ENVIRONMENT: Your Planet Needs You Campaign, World Environment Day 5 June

Your Planet Needs You is a Landcare Australia and Coastcare joint campaign as a call to action, to get Australians motivated and engaged and doing something to help the planet on World Environment Day. So here is what Landcare Australia and Coastcare gathered about Australians:

• WE CARE: Almost all (99%) Australians recognise that it is important that we take action to improve our environment from what it is today (59% extremely important, 28% very important, 12% quite important).
• WE WANT TO HELP: 84% of Australians plan on doing something substantial to help the environment in the next week, 17% say they will volunteer.
• WE DON’T KNOW HOW? Less than 1% of Australians actually volunteer to help the environment.

The aim of the Your Planet Needs You campaign is to make it easy for people to sign up to a volunteer register, tick some boxes to say what skills they can offer (it could be anything really from hosting a BBQ to driving and even walking), and spread the message.

Please promote the Your Planet Needs You campaign through your networks.

World Environment Day 2009, commemorated each year on 5 June, is one of the principal vehicles through which the United Nations stimulates worldwide awareness of the environment and enhances political attention and action. The theme for WED 2009 is 'Your Planet Needs You-UNite to Combat Climate Change'. It reflects the urgency for nations to agree on a new deal at the crucial climate convention meeting in Copenhagen some 180 days later in the year, and the links with overcoming poverty and improved management of forests.

SUSTAINABILITY: Sanctuary magazine sustainable house profiles

Visit Sanctuary magazine's sustainable house profiles page and click on the locations on the map to read articles about leading sustainable homes around Australia as featured in the highly regarded Sanctuary magazine.

BUSHFIRE: Andrew Campbell on the Victorian bushfires - A perspective on fuel reduction burning

A friend in America asked Andrew Campbell to comment on media suggesting that the 7 February 2009 bushfires could have been avoided through more fuel reduction burning, and alleging that the 'green agenda' is at least in part responsible for the tragic loss of life and property - read Andrew's response. Andrew is Managing Director of Triple Helix Consulting and formerly Executive Director of Land & Water Australia.

BUSHFIRE, CLIMATE: NCC Bushfire Conference - 'Biodiversity Under Fire', Sydney, 22-23 June 2009

The Nature Conservation Council of NSW (NCC) Biodiversity Under Fire Conference will focus on ecologically sustainable bushfire management in the context of the threats to Australia’s biodiversity. There will be an emphasis on achieving best possible biodiversity outcomes. The conference will occur at a time when climate change is at the forefront of political debate and extreme weather conditions resulting in severe fire danger are occurring with unprecedented frequency and seasonality. The conference will provide an important forum for information sharing, discussion and debate.

CLIMATE: New report, 'Green Cities - How urban sustainability efforts can and must drive America's climate change policies'

The new Green Cities report showcases and supports the innovative ways in which America's cities are creating an equitable green economy. The report is based on conversations with the brightest thinkers in the field, and the findings from a survey of 40 of the country’s largest cities. Green Cities takes a step back to see what cities have accomplished, while also identifying areas in which their efforts have fallen short.

The Green Cities report is an initiative of Living Cities, a unique philanthropic collaborative of 21 of the world's largest foundations and financial institutions. Over the past 18 years, Living Cities has invested more than $600 million in American cities, leveraged into $16 billion and making a demonstrable difference in neighbourhoods throughout the nation. Living Cities is also serving as a resource to inform the usage of federal dollars available through stimulus funds and the workforce dollars associated with investments in the energy efficiency sector.

CLIMATE: Latest edition of 'CO2 News' (13 May 2009)

The 13 May 2009 edition of CO2 News includes:

• Prototype hybrid electric car to feed power back to energy grid
• Green office retrofits could boost construction industry jobs: report
• Sydney aims to set up energy generator network to supply city's power
• The WasteQ 2009 Conference and Exhibition
• 2009 Carbon Market Expo
• Local Government Sustainable Development Conference

CLIMATE, ENERGY: ATA report launch 2 June 2009: 'The Victorian Urban Wind Resource Assessment'

Join the Alternative Technology Association (ATA) on 2 June 2009 as they launch their latest report The Victorian Urban Wind Resource Assessment undertaken by ATA for Sustainability Victoria. This report looks at typical wind regimes at 10 sites within 25 kilometres of Melbourne’s CBD and comments on the suitability of urban locations for installation of micro wind turbines.

CLIMATE, ENERGY: COAG agrees to measures to improve energy efficiency of residential and commercial buildings across Australia

At it's 30 April 2009 meeting, the Council Of Australian Governments (COAG) agreed to the new expanded National Renewable Energy Target (RET) and five key measures to improve the energy efficiency of residential and commercial buildings across Australia and . COAG also reaffirmed its commitment to introducing a comprehensive National Strategy for Energy Efficiency, and agreed to reform the current rating and assessment processes for building energy efficiency standards. (Source: EnviroInfo - 7 May 2009).

CLIMATE, ENERGY, WATER: New Green Loans scheme commences on 1 July 2009

The Green Loans Program is a new Australian Government initiative to help Australians tackle climate change. The program starts on 1 July 2009 and will assist Australian families to install solar, water saving, and energy efficient products. The Green Loans Program will provide:

• detailed, quality Home Sustainability Assessments; and
• access to interest free Green Loans of up to $10,000 each to make the changes recommended in the assessment.

Anyone interested in a Home Sustainability Assessment can register now.

WATER, FUNDING: Incentives for stormwater harvesting and reuse projects

As part of the Water for the Future framework, the National Urban Water and Desalination Plan will provide investment of $1 billion for desalination, water recycling and stormwater harvesting projects to assist major towns and cities in securing their long term water supply. The Government has now decided to enhance the scope of the National Urban Water and Desalination Plan by providing greater incentives for urban stormwater harvesting projects in order to reduce the demand on potable water supplies.

WATER: CSIRO joins Water Footprint Network

CSIRO has joined a global network of private and public sector organisations which aims to promote the sustainable, fair and efficient use of the world’s fresh water. The Water Footprint Network seeks to advance the concept of ‘water footprinting’ as a means of understanding and addressing the negative impacts on freshwater systems of the production and consumption of goods and services. As a Network partner, CSIRO has conducted a range of water footprint case studies on various products – including food products manufactured by Mars Australia – and has been active in developing water footprint calculation methods. (Source: EnviroInfo - 7 May 2009).

WATER (NSW): $77m recovery package announced for Hawkesbury-Nepean River

Australian Government Parliamentary Secretary for Water, Dr Mike Kelly, has announced details of a $77.4 million funding package to help restore the health of the Hawkesbury-Nepean River in western Sydney. The package has been welcomed by the NSW Government.

POPULATION (QLD): Breakfast forum to address sustainable population in South East Queensland

Business Sustainability Breakfast Forum registrations are open for the next event on 17 July, focusing on ‘what constitutes a sustainable population for South East Queensland’. Key note speaker features the former Environment Minister, Andrew McNamara and a dynamic panel which includes: Urban Development Institute of Australia Chief Executive Officer Brian Stewart; Redland City Council Mayor Melva Hobson; Sustainable Population Australia Simon Baltais; and the Member for Noosa and Shadow Minister for Climate Change and Sustainability Glen Elmes. Everyone is invited to join Brisbane’s business leaders, agency staff, local community groups and political representatives to discuss what a sustainable population for South East Queensland could look like and whose responsibility it is to make it a reality. Queensland Conservation is hosting the forum generously supported by SEQ Catchments. So don’t delay! Register today, as registrations are essential. For further information contact the event manager on 07 5538 5109 or email Samantha Morris.

WEEDS: Draft National Plan to Protect Environmental Assets from Lantana

The National Lantana Management Group is seeking public comment on the draft Plan to Protect Environmental Assets from Lantana. This plan aims to establish a national framework to guide and coordinate Australia’s response to lantana invasion in native ecosystems by identifying the research, management and other actions needed to ensure the long-term survival of native species and ecological communities affected by the invasion of lantana. The National Lantana Management Group is seeking public comment on the draft document to ensure it addresses its stated aims and is supported by the broader community. Both positive and negative feedback is welcomed. The plan can be downloaded and submissions made via the Weeds of National Significance website. Submissions close Friday 12th June. If you have any questions please contact the National Lantana Coordinator Kym Johnson kym.johnson@dpi.qld.gov.au or lantana.plan@environment.nsw.gov.au. Additional information can be found at www.environment.nsw.gov.au/lantanaplan.

LANDCARE (NSW): NSW Landcare Forum, Port Macquarie, 9 -11 September 2009

Registrations are invited for the 2009 NSW Landcare Forum, with early-bird registrations open until 3 July 2009. The Forum, held every two years at different locations in NSW, is the premier event for landcarers in NSW bringing together around 400 natural resource managers, Landcare volunteers and landholders from across the state. This year's event is being hosted by the Northern Rivers Catchment Management Authority (CMA).

GREEN JOBS: New environmental employment figures, 'Green jobs' falling, but holding their own

Australia's first-ever snapshot of 'green collar' job advertising suggests that employment in the environment sector is out-performing the rest of the economy, despite a dramatic drop in the first quarter of this year. The figures, released by Australia's environmental job advertising website NRMjobs.com.au, show a 28.7 per cent slump in green collar job advertising over the past 12 months, compared to the Australia-wide figure for all sectors of around 45%.

GREEN JOBS: New report, 'Victoria – the Green Jobs State: Seizing the Opportunities'

Victoria – the Green Jobs State: Seizing the Opportunities was prepared by Environment Victoria to coincide with the Green Jobs Summit organised jointly by Environment Victoria and the Brotherhood of St Laurence. The aim of the report is to profile a cross-section of Victorian industries, summarise their current status and explore opportunities for their growth. The report profiles five industries: solar water heating, rail manufacturing, energy and water efficiency, recycling and wind power. (Source: EnviroInfo - 7 May 2009).

WATER: Soap, shampoo and your soil - ATA report released

Greywater use has become so widespread in many parts of Australia that it is now more a case of who isn’t using greywater to keep their gardens alive. This is great news for water conservation efforts. Greywater use is not an exact science, though, and successful greywater irrigation depends on a number of factors including soil type, plant type and ultimately which chemicals and elements make up your greywater.

Typically, laundry and bathroom water are the most common and safest waste waters to use depending on which products you are using. The Alternative Technology Association (ATA), in conjunction with Associate Professor Barry Meehan and RMIT University’s Environmental Science Department, has completed a study looking at the impact of bathroom products on soils. A previous study by Lanfax Laboratories had looked at laundry greywater.

WATER (WA): Draft 'Water Forever: Directions for Our Water Future' plan for Perth water sustainability

The Water Corporation's draft plan: Water Forever: Directions for Our Water Future is now available. The draft plan outlines how the Water Corporation will work with the community to adapt to a drying climate and help Perth and surrounding areas become more climate resilient. Comments on the proposed direction are invited by Friday 15 May 2009.

WATER (NSW): 2008 Progress Report on the Metropolitan Water Plan

The 2008 Progress Report lets you find out how the NSW Government is tracking in implementing the Metropolitan Water Plan, providing water for people and the environment. It shows that Sydney’s water supply is secure until at least 2015 and the city is well prepared for drought, climate change and a growing population. You can also view a short two-minute summary clip which outlines the major elements of the report.

ENV EDUCATION, WATER (NSW): Water Education Plan for greater Sydney 2008 - 2012

The NSW Government’s Water for Life Program has released a plan that supports educators to engage the public in water conservation and management. The Water Education Plan for greater Sydney 2008 - 2012 aims to assist delivery of quality education projects that build the capacity of the people of greater Sydney to play an informed and active role in working towards a sustainable water future. It sets priority strategies for water educators in greater Sydney to work towards shared goals and come together to share knowledge and resources.

ENV EDUCATION, SUSTAINABILITY: New National Action Plan for Education for Sustainability

The aim of Living Sustainably: the Australian Government's National Action Plan for Education for Sustainability, launched in April 2009, is to equip all Australians with the knowledge and skills required to live sustainably. The plan has been prepared in conjunction with the National Council on Education for Sustainability by the Australian Government Department of the Environment, Water, Heritage and the Arts.

SUSTAINABILITY: Renters Guide to Sustainability - New ATA Publication

Even renters can make changes to their home to make it more comfortable, save money and reduce their environmental impact. The Renters Guide to Sustainable Living, published by the Alternative Technology Association (ATA), shows how it’s done. The 16 page booklet is a free resource for anyone looking to lighten their carbon footprint as a tenant. The booklet also has handy information about how to negotiate changes with a landlord, rebates available as well as eligible tax deductions. There are tips for the whole house, showing room-by-room how to cut greenhouse gas emissions.

SUSTAINABILITY (VIC): Victorian Eco Innovation Lab

The Victorian Eco-Innovation Lab (VEIL) seeks to identify and promote emerging technical, social and organisational innovations that could form part of future sustainable systems. VEIL creates conditions to research, envision, innovate, create and test ideas and concepts for sustainable, desirable and realisable products, services, built environments and lifestyles.

SUSTAINABILITY (NSW): Sustainable Cities Awards now open

An initiative of Keep Australia Beautiful NSW, Sustainable Cities recognises outstanding environmental initiatives implemented by local government authorities, schools and community groups whilst raising public awareness of a range of environmental issues affecting metropolitan NSW. The overall Sustainable Cities award is presented each year alongside a number of sponsored awards covering issues such as urban wildlife, waste and sustainable communities.

BIODIVERSITY: Review of the National Biodiversity Strategy - submissions invited by Friday 27 May 2009

The Natural Resource Management Ministerial Council, on behalf of the Commonwealth and all state and territory governments, is inviting public comments on the draft Australia’s Biodiversity Conservation Strategy 2010–2020. The draft strategy is an important national policy document that will guide how governments, the community, industry and scientists manage and protect Australia’s plants, animals and ecosystems over the next ten years. Submissions are invited by Friday 27 May 2009.

BIODIVERSITY: Birds Australia Conservation Forum 30 May 2009, “Reconnect (with) the Bush”

The Birds Australia Conservation Forum 2009 is being held in Brisbane on 30 May. The theme of the Forum is “Reconnect (with) the Bush”. Two meanings are encapsulated in this theme: “Reconnect the Bush” is about restoring corridors at the landscape scale, and “Reconnect with the Bush” is about engaging the Australian public by education, awareness raising, and encouraging them into action.

BIODIVERSITY: Registrations for ANPC Forum 'Minding our own biodiversity: conservation on private land ' close 17 April

The Australian Network for Plant Conservation Inc. (ANPC) Second National Forum (30 April - 1 May 2009, Halls Gap, Grampians, Victoria) will focus on conservation outside the formal reserve system, whether on small blocks or large landscape level efforts or cross-tenure projects. It will highlight the people and places involved and investigate the incentives and support available. This is your opportunity to participate, learn, contribute, debate and move this essential component of biodiversity conservation forward. The Forum will include presentations, case studies, facilitated discussion sessions and field visits to project sites.

BIODIVERSITY: Update on the review of the EPBC Act

An update report on the Independent review of the Environment Protection and Biodiversity Conservation Act 1999 (EPBC Act), which details the process to date and future proceedings, is now available.

BIODIVERSITY (NSW): Urban Nature Photography Competition - Parramatta River Catchment

Do you have a special place in the Parramatta River catchment? Whether it is your backyard or the bush, send us your photos of urban nature and show us how important your local environment and its native plants and animals are to you. With up to $3000 worth of prizes to be won this is your chance to showcase your photographic talents and be a part of the Urban Nature Photo Competition.

RIVERS: Riverprize 2009 nominations close 30 April

Australian community groups, catchment authorities and individuals working on restoration of rivers, lakes and wetlands are invited to submit their applications for the prestigious Riverprize now! The National Riverprize is now funded by an Australian Government grant under its Water for the Future plan. Entry to the 2009 Riverprize closes at 5pm AEST on 30 April 2009.

COASTS (QLD): Registrations for Queensland Coastal Conference 2009 close 28 April 2009

After the resounding success of the inaugural Queensland Coastal Conference in 2007, the 2009 'Waves of Change' Queensland Coastal Conference (12-15 May 2009, Gold Coast) is an opportunity to broaden your understanding of how management and planning of the Queensland coast is evolving. The Queensland Coastal Conference 2009 is not just about learning of new developments in natural resource management, but will be a balanced discussion of practical, on-ground coastal management and the policies and programs that inform coastal zone management in Queensland. Delegates will include Commonwealth, State and Local Governments, Natural Resource Management regional bodies, leading research and education organisations, coastal and marine industries, coastal and marine consultants, managers, planners and engineers, NGOs, user groups, indigenous groups and many other community organisations.

COASTS, CLIMATE: U.S.- China Coastal Cities Project

More than one-third of the world's population lives within 60 miles of a coastline and thirteen of the world's twenty largest cities are located on a coast. Given the reality of global warming, these coastal populations will face severe challenges to their sustainability in the decades to come.

As industrial and commercial centres, many coastal cities are major contributors in their own right to high levels of greenhouse gas emissions, and therefore face the prospects of greater regulation and economic dislocation. In addition, these cities are particularly vulnerable to such long-term effects of global warming as sea-level rise, flooding, air pollution, and severe storms.

The Shell Coastal Cities Project seeks to assess the dimensions of the challenges facing major, low-lying estuary metropoles. In its first phase, the study focuses on major coastal cities with a large petrochemical industrial base, including Houston, Los Angeles, New York/Newark, Shanghai, Tianjin and Guangzhou. Research activities include the development of a comprehensive and fully comparable survey of public attitudes and beliefs, to be conducted jointly in both the United States and China .

COASTS, CLIMATE (NSW): Draft Policy Statement on Sea Level Rise

In the 20th century, the global average sea level rose by 17 cm and sea levels are projected to continue to rise. There is strong national and international evidence supporting a projected rise of up to 40 cm by 2050, and 90 cm by 2100, for the NSW coastline. Coastal land has been subject to natural coastal hazards for thousands of years, including coastal erosion and coastal flooding. Projected sea level rises will increase these hazards, and NSW needs to plan now for these long-term impacts to minimise social and economic disruption. To support sea level rise adaptation, the NSW Government has prepared a Draft Sea Level Rise Policy Statement. This sets out the Government's approach to sea level rise, the risks to property owners from coastal processes and assistance that Government provides to councils to reduce the risks of coastal hazards.

CLIMATE: Communicating Climate Change: Discourses, Mediations and Perceptions

The scientific, political and economic complexity of climate change brings up a number of challenges for communication. What are the meanings associated with climate change in different parts of the world and how have those meanings been produced, reproduced and transformed? How have the media in different countries been representing this issue? How do people perceive climate change and to what extent are they integrating it into their actions?

This e-book contributes to answering these questions by looking at three main aspects: the discourses of a variety of social actors on climate change, from scientists to religious leaders; the reconstruction of those discourses in the media and the multiple depictions of the issue in the press, television and the Internet; and citizens’ perceptions, understandings and attitudes in relation to climate change. The scholars that write in this book analyse these issues in the context of Germany, USA, Mexico, Portugal, Poland and other countries, and help understand the circular relations between discourses, mediations and perceptions.

CLIMATE, ENERGY: Clean Energy Innovation Centre assists small and medium sized clean energy companies

The Clean Energy Innovation Centre (CEIC) will help enhance the performance of Australia's small and medium sized clean energy companies by providing a range of business improvements services. The CEIC helps small and medium size (SMEs) businesses improve their productivity and competitiveness by providing professional business advisory and development services. The Centre will also help to build collaboration between researchers and businesses, and assist clean energy businesses to access the latest technologies and market specific information.

WATERWAYS (QLD): Entries for 2009 Healthy Waterways Awards close

Now in its ninth year, the Healthy Waterways Awards aim to recognise and reward the outstanding achievements of groups and individuals who devote their time to the waterways of South East Queensland. The Awards are open to anyone whose work contributes to achieving the Partnership's Vision including individuals, schools, community groups, students, government, industry, researchers, planners and designers. Enter by 5pm Wednesday 22 April 2009 to win a share of $22,000 in prize money.

WATERWAYS (QLD): THECA Forum 9 May 2009, Caring for our Waterways: 'Clear' or 'Muddied'

THECA’s ninth annual Forum (9 May 2009, Pullenvale Qld) will explore the current and future management of SEQ waterways and how best to manage these for the long-term future and sustainability of South East Queensland biodiversity. The Forum program is based around the themes of responsibility for waterways, the current state of waterways, and management for the future. Bookings are essential.

LANDCARE: Interim National Landcare Network formed

On the 1st February 2009, a working group of representatives from state and territory community landcare organisations met in Melbourne to consider the formation of a National Landcare Network. The commonalities of our experiences and goals, together with our shared vision for landcare, our environment and our communities lead quickly to affirmation: community landcare in Australia needs national representation and a national voice. The Interim National Landcare Network was formed and has two working subgroups addressing internal and external issues which need immediate attention.

WASTE MGMT: National Waste Policy Consultation Paper - submissions close Wednesday 13 May 2009

The Australian Government is leading the development of a national waste policy for Australia. Submissions close Wednesday 13 May 2009. A recent snapshot of waste and recycling trends in Australia (Waste and Recycling in Australia, 2008) showed our waste increased by 28 per cent between 2003 and 2007. This occurred in spite of a big increase in recycling efforts, through kerbside recycling programs and actions by the commercial and industrial sectors.

WASTE MGMT (VIC): Metropolitan Waste and Resource Recovery Strategic Plan

Melbourne's population is growing and so is its waste - over 10 million tonnes was thrown out by Victorians in 2006-07. The Victorian Government's approach to waste management is addressed in the Towards Zero Waste Strategy which is a call to action for all Victorians to avoid producing waste in the first place, and to maximise opportunities for materials recovery. ("Materials" is a term used instead of waste, in recognition that what we discard is more often a resource and not waste.) Towards Zero Waste (TZW) established goals for Victoria's solid waste management and resource recovery. Its targets, to 2014, cover solid waste which is grouped into three categories - municipal (largely residential), commercial and industrial and construction and demolition.

POLLUTANTS: Ten years of National Pollutant Inventory (NPI) data

Information on reported emissions to Australia's air, land and water during 2007-08 was made available on 31 March 2009 with the publication of the annual data for the NPI. The NPI is a publicly accessible database containing information on emissions of 93 substances from more than 4100 industrial facilities around the country. The NPI also includes data from non-industry diffuse sources such as domestic household activities and motor vehicles. The NPI is a collaborative program between all Australian jurisdictions under the NPI National Environment Protection Measure (NEPM). This was the tenth NPI reporting year.

MERI: NRM Monitoring, Evaluation, Reporting and Improvement Framework now available

The Natural Resource Management Monitoring, Evaluation, Reporting and Improvement Framework (MERI Framework) is a broad, overarching document. It provides a generic framework for monitoring, evaluating, reporting on and improving Australia’s approach to managing key assets. The key asset classes in the natural resource management (NRM) context include human, social, natural, physical and financial assets. At the program level, evaluation strategies will be developed to provide details for implementing the MERI Framework. Monitoring, evaluation, reporting and improvement are integral components of NRM programs. These activities provide approaches to assess the impact, appropriateness, effectiveness, efficiency and legacy of policies and programs and a process to promote accountability.

BIODIVERSITY: ANPC National Forum on conservation on private land, Halls Gap, Vic. 30 April - 1 May 2009

Australian Network for Plant Conservation - 2nd National Forum -
‘Minding our own biodiversity: conservation on private land’

Thursday 30 April – Friday 1 May 2009
Halls Gap, The Grampians, Victoria

Don’t miss this timely forum! Register NOW!
Registrations close Friday 17 April

ANPC's second national forum will focus on conservation outside the formal reserve system, whether on small blocks, production properties, large landscape level efforts or cross-tenure projects. It will highlight the people and places involved and investigate the incentives and support available.

The forum will include presentations, case studies, facilitated discussion sessions and field visits to project sites. Many landholder presenters will give participants the benefit of their on-ground experience.

This is your opportunity to participate, learn, contribute, debate and move this essential component of biodiversity conservation forward.

For further information, program, registration visit ANPC Conferences or contact the ANPC office on 02 6250 9509.

Keep an eye on the website for program updates (there are some gaps in the draft program as many of our Victorian colleagues are currently deployed with bushfire responsibilities).

Private land is the key to linking biodiversity conservation across the landscape.

BIODIVERSITY: Research on the movement of urban kangaroos in the ACT

During early 2009, Global Positioning System (GPS) tracking collars will be fitted to 24 kangaroos in 15 large areas of urban open space across Canberra. This is the first known Australian study of a large wild animal in an urban environment. The intention is to record the home range and movement patterns of urban kangaroos over a two year period. The GPS tracking collars will record the location of the kangaroo every hour. This study, will provide valuable information for the management of kangaroos in the urban environment, the planning of urban kangaroo control programs, and help devise ways to reduce the risk of motor vehicle accidents with kangaroos. For further information visit the ACT Territory and Municipal Services website.

CLIMATE: Latest issue of CO2 News - 18 February 2009

The 18 February 2009 issue of C02 News includes:

News

• Research points to Indian Ocean as cause of drought
• Human health impacts of climate change focus of research
• New Ambassador for Climate Change
• Energy Efficient Homes program launched
• Climate Ready projects announced
• Victorian Government outlines 2009 climate and environmental agenda

Conferences & Events

• The Managing Waste in a Changing Climate Conference
• Remaking Suburbia — Research and policy directions for sustainable home improvements
• Melbourne Planning Summit
• NSW Sustainable Development Conference

FIRE MANAGEMENT: Bushfire resources - arson & bushfires, bushfires & nature conservation, development in bushfire prone areas, bushfires & climate

Arson and bushfires

• The Australian Institute of Criminology has published and catalogued a wide range of research on arson and bushfires including crime prevention.

Bushfires and nature conservation

• The role of the South East Queensland Fire and Biodiversity Consortium (FaBCon) is to address the issues of fire and biodiversity within the imperatives of life and property protection. It does this by disseminating knowledge, investigating and implementing research and providing information to assist with fire management decision-making. FaBCon has produced and continues to develop a range of fire ecology research reports and guidelines, strategic fire management reports, landholder bushfire preparation materials and educational materials.
• The NSW Nature Conservation Council (NCC) Hotspots Fire Project looks at how fire can be managed to conserve native plants and animals (biodiversity) and other natural assets - as well as the lifestyle and land uses we value. Through a coordinated program of research, training and education initiatives, Hotspots bundles up the latest developments in ecological fire management and puts them into a management framework for land managers and regional communities. Hotspots is trialling its approach in four regions of New South Wales - the Northern Rivers, Southern Rivers, Hawkesbury-Nepean and Central West.

Development in bushfire prone areas

• Australian Standard AS 3959-1999 Construction of buildings in bushfire prone areas sets out requirements for the design and construction of buildings in bushfire-prone areas in order to improve their performance when they are subjected to burning debris, radiant heat or flame contact generated from a bushfire. Also includes a methodology for assessing categories of bushfire attack in respect of a site situated in an area that has been designated by a relevant authority as bushfire-prone.
• The NSW Rural Fire Service Building in a Bush Fire Prone Area resources contain information that promotes an understanding of bush fire behaviour, bush fire assessment reports and the legal frame work that governs the planning process for proposed developments on bush fire prone land. The information would be relevant to current and future home owners, developers, planners, councils, fire authorities and other government organisations.
• An example local government planning scheme bushfire risk code and policy can be found in pages 135-143 and 328-329 of the Gatton Planning Scheme.
  

Bushfires and climate

• Special Climate Statement 17, The exceptional January-February 2009 heatwave in south-eastern Australia, Australian Government Bureau of Meteorology.
• Climate Change and its Impact on the Management of Bushfire, Bushfire Cooperative Research Centre (Bushfire CRC) and the Australasian Fire Authorities Council (AFAC) Fire Note Issue 4 September 2006.
• Bushfire Weather in Southeast Australia: Recent Trends and Projected Climate Change Impacts, The Climate Institute, September 2007.
  

WASTE MGMT: Clean-up Australia Day 1 March 2009 (Business Clean Up Day 24 February 2009, Schools Clean Up Day 27 February 2009)

Every year hundreds of thousands of Australians help clean up their environment on Clean Up Australia Day. Visit the Clean Up website to find out how you can help or register a site.

FUNDING, NRM: Closing date for Caring for our Country applications extended and $5 million allocated to bushfire projects in Victoria

The closing date for all Australian Government Caring for our Country 2009-10 business plan proposals has been extended to 3 April 2009.

Ministers Garrett and Burke have also announced more than $5 million to support bushfire recovery projects in Victoria. The Australian Government will work closely with the Victorian Government to ensure the funding achieves the best outcomes for these bushfire affected areas. Further information about the process for these funds will be available shortly.

FUNDING, WATER: National Rainwater and Greywater Initiative

On 30 January 2009 the Minister for Climate Change and Water announced that the Australian Government is offering rebates of up to $500 to households for either:

• The purchase and installation of a new rainwater tank which is connected for internal reuse of the water for toilet and/or laundry use; or
• The purchase and installation of a permanent greywater treatment system.

For further information visit the Water for the Future website.

FUNDING, CLIMATE, LOCAL GOVT: Local Adaptation Pathways Program, expressions of interest close 25 February 2009

Through the Local Adaptation Pathways Program, the Australian Government is providing funding to help councils undertake climate change risk assessments and develop action plans to prepare for the likely local impacts of climate change. The funding will help councils integrate climate change risk into their broader decision-making processes. Round 2 grants are now available. Expressions of interest will close on 25 February 2009 and it is expected that these will be short listed by mid March 2009. Short listed applicants will be invited to submit further information.

CLIMATE, PLANNING: Book review - Ecopolis- Architecture and Cities for a Changing Climate, by Paul F Downton

Source: Householders Options to Protect the Environment (HOPE)

Ecopolis is a book about cities, ecology and climate change written by one of Australia’s leading advocates and pioneers of sustainable architecture. Challenging conventional definitions and limitations of architecture and planning, it proposes a strong trans-disciplinary approach that links built environment professionals, life scientists and the wider community in the design of human settlements as living components of the biosphere.

The book includes what may be the first definition of the purpose of cities in the modern era and introduces the powerful concept of the urban fractal. The author demonstrates the history and lineage of his philosophy through an extensive review of the work of key theorists and practitioners which, in itself, provides a useful reference tool for ecocity theorists.

Identifying key theorists, practitioners, places and philosophies, the book provides a solid theoretical context, and goes on to present a series of design and planning tools for achieving Sustainable Human Ecological Development (SHED). Combining knowledge from diverse fields to present a synthesis of urban ecology, the book will provide a valuable resource for students, researchers and practitioners in architecture, construction, planning, geography and the traditional life sciences.

CLIMATE, RENEWABLES: Australian Solar Institite announced

Inadequate funding for Australian research institutions and the lure of well funded overseas organisations has contributed to Australia losing solar research expertise throughout the past decade.

The Australian Solar Institute will provide much needed support for the Australian solar community, helping to retain Australian solar expertise and develop the next generation of Australian solar researchers. The Institute will foster greater collaboration between researchers in universities, research institutions, and industry and help forge strong links with peak overseas research organisations.

SUSTAINABLE GARDENS: Book review - Sustainable Gardens, CSIRO Publishing Gardening Guides by Rob Cross & Roger Spencer

Source: Householders Options to Protect the Environment (HOPE)

Our gardens are a microcosm of nature; the ecological processes that go on in a garden mirror those operating on a global scale. The better we understand and quantify these cycles and processes, the more effective will be our own management strategies.

Sustainable Gardens shows amateur and professional horticulturists how to make informed decisions when designing, constructing and maintaining parks and gardens for reduced environmental impact.

It describes the historical context of the global, national and local environmental issues that confront us and examines the idea of sustainable living as a means of addressing these issues. It draws attention to the new discipline of sustainability science with its emphasis on environmental accounting, and how this is being applied at the global, national, country, household and individual levels to establish benchmarks, set management goals, assess trends and measure progress towards sustainability. The book also discusses how gardens can make a major contribution to a sustainable future through increased food production and a close connection with the local environment.

TRAINING: Enabling Change & Proactive Community Engagement traning courses Sydney, Melbourne, Perth February & March 2009

For full details and booking forms for the training courses below visit the Enabling Change website.

Enabling Change
Designing professional behaviour change projects

Transform your abilities as a change agent with this enjoyable, hands-on workshop. You'll get valuable insights into the psychology of behaviour change, inspiring case studies and a proven step-by-step project design methodology. Whether you're working in the area of climate change, healthy living, road safety or water conservation you'll never think about change, or design change projects, the same way again. Over 2000 Australian government professionals have so far attended this popular workshop.

Sydney: 23-24 February
Melbourne: 5-6 March [Note change of dates - was 4-5 March]
Perth: 9-10 March

Proactive Community Engagement Designing positive, productive community consultation projects
There's plenty of room for improvement in the way government agencies and councils engage their communities in plan-making. This intensive hands-on workshops demystifies the concepts, introduces vital understandings from the psychology of risk communication and guides participants through a simple, effective template to design more effective projects. Last year over 200 professionals, mainly in local government, attended this training, with rave reviews (and an average satisfaction rate of 92%).

Sydney: 26-27 February
Melbourne: 2-3 March [Note change of dates - was 17-18 Feb]
Perth: 12-13 March

BIODIVERSITY: Sydney Inner West Biodiversity Forum, Wednesday 18 February 2009

Come along to the Summer Hill Community Centre, 131 Smith St Summer Hill on Wednesday 18 February 2009 at 7.30pm and hear about biodiversity along the GreenWay corridor in the Inner West of Sydney. Hosted by the Inner West Environment Group (IWEG), the discussion forum will examine the topic: "Bushcare sites in the Inner West and their contribution to local biodiversity and sustainability". There will be speakers from local Councils and agencies followed by open discussions session. Refreshments provided. For location map visit the Inner West Environment Group website.

WETLANDS: World Wetlands Day 2 February 2009

World Wetlands Day is celebrated internationally each year on 2 February. It marks the anniversary of the signing of the Convention on Wetlands of International Importance (Ramsar Convention) in Ramsar, Iran, on 2 February 1971. The international theme for World Wetlands Day 2009 is "Upstream-Downstream: Wetlands connect us all". This is in recognition of how interconnected we all are within river basins and the impact that activities upstream have on the lower parts of a river catchment. For information on World Wetlands Day events around Australia visit the Water for the Future website.

WETLANDS & WATERWAYS: Come along to the official opening of a new fishway at Sydney Olympic Park, 2 February 2009

Sydney Olympic Park Authority, the Sydney Metropolitan Catchment Management Authority and the NSW Department of Primary Industries (Fisheries) invite you to attend the opening of the Boundary Creek Fishway. This fishway was constructed to improve fish passage though a concrete culvert in Boundary Creek. For further information please see the event invitation and the project overview. All welcome, however please RSVP to Sara Galland by the 27 January on 02 9714 7870 or sara.galland@sopa.nsw.gov.au.

WATERWAYS: Call for Papers, THECA Bushcare Forum: Caring for our Waterways: 'Clear' or 'Muddied'?

This year, THECA will be holding its ninth Bushcare Forum: Caring for our Waterways: 'Clear' or 'Muddied'? The Forum will explore the current and future management of SEQ waterways and how best to manage these for the long-term future and sustainability of South East Queensland biodiversity. The subtitle ‘Clear’ or ‘Muddied’? refers to both the health of the waterways and their management. Proposals for presentations are now being sought - for further information please contact Rachel Griffiths, Forum Convenor on 07 3374 2656 or rachelgriffiths8@bigpond.com. The Forum will be held on 9 May 2009, at the Queensland Centre for Advanced Technologies, Pullenvale, Qld 4069.

COASTS: Queensland Coastal Conference, Gold Coast 12-15 May 2009, early bird registrations available until 28 January 2009

After the resounding success of the inaugural Queensland Coastal Conference in 2007, the 2009 'Waves of Change' Queensland Coastal Conference is an opportunity to broaden your understanding of how management and planning of the Queensland coast is evolving.

The conference is not just about learning of new developments in natural resource management, but will be a balanced discussion of practical, on-ground coastal management and the policies and programs that inform coastal zone management in Queensland. The program will feature a number of outstanding speakers, several concurrent sessions, workshops and poster presentations. It will attract over 250 delegates from Queensland and beyond and provides a wonderful opportunity to meet and extend contacts.

Delegates will include Commonwealth, State and Local Governments, Natural Resource Management regional bodies, leading research and education organisations, coastal and marine industries, coastal and marine consultants, managers, planners and engineers, NGOs, user groups, indigenous groups and many other community organisations.

COASTS: New Bitou bush management manual

Australian Government Minister for the Environment Peter Garrett has launched the new Bitou bush management manual at La Perouse, on Sydney’s south-eastern coastline.

Mr Garrett said the aggressive coastal weed bitou bush was one of 20 Weeds of National Significance (WoNS) and could out-compete or even totally eliminate native flora. In addition, the weed, which has invaded 80 per cent of the New South Wales coastline, could threaten the habitat of native fauna such as the eastern bristlebird, little tern and beach stone curlew.

La Perouse is home to the endangered ecological community Eastern Suburbs Banksia Scrub. This community of native species once occupied about 5300 ha between North Head and Botany Bay in the Sydney Basin Bioregion. Due to various threats including the invasion of exotic species like bitou bush and lantana, only 146 ha of the Eastern Suburbs Banksia Scrub remains on small pockets of land.

ENVIRONMENT: Latest issue of EnviroInfo, 15 January 2009

The 15 January 2009 issue of EnviroInfo includes:

General News

1. New steps for Green Car Plan announced
2. New study shows a drop in NSW emissions
3. Sea water transfer from Coorong to Lake Alexandrina to be assessed under EPBC Act
4. New greywater testing protocol developed
5. More than 50 councils join NSW water saving program

Conferences & Events

1. Sustainable Supply Chain forum
2. NSW Sustainable Development Conference
3. Sixth Australian Conference on Life Cycle Assessment: “Sustainability Tools for a New Climate”
4. Melbourne Planning Summit
5. Local Government Sustainable Development Conference - Call for Papers

CLIMATE: Latest issue of CO2 News, 21 January 2009

The 21 January issue of CO2 News includes:

News

1. New study shows a drop in NSW emissions
2. Funding available for Victorian councils to implement 'green' office program
3. All Tasmanian councils to undertake greenhouse gas emissions audits
4. Many councils may have to participate in emissions trading due to landfills
5. Energy efficiency initiatives save councils millions

Conferences & Events

1. Sixth Australian Conference on Life Cycle Assessment: “Sustainability Tools for a New Climate”
2. Ozwater09
3. Melbourne Planning Summit

CLIMATE, FOOD SUSTAINABILITY: ScienceAlert feature article, 'Food policy imperatives in a warming, drying world'

Andrew Campbell
20 January 2009

We have recently been reminded of how easily the immediate swamps the important. Collapsing world credit markets and myopia on Wall St are of course important, but in the long view they are but an artefact of a financial system out of whack with the fundamentals of production, distribution and consumption.

Ross Garnaut rightly points out that climate change and the imperative to tackle it will be around long after the current financial crisis has washed through our superannuation statements and the credibility of bank executives and financial markets. As both Garnaut and Nicholas Stern have observed, climate change represents the world’s biggest market failure.

Now is exactly the time to be rewiring, re-stumping and re-plumbing the economy in order to meet the environmental challenges ahead. A key emerging issue in the climate change debate that exemplifies this challenge is food...

Read the full article here.

FOOD SUSTAINABILITY: New book, 'The No-Nonsense Guide to World Food' (Wayne Roberts)

Food security is a topic that is increasingly in the public consciousness. Covering fast food, health food, institutional food, and more, 'The No-Nonsense Guide to World Food' shows how “real food” has become increasingly scarce, dominated as it is in the West by agri-business and supermarkets. In the no-nonsense tone for which these guides are known, Wayne Roberts covers nutrition, health, economics and more. He also gives examples of effective food-ways being developed by individuals, communities, and governments.

An essential guide to this important issue, 'The No-Nonsense Guide to World Food' will appeal to students, food professionals and activists, public health staff and concerned citizens - anyone who aims to understand the world food system and how it can be improved.

SUSTAINABILITY, ENVIRONMENT: New 'Vital Planet' website, interviews with prominent leaders and unsung heroes

Vital Planet contains interviews with highly credible people whose work is contributing to a sustainable future - in the areas of Environment & Science, Wellbeing & Fullfillment, and Sustainable Business. With serious issues such as climate change and the 'spin' from special interests, the not for profit Vital Planet organisation believes that it is vital that these important voices can be heard by a greater number of people.

SUSTAINABILITY: 'Onya Soapbox' Poster Presentations can now be viewed online

The USSA (Urban Sustainability Support Alliance) co-ordinated a unique poster presentation session for NSW sustainability practitioners at the Department of Environment and Climate Change/NSW Environmental Trust Integrating Sustainability in Local Government Symposium.

Ten local government presenters got on the USSA soapbox and shared their approach to a sustainability project or issue. Posters topics ranged from an Eco-fashion Show to converting a Pool to a Pond to Retro-fitting diesel engines.

The case study YouTube clips recorded on the day and copies of the posters can be accessed through the USSA website.

POPULATION: New Book, 'Overloading Australia' (Mark O'Connor and William Lines)

Greenhouse gases going up. Oil and gas depleting. House prices exploding. Overloading Australia explains why - and how to stop it. The press of numbers on this continent affects us all - those living, as well as those yet to be born. To talk of saving the environment or of climate change is meaningless if we won't address population - a subject some think too hot for public debate. In a score of punchy chapters, authors Mark O'Connor and William Lines challenge the myths, expose the facts, and dent the denial industry. They blow the whistle on population-foolish policies that lead to clogged roads, water shortages, scarce food, and no place for refugees. They provide new ways to think about these issues and arguments covering a limit to Australia's future population-size. This is a book that will revolutionise the green and political debates, on population and immigration, currently, one of the hottest political issues.

RENEWABLES: 'Green light for Central Victoria Solar City'

The Hon Peter Garrett AM MP
Minister for the Environment, Heritage and the Arts
Media release 10 December 2008

A further achievement in Australia’s comprehensive response to combat climate change was realised today with the sealing of Australia’s fifth Solar City agreement, Environment Minister Peter Garrett, said.

Supported by $14.9 million from the Australian Government, the Central Victoria Solar City is a $41 million project jointly driven by Bendigo Bank, Origin Energy, PowerCor, a number of local municipalities and the Central Victorian Greenhouse Alliance and its commercial arm, ZCO2e.

"The agreement is the latest milestone in the Australian Government's $94 million Solar Cities initiative which is integrating solar technologies, energy efficiency and large-scale community engagement to tackle climate change," Mr Garrett said.

"The Central Victoria Solar City covers one fifth of Victoria and involves 14 municipalities, industry, businesses and local communities working together to rethink the way energy is produced and used...

Read the full media release here.

FUNDING: Become a Living Donor - Vodafone 'World of Difference' Program

It takes a Living Donor to make a difference in this world. Someone willing to give everything they’ve got - their heart, brain, determination and all the rest – to change the world for the better. The Vodafone Australia Foundation is for looking for Living Donors to take part in the 2009 World of Difference Program. While you donate all of yourself to the charity or non-profit organisation of your choice for a year, we’ll pay you a salary of up to $50,000 and cover $25,000 in related expenses. Past World of Difference Graduates have included people who have donated to environmental non-profit organisations. Applications close Friday 6 February 2009.

SUSTAINABILITY, BIODIVERSITY: Living Planet Report 2008

Every two years, Global Footprint Network along with WWF and the Zoological Society of London issues the Living Planet Report, which uses complementary measures to explore the changing state of global biodiversity and of human consumption. The report documents the extent of human pressure on the planet, how that compares across nations, and how it is impacting the natural world. The Living Planet Report 2008, released October 29, 2008, shows that at the current rate humanity is using natural resources and producing waste, by the early 2030s we will require the resources of two planets to meet our needs.

BIODIVERSITY: Urban Biodiversity: A Social Psychological Investigation into Landscape Preference within the Suburban Backyard

The successful establishment of biodiversity corridors in urban areas requires the behavioural involvement of local residents in terms of their gardening practices, that is, gardening for habitat protection. This study by the Murdoch University School of Psychology investigates exactly how local residents perceive different kinds of gardens and whether such preferences might have an impact on their willingness to incorporate habitat-providing elements (e.g., native plants) into their own gardens. The study also aimed to investigate some of the attitudinal factors that might influence residents’ preferences for different kinds of gardens.

BUILT ENVIRONMENT: Green Cities 09 Conference/Expo, Brisbane 1-4 March 2009

A joint initiative of the Green Building Council of Australia and the Property Council of Australia, Green Cities 09 has the theme "Valuable, Affordable, Sustainable". This is your opportunity to join other green building innovators and decision makers to explore new ideas in sustainable building and learn about the latest industry developments, techniques and strategies.

GREENSPACE: Urban Greenscapes Symposium 2009, Canberra 17 February 2009

Climate change continues to be a huge global and national issue and all green-life stakeholders including nursery, landscapers, all levels of government, architects, urban planners, builders and NGO's are well positioned to take advantage of the shift in sentiment by positioning green-life and plants as part of the solution.

While everyone equates trees with healthy environmental messages as evidenced by the growing number of corporate brands that advertise tree planting as a way of offsetting the environmental footprint from use of their products, the nursery industry and all other green-life stakeholders are still struggling to get a place at the political table to have an impact on environmental policy development and planning.

The nursery & garden industry is hosting the Symposium to unveil the benefits of plants and green-life in the urban landscape and bring together all stakeholder groups to drive unity of message and create a stronger platform on which to engage government.

With international speakers such as Dr Greg McPherson project leader for the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) Centre for Urban Forest Research, and other well known experts, environmental scientists, academics and researchers, the Symposium will highlight the benefits of green-life by discussing how increased urban planting can provide solutions to some of the environmental and health issues we are facing today.

HEALTH, SUSTAINABILITY, NRM, CLIMATE: Healthy Cities Conference 2009, Gold Coast 25-27 March 2009

The Healthy Cities Conference will be a platform for Government and Industry sector professionals to consider health, sustainability, natural resource management, climate change and the implications for public policy. Participants will also examine issues that effect Federal, State and Local Government agencies. The future will present some exciting challenges , what do we need to meet these challenges and how will it effect the way we live and work?

The Conference will feature keynote presentations along with four concurrent streams, each designed to address the Conference themes:

• Managing population and economic growth - what is sustainable?
• Climate Change Adaptation
• Managing Communicable Disease Outbreaks - Health Security
• Population Health Management - immunisation, bio security, food safety and epidemic control
• Managing Natural Resources
• City Design - designing changes to urban life to encourage Physical Activity, Healthy Cities
• Disaster Management - public welfare - recovery and rebuild
• Managing Legislation and Policy

FIRE MANAGEMENT: AFAC/Bushfire CRC Conference 22-24 September 2009, call for papers by 1 February 2009,

‘Meeting Expectations’ is the theme for the 2009 AFAC (Australasian Fire & Emergency Service Authorities Council)/Bushfire CRC Conference. It will examine the expectations of government, community, industry and itself. How do the emergency services interpret and meet the expectations of all these groups? How do they measure, understand and respond to the often contradictory demands and expectations from various sectors? What are we really striving to achieve? There will also be increased emphasis on issues facing urban firefighting and SES activities. The conference will cater to urban and rural fire, state emergency services, land managers, local, state and federal government, private industry and community groups. The call for papers is now open and closes on 1 February 2009.

CLIMATE: NSW Community Climate Summit, Sydney 19-21 February 2009

The first of its kind in NSW, the Community Climate Summit will provide an opportunity for everyday Australians to discuss our response to the critical issue of climate change and to make recommendations to the NSW Government. The NSW Minister for Climate Change and the Environment, Hon Carmel Tebbutt MP, will open the summit and will receive the community’s recommendations after the event.

Climate change will impact on all Australians, now and in the future. It is therefore vital that we hear from a diverse and representative mix of everyday citizens, who have a critical perspective, in considering our response to the challenge of climate change.

The Nature Conservation Council of NSW is undertaking a broad recruitment drive inviting community members who are non aligned with the environment movement to register for the summit, and they need your help to spread the word - click here and scroll down to find out how you can help.

PLANNING: Melbourne Planning Summit, 29-29 April 2009

The Melbourne Planning Summit will provide an opportunity for discussion and review of latest developments in urban planning in Melbourne, as well as facilitating the exchange of ideas on how to achieve sustainable planning objectives. The conference will cover issues including Melbourne's urban growth planning update, the new Victorian transport strategy, lessons learnt from the Melbourne 2030 Audit, urban expansion, the role of planning in achieving better environmental outcomes, factoring climate change into planning and infrastructure decisions, and water management and water sensitive urban design. It will feature sessions on innovative urban partnerships and planning best practice case studies.

LOCAL GOVERNMENT NRM: Survey, Capacity of NSW Local Government to engage and participate in Natural Resource Management

This survey report, prepared by the Local Government and Shires Associations of NSW, identifies the varying capacity councils across NSW have to engage and participate in NRM and it highlights areas where councils might need support to strengthen their delivery of NRM.

INFORMATICS: New book, Handbook of Research on Urban Informatics: The Practice and Promise of the Real-Time City

Alive with movement and excitement, cities transmit a rapid flow of exchange facilitated by a meshwork of infrastructure connections. In this environment, the Internet has advanced to become the prime communication medium, creating a vibrant and increasingly researched field of study in urban informatics.

The Handbook of Research on Urban Informatics: The Practice and Promise of the Real-Time City brings together an international selection of 66 esteemed scholars presenting their research and development on urban technology, digital cities, locative media, and mobile and wireless applications. A truly global resource, this one- of-a-kind reference collection contains significant and timely research covering a diverse range of current issues in the urban informatics field, making it an essential addition to technology and social science collections in academic libraries that will benefit scholars and practitioners in an array of fields ranging from computer science to urban studies.