Can We Clean Up Coal?

Co-Written for Third Year University
Unpublished


Can We Clean Up Coal?

Australia is powered by coal - it’s the most abundant energy source that we have. In the current debate surrounding climate change, it has been widely recognised that burning coal is responsible for 88 percent of Australia’s electricity generation. Unfortunately, it is also responsible for over a third of Australia’s greenhouse gas emissions. With these figures in mind, the Australian Federal Government has invested $545 million into the research and development of “clean coal” technologies. However, some are questioning whether the new technology is viable, or merely a stunt to keep the Australian coal industry alive.

While the State Government is currently planning to build a new coal-fired power station in NSW, studies show that that one new power station alone would create up to seven million tonnes of greenhouse gas per year. The Australian coal industry claims that clean coal can help reduce these emissions by up to 35 percent. Whether this is true or not, the issue of clean coal has become a hot topic in the lead up to the 2007 federal election.

So what exactly is clean coal? Depending on who you ask, the term can mean different things. Those who claim that clean coal can help solve global climate change are referring to the process called carbon capture and storage (CCS), also known as “geosequestration”. This is the capture of carbon dioxide emissions from coal, and then the storage of the gas either in the ocean or 2.5 kilometres underground.

The processes involved in clean coal technologies are complex and costly. The Howard Government has developed a Low Emissions Technology Demonstration Fund (LETDF) to support the commercial demonstration of technologies that have the potential to deliver large-scale greenhouse gas emission reductions in the energy sector. It is designed to leverage $1 billion in additional private sector investment.

The Howard Government has now committed $410 million out of the $500 million program, and four of the six LETDF projects funded to date involve clean coal. Compared to $75 million going to projects focussing on solar and natural gas, clean coal has received a massive cumulative total of $265 million from this fund alone, the money going to programs which will cost an estimated $2139.9 million overall.

Political parties such as the Greens, and climate change action groups such as Rising Tide and Greenpeace, are outraged at the amount of public money being spent on the unproven, expensive technology. They claim that the process is neither time nor cost effective.

Steve Phillips, from the grassroots activist group Rising Tide, points to the fact that most climate change scientists are calling for growth in greenhouse pollution to be turned around within the next ten years, and for global greenhouse emissions to be 50 to 80 percent lower by 2050. Conversely, he states that even the proponents of carbon capture and storage do not envision it producing a decrease in greenhouse emissions before 2050.

They predict instead that emissions in 2050 will be lower than they might otherwise have been. Actual emissions will still be higher. The Australian Bureau of Agricultural and Resource Economics predicts that relying on carbon capture and storage will reduce global emissions in the year 2050 to between 11 and 23 percent lower than they would otherwise have been. This translates into a doubling of greenhouse emissions compared to today’s levels.

“In short, relying on clean coal technology will result in global greenhouse emissions continuing to rise for many decades, which will tip the world over the tipping point into catastrophic climate change,” he said.

Barry Hooper, Chief Technologist of the Cooperative Research Centre for Greenhouse Gas, argues that any money and time invested into the reduction of greenhouse gas emissions is cost effective. He also states that carbon capture and storage in particular is important in the move towards a carbon neutral Australia.

“This technology is not only a good investment into the reduction of emissions, it also has a modest cost impact, which is very important,” he said.

However, Senator Christine Milne from the Greens argues that the only way clean coal can be cost effective is if there were to be a higher price on carbon.

“With a higher cost on carbon, it become much more cost effective must sooner than any CCS or geosequestration project. And so they [the coal companies] are caught in a conundrum. If you support a decent price on carbon then you are in fact supporting the renewables leap frog in the coal industry,” she said.

Supporters of clean coal technology emphasise that cost efficiency is not the only issue at hand. Lisa Chalk, from the Department of Industry, Tourism and Resources, says that clean coal is also saving tens of thousands of jobs in the coal mining industry.

“The coal industry is a major regional employer, with around 30,000 workers directly employed at coal mines. Rather than put aside our enormous coal resources and jeopardise jobs, the Australian government is working to reduce the industry’s greenhouse footprint. That’s why we are investing in clean coal technology,” she said.

It is true that at the end of 2005 around 30,000 people were employed in Australian black coal mines. New South Wales and Queensland in particular account for over 96 percent of employment in the Australian black coal industry. However, Senator Milne dismisses the idea that clean coal technology is needed to secure jobs in the coal industry. She claims that even if the Australian coaling industry were eventually phased out, employment would be readily available in alternative fields.

“In Germany, they have systematically, over a period of time, closed down the coal industry, and what they managed to do is make the transition to renewable energy. So they have created hundreds and thousands of jobs in the solar industry and many of those jobs have been taken up by many of those who worked in the coal industry. Exactly the same could happen here.”

Furthermore, Senator Milne argues that clean coal is merely a clever tactic adopted by coal companies and the federal and state governments to keep the coal mining industry buzzing in Australia.

“What we are seeing here is a make work program for the coal industry to enable it to carry on with business as usual,” she said.

And could you blame them? As Australia’s largest and most lucrative export, the industry has reeled in around $24.5 billion over the past two years.

Nonetheless, Doug Holden, from the Australian Coal Association, rejects claims that the coal industry is serving in its own interests. He says that the Australian coal industry is only interested in saving the environment - and doesn’t have anything to gain from the introduction of clean coal. However, he argues that the world cannot produce energy without coal, and emphasises the importance of the coal industry in Australia’s electricity generation. He also states that every company has to consider its bottom line in order to remain in operation.

“No source of energy, including renewable energy, can be sustainable unless it is environmentally friendly. And commercial.”

However, Steve Phillips says that unless the coal industry stops focusing on the commercial interests of “clean” coal, we’ll be risking irreversible damage to the planet.

“It is ludicrous to suggest that we cannot stop burning coal. Indeed, the opposite is true - we have no choice. We either stop burning coal when it runs out (as eventually it must), or we stop now while we can still avoid catastrophic climate change.”

Not Just Playing Dress-Ups

Written for Second Year University
Unpublished


Not Just Playing Dress-Ups

There are spaceship captains, samurai warriors, Japanese-style wizards and magical girls. Three Sailor Moons walk past, one absently twirling what appears to be her plastic Moon Sceptre. The entire cast of ‘Yu-Gi-Oh’ is posing for photos, complete with out-of-this-world multicoloured hairstyles and gold Millennium bling. On a temporary stage, an amateur MC is holding court with a ‘Final Fantasy’ battle team.

Unusual as it may seem, it is not a scene from a crossover television show. Rather, it is an all too common sight at a cosplay convention.

Cosplay originated in Japan and is a contraction of the English words “Costume Play”. As the name suggests, it is essentially play-acting in costumes. Cosplayers get dressed up as a favourite character, usually from an animated film or television series, comic, or video game, and act out role-plays on stage.

At conventions, likeminded people gather to see the costumes of others, show off their own elaborate homemade creations, take plenty of photographs, and possibly participate in best costume contests. It has become a subcultural tradition not only in Japan, but also in the United States. And with the upcoming Animania conventions, it is strengthening its hold on Australia.

To many, the world of cosplay seems like a parallel universe, surrounded by an impenetrable fog of sewing techniques and little known fabric terminology. To many of the uninitiated, the conventions may seem like “the ultimate gathering of nerds”. However, to those on the inside, cosplay is serious business.

Fans will spend months preparing for a public event such as Animania, with most making their costumes by hand. Self-confessed cosplay addict, Stephanie Reid, will be attending the convention as Kairi from the ‘Kingdom Hearts’ video game. She recalls spending weeks searching for the right pattern and material for her dress, before even considering the arduous task of sewing it all together. But she says it is always well worth the effort.

“There’s an unbelievable sense of accomplishment, pride, and happiness when you’re in a masquerade,” she says. “I can honestly say that some of my greatest memories have been when people have come up to tell me that my costume looks great, and asked if they could take my picture.”

However, it is not all about the glory, and the chance for fifteen minutes in the spotlight. There are a number of reasons why people get involved in cosplay. Stephanie names a few.

“First and foremost, it’s fun, and it’s a creative way to show your adoration for a series, game or character. It’s also a great way to meet new friends, and another way to socialise with people with similar tastes and interests.”

In fact, she and one of her best friends, stage-named Rena Lime, actually met at a cosplay convention two years ago. Rena, who is now rehearsing the latest in her series of Sailor Scout costumes, entered the world of cosplay via a different route. As she pulls on her gloves, dons her tiara and practices a few key moves and phrases, she has to be in character. And as a result, she equates cosplaying with acting. To her, the conventions are just one big stage.

“I’m an actor at heart. I love being someone different, playing a fictional character; imitating their thoughts and actions. My reward is that I often learn something new about myself by exploring my limits.”

Just as actors often feel most at home on a stage, many cosplayers also discuss a certain confidence that comes with dressing up and being in character. Cosplaying cultural studies student, Sally White, takes an analytical stand on why she became involved. She says that while in costume; while playing somebody else; you are protected.

“I feel safe when I’m in costume. I become a great deal more outgoing. I suppose it makes sense because, in a way, you aren’t you at all. You’re someone else entirely, and it opens up new opportunities. Normally I’m a rather shy person, but this year I am cosplaying as a self-assured character. She has no reason to be shy or hide, and while I’m playing her, I don’t either.”

But while their motivations for cosplaying are different, these girls are united in their excitement over the upcoming Animania conventions. In their fifth year of existence, these conventions are a celebration of Japanese animation, with karaoke, a panel of artists’ displays, and screenings of animated television shows. And although these festivals are not held solely for cosplaying purposes, the cosplay event has traditionally been the most highly anticipated.

As Australian cosplay is most commonly seen in the larger population centres, which have the population base to support the diversity among fringe interests, the Animania conventions will only be hosted in Brisbane, Melbourne and Sydney. Melbourne’s festival is closest, being held on July 1st. Animania’s home town of Sydney will have to wait until August 12th. Brisbane recently held their first of two on May 20th, and will host the second on September 9th.

Animania organiser, Amanda Setiadi, is looking forward to the wave of cosplayers that will descend en masse upon the conventions.

“Part of the fun of Animania is walking side by side with Pikachu of Pokemon, or marvelling at the inventiveness of the lavish costumes of characters from the Final Fantasy series of video games. We hope that people will find the Animania Festival to be an event where they can play out being their most favourite character and join in the festivities without being considered too weird! You have to admire the commitment cosplayers have to their medium. Sometimes with their realistic costumes the individuals seem to become the characters themselves, bringing fantasy to life… That’s why there are prizes to be won for the best costumes.”

Though the display of the costumes is by no means limited to conventions, it is not unusual for dedicated cosplayers to travel extensively throughout Australia - following the convention trail during the year. Many, including Stephanie and Rena, are planning on doing just this. They even intend to unveil a new costume each time.

“It costs a lot, especially in travel, but this is what I love. So it’s worth it.” Rena says.

However, despite their love of their medium, veteran cosplayers are only too quick to tell you that the conventions have their downsides too. There are gatecrashers to the party that make it less than enjoyable. Katie Hoffman worked in security at a convention last year, and she speaks scathingly of the more difficult people that she had the misfortune to come across.

According to her, there are those more obsessive fans who complain when costumes aren’t perfect, and when players aren’t bone-skinny like the characters they are meant to be representing. There are also those who are a little overzealous in their enthusiasm, running up and tacking even perfect strangers dressed as people they recognise. She says the key is to merely ignore them.

“There are always going to be the cosplay crazies. They are just people who take their role too far. All you can do is just not let them get to you; otherwise they’ll spoil your fun.”

And from all accounts, fun it is. And significant, too. A real testament to its impact is the fact that it has been endorsed as an official event of the 2006 Australia-Japan Year of Exchange Program. So it may be an alternate universe, but once you’ve made the journey, it was well worth the warp drive.

Call For Funding to Support Lifeline Service

Written for Second Year University
Published in Precinct - Issue 1, 2006, pg.10/11


Call For Funding to Support Lifeline Service

A young woman sits on the floor of her bedroom. The bed beside her is cold, unmade. The last time she checked, the alarm clock told her it was a little after 2 am. But time has no meaning. She is alone and has never felt so helpless. Insomnia is a constant battle.

Reaching for the phone, she clings to a lifeline.

Sadly, this scene is only too common, as the incidence of mental illness is increasing in Australia. According to the Australian Bureau of Statistics, an estimated 34 per cent of young people currently suffer from a mental disorder. Ten years ago, it was only 27 per cent.

Despite this increase, the NSW Government has refused to provide extra funding for the state’s only 24-hour telephone counselling service, four years after Lifeline’s application.

Instead of the $2.85 million that was initially requested, the Government will provide $500,000 over the course of two years. But these funds will not be directed to the service.

They will go towards a study to determine how the 15 Lifeline centres can form a nation-wide mental health crisis line.

Lifeline has been in operation for more than 40 years, with over 40 centres in Australia. It handles over 200,000 calls each year.

Depression and anxiety are as life-threatening as physical illnesses, yet less than half of those experiencing symptoms seek help. This is alarming in a country where depression is the leading cause of suicide.

Grahame Gould, Chair of Lifeline NSW, says the counselling service has become a vital part of the state’s social welfare and mental health network.

According to David Wooley, spokesperson for Lifeline, the need for telephone counselling is increasing by 15 per cent each year, and the service is struggling to meet the increased demand.

Lifeline’s number is advertised on television public service announcements, websites, and the after-hours messages of many government and non-government organisations. There has been a recent explosion in calls, with more coming in than operators can take.

Without urgent government funding, Lifeline has warned that it may have to shut down some of its support centres.

Each counsellor costs $1300 to train, and must complete an extensive 18-month training course.

Between 40 and 60 counsellors are available each day, but as more people continue to use Lifeline, this may not be enough.

“People needing help may not get help when they need it, people’s lives are at risk,” David Wooley says.

The service manages a range of needs, including grief counselling, coping with loss, relationship and family issues, and suicide prevention and support.

Lifeline CEO Dawn Smith says that telephone counsellors handle approximately 100 suicide related calls every day. This is approximately eight per cent of all calls made to Lifeline.

“While most people who consider suicide get through the crisis, those who suicide have a devastating impact on the people they leave behind. Families and friends often live with the impact for the rest of their lives,” she says.

Jodie Vella is one such friend. Three years ago, her friend Rob Aldersley killed himself, and Jodie still feels the pain.

Her eyes are fixed on the floor and her voice is soft. She says that she was unaware of the extent of her friend’s problems, and feels that if he had been able to talk to someone, there could have been a different outcome. She believes Lifeline should be accessible to those who need it.

“I think talking to Lifeline could help some people. Maybe not all, but even if it saves a few lives, it’s worth it,” she says.

“If Lifeline doesn’t receive the funding it needs, I suppose we can probably expect an increase in depression rates… and in suicide rates.”

David Wooley maintains that Lifeline has an important role to play in the management of mental health.

“In this world very few people are good listeners. We all have our own story to tell. That’s where Lifeline comes in,” he says.

Flattery Also Works Well

Written for First Year University 'News Day'
Published in Southside News (Arts & Entertainment Section) - Issue 4, 2005, pg.28


Flattery Also Works Well

Jonathan Coleman has one piece of advice for those who would interview celebrities: suck up to them. As a radio presenter for London radio station LBC 97.3 FM, Coleman has interviewed such big names as Hugh Grant, Robin Williams, Elton John and Renée Zellweger.

Coleman shared his secrets and experiences in an address to a National Radio conference in Sydney in October.

He said you must prepare for your guest, and always have the next question ready. You should listen carefully to their answers, and never try to be bigger than the star.

But most importantly, you must provide an enjoyable atmosphere for your “great talent”. Whether it involves flattery, pandering to their every whim, or simply ignoring their ruder moments, Coleman insists interviewers must keep the celebrity happy – be their “best friend” – if they want a productive discussion.

“Always promise to go to their show. Always say you love their work. Suck up – it works.”

He said that stars want an interviewer’s exclusive attention, and demanded treatment that goes above the conventional interview procedures.

“You almost have to fall in love with the person. You have to become completely obsessed with that person. They have to become the most important person in the room. That’s what makes them enjoy themselves, that’s what gives you the good interview.”

He said that well-known stars such as Kylie Minogue become media trained after too many interviews. The results of this were that “they’ll chat to you, but it becomes very hard to get anything out of them. My advice is to make them laugh, then at least you’ll get something real”.

And finally, if they offend you, do not take it personally.