Past Programs
Activism and Lobbying - 2008
Recyling and e-waste
19/11/2008
About 8 million new mobile phones are sold in Australia each year and at last estimate, there were more mobiles in this country than people. But what happens to old phones when it comes time to buy new ones? Only about three per cent are recycled; most end up as landfill. The story is not much better for other e-waste— computers, electronic goods, televisions. Environment groups want the federal government to introduce a scheme of 'extended producer responsibility', where the manufacturer takes charge of the disposal of the goods, not just their production. So what could that add to the cost of a new TV or computer? Should schemes like that be voluntary rather than regulated by government? And what's the consumer's role in recycling?
Climate change and the reef
13/11/2008
It's one of the world's unique marine environments and, not surprisingly, a heritage-listed site. People come in their millions each year to see and experience the Great Barrier Reef. But some scientists are predicting that if temperatures continue to rise, within 30 years it may be gone. Could climate change kill the Great Barrier Reef?
Environmental Triage
04/11/2008
The term Triage is usually associated with emergency medicine - there's a major accident with a lot of people injured. Medicos systematically assess the severity of each one's condition, and organize their treatment according to a set of priorities. The idea being that with an effective system, you can save as many lives as possible. But triage is increasingly being applied in conservation to decide what species should be protected and what management systems should be adopted for threatened eco systems. And in Australia there's a lot to choose from. The WWF's Living Planet Report says we have the fifth largest ecological footprint per capita in the world, one in five Australian mammals is in danger of dying out - the highest of any developed country. So could triage be a useful guide in deciding how best to manage the environment and its diversity? Or will competing interests, like economic, emotional and political factors, affect our priorities for future environmental management and species protection?
Understanding the whaling debate
12/02/2008
Today: Whaling diplomacy - as the diplomatic stoush between the Japanese and Australian governments continues, we look at some of the issues behind Japan's long standing whaling policy.
Are their more urgent environmental problems than whaling? Is Australia right to spend money on anti-whaling campaigns?
Join us with your views.
