. Revolving doors and roulette wheels

CBD is the daily scuttlebutt column in the Sydney Morning Herald. Mondays offerings included a piece that provided examples of the revolving door for staff between the inaptly named Responsible Wagering Australia and the ALP. I strongly recommend it.

Sunday environmental round up, 1 September 2019

Ship owners start to clean up their highly polluting fuel; forests are being felled and burned around the world but ordinary Brazilians want more done to prevent the loss of their iconic rainforest; and the fashion industry starts walking the talk on environmental sustainability. Finally, Saudi Arabia ? and Timor Leste ? have different feelings about Australia.

PETER SAINSBURY. Sunday environmental round up, 25 August 2019

Ocean scientists express the need for urgent action in eight policy areas to restore the health of the worlds oceans, while an article in the BMJ highlights the links between ocean health and human health. Australias current review of air quality standards is timely in light of a report identifying four locations in Australia that rank highly among the worlds sulphur dioxide level hotspots. And heat: January was Australias hottest month on record and July was the worlds hottest month on record.

Sunday environmental round up, 18 August 2019

A new report from the IPCC focusing on land and climate change draws together many threads from the environmental and social crises facing the world. CO2 emissions from fossil fuels are of course the major cause of global warming but methane from fracking and tipping points in earth systems also magnify the problem. Victorians send a very clear message to their government about how much they value and want to preserve their native public forests.

Sunday environmental round up, 11 August 2019

Last week we were deep in the oceans. This week were high in the sky: the global warming effect of air travel and ways of reducing it: technology, government intervention, industry initiatives, personal behaviour change and buying carbon offsets. And if youre still keen to get on a plane, stories from Bangladesh and the Mekong Delta in Vietnam.

PETER SAINSBURY. Sunday environmental round up, 4 August 2019

With apologies for the anthropomorphism, Sydneys newly-hatched Sea-Eagles would like this weeks round up as it focuses on their future habitats: land and marine environments (with good news about soil carbon and regenerative farming and not good news about deforestation and seabed mining). And for once, an example of Australia leading the way on climate change can you guess what it is?

PETER SAINSBURY. Sunday environmental round up, 28 July 2019

Hunger is on the increase again and the world will need yet more food over the next three decades. How can we properly feed 10 billion people and save the planet? Do the solutions lie in technology, behaviour change or socio-economic change? While the Australian government continues to ignore climate change, state, territory and local governments, of both political persuasions, are getting on with the job in multiple ways. As is Kenya, but not without some policy contradictions. Feral cats kill millions of Australian native animals every day. Endangered species are being released into feral predator-free compounds.

PETER SAINSBURY. Sunday environmental round up, 21 July 2019

The close connection between climate change and loss of biodiversity is finally receiving the attention it deserves, particularly the need to halt deforestation and begin massive programs of reforestation. Vales Point power station in NSW provides an indication of the perils in store for the public purse as privately owned fossil fuel facilities reach the end of their lives, and coal executive turned climate warrior Ian Dunlop is interviewed on the ABC. Electric vehicles sales are picking up in Australia if youre tempted to plug in, theres a guide to which one might be right for you. Coral reefs...

PETER SAINSBURY. Sunday environmental round up, 14 July 2019

The ALP supports the Adani mine in the Senate, assisting Australias exported carbon emissions to increase greatly. The USAs coal industry continues to decline but not without first screwing the workers and the environment to maximise short term rewards at the top. Bill McKibben identifies three strategies for tackling the urgency of climate action, while Barnaby continues to express his passion. Fortunately Victoria delivers a couple of pieces of common sense.

PETER SAINSBURY. Sunday environmental round up, 7 July 2019

While the Australian government continues to obfuscate and avoid any real action on climate change, other nations are ignoring the our emissions are too small to make a difference argument and demonstrating ambition and leadership. Asian countries could help their populations, economies and environments by investing in renewable energy rather than coal, while Turkeys changing climate poses threats for food production and hydroelectric power. Finally some tips for attracting wildlife to your garden and a guide to plastics in the 21st century.

PETER SAINSBURY. Sunday environmental round up, 30 June 2019

In the USA young people are trying to lodge a legal case against the federal government for failing to protect their constitutional rights, and health professionals are supporting them strongly. Indeed, frustrated at government inaction, health people are getting increasingly active on climate change worldwide. The inaction is well exemplified at current inter-governmental meetings in Bonn and Osaka. Bill McKibben presents a nuanced view of the US militarys contributions to climate change, and a video of life for coastal communities in Senegal graphically displays the difficulties they are facing daily.

PETER SAINSBURY. Sunday environmental round up, 23 June 2019

Poor planning seems to be endemic in the gas industry. Despite clear evidence that gas is not low in emissions, not needed for grid reliability, not a viable transition fuel and not cheap, governments and gas producers continue to peddle the myths and develop more gas production facilities. Michael Mann argues that system-wide changes, not personal behaviour changes, are required to avoid catastrophic global warming, and graphic evidence that renewables are increasing in parallel with fossil fuels, not replacing them. But first a good news story about eagles.

Sunday environmental round up, 16 June 2019

A strong emphasis on economic, ethical and equity issues associated with climate change this week. Global warming has increased inequalities between rich and poor nations; tackling climate change and reducing inequalities must occur simultaneously but only rich and powerful nations and individuals have the resources required to do it; even low emitting nations have a responsibility to contribute to global efforts to fight climate change; and action on climate change makes economic sense but we should do it even if it didnt. Is Theresa Mays commitment to reach zero emissions in Britain by 2050 all it seems? And to lighten...

PETER SAINSBURY. Sunday environmental round up, 9 June 2019

The fossil fuel industries dont survive by chance or benign government neglect. Two recent reports expose the massive subsidies the industries receive from governments globally, including in Australia, and the multiple very close and enduring links between high-ranking personnel in Australias coal industry and the Coalition government. Many of us enjoy spending time in parks and they make a valuable contribution to reducing climate change and air pollution but they need to be carefully looked after to be welcoming and safe. Insects are disappearing from the earth at an alarming rate with potentially catastrophic consequences for humanity. Finally, a quiz...

PETER SAINSBURY. Sunday environmental round up, 2 June 2019

Where is the drive that is urgently needed to transition to a zero carbon, environmentally sustainable world going to come from? A European group thinks Community-Led Initiatives can provide a kick-start. Climate change is affecting animals and plants, and the reverse is also true. Stories about worms, forests, snow hares, moose and ticks illustrate this. Humans produce massive amounts of waste which then produces methane, the oft-forgotten but increasingly important greenhouse gas. Finally, a sorry story about the deaths of 38 freshwater swordfish in Western Australia.

PETER SAINSBURY. Sunday environmental round up, 26 May 2019

Some pieces this week relevant to the causes of Labors problems last Saturday. Was their environmental message wrong? not according to a recent report suggesting sea level rise of up to two metres by 2100, or the forced migrations that will occur as temperatures rise, or the rapidly falling price of wind, solar power and batteries pushing coal and gas out of the picture. Was the right message badly sold? Lord Stern firmly believes the transition to 100% renewable energy will be good for the economy and jobs. Maybe he could have done a better selling job. Were...

PETER SAINSBURY. The election confirms my environmental pessimism

Saturdays election result suggests four questions to me: What does the result tell us about democracy in Australia? I mean no implied criticism of any individual or group or of any part of our democratic process. It is a genuine question to which I hope to see some empirically based answers in time. What are the likely consequences of three more years of a Morrison Coalition government for the state of the Australian environment, principally but not only regarding greenhouse gas emissions and land and marine biodiversity? What should be the environmental movements priorities over the...

PETER SAINSBURY. Sunday environmental round up, 19 May 2019

The shocking loss of biodiversity and the threat it poses for human welfare have been highlighted recently with reports on the global crisis and New Zealands parlous record. Threatened by climate change, Torres Strait Islanders have challenged the Australian government at the UN Human Rights Committee, arguing that the government is obliged to do more to save their homes. How best to communicate about climate change is summarised in an article in the New York Times. And while many nations are declaring climate emergencies, a young Australian sounds a note of caution. Finally a visual tribute to Bob Hawke.

PETER SAINSBURY. How do the parties environmental policies compare?

If climate change is going to influence your vote this Saturday you may want to know how the three main political parties environment policies shape up. Here are three scorecards to help you decide who to favour with your vote.

PETER SAINSBURY. Sunday environmental round up, 12 May 2019

A new petrochemical and plastics hub is being developed in the USA based on locally mined unconventional gas, while the carbon dioxide produced by Australias exports of coal and natural gas greatly exceed our domestic carbon dioxide emissions. In better news, authors of a recent scientific paper have looked at climate change and loss of biodiversity together and come with proposals that will benefit both.

PETER SAINSBURY. Sunday environmental round up, 5 May 2019

Land use is the focus this week. From threats to the Fitzroy River in the Kimberley and to Indigenous cultures and lifestyles in the Arctic to cities responses to the opportunities and challenges presented by climate change. But to start, news from UK that the parliaments in London and Cardiff have both passed motions this week declaring a climate and environmental emergency.

PETER SAINSBURY. Sunday environmental round up, 28 April 2019

The United Nations, The Lancet, Australia21 and Extinction Rebellion all, in their various ways, reckon that the environment and human health are going to hell in a handbasket while oil and gas companies invest big to ensure that we dont run out of fossil fuel energy to get us there. Reassuringly, the majority of Australians want strong government action to tackle climate change and other environmental problems. But how many politicians are listening?

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