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Where you can register for the April 22, 2017 Symposium
“Energy: our present our future”
MP Richard Cannings spreading our name in The House
As some of you may know, we formed First Things First Okanagan a couple of years ago after a meeting with Fred Ritchie. Dick Cannings was there at the beginning and now he is in the Canadian House of Commons as our constituency’s Member of Parliament and he continues to put his efforts into building a de-carbonized society. Click the link below and see Dick speak about our current projects and upcoming Alternative Energy Symposium, “Energy: Our Present, Our Furture”
***Keep an eye out for upcoming announcements regarding the Symposium!***
“Surveying the Field of Climate Change Science” with Harvey Quamme
Join us on Feb. 28th, 2017 at the Penticton Public Library/Museum Auditorium, part of Penticton’s “Brown Bag Lecture Series”, from 12:00pm to 1:00 pm.
Titled: “Surveying the Field of Climate Change Science,” by Harvey Quamme. Harvey, Penticton’s own retired agricultural research scientist- turned author, takes us on a virtual tour of the Field of Climate Change Science. Since we at First Things First Okanagan recognize evidence- based decision-making as a foundation for our push towards realistic climate action, we invite you all to this informative and engaging lecture!
Influencing and Educating others on Climate Change
Science Illiteracy is a tool that many politicians and Anti-Climate Action Activists use to make Climate Change seem inevitable and confusing. This is how and why people tend to get frustrated and deny the fact Climate Action needs to happen and that they must be part of this moment.
How do we move past this and begin to truly inspire and educate others? We need to explain the many ways Climate Change will effect their lives, their interests and future. Finding different ways to engage with people is key, as everyone’s priorities are different. This could include discussing the long term effects on agriculture, or explaining the economic benefits of switching to Alternative Energy options.
We can all advocate and lobby for practical and accessible options in reducing our carbon footprints. We can all do something personally and as a whole and by discussing and sharing these tips, the change can and will happen!
“Meeting Water Challenges: Are You Ready?” with Robert Sandford and Don Gayton
robert-sandford-and-don-gayton-poster
Please Mark your Calendars for: Monday, November 28, 7 – 9:00 p.m. (doors open 6:30) at The Cleland Theatre, 325 Power St., Penticton. As Robert Sandford, the EPCOR Chair for Water andClimate Security at the United Nations University Institute for Water, Environment and Health and Don Gayton, the Wetlands Coordinator for the Okanagan Basin Water Board take the stage.
Sandford’s work is committed to translating scientific research outcomes into language decision-makers can use to craft timely and meaningful public policy. His presentation will overlay how international examples can and will affect our local water issues.
“With sea level rising, extreme weather events being the new normal, it’s not just about protecting yourself, it is understanding what is happening globally and regionally and how that will impact you.” -Robert Sandford
Gayton will set the stage for his colleague and friend, by providing the audience with a brief presentation on the Okanagan’s water and wetland history. He will bring us to present day through photographic examples and lively narrative. Gayton’s presentation will provide perspective and context, helping us to understand Sandford’s message at the local level.
We at First Things First Okanagan believe it is vital to understand our connection to water in the valley and how it is being effected by climate change. We hope to see you out Monday, November 28th (7-9pm) supporting and education yourself on this pressing topic.
Solar Fair 2016 Video Highlights
First Things First Okanagan hosted a Solar Fair/Symposium Saturday March 12, 2016. Talks in the Okanagan College Lecture Theatre were videotaped. Links to the talks are as follows:
SOLAR FAIR Community Solar (Carmen Proctor)
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Jk69ab-6fGw
SOLAR FAIR Eco Sage (Tabitha Eneas + Phil Hawkes)
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WDaaICRjIc0
SOLAR FAIR Keynote Address (Josha MacNab)
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5Ephqp5_wSM
SOLAR FAIR Energy Management (Jay Lewis)
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jsUCefPg5-k
SOLAR FAIR Green Economy (George Heyman)
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HJf-Lq-eANw
SOLAR FAIR Experts Panel
Solar Fair Speakers and Events
First Things First Solar Fair
South Okanagan Solar Energy Symposium March 12 Okanagan College Penticton
This free, public, all day event will Include:
- Keynote presentation by Josha MacNab of the Pembina Institute.
- Presentations on how communities can get involved
- The City of Nelson Solar Garden
- Penticton Indian Band EcoSage Project
- Presentation of the “Tiny Solar House”
- Tours of the Pattison Center Of Excellence In Sustainable Building Technologies
- Solar energy seminars by local architects, and installation experts.
- Updates on the B.C. Climate Leadership Program and Power B.C.
- Testimonials from individuals and companies who have installed solar systems
- A Panel discussion on how you can decrease your carbon footprint through the use of solar energy
- Doors open at 8:30 and Opening Ceremonies start at 9:00 am at Okanagan College, 583 Duncan Ave West, Penticton
Australia exporting coal and… solar technology!
Australian-owned and operated Infratech Industries has sold and will export its ground-breaking floating solar system to Holtville City in California. Similar floating solar system currently in place in Jamestown South Australia Photograph: Infratech
“In the last fiscal year, Australia earned $172bn from international sales of its natural resources. But earnings are decreasing. The office of the chief economist estimates that energy commodities earnings declined by 6% to $67bn last year because of a decline in revenue from coal exports, and that exports of refined petroleum products have declined by an average of 11% a year over the last decade.
There are hopes however, that Australia could bolster its position by developing its exports of renewable energy – especially those generated through solar technology.”
For the full article go to the guardian.com
First Things First - Okanagan 