As part of the Enviroweek, the team at TEDxUWA held a small event. The speakers were Caroline Perks, Senior Sustainability Officer of the City of Perth, and Professor Peter Newman, Professor of Sustainability at Curtin University and WA Scientist of the Year 2018. Amazing people, right?

I am interested in topics on climate change, sustainability, wastes, etc., but just interested. I haven’t really looked or took action deeper than this. I figured this can be a start for me. As an architect, I am actually bothered by the extent of how our field contributes so much harm to the environment. That we are building too much, but then, how about the resources? The wastes?

The two speakers brought up an informative discussion about their career and expertise, and what they do with regards to sustainability and climate change. During Professor Peter Newman’s talk, he discussed the lithium, and how it can surely change our way of living in a more sustainable manner. Lithium is one of the main components of batteries that we use in electronic devices today (eg. cell phone.) We can hence use it extensively for batteries of solar panels and electric cars, for instance, if mass-produced more, to significantly reduce our use of oil and gas. Interestingly, he said that Australia has the biggest source of lithium. This topic is what really struck onto me. We need more information regarding this subject matter, and of course, more research.

There were many topics covered of course, but I guess this one is worth sharing. Overall, it was a great night, loaded my brain with new information. Thanks to the speakers and of course, much thanks to the team at TEDxUWA for organising such an event.

Event Page | Professor Peter Newman | Caroline Perks

 

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