Steven J Phipps @stevenjphipps.bsky.social · 04/10/2026Over the course of the afternoon, nations from across the Pacific delivered cultural performances. I was able to meet other staff from the Embassy of Japan at their stall. They were promoting the JENESYS programme, which provides fully-funded study tours of Japan to students at the university. 010
Steven J Phipps @stevenjphipps.bsky.social · 04/10/2026I also attended the Open Day at the Laucala (Suva) campus of the The University of the South Pacific. The campus is home to the Japan-Pacific ICT Centre, which was funded by Japan to act as a hub for research and teaching. 110
Steven J Phipps @stevenjphipps.bsky.social · 04/10/2026While walking around Suva, I noticed signs of some of the projects that we'd discussed in the morning. These included tsunami evacuation signs and efforts to reduce the amount of plastic pollution in the oceans. 120
Steven J Phipps @stevenjphipps.bsky.social · 04/10/2026The Fijian capital of Suva acts as the diplomatic hub for the South Pacific. I couldn't resist the temptation to seek out some of the most prominent local diplomatic landmarks, including the United Nations building. 110
Steven J Phipps @stevenjphipps.bsky.social · 04/10/2026We enjoyed a wide-ranging conversation about the ways in which Japan partners with Pacific nations to develop practical solutions in areas that include climate resilience, disaster risk reduction and waste management. 110
Steven J Phipps @stevenjphipps.bsky.social · 04/10/2026My first day in Fiji had a strong focus on the partnerships between Japan and Pacific Island nations. I was delighted to meet with Kengo Hoshina, Head of Economic and Development Cooperation at the Embassy of Japan. The embassy also handles diplomatic relations with Kiribati, Naoero and Tuvalu. 140
Steven J Phipps @stevenjphipps.bsky.social · 01/10/2026I'm also looking forward to gaining first-hand experience of international climate negotiations and to meeting the people, communities, organisations, businesses and governments who are working together to tackle the challenges of climate change and to build climate resilience in the Pacific. 020
Steven J Phipps @stevenjphipps.bsky.social · 01/10/2026After two days of meetings and workshops in Suva, I'll be joining the pre-COP meeting in Nadi before spending a week in Tuvalu. I'll have the opportunity to witness the impacts of climate change on the ground. 111
Steven J Phipps @stevenjphipps.bsky.social · 01/10/2026From today, I'm going to be applying that expertise and devoting a lot more of my time and energy to climate diplomacy. I'll be spending the next 16 days in Fiji and Tuvalu. With the emerging El Niño event, climate change in the Pacific is more relevant now than it's ever been. 110
Steven J Phipps @stevenjphipps.bsky.social · 01/10/2026I'm particularly inspired by the potential of diplomacy to bring people together and to tackle common challenges. Over the past decade, I've therefore been working hard to gain experience in international relations. 110
Steven J Phipps @stevenjphipps.bsky.social · 01/10/2026It's time for me to stop watching and to do something about it. I'm an optimist at heart, although it's hard not to feel fear when you see what we're unleashing on our planet. I'm also a pragmatist and, despite the magnitude of the challenge, I see climate change as a problem to be solved. 110
Steven J Phipps @stevenjphipps.bsky.social · 01/10/2026I've watched as global temperatures first broke through the 1.5 degree barrier in 2023. And I've watched again during recent months as the strongest El Niño event on record has developed in the Pacific Ocean. Next year is on track to be the hottest year in the history of human civilisation. 110
Steven J Phipps @stevenjphipps.bsky.social · 01/10/2026I'm writing this post on flight FJ920 from Brisbane to Nadi. I've been privileged to spend more than two decades working in climate science. During that time, I've watched temperatures increase and climate change start to become part of our daily reality. 120
Steven J Phipps @stevenjphipps.bsky.social · 29/09/2026Thank you to @news.abc.net.au for this wonderful coverage of Sunday's Hanami Trail festival. Organised by the Australia-Japan Society of Tasmania, the event brought together people from all over Tasmania for a celebration of Japanese culture and the strong bonds between #Tasmania and #Japan.abc.net.auLove of soba noodles is reason cherry blossoms bloom in TasmaniaThirty years ago, a Japanese love of Tasmanian new-season soba noodles led to a cross-cultural gift of hundreds of cherry blossom trees, now celebrated at the annual Hanami Trail festival. 040
Steven J Phipps @stevenjphipps.bsky.social · 29/09/2026One of the highlights of the day was a performance by Steve Bobs of the song Longwinny, which was written during our retreat to Murrayfield on Bruny Island as part of National Reconciliation Week. I was also honoured to be re-elected to the Division Council for another three-year term. 010
Steven J Phipps @stevenjphipps.bsky.social · 29/09/2026This year’s meeting highlighted the role of Australian Red Cross in strengthening community connection, reducing social isolation, enabling disaster-ready and resilient communities, and providing opportunities for everyone to contribute. 100
Steven J Phipps @stevenjphipps.bsky.social · 29/09/2026At its recent Annual General Meeting, the Tasmania Division of Australian Red Cross came together to celebrate all of the inspirational work being carried out by its staff and volunteers. 120
Steven J Phipps @stevenjphipps.bsky.social · 29/09/2026The City of Hobart, Kingborough Council, Huon Valley Council and Brighton Council have partnered with ZapCat to offer free, independent energy advice to residents and small businesses across southern Tasmania. The service provides instant online estimates for costs, savings and available rebates.zapcat.com.auSouthern Tasmanian Councils - Free, independent energy advice - Main - ZapCatFree, independent home energy advice for Southern Tasmanian Councils residents. 110
Steven J Phipps @stevenjphipps.bsky.social · 25/09/2026The Australia-Japan Society of Tasmania is excited to be bringing you the 2026 Hanami Trail this Sunday. Please join us for a joyous day of cherry blossoms, nature, aikido, taiko drumming, shakuhachi and more! Further information and registrations: www.ajstas.org.au/event-6848208 061
Steven J Phipps @stevenjphipps.bsky.social · 22/09/2026With several months remaining until the predicted peak, we are now officially entering record-breaking territory. Full analysis: www.carbonbrief.org/analysis-sup... 042
Steven J Phipps @stevenjphipps.bsky.social · 22/09/2026According to the latest analysis by @zekehausfather.com and @carbonbrief.org, the 2026 El Niño event remains on track to smash the all-time record. As of 19 September, the sea surface temperature anomaly in the tropical Pacific Ocean has tied the all-time record. 172
Steven J Phipps @stevenjphipps.bsky.social · 17/09/2026To get everyone into the mood, we will also be holding a special calligraphy workshop with Maiko Howell prior to the meeting. We look forward to seeing you there! Calligraphy workshop: www.ajstas.org.au/event-6822466 Annual General Meeting: www.ajstas.org.au/event-6827457 031
Steven J Phipps @stevenjphipps.bsky.social · 17/09/2026Please join the Australia-Japan Society of Tasmania for our Annual General Meeting this weekend. It's your chance to meet our members, learn more about our activities and help us to shape the future of the Tasmania-Japan relationship. 141
Steven J Phipps @stevenjphipps.bsky.social · 04/09/2026Why do you live in Tasmania? To better understand what Tasmanians need, Brand Tasmania is investigating the experiences of people who live here: where they live, what is easy or hard about living in Tasmania, how connected they are to their communities and why they may leave.tasmanian.com.auWhy do you live in Tasmania?The more we understand about why people live in Tasmania, the more we can improve wellbeing for current and future generations. 031
Steven J Phipps @stevenjphipps.bsky.social · 01/09/2026The BBC has a detailed answer to this very question...bbc.comTwo giant warming patterns are brewing in the Pacific and warping US weatherA rare but powerful combination of an immense Pacific Ocean heatwave and a "super El Niño" will have profound effects on US weather this autumn. Here are five changes to expect. 100
Steven J Phipps @stevenjphipps.bsky.social · 23/08/2026• More frequent and intense tropical storms in the central and eastern Pacific Ocean, affecting islands such as Hawaii, Kiribati and Tuvalu. You'll find plenty more information on all of this in the explainer. 121
Steven J Phipps @stevenjphipps.bsky.social · 23/08/2026• Heavy rainfall and severe flooding in southern Brazil, central Chile and northern Argentina. • Extreme heat in India, followed by a weakening of the summer monsoon and drought. • More intense typhoons, affecting China, Japan and South Korea. 111
Steven J Phipps @stevenjphipps.bsky.social · 23/08/2026No two El Niño events are exactly alike. It's too early to say which regions may be most affected by the current event, but we do know that El Niño increases the risks of: • Severe drought and wildfires in SE Asia, parts of Australia and the northern and tropical parts of central and South America. 211
Steven J Phipps @stevenjphipps.bsky.social · 19/08/2026El Niño events also release heat into the atmosphere, causing a temporary increase in global temperatures. With the current event now almost certain to become historically strong, most forecasts predict that 2027 will be the hottest year on record. 170
Steven J Phipps @stevenjphipps.bsky.social · 19/08/2026Thanks to @carbonbrief.org, a detailed explainer of El Niño and its effects on the world's weather. El Niño events have global-scale impacts on temperature, rainfall and tropical storms, bringing increased risks of droughts, floods, wildfires and damaging typhoons.interactive.carbonbrief.orgExplainer: How the ‘super El Niño’ will reshape the world’s weatherThe world is currently experiencing what is expected to become the strongest El Niño on record – dubbed a “super El Niño” by many. 1101
Steven J Phipps @stevenjphipps.bsky.social · 06/08/2026As the links between Hobart and Yaizu grow ever stronger, we can look forward to an enthusiastic celebration of the 50th anniversary of the sister city relationship next year. 020
Steven J Phipps @stevenjphipps.bsky.social · 06/08/2026The highlight was the speeches by the visiting students, which were full of optimism, idealism and a desire to build lasting friendships and create a better world. It’s wonderful to know that our future is in such safe hands. 120
Steven J Phipps @stevenjphipps.bsky.social · 06/08/2026As part of the annual program of school exchanges between the two cities, a delegation from Yaizu visited Hobart last week. A reception at Hobart Town Hall brought together the visitors, their local hosts and members of the wider community. 100
Steven J Phipps @stevenjphipps.bsky.social · 06/08/2026Sister cities are at the heart of the Australia-Japan relationship. They help to build bridges, create new friendships and enhance mutual cultural understanding. The sister city relationship between Hobart and Yaizu began in 1977, making it one of the oldest between Australia and Japan. 140
Steven J Phipps @stevenjphipps.bsky.social · 04/08/2026Congratulations, Emerald, on the richly-deserved award! 010
Steven J Phipps @stevenjphipps.bsky.social · 04/08/2026The commendation was awarded as part of the celebrations of the 50th anniversary of the Basic Treaty of Friendship and Cooperation between #Australia and #Japan, and recognises her outstanding contribution towards promoting friendship and mutual understanding between our two countries. 130
Steven J Phipps @stevenjphipps.bsky.social · 04/08/2026At a beautiful ceremony in Hobart yesterday, @emeraldlking.bsky.social was presented with the Foreign Minister’s Commendation by Consul-General Tokuro Furuya. Dr Emerald King is a Lecturer in Humanities at @utas.edu.au and a member of the Board of the Australia-Japan Society of Tasmania. 130
Steven J Phipps @stevenjphipps.bsky.social · 03/08/2026After a remarkable operation to load the China Zorrilla aboard the MV Black Marlin, the two vessels are scheduled to begin their 40-day voyage to South America today. Bon voyage! 000
Steven J Phipps @stevenjphipps.bsky.social · 03/08/2026A perfect day for admiring the MV Black Marlin and the China Zorrilla (Hull 096) on the River Derwent. I'm so proud that Incat Tasmania was able to build the world's largest electric ferry right here in Tasmania. 110
Steven J Phipps @stevenjphipps.bsky.social · 03/08/2026The City of Hobart has launched the new Climate Ready Hobart platform. Head to the website to learn more and to explore the actions that you can take to help create a zero emissions and climate resilient city. Climate Ready Hobart: www.climatereadyhobart.com.au/Home 030
Steven J Phipps @stevenjphipps.bsky.social · 02/08/2026Tasmania also triumphed in the final audience vote, with all three Tasmanian whiskies scoring higher than their Scottish counterparts. Thank you to Tasmania Whisky Events for making today’s event happen. I’m looking forward to enjoying the rest of Tasmanian Whisky Week, which runs until 9 August. 000
Steven J Phipps @stevenjphipps.bsky.social · 02/08/2026The side-by-side comparison highlighted that Tasmanian whisky is absolutely up there with the world’s best, with the wonderfully balanced and gorgeously smooth Smoky Wedding from Furneaux Distillery being a personal favourite. 100
Steven J Phipps @stevenjphipps.bsky.social · 02/08/2026The afternoon provided the opportunity not only to sample a mix of old favourites and new discoveries, but also to meet the makers and to hear their stories. 100
Steven J Phipps @stevenjphipps.bsky.social · 02/08/2026Today, I joined the Battle of the Peat: a showdown between peated whiskies from Tasmania and Scotland. Launceston Distillery, Captain Bligh’s and Furneaux Distillery were pitted against Highland Park, Lagavulin and Ledaig. 100
Steven J Phipps @stevenjphipps.bsky.social · 02/08/2026Our clean air, pure water and local peat all contribute towards a uniquely Tasmanian style. With more than 80 distilleries, Tasmanian whisky now consistently performs strongly in international competitions. 100
Steven J Phipps @stevenjphipps.bsky.social · 02/08/2026Tasmanian Whisky Week is celebrating its 10th anniversary this year. Since 2016, the festival has been showcasing Tasmania’s world-famous whisky industry and the people behind the scenes that make it all possible. 100
Steven J Phipps @stevenjphipps.bsky.social · 02/08/2026Fun, games and grammar at this month's Japanese language exchange session at the State Cinema Cafe in North Hobart. A group of 21 people from Australia, China, Japan and Vietnam gathered to improve their language skills and to make new connections. 130
Steven J Phipps @stevenjphipps.bsky.social · 01/08/2026Get your ticket here: www.trybooking.com/events/landi...trybooking.comWorkshop with Taiko Master MAKOTO SEKINEAn opportunity to learn from Makoto Sekine, a taiko master from Japan who is visiting our group. 000
Steven J Phipps @stevenjphipps.bsky.social · 01/08/2026The first Taiko Master Taster Workshop with Makoto Sekine has sold out. Fortunately, a second session has been added. This is a rare opportunity to learn from one of Japan's leading taiko drummers. At the time of writing, only 15 spots are left. Book now while you still can! 100
Steven J Phipps @stevenjphipps.bsky.social · 01/08/2026Some excellent reporting from @tomsaundersabc.bsky.social and @news.abc.net.au on what the developing El Niño event might mean for Australia. Short answer: the prospect of the hottest spring on record and a summer of extreme heat, with a heightened risk of drought and fires.abc.net.auRecord-smashing El Niño points to spring of drought and firesDespite El Niño being months away from peaking, it could potentially trigger Australia's hottest spring on record. 052