Author: Jim Crosthwaite

  • Can you support BGREEN too?

    Michael Chew is one of JCJ’s supporters who travels to Asia to study and work among poorer communities. When Michael got around to reviewing the extent of his trips, he realised that he had travelled a large number of air miles over two years.

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    He felt he should make some sort of compensation to the planet  for this. JCJ has several people who make monthly donations as their ‘offset’, and others who donate whenever they fly. Michael intends to make a substantial financial contribution to help empower youth instead of offsetting with an airline.

    Michael is doing an action-research PhD exploring how urban communities in Melbourne, Bangladesh and China are responding to climate change using photography.  There are so many inspiring local climate actions that communities are taking in these countries – we just don’t normally hear about them.

    Michael is a strong supporter of BGREEN in Bangladesh because of their great work empowering Bangladeshi youth to act on climate change. JCJ has financially supported BGREEN over several years – see our Bangladesh page, which includes links to BGREEN.

    All donations are welcome. Michael (pictured above) has made a very generous offer to JCJ:

    • He will match donations with an equal donbgreen6ation of his own (up to a total of $750)
    • The first 3 people to donate $250 or more to JCJ will get a copy of his beautiful photography book Bangladesh:Land and People (value $65). Cut-off deadline is 1 May 2016

    Donate here.

  • JCJ renewal

    At our recent AGM, a new committee was elected unopposed. Helen Dobbyn is now President, Christina Leslie is Vice-President, and Jack Schmidt continues as Secretary. Ordinary committee members are Colin Long, Holly Dillabough, Shweta Mukherjee and Jim Crosthwaite.

    Many thanks to Jim Crosthwaite and Kanchana Weerakoon, formerly President and Vice-President, for their contribution since 2010 in conceiving JCJ and leading its development until this year.  And thanks to Mimi, Ji100_3705m’s dog who introduced Kanchana and Jim to each other at the traffic lights in Fairfield in early 2010.

    We’re very keen to find a Treasurer. Jim Crosthwaite will do the
    books until we find the right person. It is not an onerous job, taking Jim just 4 hours to update our accounts with the 50 or so transactions since 1 July.

    The committee meets 3-4 times a year. It oversights JCJ activity, with the ‘core team’ meeting fortnightly and being the more active group. If you like what we do, why not get involved?

     

     

  • JCJ successful Asia partnership

    Stephen Bygrave’s visit to Sri Lanka in September was a great success. In his words, ” lots of goodwill, big hearts, open mindsForumInvite. Great relationships between NGOs. Government also open to input. Very few negative statements or feelings”. Stephen is CEO of Beyond Zero Emissions, which has demonstrated the technical feasibility of 100% renewables in Australia.

    Stephen also says that he learnt as much as he was able to offer, especially as Sri Lanka has committed to 100% renewables. Stephen’s expertise was welcomed in two main forums. One was an event organised by the Chamber of Commerce was attended by 67 representatives from business and agencies, such as the Climate Change Secretariat. The other was Kolomba Yathra, a youth gathering and march organised by ECO-V (see more on this below). Many youth had been on previous youth Journeys organised by ECO-V and supported by JCJ.

    Media Coverage was offered by the Daily Mirror Financial Times, the Ceylon Today Financial Times and the Ceylon Daily News.

    One-on-one meetings included separate meetings with the Minister for Megapolis and Western Development (formerly the Energy Minister), and the founder of the large NGO Sarvodaya (Dr. A.T Ariyaratne – Sri Lanka’s Gandhi)chaturika3 walk temple

    Two exposure visits were organised for Stephen – to a wind mill and a solar panel farm

    Thanks to Eco-Friendly Volunteers and the Federation of Environmental Organisations for facilitating Stephen’s trip. So much was achieved in just one week. JCJ’s role was to raise the funds to make it possible. We look forward to collaboration in the near future.

    Images – Chamber of Commerce invitation to Stephen’s event; youth march; Kanchana Weerakoon founder of ECO-V and JCJ member (left) with Mrs. Chathurika Sirisena the President’s daughter; visit to temple on the march (Stephen is in the foreground with sunglasses on head).

    Kolamba Yathra 2015 was the 3rd Yathra (journey) conducted by Eco Friendly Volunteers (ECO-V). Its theme was interfaith journey for sustainability. Kolamba Yathra 2015 took place on 19 September 2015 with the participation of more than 200 youth from different youth groups, societies, communities’ universities and schools representing Buddhist, Hindu, Christian and Islam religions.  The purpose of the event was to create awareness among general public on climate change and how each individual can contribute towards the impact of climate change. Also this journey was held to raise Sri Lankan voices to support all those working very hard towards COP 21.

  • 2015 Project Support for ECO-V: Kolamba Yathra & 100% Renewables Trip

    JCJ continued supporting our partner organisation ECO-V by funding a new vital position in the organisation. This position, International Coordinator, was responsible for organising the successful 2015 Kolamba Yathra, and coordinating the JCJ-funded 2015 Sri Lanka 100% renewables trip with Stephen Bygrave.

    Kolamba Yathra 2015 was the 3rd Yathra (journey) conducted by Eco-Friendly Volunteers (ECO-V). Its theme was interfaith journey for sustainability. Kolamba Yathra 2015 took place on 19 September 2015 with the participation of more than 200 youth from different youth groups, societies, communities’ universities and schools representing Buddhist, Hindu, Christian and Islam religions. The purpose of the event was to create awareness among general public on climate change and how each individual can contribute towards the impact of climate change. Also this journey was held to raise Sri Lankan voices to support all those working very hard towards COP 21.

    You can read more about the trip with Stephen Bygrave here.

  • 2015 Sri Lanka 100% Renewables Trip

    In September 2015, JCJ sent technical expert Stephen Bygrave, CEO of Beyond Zero Emissions (BZE), to Sri Lanka to engage with environmentalists, NGOs, government officials, industry leaders, and youth activists, aiming to support the country’s transition to 100% renewable energy. Drawing on BZE’s extensive research in Australia, which outlines a technically feasible no-coal pathway to full renewables, Stephen shared insights and strategies to demonstrate how such a transition could be achieved in Sri Lanka.

    During his visit, Stephen participated in key events, including a forum organized by the Chamber of Commerce attended by 67 representatives from business and government agencies such as the Climate Change Secretariat. He also took part in Kolomba Yathra, a youth-led march and gathering organised by ECO-V, whose past initiatives have been supported by JCJ. In addition to addressing a large conference of over 300 attendees, Stephen held one-on-one meetings with high-level figures, including the Minister for Megapolis and Western Development (formerly the Energy Minister), and Dr. A.T. Ariyaratne, the founder of Sarvodaya—Sri Lanka’s largest NGO.

    Stephen noted the strong sense of collaboration among NGOs, openness from government stakeholders, and the positive energy from all involved. He emphasized that he gained as much from the experience as he shared, particularly in light of Sri Lanka’s own commitment to achieving 100% renewables.

    The visit received significant media coverage from outlets such as the Daily Mirror Financial Times, Ceylon Today Financial Times, and Ceylon Daily News, helping to bring national attention to the vision of a renewable-powered future for Sri Lanka.

  • Bon Voyage Stephen Bygrave

    Stephen Bygrave - mock at Naked for Satan
    Stephen hovering over the bar at Naked for Satan

    Join JCJ and BZE supporters over a drink
    to wish Stephen well on his trip

    6pm Wednesday 2nd September

    Naked for Satan bar, 285 Brunswick St, Fitzroy
    Come to their top floor with views to the city

     

    What is this trip about?

    We are building links with people and groups here in Australia and in Asia to promote 100% renewables.

    Through these links, we can all work against exporting Australian coal.

    JCJ is funding the first of Stephen’s trips to Asia. On 13th September, Stephen leaves for a week in Sri Lanka. JCJ is paying for the airfare and expenses in Sri Lanka.

    Stephen is ideally placed for this initiative. He has worked on grassroots energy initiatives in the Pacific Islands and on national climate policy in Australia. As CEO of Beyond Zero Emissions, he knows the technical story on how countries can achieve 100% renewables.

    JCJ is linking him with ECO-Friendly Volunteers and the Federation of Environmental Organisations in Sri Lanka. They will set up meetings with the grassroots and with influential people in business, government and NGOs.

    The aim is to empower Asian countries with information to help them bring about alternatives to coal. Trips to other countries in the Asia Pacific will follow.

    More

    Please bring a small donation, or contribute in advance. We are only $800 from our target of $3,400.

    See more on our website for more details about the trip.

    Why not email us in advance indicating your interest in attending, or in joining JCJ’s mailing list?

    For more information, ring Jim on 0488 956 506.

  • Event – Seeking 100% renewables in Asia

    Come and hear Stephen Bygrave of Beyond Zero Emissions. Stephen will talk about the first of his planned trips to Asia to promote 100% renewables not coal.

    12.00 – 12.45pm, Wed 22 July

    Ground floor meeting room
    60 Leicester St, Carlton 
    (the environmental hub near Victoria Market)

    Bring your own lunch. 

    Donations towards the cost of the trip are welcome.

    Stephen Bygrave is CEO of BZE with extensive experience in climate-related issues at community, NGO and government levels.

    In September, he will go to Sri Lanka at the invitation of ECO-V, a local NGO. ECO-V is organising meetings with activists, environmental experts, NGOs, government and industry leaders.

    Stephen will discuss BZE research that has demonstrated how to reach 100% renewables. The aim is to empower Asian countries with information to help them bring about alternatives to coal. Trips to other countries in the Asia Pacific will follow.

    JCJ is sponsoring his trip, raising all the necessary funds, and liaising with Kanchana Weerakoon of ECO-V. Kanchana is also a founder of JCJ. See our websitefor more details.

    Donations will help cover the cost of the trip  – see the side bar for payment options. Or bring your donation on the day.

    An email indicating your interest in attending, or in joining JCJ’s mailing list, would be a great help.  For more information, ring Jim on 0488 956 506.

    Here is our flier for the event. 60L lunchtime event – A4 leaflet

  • JCJ membership 2015-16

    We encourage everyone to join JCJ as a way of showing support. Your dues pay for our admin costs. This includes room hire for our weekly activist meetings and AGM, Consumer Affairs registration fee, and more.

    2015 – 2016 memberships are now due.

    It costs $AU30 per year in countries like Australia, and $AU10 in Sri Lanka, Bangladesh, Vietnam, the Pacific Islands and similar countries.

    Why not make a direct debit now?
    This and other payment options are listed on the donate page.

    JCJ logo - with large & small Member inserted above

     

     

  • Tea & cheese tasting – successful fund-raiser

    Our Matched Tea & Cheese Tasting was a great success. 17 JCJ supporters packed out Porcelain in Carlton. It was to raise funds to send Stephen Bygrave of Beyond Zero Emissions to Sri Lanka to network with locals to help bring about 100% renewables in that country.

    Thanks to our great supporter Scarlett Killaly for hosting the event, and providing expert info about tea and cheese! We raised $300, and several people who couldn’t come transferred funds via our donate page to help the project.

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  • Fund-raising – tea and cheese tasting

    Join JCJ for a unique event – a combined tea and cheese tasting on Wednesday 24th June. It will be hosted by tea connoisseur Scarlett Killaly at her new cafe Porcelain in Carlton. (Scarlett is shown here as co-host of our 2013 tea tasting).Athula 4

    We’re raising funds to send Stephen Bygrave, CEO of Beyond Zero Emissions to Sri Lanka in September to promote 100% renewables. Come and help us make this happen.

    For more about Stephen’s proposed trip and what it will achieve, go to our 100% renewables page. He will be holding meetings with environmental experts, NGOs, government and industry leaders to empower them to bring about alternatives to coal.

    Numbers limited to 17, so RSVP asap: Facebook or email. 

    $25 ticket. Students $15.

    Payment in advance is required, via Paypal, bank transfer or cheque. Please visit the Donate page for details. Please ensure your payment reference has your name and Porcelain. 

    Please help us promote the event. Here is our JCJ Porcelain flyer 3-to-page.

    (image – JCJ’s tea tasting in 2013)P1010152