Climate change is a massively complex ‘wicked’ problem hence solutions require human capacities of logic and imagination guiding action. Our leaders appear bereft of science-based logic, acknowledging neither magnitude nor urgency of climate change. (more…)
David Shearman
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DAVID SHEARMAN. After Covid-19 the ‘New Normal’ must have ‘Real Universities’ acting on the Climate Crisis
The Market Forces UniSuper divest campaign details continuing UniSuper investments in fossil fuels despite many concerns expressed by academics and despite the progressive climate change crisis. Do the Universities have responsibilities? (more…)
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DAVID SHEARMAN and MELISSA HASWELL; The EPBC Act Review is a once in a decade chance to prioritise our Environment, our Health and our Future
After COVID 19, many of us have a flicker of hope that our government will apply some of its demonstrated sense of responsibility on medical advice to the larger health emergency on our doorstep. (more…)
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DAVID SHEARMAN and PHIL SHEARMAN; Anguished Scientists and the Collapse of Democracy
In the clouded eyes of government, scientific facts, which have guided our technologically advanced civilisation are now simply an opinion which can be discarded in favour of their own. (more…)
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DAVID SHEARMAN. The Unrelenting Desire to Export more Coal
Australia has become the climate change pariah of developed countries which are trying to deliver a fair share of emissions reduction. (more…)
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As the Liberals rest on their climate laurels, Labor must bite the coal bullet
As the smoke from our bushfires circles the Earth and other developed countries admonish our indolence on climate change, we are deluding ourselves if we hope for government action on emissions. (more…)
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DAVID SHEARMAN. I have a Dream; Resurrection of Westpac as a Sustainability Bank
I have a dream that the outrageous performance of Westpac could lead to fundamental reform and the genetic engineering of one of the identical quads, the BIG4 banks which do not fulfil community needs or financial stability. (more…)
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Australia is defenceless against an advancing foe (Croakey, 05 November 2019)
Our Government maintains the primacy of the economy in all its deliberations. Even when mental health gets attention through the Productivity Commission it is with a view to “improving mental health to support economic participation and enhancing productivity and economic growth,” rather than with the primary purpose of alleviating suffering. (more…)
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DAVID SHEARMAN. Climate change diplomacy, one big step for humanity
As fire, flood and drought ravage swathes of the Earth, communities around the world are realising that climate change is accelerating and climate emergencies are declared. Many governments fail to act and quibble about fulfilling the meagre responsibilities of the Paris agreement. Some others seek to pressure the recalcitrants. This might be called climate “diplomacy” but it could include the twisting of arms if necessary. (more…)
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DAVID SHEARMAN. Obligations to the World’s children in the climate emergency.
This government is not fit to govern on the climate change emergency because of its incapacity to grasp the imminent danger to Australia, our neighbours and indeed the world. Today science strongly indicates we have only a few decades to act before the impact of a temperature rise of 3 or 4 degrees brings civilisation to chaos this century. This article will explore some reasons for this incapacity to cope with dire emergency. (more…)
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DAVID SHEARMAN. Parliamentary reform is vital to address the complex problems of environmental change.
The poor standing of politicians and the lack of expertise in their ranks and Ministries increasingly results in inadequate policy in complex problems such as climate change. It is essential that the next government commences reform of Parliamentary processes and harness necessary expertise. (more…)