Part II of the interview with Canadian Chemical Processes Expert Paul Martin. In case you have missed it, in Part I Paul talked us through the, rather inconvenient facts about hydrogen as a means to export energy for Australia and why that is a rather far fetched idea. Here is a link to Part 1 of the interview.  In this episode Gunnar and James talk about: The best uses for hydrogen How we will best decarbonise our lives We learn about carbon taxes and how Canada has implemented them quite successfully Objections to carbon taxes Electricity prices in Australia What fuels we will use fo ..read more

Gunnar and James are talking to Paul Martin, a Canadian Chemical Process Development Expert and tireless advocate for a fossil free future. This first part of a two-part episode looks into whether the claims that Australia has a future as a new energy provider to the world via Hydrogen exports are based on reality or wishful thinking. Paul Martin calls a lot of it #hopium - that should give you an indication of what Paul will be presenting. Link to Part 2 of this chat. Reach Paul at  https://spitfireresearch.com/ https://www.linkedin.com/today/author/paul-martin-195763b The articles P ..read more

Gunnar and James are talking to Paul Martin, a Canadian Chemical Process Development Expert and tireless advocate for a fossil free future. This first installment of a two-part episode looks into whether the claims that Australia has a future as a new energy provider to the world via Hydrogen exports are based on reality or wishful thinking. Paul Martin calls a lot of it #hopium - that should give you an indication of what Paul will be presenting. You can reach Paul at  https://spitfireresearch.com/ or https://www.linkedin.com/today/author/paul-martin-195763b The articles Paul mentions ..read more

In this episode, we delve into the question of dangers lurking in unsuspecting areas like our backyards and public parks. Join Gunnar and James as they discuss with researcher Ana Serra the findings of her study into asbestos exposure from seemingly mundane activities like lawn mowing or soil disturbance during landscaping or Council maintenance work.   How many respirable fibres get released  when a lawn mower drives over bonded asbestos fragments on the surface of a site?  What happens when the spinning blades hit a fragment and the fragment gets propelled out? What happens w ..read more

James twisted Gunnar's arm and convinced him to record a podcast about  issues around policies in the environmental industry. Why does the EPA quietly make updates to definitions but does not tell anyone about it? Why are there 'internal policies' that are not written down that the EPA and some local governments enforce nilly willy. Why is there no central spot for policy updates in our industry? They also talk about proposed changes to the POEO Act (and before you get all excited, it is not what you think or hope for) and Gunnar proudly relives a meeting with the Lord Major of one of Sy ..read more

Sydney is still in the grip of an asbestos panic. In this episode we sit down with Philip Hibbs, one of the ultimate OH/S and asbestos experts in Australia. We chat about what he calls "Mulchgate", the actual risk to humans posed as a result, other risks humans are exposed to, we bag all sorts of regulators and organisations for their lack of leadership and we are having a fair bit of fun doing so.  Find out lore about Phil Hibbs at https://hibbs.com.au/ and https://au.linkedin.com/in/philip-hibbs-096a8a This episode was recorded on 24 February 2024 ..read more

Bonded asbestos fragments have been found in mulch in a brand-new park in Sydney's suburb Rozelle. The ensuing panic in the public, associated finger pointing and running for cover by contractors, suppliers, regulators and of course politicians was as expected as it was to a degree amusing.   Gunnar and James simply had to talk about this.  The episode was recorded on Thursday 8 February 2024. The Guardian Article we mention: https://www.theguardian.com/australia-news/2024/jan/29/asbestos-nsw-findings-watchdog-epa-contaminated-soil-childcare-centres-schools-parks The Mulch Order: h ..read more