Be lucky, happy and impatient on World Environment Day 

Don’t you feel lucky to be an earthling?

In the universe are billions of galaxies, in our galaxy are billions of planets, but there is #OnlyOneEarth. Let’s take care of it.

Don’t you feel especially lucky to be an earthling living in the Lucky Country? Australia is the 12th happiest country in the world, out of 156 countries measured by the World Happiness Report.

Given all the luck we have, it might surprise you that Australia ranks 59th (6th last) out of 64 countries for climate change performance.

Should Australians focus on the things that will make them happy, or the things that will address climate change?

As it turns out, we might need to take more action on climate change so that we can be happier. Countries making the most progress on climate are sometimes actually the happiest countries on earth. Some of the countries in the top 20 for climate action score among the top for happiness as well!

However, we need to get a wriggle on. Luck has a habit of running out if we don’t use it wisely.

Global warming is here, whether we’re ready for it or not

Global temperatures have been rising noticeably since 1880, and the rate of warming has doubled since 1980. The earth is already more than 1°C warmer than before the industrial revolution.

Now, it is up close and personal. The 2019 - 2020 bushfire season plunged much of Australia into a two-pack-a-day smoke haze from which there was no escape. The future had arrived at our doorstep, and our feelings about climate change exploded. This was followed by several once-in-a-generation flood events on the east coast.

The good news is that people all over the world are turning those feelings into action.

This year, World Environment Day is calling upon governments, businesses and individuals to register their actions to tackle climate change. All the beautiful people are doing it.

At Telstra, we have registered our activities relating to, turning food waste into maggot protein, generating renewable energy, recycling. and so much more.

Check out our registered activities.

Telstra is also helping customers to make informed climate choices:

Clean energy tracker

Using energy at times of the day when solar and wind are proportionately higher in the electricity mix isn’t as hard as you might think. Our Clean Energy Tracker shows you when there are more renewables in the grid for free. 

Certified carbon neutral

Switching your mobile and fixed broadband services to a telecommunications company whose operations are carbon neutral is easy. Telstra has been certified carbon neutral in its operations by Climate Active since 2020.

Telstra Energy

There are a number of options for switching to an energy retailer that is 100% carbon neutral for all customers. Beware of retailers who ask whether you want to “opt in” to carbon neutral. Telstra Energy is launching 100% carbon neutral energy plans to the public, with no opt-in required…soon.

It’s our responsibility to create positive change

Anthropologist Margaret Mead once said, “Never doubt that a small group of thoughtful, committed citizens can change the world; indeed, it's the only thing that ever has.” Environmental law charity ClientEarth is taking legal action against 13 board members of one multinational energy company for “breach of duties”, for failing to properly prepare for the transition to net zero. Voters demonstrated their concern with climate change at the recent federal election, cutting across the traditional left-right divide.

The tiny ripples of change that happen at an individual level can add up to a tsunami of transformation at a global level. Simply committing to making changes, like using a reusable water bottle or riding a bike instead of driving short trips, can help to change the tide when we act together.

What will you do this World Environment Day? 

Our World Environment Day registered activities

Climate

Planting forests that use maggot fertiliser

Climate

Generating renewable energy

Climate

Recycling your old devices

Changing habits to help reduce your carbon footprint

Together, small changes to when we use electricity can make a difference.

Join the challenge today

Article Sources