Prof. Hans Coster on Life & Energy, Middle Earth & Nickel Iron Batteries

Evolution and the High Life, but Where to Now?

Energy, including the rate of energy production and use, has featured strongly in our evolutionary past. The planet has changed enormously and has evolved to what we have today as a result of energy flows, particularly those driven by the Biosphere. But it took a very long time.

Humans have now embarked on their own evolutionary development: and it is also driven by energy. The energy economy created by Humans is far less conservative than that of the Biosphere that existed before this Human development.

It is interesting to compare these two as it has something to say about our continued growth. How can the energy required for that be generated.The options that are there for individuals and communities and society as a whole will be examined. An example of a viable energy system constructed with nickel iron batteries at Middle Earth in the Kanimbla Valley will be briefly presented. But is that approach viable for the larger community?

There is no simple way to address all of the issues. How can individuals operate in this energy environment? How do we maintain a healthy industrial sector? What are the Planetary implications of all this?

Whilst not attempting to provide answers, some food for thought will be presented.

About Professor Hans Coster:

Known locally for building Middle Earth, an underground climate resilient home run on nickel iron batteries, Professor Coster brings both practical and theoretical experience to helping us address our current environmental crisis while also reducing the risk of disaster while we do so.

You can read more about Professor Coster here:

https://lithgowlocalnews.com/middle-earth-kanimbla-valley/

Planetary Health Day

An inspiring, fun and informative day to explore how we can all be safer, happier and healthier in the face of a challenging future.

Date and time

Saturday, March 1 · 9am – 3pm AEDT

Location

Blue Mountains Planetary Health Initiative

33-39 Acacia Street Katoomba, NSW 2780

About this event

We all need a Planetary Health Day!Visit the Blue Mountains Planetary Health Centre on Saturday 1 March for a day of fun and inspiration with live music, plant-based food, talks, tours, demonstrations, workshops, stalls and aFrogs of the Blue Mountains exhibition.

There’ll even be a ping pong tournament, giant chess and an opportunity for all ages to get hands-on experience doing Bushcare!

You’ll discover ways to save money, to reduce the risk of disaster, to ID frogs and to restore the health of our communities and our planet!

Keep an eye on this page as we update times and details!Please book in so that we can estimate seating and catering required (and let us know if your circumstances change).

Contact us via email: lbastian@bmcc.nsw.gov.au

or ring 0407 437 553

NB. Parking is limited so please consider carpooling, catching a bus, walking or riding a bike to the event. The 686G leaves the Carrington at 8.30am and 8.55am and we will arrange lifts back to the station from the event.

HIGHLIGHTS:

Frogs of the Blue Mountains Exhibition:see photographs of all the known frogs of the Blue Mountains and listen to their calls with the Australian Museum’s Frog ID app.

DEMONSTRATIONS:

• Michael Tricket from Able Mobile Sawmillwill demonstrate how you can turn fallen trees into usable timber rather than just woodchip
• Teya Brooks Pribac from Plant Inspired will return with her popular Plant Based Cheesemaking Demonstration and Tasting

SPEAKERS:

• Brittany Mitchell,conservation biologist and ecologist andFrog ID validator at the Australian Museum,will share her experience of working on Frog ID, and her research:“Australia’s frog species in the Anthropocene – habitat loss, climate change, behaviour, and disease”
• Dr Hans Coster:Biophysicist, Bioengineer and builder of Middle Earth (an underground sustainable and disaster-resistant home run on nickel iron batteries) will discuss how we can protect our biosphere to restore the health of our planet.(video below)
• Frank Inzitari from Fire Halo (featured on Shark Tank):Will discuss his affordable and versatile invention that helps you clean your gutters while protecting your home from the threat of bushfire ember attack(video below)
• Mark Liebman, Engineer and Founder of Sustainability Workshop,will share the latest research on Bushfire Sprinkler Systems and then do a guided tour of our Water Demonstration Site, including the 150K litre underground water tank built on site as a demonstration of how we could collect stormwater at the end of flamezone streets around our City to reduce stormwater damage and protect against future fires.
• Karina Rafailov, founder of Earthy Haus and Kirstie Wulf from Shelter Building Design sharing How to Build Smarterusing Passive House Design and natural building materials.
• Liam Ramage, threatened species officer from the Blue Mountains Conservation Societyon the unseen threat of concrete
• Wildplant Rescueon rescuing native plants from building sites.

WORKSHOPS:

• Upcycling Fashion with Sherlie McMillan(Bookings essential: Cost $10)
• Boomerang Bags:Make Your Own

TOUR:

Tour our Water Demonstration Sitewhich includes how to build a frogpond, wicking beds, drip irrigation, domestic and underground water tanks for firefighting, a composting ‘cool seat’ and demonstration bushfire sprinkler systems.

STALLS:

• Blackheath Community Farmwill be sharing how you can get involved and selling locally grown garlic and seeds (eg. Salsify)
• WIRES Blue Mountains
• Bibi’s Kitchen
• Plant based sweets
• Permaculture Matters
• Blue Mountains Conservation Society
• Wildplant Rescue
• The Repair Network
• Katoomba RFS
• Fire Halo

….. and lots more

GAMES & FUN ACTIVITIES:

Ping pong and giant chess

Children’s art activity with Sarah Daniel from Kindle Hill

BUSHCARE:

Check out our monthly Planetary Health Bushcare group which is regenerating habitat for wildlife on the Planetary Health site. Find out how you can get involved.