remember being in a horrid shitty mood catching the bus back to my parents, thinking, if they just painted a bus lane on the fucking road my journey could take less than 45 minutes and be way more reliable. wondering why it isn't there, the infrastructure, surely i could afford the jail time if i just went out there and built it, they wouldn't tear it down right? footpaths and shit. cause it's still a pretty rural area. instead i'm sitting on the bus destroying my mental health, no wonder i feel better having moved out of the area, when every car that cuts in front of us and all the traffic we can't just zoom past feels like a personal put-down, an insult to my way of life that i've chosen because it's better for all of us, not just me.

and realising, when my head's out of the constant frustration of it having moved out to somewhere walkable, i can see it 'above the trees' if you will that i can whine and bitch about it all i can (and believe me i have) but any change like the one i want, is political. we do this for the city, we as the whole city do it together. of course it would be good, say the 3+ million of us living in greater brisbane, soon to be 4, 5, 6, 7 million in the leadup to 2032 and after, but it's the tragedy of the commons isn't it? my priority, say 3+ million minus one self-supporting adult in this soon-to-be megacity, is getting to work every day and putting food on the table. i've never had that strong of a survival drive, I'd rather do the right thing and invest my choices into something that makes for a better city than be able to work or eat but when it comes to my mental health? sometimes you've gotta learn the hard way, some things you can't change, and it's not worth losing everything over. you can't think if you're exposing yourself constantly to what's fucking up your brain like if i punished myself for the inaction of the city it might make it better.

i'm starting to learn it doesn't. change is political, it's about power, and people are like water (bear with me, i'm a hydrologist) because it takes volume, all going a certain way, to make the biggest impact. have the strongest force. erode grooves in rocks and wash away entire buildings (this is brisbane, we've seen it happen). what we need, is all these people, 3+ million of us and more, coming together around an idea. getting together, council can't do anything to stop a majority, not in australia at least, and the functionality of a city is something we all need. heck, traffic is bad for all of our mental health and i would bet both my kidneys that the impact of it on our lives and relationships is understudied and underreported exponentially. we can solve this, but individual choices alone don't do shit.

so i'll stop beating myself up for not being able to simply will all the traffic lights along my commute to be green, and turn the energy i put into being mad at all of those stupid annoying cars into the things i do best. it turns out i'm really fucking good at drawing up ideas and connecting with people. so i'll stop beating myself up about the fact that the uni degree i did so i'd know about these things and the job i do for Experience and Sustenance meant i haven't had time to do all of these things As Soon As I Thought Of Them (like you always got told to do for your homework assignments). instead i'll think in larger timeframes. 9 years til the olympics. 2 to finish my masters degree. 27 til the rest of the world is carbon negative like tasmania and bhutan. what can i do in each of these timeframes? and how can i prioritise it?

as i coax my brain slowly out of fight or flight, as i put my pencils and watercolours and maps to annotate out on the table in front of me and say 'take your time, but you're allowed to do what you love' i know the places that have marked on my soul stand out to me. south east queensland right out to the bay. western sydney and bringing dignity to our second cbd, parramatta. queenstown tasmania, for some reason. the murray-darling basin as a whole, gundagai and the murrumbidgee at its heart. the red dirt centre of this great land and all the peoples and cultures it holds. i can hold all of their perspectives. i can train my intuition to find out all of their needs. i can put myself into 26 million pairs of shoes and decorate the lands and i can do it respectfully and lovingly like i'm tattooing my own skin because it might as well be. tattoo it with the needs of all of us and all who have gone before. blueprints of functionality, functionality we don't have, and then meet all 26 million souls (okay, i probably only need 2 million if we're starting from brisbane) and say to them, would you dream this dream with me? will you imagine this lifestyle where you're less burdened? can you be a part of simply talking about it, because that's how we're going to make it happen? can you improve it, make it better, make it yours, knowing that when you do it imprints itself on your heart a little more, you feel a part of it? and then we're all part of it. it takes years, but it can happen.

so i guess i've got my life's work cut out for me, and i'm so fucking glad i could figure this out from something that has been frustrating me to no end, because 'you can't change it' doesn't work for me unless you switch it out like a child's toy for something more big and exciting that i can change instead. fuck you, conformity. i found what it can be for me. a dream so big it doesn't matter if i can only do some of it--and who says i have to limit myself to australia?

Reflecting on 2023, it's been a year of remarkable progress in our EV installation endeavors.

🌱Each project has brought us closer to a more sustainable future, marking a significant step in our journey.

As the year comes to a close, we celebrate these achievements and eagerly look forward to the innovations and opportunities that await in 2024.

Wishing everyone a season of joy and a new year filled with promise!

High-Level Meeting on Sustainable Transport - General Assembly, Sustainability Week, 78th session.

The high-level meeting will highlight sustainable and effective solutions to improve the balance between economic, social, and environmental dimensions of sustainable transport, to take full advantage of sustainable transport in accelerating the implementation of the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development.  

Opening

Ministerial segment

Interactive multi-stakeholder panel: Enhancing intermodal transport connectivity and developing socially inclusive and environmentally friendly transportation

Closing segment 

Sustainable transport systems remain crucial for sustainable development. They support economic growth, facilitate global supply chains, including the delivery of goods and services to rural and urban communities, enhance international cooperation and trade, connect people and communities to jobs, schools and health care, and thus provide all with equal opportunities. 

The meeting will be open to Member States and Observers, the United Nations system, ECOSOC-accredited non-governmental organizations and other relevant stakeholders.

Related Sites and Documents

UNGA Sustainability Week Concept Note

Watch the High-Level Meeting on Sustainable Transport - General Assembly, Sustainability Week, 78th session

The Sustainability Week initiative is essentially designed to galvanise momentum around sustainability in a way that helps to supercharge implementation of the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development.

The President of the General Assembly on Tuesday announced the UN body’s inaugural Sustainability Week, encapsulating a series of high-level discussions and initiatives aimed at propelling the implementation of sustainable practices and to address pressing challenges.

To be held from 15 to 19 April, President Dennis Francis’ flagship initiative converges various mandated events into a singular, impactful week, elevating the discourse on such critical sectors as tourism, infrastructure, energy and transport.

“The Sustainability Week initiative is essentially designed to galvanise momentum around sustainability in a way that helps to supercharge implementation of the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development,” Mr. Francis told reporters at the UN Headquarters in New York.

He added that high-level participation is anticipated from Heads of States and Governments, sector-specific ministers and key UN officials.

Sustainability Week highlights

15 April: High-level thematic debate on debt sustainability and socioeconomic equality, highlighting the impact of surging debt on countries’ development trajectories

16 April: High-level thematic event on tourism, addressing unsustainable practices within the industry and launching a statistical framework for measuring sustainability

17 April: High-level meeting on sustainable transport, emphasising its importance in achieving several Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)

18 April: Informal dialogue on building global resilience and promoting sustainable development through infrastructure connectivity

19 April: Global stock taking on sustainable energy, reflecting on progress and shortcomings over the UN Decade of Sustainable Energy for All 2014-2024 and launching a call to action to accelerate implementation of SDG 7 on affordable and clean energy

Assembly President Dennis Francis briefing reporters on the inaugural Sustainability Week.

Beyond the 2030 Agenda

Assembly President Francis also highlighted initiatives beyond the 2030 Agenda, including the "Choose Sustainability" campaign, which encourages stakeholders to adopt pledges and sustainability practices.

“I encourage all permanent missions, stakeholders and the media to adopt pledges to promote sustainability and to declare their support on social media while adopting sustainability practices,” he said.

For its part, his office is, among other things, working to phase out the use of roll-up banners throughout the General Assembly and to replace them with long-lasting, energy-efficient LED screens

Marriott Downtown Toronto's

Energy Conservation: Demonstrating a dedication to energy conservation, Marriott Downtown Toronto incorporates cutting-edge technologies and processes, reducing its carbon footprint while providing a pleasant experience for guests.

2 -Marriott Downtown Toronto's innovative waste transformation efforts turn garbage into resources, promoting a circular economy and lowering environmental impact.

3-Hazardous Substances Management:Marriott Downtown Toronto prioritizes guest and environmental safety by employing responsible hazardous substance management practices.

4-sustainable transport-Taking the lead in sustainable mobility by supporting environmentally friendly options for guests and employees, integrating its values with a greener, more responsible form of transportation.

5-Market Factors: Adapting to market trends, itself as a sustainability-focused establishment, catering to the growing demand for eco-conscious choices among consumers.

River Cafe In Calgary, Canada

Energy conservation

Following an attention to energy conservation, River Cafe includes modern techniques and innovations, lowering its carbon impact and guaranteeing a pleasant visit for customers.

Waste transformation

By turning its garbage into resources through creative waste transformation activities, River Cafe reduces its environmental effect and promotes a circular economy.

Hazardous Substances management

River Cafe is an excellent instance of strict hazardous material management; it takes steps to handle and remove of possible toxic chemicals in an environmentally responsible manner, protecting both visitors and the surrounding area.

Sustainable Transport

By encouraging eco-friendly options for customers and employees, River Cafe sets the standard for sustainable transportation by linking its values with a more responsible and greener form of transportation.

Market Factor

Adapting to market trends, River Cafe strategically position itself as a sustainability- focused establishment, catering to the growing for eco-conscious choices among consumers.

Fairmont Waterfront

EnergyConservation:Fairmont Waterfront employs energy-efficient technologies to minimize consumption

SustainableTransport: Guests are encouraged to use eco-friendly options like electric vehicle charging stations

Market Factors: Fairmont Waterfront meets the demand for sustainable hospitality, attracting environmentally conscious travelers

Waste Transformation: The hotel converts waste into resources through composting and recycling initiatives

Hazardous Substances Management: Rigorous protocols ensure safe handling and disposal of hazardous materials.

Eco Haven Hotel: Leading the Way in Sustainability

1.Energy Conservation: At Eco Haven Hotel, hotel is equipped with energy-efficient LED lighting, motion sensors to control lighting and heating/cooling systems in unoccupied areas, and smart thermostats for optimal temperature control. By implementing these measures, we reduce our energy consumption by 20%. 2.Waste Transformation: Our commitment to waste transformation is evident in our comprehensive recycling. We have partnered with local recycling facilities and composting centers to divert waste from landfills. Organic waste from our kitchen is composted and used to enrich community gardens, while recyclable materials such as paper, plastic, and glass are sorted and recycled. 3.Hazardous Substances Management: Strict protocols for hazardous substances management to ensure the safety of our guests, staff, and the environment. We conduct regular inspections and training sessions to identify and properly handle potentially harmful materials such as cleaning chemicals and maintenance supplies. 4.Sustainable Transport: Eco Haven Hotel promotes sustainable transport options for both guests and staff. We offer electric vehicle charging stations on-site and provide preferential parking for hybrid and electric vehicle. 5.Market Factors: Recognizing the growing demand for sustainable hospitality experiences, Eco Haven Hotel strategically positions itself as a leader in eco-friendly accommodation. We leverage our sustainability certifications and partnerships to attract environmentally conscious travelers seeking responsible travel options.

Hilton Toronto

 

1.Energy Conservation: Hilton hotels implement energy conservation measures such as LED lighting, HVAC optimization, guest room energy management, water conservation, and renewable energy integration.

2. waste transformation: Hilton hotels engage in waste transformation initiatives to minimize their environmental footprint. This involves strategies such as waste reduction, recycling programs, composting organic materials, and partnerships with local communities for waste management.

3. Hazardous Substances Management: Hilton hotels manage hazardous substances rigorously, following strict protocols for their safe handling, storage, and disposal.

4. Sustainable Transport: Hilton promotes sustainable transport by encouraging guests and staff to use eco-friendly options like public transit, bicycles, and electric vehicles. They also optimize their own transportation operations for reduced environmental impact.

5. Market Factors: Market factors like economic conditions, consumer preferences, competition, and regulations heavily influence Hilton's strategies and operations.

if we covered the motorway with long bendy buses we would be unstoppable

Embracing Sustainability: Hitachi’s Commitment to a Greener Future

In today’s world, recognizing our planet’s limits is vital. Hitachi, a climate change innovator, integrates sustainability into its core business strategy. With a focus on carbon neutrality and innovative solutions, Hitachi is working towards a more eco-friendly world. But tackling climate change is a collective effort. That’s why we support initiatives like the Earthshot Prize, bringing climate innovators together.

Striving for carbon neutrality, innovation is our driving force, and we believe in the synergy of a green and digital economy. By investing in both, Hitachi is accelerating the path to carbon neutrality. Through data-driven insights, digital engineering, and collaborative public-private partnerships, Hitachi is leading the way to a sustainable future.

Join us in building a greener, more environmentally friendly world. Read more on Hitachi’s Commitment to Carbon Neutrality and Sustainable Solutions

Eco-Friendly Driving: 10 Tips to Reduce Your Carbon Footprint

Drive green and save the planet! Looking to reduce your carbon emissions on the road? Our latest blog post offers 10 practical tips for eco-friendly driving. Learn how simple changes in your driving habits, like maintaining proper tire pressure or choosing the most fuel-efficient route, can make a significant difference. Start driving consciously and be a part of the solution today.

Read more: https://www.vikasdrivingschool.com.au/eco-friendly-driving-10-tips-to-reduce-your-carbon-footprint/

THE FINAL FIVES

The final five posters have arrived! After a sleepless night of drawing illustrations of "The Electric Double-Decker" buses. From learning the workings of an electric double-decker bus to studying vintage Indian advertisement posters, The project not only taught me patience but I got the opportunity to explore new illustrations.