This week Rotarians met for dinner and were shown a TED Talk called 'Blind Spots In The Green Energy Transition' by Olivia Lazard, an expert negotiator in international conflict resoloution.
'Green' technologies like solar, wind, batteries, and electric vehicles, and the infrastructure that supports it, will require around 5 times as many minerals as are currently extracted around the world. Unlike previous industrial revolutions, this time the complexity is daunting. In the talk, Olivia Lazard gives an overview of the difficult task the world has ahead if we pursue this basket of technologies for de-carbonisation of the economy. The main issue is that the minerals are located in dozens of countries with unstable political regimes, which makes achieving a transition to renewable technologies very complex. Peace can only come from a just energy transition, but we need a just transition to ensure global peace.
A lot to think about! The meal was delicious as always.
If you are interested in watching Dr Lazard's talk, you can click this link for the YouTube video: https://youtu.be/za6dE5JrNB0
If you are interested in watching Dr Lazard's talk, you can click this link for the YouTube video: https://youtu.be/za6dE5JrNB0
We were all interested in hearing about how Hannah went at Surf Camp, and about her itinerary for Safari, which is taking her on thousands of kilometres around Australia. Some of us are envious of such an exciting trip!
Coming up this week we have our Vocational Visit to Boys To The Bush on 2nd March. We are all looking forward to finding out more about this innovative program that gets young people out of stressful situations and helps build their confidence. Please note that we will be starting early, at 5.30pm - the location is 2 Wamoon Crescent, on the same retail strip that ThinkWater is on.
Pizza and soft drinks will be provided at the usual $25 fee per attendee. If you would like an alcoholic beverage, please BYO.
In the following weeks we will have Denise McGrath on the 9th of March. Denise is a retired palliative care nurse, talking to us about end of life decision-making and preparations. Denise has been in high demand all over town for this talk, so I was lucky to be able to book her in before she goes away for some elective surgery. Denise's talk comes in three parts, and we will hear from her twice more during 2023 so she can give us the full benefit of her experience.
On the 16th of March we will be visiting the Leeton TAFE - but we will eat at the Hydro at 6.30pm then head down en masse for the site tour at TAFE at 7pm. We all agreed that pizza again that soon wouldn't be enjoyable and we want to support our gracious host Rose.
If you or someone you know is interested in spending an hour learning about how to properly pot a plant, TAFE is running a free taster workshop this Wednesday 1st of March, from 5.30pm to 6.30pm.
All materials are provided - please register via this link: https://tafenswevents.eventsair.com/leeton-clc-taster-1mar/registration-taster/Site/Register
Leeton Connect is running a free workshop Tuesday week, 7th March. There is a morning and an evening option. Please register if you are interested in learning how to attract and retain volunteers. Click here: https://leetonconnect.formstack.com/forms/workshop_rego_form_copy_1_copy_1
Thank you and see you soon!