What if electrical appliances came with their own solar panel to run them? Well, some already do and I think a lot more will in future. If this idea takes off, the result would be far-reaching and good, both for the householder and the power grid, but maybe not for electricians.

SEE-Change is applying for project support from the 100% Renewable Communities program to undertake both energy efficiency and renewable energy projects in Canberra and we need your help!

Community organisations are now being encouraged to submit initial ideas for the Stage 2 group centre and surrounding residential area.   A short online questionnaire is available via the Environment and Sustainable Development Directorate website (http://www.actpla.act.gov.au/topics/significant_projects/planning_studies/molonglo_valley).

Internationally, this year we have seen growing economic uncertainty, extreme weather events, social upheaval in the Middle East, The Occupation of Wall Street and failure at Durban to reach agreement on climate change mitigation. Locally, the year ended with the release of the ACT government's discussion paper on Weathering the Change.  SEE-Change has this year embarked on two major projects: 2020 Vision; and Canberra Clean Energy.  Here are 3 Canberra Times opinion pieces published recently about 2020 Vision, Canberra's 2013 Centenary and Weathering the Change.

Innovative Youth Tackling the Inconvenient Truth (15th November)

Take a look at this article from the Daily Mail about the town of Todmorden in West Yorkshire.  Is there any reason why Canberra could not convert many of it's green spaces into food production?  Can we turn our suburbs into foodbowls?

A $9 million injection of funds for seven new walking and cycling infrastructure projects was announced in early November by Minister for Territory and Municipal Services, Simon Corbell.

The ACT Government has released, for public comment, five possible pathways to achieve a 40% reduction in Canberra's greenhouse gas emissions by 2020 and carbon neutrality by 2060, Minister for the Environment and Sustainable Development, Simon Corbell, announced today.

Mr Corbell revealed details of the government's Weathering the Change - Draft Action Plan 2 today for a of period three months public comment and said the five pathways indentified options ranging from a focus on energy efficiency in buildings to development of renewable energy generation and use of carbon offsets.

Please take a look at this fantastic presentation from our Festival of Young Ideas.  Our young people really are an inspiration. Thanks to Jennifer Thompson of Engaging Solutions for putting this together for us.

If you would like to see 2020 Vision in your child's classroom next year, please get in touch with us via admin@see-change.org.au