Katoomba Area Local NewsStrengthening community, healing Country, and restoring the health of our planet.
Dr Keith Suter on Making Peace in the World Today
Dr Keith Suter (fourth from left) with members of the Blue Mountains Peace Collective.
Recognising how violence and war impact the health of the planet, the Blue Mountains Planetary Health Initiative has become a member of the Blue Mountains Peace Collective. On Sunday 25th May, members of the Collective attended a presentation by Dr Keith Suter on Making Peace in the World Today at the Leura Uniting Church.
Key Points:
The Doomsday Clock, which estimates humanity’s proximity to extinction, has been moved to 89 seconds to midnight.
There are steps all of us can take to grow a global movement for peace.
By adopting a Planetary Health approach – one that recognises the interdependence of human health and the health of our social, economic and environmental systems – we can forge a more peaceful, secure future.
The ‘dis-integration’ of the world through an increase in violence and war is creating an existential threat to all life. This year marks the sober 80th anniversary of the atomic bombings of Nagasaki and Hiroshima, which killed up to 246,000 people. It remains the only use of nuclear weapons in an armed conflict. For months afterward, many people continued to die from the effects of burns, radiationsickness, and other injuries, compounded by illness and malnutrition.
Since then, every year the Bulletin of the Atomic Scientists has set theDoomsday Clock: a metaphor for estimating humanity’s proximity to extinction.
Dr Keith Suter (AM) from Global Directions, a member of the Club of Rome, former President of the Centre for Peace and Conflict Studies at the University of Sydney, and well known media commentator, has written three doctorates: the first examined the international law of guerrilla warfare (University of Sydney), the second explored the social and economic consequences of the arms race (Deakin University) and the third doctorate analysed scenario planning (Sydney University).
Members of the Leura Uniting Church and the Blue Mountains Peace Collective gathered to hear Dr Keith Suter on Sunday 25 May
At a community gathering in Leura, Dr Suter defined peace and the principles of working for peace, before outlining current global concerns and what we urgently need to do to stop the Doomsday Clock reaching midnight. In the question time following, he drew the link between climate change, environmental degradation and peace, and assured everyone that writing letters to politicians does have an impact!
You can watch Dr Suter’s full presentation in this video. Read further for a detailed outline of his talk.
Last month, the Permanent Secretariat of the World Summit of Nobel Laureates for Peace also hosted a webinar underscoring the inextricable link between Planetary Health, environmental sustainability and peace:
For peace to prevail in the long term, we must address these interconnected ecological determinants of human health. Climate change, environmental degradation, and health crises do not respect borders – they have the power to spark conflict, drive displacement, and deepen social inequities. By adopting a Planetary Health approach – one that recognizes the interdependence of human health and environmental systems – we can forge a more peaceful, secure future.
Below is an outline of Dr Keith Suter’s presentation:
MAKING PEACE IN THE WORLD TODAY – Dr Keith Suter
A resource for Twilight at Leura Uniting Church on Sunday 25th May 2025
INTRODUCTION: PEACE
What is “peace”?
More than simply the absence of war
It also involves co-operation and non-violent social change, aimed at creating more equitable and just structures in the communities and societies in which we live
Declaration of St James’ Palace June 1941:
The only true basis of enduring peace is the willing co-operation of free peoples in a world in which, relieved of the menace of aggression, all may enjoy economic and social security.
Principles of Working for Peace
Countries can win wars but lose the peace
“Violence” is not just about war alone: in the 20th Century more people were killed by their own governments than by foreign invaders
There has to be a change within each person
“Shalom”: wholeness
More than just about the scrapping of weapons: converting the weapons of war into the tools of peace: from swords into ploughs
Given the fallen nature of humankind, there will always be violence of some sort and so complete “peace” is not possible this side of the grave
Triangle of Peace
Disarmament
Conflict resolution
Search for justice
CURRENT CONCERNS
AUKUS: Australia, UK, USA
September 16 2021: AUKUS agreement is one of the most important foreign policy decisions in recent Australian history
Australian media tended to focus on submarines but the big picture is even more important; French submarine programme was over time and over budget
“China” was not mentioned in the three statements but was present throughout the media event
Are the decks being cleared for action against China? Variation of the “Thucydides Trap“? (Graham Allison); of 16 arms races in the last 500 years, 12 resulted in war
Risk of sleepwalking into a war with China
Taiwan could be the flashpoint to trigger a confrontation
In the recent general election neither of the two main parties questioned the viability of AUKUS
But New Cold War is Different from the Old One
The old Cold War (US-USSR, 1945-91) was mainly a military confrontation because the USSR was excluded from the world economy
New Cold War has China at the centre of the global economy (including via the Belt and Road Initiative: BRI)
How to oppose militarily a major trading partner?
THE BIGGER PICTURE
Basic Themes of Australian Foreign and Defence Policy
Fear of invasion
Fear that Australia cannot defend itself on its own; Australia is responsible for about 10 per cent of Earth’s surface
Need for a “great and powerful friend”
Payment of insurance premiums (beginning with the NSW troop deployments in UK’s 19th African conflicts) in the hope that the protector will come to Australia’s aid in a crisis
In short: Australia’s foreign and defence policy has been guided by the priorities of the senior ally (UK up to December 1941; now US e.g. Vietnam, “war on terror”, Afghanistan, Iraq)
There is little consistent public interest in this subject: people are anxious to be reassured that “something” is being done by “somebody” and then they turn their attention elsewhere, such as sport
Wider Context
Is China a threat to Australia? How should Australia respond to China-Taiwan tensions? Do we follow the US lead?
For the first time since 1788, Australia’s largest trading partner: isn’t part of the Western political/military alliance; isn’t part of the European cultural heritage; isn’t a developed country; isn’t a democracy: Yes: China is going to become the superpower, but it is doing things differently
How do we operate a fully-fledged nuclear-powered submarine fleet?
Can we trust the US? No country stays on top forever
“Armed neutrality”/ Swedish model: should Australia do more for its own defence and get rid of the US bases; reintroduce conscription; create compulsory forms of service in military and civilian corps, produce more of its own weapons; educate the general public to be more self-reliant?
“New Zealand” option: scrap much of the overseas military capability and reduce the US connection
Will “defence force modernisation” simply trigger local arms races and so would Australia be better off by not modernising and to seek to reassure the local region that it has no aggressive intentions?
Create a Ministry for Peace and do defence and foreign policy differently e.g. more economic and social co-operation?
Conclusion: there are plenty of alternatives to the current policy- but a lack of political will and public pressure to make changes.
Thank you to everyone that joined us at the Planetary Health Centre on Saturday for the first of our Skill Share Saturdays program!
The Centre was a hive of activity all day, and we heard from @alchemyfarms_permaculture, the @ediblegardentrailbluemountains team and Andy Mann. Also thanks to Sherlie McMillan from Greater Blue Mountains Rotary for teaching the Fashion Upcycling workshop, and Virginia Field for the Tai Chi and Qigong class.
The next event will be held on Saturday 1st August - you can register your place here: https://events.humanitix.com/skill-share-saturdays-at-the-planetary-health-centre
🖐Get involved!
Do you have a skill, program or interest that promotes planetary health that you`d be willing to share with members of the local community? We are looking for more workshop and session hosts for our future events.
Join us at the Planetary Health Centre in Katoomba on the first Saturday of every month for Skill Share Saturdays!
Our July program includes: - What to grow in a Blue Mountains climate - Eating for Earth - Tai Chi and Qigong - Fashion upcycling and clothing reuse workshop - How to get involved with the Edible Garden Trail
You are also welcome to bring any surplus seeds or produce for our Crop Swap, or wind down in the Planetary Health Cafe (until 2pm).
If you have a skill that you want to share, or any questions or queries, please contact [email protected]
Visit the website to view the full program of events and register your place.
Join Andy Mann, a 23 year old Lawson local, for their Eating for Earth session 🌏
Eating for Earth is a judgement-free plant-based educational workshop that all types of eaters are encouraged to attend. There will be a presentation about the environmental impact of diets, a discussion section, and best of all, food! The food will be fully plant-based.
Andy wants to help inform our passionate community about how we can better reduce dietary environmental impact.
The session will run from 11AM - 12PM on Saturday 4th July.
Other sessions include: - What to grow in a Blue Mountains Climate - Fashion Upcycling - Tai Chi and Qigong - Bushcare on the Planetary Health site - How to get involved with the Edible Garden Trail
To register your place, visit our website: https://events.humanitix.com/skill-share-saturdays-at-the-planetary-health-centre...
We’re excited to announce the second Blue Mountains Food Security Fair, taking place in Katoomba in October 2026.
This annual event will bring together growers, thinkers, makers, and community members to explore one of the most important challenges of our time: how we grow, share, and sustain food in a changing world.
Across the weekend, we’ll be exploring themes including: - Healthy soil and regenerative systems - Food and human health - Plant-based food futures - Home and community food resilience - Water-sensitive and climate-adapted growing - Indigenous food knowledge and systems - School food systems - Australia’s food procurement - Global food security challenges Expect a dynamic program of inspiring speakers, practical workshops, and hands-on experiences designed to leave you informed, empowered, and connected.
Key information Date: Weekend of 10th October 2026 Location: Blue Mountains Planetary Health Centre, Katoomba, NSW We’ll be announcing speakers and program details soon.
We are also inviting expressions of interest from individuals and organisations who would like to contribute to the program, host workshops, run a stall or partner with us.
Do you struggle making the most of your veggie garden all year round?
Join Leni from @alchemyfarms_permaculture on Saturday 4th July for her Permaculture Workshop: Learn how to grow WITH the Upper Blue Mountains seasons, rather than battling against them.
During the two-hour session, you`ll cover crop selection for different seasons, what to grow from seeds vs seedlings, frost and wind protection, and nurturing your soil with a seasonal cycle.
Register for this and other sessions as part of our Skill Share Saturdays program via this link: https://events.humanitix.com/skill-share-saturdays-at-the-planetary-health-centre...
From Saturday 4 July, we are opening up the Planetary Health Centre for our monthly Skill Share Saturdays program: https://events.humanitix.com/skill-share-saturdays-at-the-planetary-health-centre
Throughout each day, you can expect to find a variety of sessions focused on restoring the health of the planet, in terms of the environment, community and economy.
Sessions at the first event include:
- What to grow in a Blue Mountains climate - Plant-based eating - Tai Chi and Qigong - Fashion Upcycling and clothing reuse workshop
You are also welcome to bring any surplus seeds or produce for our Crop Swap, or wind down in the Planetary Health Cafe (until 2pm).
Visit the website to view the full program of events and register your place: https://events.humanitix.com/skill-share-saturdays-at-the-planetary-health-centre
Registrations essential.
We are also inviting expressions of interest from individuals and organisations who would like to contribute to the program - please reach out to [email protected] if you are interested!...
🍃Volunteer weekly at the Planetary Health Centre 🍃
From next week, Tuesday 28th April, come and join Leni from @alchemyfarms_permaculture from 10am - 12pm, to help with the management of the Planetary Health veggie gardens, where any surplus produce can be shared!
The gardening session will be followed by a complimentary tea or coffee in the Planetary Health cafe.
📆Day: Every Tuesday 🕙Time: 10AM - 12PM
📍Where: Blue Mountains Planetary Health Centre 33-39 Acacia Street Katoomba (follow the pathways at each side of the building, round to the terrace and gardens).
What shall I bring? All you need to bring is water, gardening gloves and a hat.
Last week we had the pleasure of hosting the first year Medical students from @notredamesyd for their Rural and Indigenous Immersion trip across Katoomba and Lithgow. Across two days, 150 students learnt about the link between human health and a healthy environment, the work of the @bluemountainsplanetaryhealth Initiative and the @bluemountainscitycouncil to create climate resilient communities, and got to explore our site using heat mapping tools....
Join Rotarians for Planetary Health on International Women`s Day, from 2.30-4pm Sun 8 March, for the opening of a portrait display to celebrate local women who have made a meaningful impact on protecting animals and nature. The photographs by Sue Lightfoot and others are part of a long-term initiative to build a living, community-driven database of women working to protect animals and the natural world.
The display will be open until 1 April, Thursday to Saturday, 9.30am–3.30pm at the Junction 142 Village markets (church space). As the project develops, community members will be invited to nominate women whose work deserves recognition.
The launch follows the Uniting Church and Plant Inspired`s monthly community luncheon from 12-2pm, which this month features the Older Women`s Network Blue Mountains. For more information contact 0434 691 496 (Teya)
In a world being threatened by war, greed, cruelty and selfishness, the Planetary Health Wellness Weekend will close with a gathering of people who have faith that kindness, generosity, love, creativity and community, and the healing of our land, are a better way forward. We`re thrilled that harpist Dawn Egan will be performing at this inspiring event in the Planetary Health exhibition space. Afternoon tea will be provided. Register to attend here (link in profile under Wellness Weekend): https://bit.ly/4kUkzfm
Had lunch yet? Head over to the Planetary Health Centre for these delicious offerings from @8thingskatoomba today (Sat 28 Feb): South Indian dosa, Korean bao, NY Cheese burger, Bali nasi, Mullum tofu fries, shoestring fires & red bean mochi!
Don`t miss hearing Andrew Skeoch at 2pm today at the Planetary Health Centre! He`s an acoustic ecologist and author of `Deep Listening to Nature` and uses technology to help identify the different `conversations` happening in the world around us. His presentations are a revelation! Reserve your spot here (link in profile under Planetary Health Wellness Weekend): https://bit.ly/4kUkzfm
In Katoomba, a grassroots litter-picking group tackles rubbish before it reaches our water supply. Their story shows how local environmental action, fueled by community connection, can drive meaningful change for planetary health.
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