When European explorers reached the Pacific they wrote in astonishment at the speed and agility of the first native sailboats they encountered. Throughout human history, resource scarcity and the tyranny of distance have been among the foremost drivers of innovation. Inhabiting small tropical islands scattered across vast stretches of ocean, the diverse peoples of the …
On the whole I’ve been feeling a little more upbeat about the state of the world lately. But there is nothing that brings my faith in humanity crashing quite like the ugly behemoth of consumerist absurdity that is Christmas. If you’re like me then walking through town at this time of year is a bruising …
Angered by the campaign against gambling reforms? You’re not alone. Research by Essential Media has shown that Australians across all ages, regions and political persuasions want action to reduce the harm caused by poker machines. I’ve often said that anyone fighting “mandatory pre-commitment” or similar measures have simply never had a friend or family member …
Four years ago, when I was about to submit my PhD, I remember sitting down to write my acknowledgment page and a list of all the people who had inspired the project and kept me going. One of the people high on that list was John Seed, a true elder of the environment movement in …
If you read my blog you’ll know that whether discussing climate change, politics, philosophy, health, or any other topic, rarely if ever do I make an entry without a reference to Tibet. In part this is because of a personal interest and the influence that Tibetan thinking has had on my worldview. More importantly, it’s …
Today I had one of those experiences when you’re sitting indoors and only become aware of the low hum of the air-conditioning when it shuts down and all of a sudden there’s an exquisite silence. You know the experience, when you’re only aware something was there once it’s absent. We sigh in relief and find …
We live in one of the wealthiest nations on earth at a time when humans are enjoying greater prosperity, longevity and material wellbeing than at any time in history. Yet we’re told we can’t afford to address climate change, hear constantly that we’re doing it tough and fear that even modest practical reforms will bring …
