minusfiftypercent
With humility and in the spirit of reconciliation, I acknowledge that my work in the Kootenay Boundary region took place on the traditional, ancestral, and unceded territories of the Sinixt, Syilx, Ktunaxa, and Secwépemc First Nations, and is home to the Métis and many diverse Aboriginal communities. I am continuously inspired by what we settlers can learn from the traditional ways of the indigenous peoples of Canada.
I look at my sons and I am deeply worried. For their futures. For the future of our planet Earth.
This original website was created in early 2020. We have now 2026, I look at the world now from a place in Europe, little has been done, the predicted temperature increase is still grim. I look at the painful consequences of a warming climate. I look at the absence of climate protests and governments’ inaction. I look at ever increasing droughts, floods and wildfires.
I see wars, racial injustice, seemingly unstoppable consumerism, unchecked capitalism, the rise of AI, the destructive forces of social media, loneliness and the mental health challenges observed in all ages.
I don’t see the initiation of changes that are necessary.
My heart suffers at the current suffering of others and the immense suffering yet to come through the impacts of the climate breakdown.
Julius Halaschek-Wiener, PhD, creator of the minusfiftypercent movement, a past scientist (genetics/genomics, cancer cell biology & healthy aging), has confidence in the scientific conclusions of the international panel of climate scientists. He believes that we individually and collectively must change; not to pretend or merely tinker at the edges. He also recognizes that an immediate stop is also not possible. Therefore, the goal is to start with a -50% reduction of polluting and harmful behaviors and once achieved keep “minusfiftypercent-ing it“, until net-zero.
Julius follows a life-long pursuit of simple, green and sustainable living, holistic health and well being. After living with his family for many years in rural British Columbia, Canada, he moved (back) to Austria in 2024. From the rural Canadian life to the urban European Life / the heart stayed the same – green and full of love for our home, Planet Earth. Farmers Markets, Carshare, organic food, biking and walking, energy efficiency, reducing flights to absolutely necessary ones, green electricity, resistance to consumerism etc – all these things are available in most places. We just need to chose them. The need for regenerative practices is evident, in business, health care, education, agriculture, finance and technology. Let’s prototype a new, regenerative world together. Thank you!
Pre-upgrade emissions: Emitted approx. 6 tons of direct CO2 equivalents, as a family of 4, in 2020 (2.12 t CO2e for natural gas-powered heating/hot water & 3.91 t CO2e for running the car (Subaru Forester); 2x 20lb BBQ/camping propane tanks <0.048 tCO2), plus unknown indirect emissions from food (meat) and other purchases (transport, packaging etc).
After upgrade: what emissions are left? BBQ propane, some fuel for lawn mower & weed whacker; some gas when using the non-electric car share vehicles; and then yes, the necessary flights to the homeland of Austria.
To contact us please email: minusfiftypercent@gmail.com
Over time there will likely be (some) social media activity.