By Rob O’Brien
An online photographic exhibition, featuring 350 photos of real people living sustainable lives, is being hosted by the Alternative Technology Association (ATA), as part of the recent International Day of Climate Action.
ATA chief executive officer Ian Porter said the exhibition revealed how seriously some Australians were responding to the challenge of climate change.
"There are photos of people on their roofs with solar systems, a plethora of energy-efficient house designs and many have invented new approaches to water uses and conservation,” Mr Porter said.
“This is an exhibition of people who are leading the way in achieving sustainability in their communities.
"The exhibition has been so popular that we expect it will become a living gallery where people can add images well after October 24, and continue to inspire others to follow their lead."
The image gallery is part the world wide 350.org campaign, calling for the world’s political leaders to create an equitable global climate treaty that lowers carbon dioxide below 350 parts per million (ppm) at the United Nations Climate Change meeting in Copenhagen in December.
350ppm is the number that leading scientists say is the safe upper limit for carbon dioxide in our atmosphere. Mr Porter said that we were currently over 390 ppm.
"ATA is taking part in 350.org because it will help focus the action of individuals, neighbourhoods and communities in making change. In reducing emissions. In being sustainable. It will provide a tangible target, a call to action and a policy focus," Mr Porter said.
"A target of 350 ppm is where we need to start, but the science is already hinting that we may need to go even deeper, to a target of 325 ppm or below. We should never lose sight of the fact that pre-industrial concentrations of CO2 were never above 300 ppm."
To view the image gallery click here.
Comment below to have your say on this story.
If you have a news story or tip-off, get in touch at editorial@governmentnews.com.au.
Sign up to the Government News newsletter
