Comments on: A Progressive Environmentalist?

By: Jennifer

Jennifer — Wed, 20 Apr 2005 01:49:57 +0000

Hi Tim, In my column in the Land newspaper (January 20, 2005) I made the point that helping Tsunami victims should be more than about provision of money. I suggested that there is a case for the limited use of DDT for spraying homes and hospitals in malaria ravaged areas (see http://www.fightingmalaria.org for more information). DDT was used to eradicated malaria from the USA. Issues of resistance are real, but can be managed. There are also real environmental issues that can be managed.

By: Tim Lambert

Tim Lambert — Wed, 20 Apr 2005 01:21:22 +0000

You advocated the spraying of DDT in Sri Lanka after the tsunami even though it would have been completely useless since mosquitoes there developed resistance to DDT in the early 70s. This is the sort of thing that shows that you are not to be taken seriously on enviromental issues.

By: Jennifer

Jennifer — Mon, 18 Apr 2005 07:28:08 +0000

Michael,
Nuclear energy was not mentioned during the speech, however, it showed on several of the powerpoint graphs as an alternative energy source.
Graham Young makes comment on this at http://ambit-gambit.nationalforum.com.au/archives/000556.html.
I have contacted Greg Bourne hoping for information on WWF’s official position on nuclear energy but he is yet to respond.

Walter,
Interestingly Indonesia has just commissioned a nuclear power station, see http://www.abc.net.au/news/newsitems/200504/s1347810.htm.

By: Walter Starck

Walter Starck — Mon, 18 Apr 2005 06:18:19 +0000

Australia is probably better situated for nuclear power than any other nation. We not only have abundant uranium but vast amounts of uninhabited arid country with stable geology and little or no groundwater. Reactors could be built, operated and nuclear waste disposed of with minimal risk to anyone. In a world facing escalating costs, supply uncertainties and adverse environmental consequences associated with fossil fuels it seems incredibly foolish that we are doing nothing to develop the safest,cleanest, most certain alternative we have.

By: Michael Duffy

Michael Duffy — Fri, 15 Apr 2005 00:13:18 +0000

Jennifer, I agree with the head of WWF that Australia ought to be closing down coal-fired power stations because they pollute the air and there is an economic and safe alternative in nuclear power. Was this mentioned during his speech? I’ve been surprised the environmnetal movement hasn’t spoken out in favour of nuclear power more vigorously, given the tremendous reductions in greenhouse gases it would achieve.

Michael Duffy

By: Jennifer

Jennifer — Thu, 14 Apr 2005 23:57:53 +0000

Morgan, Do you think there is a place for different perspectives, even contrarian views? I know a lot of neoconservatives who are interested in better understanding issues and seeking out the truth. One way of progressing understanding is through open debate with those who hold very different view to your own.

But Morgan, you seem to be saying that my ideas, insights and researched findings are worth nothing simply because I work for the IPA and am published by OLO?

Which are the organizations and publications that you respect? What contribution have they made to ensuring environmentalism is evidence-based. Or is it OK for environment programs and policies to be just about adherence to an ideology.

By: Morgan

Morgan — Thu, 14 Apr 2005 22:49:05 +0000

Jennifer, with all due respect, you have compromised any credibility you may have by selling yourself as a hired gun to the vested interests of the far right. The fact that the IPA and OLO publish you only reninforces this, as they are both forums for the dissemination of neo-conservative ideology.

By: Caroline Marohasy

Caroline Marohasy — Thu, 14 Apr 2005 02:49:37 +0000

To everyone who will comment, and read, and who will be left with, if nothing else… a curiosity for the truth and to my mum:

I have just read “A Progressive Environmentalist”… and I too have been left with a curiosity for the truth.

Growing up as your daughter, you have always taught me to live with an open mind, and to seek out facts before I choose a side of the fence whether it be agreeing or disagreeing with your own.

I remember at different times trying to persuade others to do the same. Like when I was in grade 9 and the school had decided to fund raise for WWF. Everyone singing their praises… I decided that perhaps they needed an equal sided view and so I gave a speech to my class and then year level presenting a few drawbacks of the case.

Although I am continuing to learn about organisations such as WWF through my mother and my own research, I have no doubts that there are also positives along with negatives. It was interesting to see however, just how eager to jump over the fence many people are, and often without checking if there are thorns on the other side.

I am just writing in support of one of my closest friend, and mother to say how thankful I am that you support me to seek the truth, and an informed opinion (as I said, be it in agreeance or dissagreeance with your own)and how proud I am (most of the time… perhaps a few less embarrasing stunts with my friends would help), how proud i am, to have you as my mum.

Caroline Marohasy.

“Do not go where the path may lead, go instead where there is no path,
and leave a trail”

Ralph Waldo Emerson