The Mayor's Column
“When the last living thing has died on account of us, how poetical it would be if earth could say in a voice floating up, perhaps from the floor of the Grand canyon, it is done, people did not like it here.”
These are the words of Kurt Vonnegut, one of America’s most influential and provocative writers, who died last week.
His words resonate chillingly with those of us who share his concern about the impact we are having on our planet, particularly with our use of fossil fuels.
In Australia we see politicians on all levels of government belatedly running around making political mileage out of environmental issues.
There is so much we can do in our own backyards. Mosman Council was brave enough to do a calculation, which showed us as having a very large ecological footprint. We need to change the way we live to reduce it.
Council has resolved to set up a Sustainability Advisory Group, whose first action is to consider the organisation of an Environmental Forum. Council will also investigate the feasibility of setting up an Environmental Centre.
Communities are taking action into their own hands.
Women’s groups are springing up in the suburbs, including Mosman, as Women for Change Alliance (WFCA). Their aim is to raise awareness amongst residents of the importance of reducing carbon emissions and converting to green energy. They are non political and not for profit, working at the grass roots level, particularly focussing on environmental solutions in the home, with the motto: “Change begins at home.”
These women welcome other like-minded women to join them and work together, promoting sensible and practical solutions to address climate change for the sake of our children and future generations.
Interested in joining? Check the website www.wfca.org.au, then call 9960 6514 or email.
Cr Denise Wilton, Mayor of Mosman