Ryde Gladesville Climate Change Action Group

Wind power at Buffalo Creek Reserve 10 October 2010

Sunday 10/ 10/10 is International Day of Climate Action also known as 350.org day. 350 is the safe number of parts per million of CO2 that is safe for the planet. http://www.350.org/en/about/science

Groups around the world last year and again this year, are marking the day by small and large actions. Last year Ryde Gladesville CAG made and lit 350 candle lanterns.

This year we are celebrating wind power by inviting people to join us to make miniature windmills at Buffalo Creek Reserve and form the shape of the number 350. When? 2pm-4pm Sunday 10th October. Where? Buffalo Creek Reserve, Pittwater Rd. We will supply the materials and parachute games for children. Come and join us and be in the pictures we will take to add to images from events around the world on the 350 website . If you can help out, call Jo 9816 35943.

how do I ? sustainability

Shmeco is a new website by the group who brought us sustainable house day that answers your sustainability questions and has a green services directory. We asked it how many hours of energy is used to shut down and reboot a computer to help us work out when its better to shut down a computer than let it run. To ask your own http://www.shmeco.com/sustainable-green-living/

23 ways to make your fridge use less energy

After hot water, most people’s biggest electricity user is the refrigerator. You can reduce energy use by:-

1. keeping warm foods out
2. keeping items off the back wall
3. using glass and ceramic containers
4. keeping it packed full but not too full

For the other 19 tips see… http://www.renewablesathome.com/energy-conservation/10-ways-to-make-your-refrigerator-use-less-energy

CHANGE OF MP FOR BENNELONG

Climate change was reported by several analysts to be a key issue in Maxine McKew winning Bennelong in 2007 and our group appreciated her making time to meet with us on 4 occasions. We were concerned however about her level of understanding on the issue, evidenced by her describing us in the Northern District Times as having an “apocalyptic” view of climate change. Conversations revealed that she also failed to grasp key concepts such as climate “tipping points” predicted to result in rapid accelerated change. We hope our new local member will take more time to inform himself.

NSW GOVERNMENT TO REVIEW SOLAR FEED-IN TARIFF

The NSW scheme which started in January this year and has been an important boost to the solar industry and renewable has been so successful that last week, the NSW Government quietly announced the review of this scheme. The scheme was originally slated for review in either 2012, or when the 50MW target was reached (which has now happened). Encourage the state government to maintain this important scheme. Public submissions must be sent by 30 September. http://www.industry.nsw.gov.au/energy/sustainable/renewable/solar/solar-scheme/faq

HUGE ICE CHUNK BREAKS OFF ELLESMERE ISLAND

 A large piece of ice has fractured from a massive ice shelf on Ellesmere Island in Nunavut in the Arctic, marking the third known case of Arctic ice loss this summer alone. Arctic ice plays an essential role in cooling the earth by circulating oxygen to the oceans and reflecting heat off the earth’s surface. Read more at http://climatesignals.org/2010/08/huge-ice-chunk-breaks-off-ellesmere-island/

LOCAL WHAT’S ON?

Find out about Sustainable House Day on 12 September and other WHAT’S ON? items.

CANDIDATES’ CLIMATE VIEWS

As with the last Federal election we posted some questions about climate change to the major Bennelong candidates to help you decide. Here are their responses.

NATIONAL CLIMATE SCORE CARD

The Australian Conservation Foundation candidates score card updated on 4 August, gave the Greens a score of 89%, Labor 40% and the Coalition 18% on policies for reducing carbon pollution, renewable energy, sustainable cities and a healthy environment. For the full scorecard see http://www.acfonline.org.au/articles/news.asp?news_id=3044

It’s tempting to feel discouraged at this election given that neither of the major parties have shown leadership. Don’t forget that the Senate is as important as the House of Reps in changing the law. Remembering that we are not politically affiliated, funded or aligned, we suggest that a vote for the Greens in the Senate provides the best chance of seeing action. Our next government will be remembered in 50 and 100 years for whether it acted on this issue … well beyond the life of other government policies.

100% RENEWABLE ELECTRICITY : REALLY POSSIBLE?

Solutions to climate change have just taken a giant leap forward. Last week at Sydney Town Hall a blueprint for Australia’s switch to 100% renewable energy was launched. The plan proposes the switch can be made in a decade with concentrated solar power and wind turbines and creating 80,000 jobs. The work was a collaboration between Melbourne University, Beyond Zero Emissions and engineers Sinclair Knight Merz. Endorsers of the plan who spoke at the launch included Malcolm Turnbull, Bob Carr and Australia’s former chief scientist Robin Batterham. For more www.energy.unimelb.edu.au.

WHAT DO LOCALS THINK OF RENEWABLES?

Between June and July we canvassed 130 passers-by at Putney, and Eastwood shops, members of North Ryde Rotary club and parents outside Gladesville Public School. 78% did not think the government was doing enough to promote renewable, 88% agreed with the idea of a clean energy jobs scheme and 80% wanted to see a plan for 100% renewable energy. Read the full results here.

SNAKES OR LADDERS?

We continued this month to play climate snakes and ladders at Gladesville and West Ryde mingling with Federal candidates and lots of balloons Pictures. See photos here.

OXFAM’S TAKE ON CLIMATE

Better known for their work on international poverty, Oxfam has been active this election calling both parties to commit to stronger action on climate. This stems from their recognition of the disproportionate effects on poor people in developing countries. http://www.oxfam.org.au/explore/climate-change

See WHAT’S ON? in the next month.

GAME ON!

Our new Prime Minister has called an election for 21 August and this week announced a climate policy with its primary plank – a citizen’s assembly. Funds from the Solar Flagship program, set up for major renewable infrastructure will also be diverted into rebates to trade-ins on old cars for new less emitting cars. The only serious low emission car is an electric car fully charged by renewable energy which is not yet feasible. We head into this election with both major parties having climate policies that fall short of serious action on climate change and that Oxfam say risks condemning the world’s poorest to continuing climate crises.

Call Maxine McKew’s office this week on 9868 1399 and leave a message telling her you think these policies are a backwards step and put Australia even further from cutting needed emissions.

WHAT KIND OF CLIMATE POLICIES DO WE NEED?

Ross Gittins, Economics Editor with the Sydney Morning Herald writes that just about every economist would agree that the key to reducing emissions is to put a price on carbon. Read more http://www.theage.com.au/business/economists-struggle-to-reach-consensus-in-debate-over-pollution-reduction-20100718-10g00.html

PLAYING GAMES WITH THE CLIMATE

To let both major political parties know we think they are playing games with climate policy, we are playing a giant snakes and ladders game at key locations in the electorate . On Saturday we were at Eastwood Mall, where passers- by enjoyed the fun.  See pictures of playing games with climate change.

WHAT CAN YOU DO?

Coal mining expansion: The state government is planning an expansion of coal mining on the Liverpool Plains. This threatens to destroy prime agricultural land and divert needed water. Print and send this letter – PDF version of letter or Word version of letter.

Coal-fired power: The NSW government is also about to decide on a new power station and expected to opt to build another coal- fired power station, despite viable alternatives. We are joining other climate groups to call 8 ministers offices every day until the end of September on this issue. We need 35 people who are prepared to join a roster to make 8 calls on a day of your choosing between now and the end of September. If you can help, contact us and we will send you the link to add your name to the roster and send you the contact information and suggested talking points.

WHAT’S ON ?

See Forthcoming Events for upcoming Climate Change activities where you can show your support and meet up with us.

Ryde Gladesville Climate Change Action Group has a number of events planned for this year kicking off with:

100% Renewable Energy Campaign Launch – this Sunday 2 May, at Gladesville Skate Park, cnr Victoria Rd & Crown St, Gladesville at 3.30pm. Join our group photo claiming Gladesville as an suburb that supports 100% renewable power!!! More info @: http://www.100percent.org.au/

Meeting with state MP

This week, members of the Ryde Gladesville Climate Change Action Group met with the local state government member for Ryde, Victor Dominello. He indicated that he believed that climate change was occurring though is not convinced that it is all due to human action.

He also suggested that he supported increased use of renewable energy but would not commit to opposing the building of two new coal fired power stations being proposed by the NSW state government. These power stations are predicted to increase NSW emissions by 15%. To find out more http://www.greenpeace.org.au/climate/GI-nswcoal.html

Global Issues: NASA GISS -

Goddard Institute for Space Studies – have some interesting articles on climate change. The website can be viewed at: http://www.giss.nasa.gov/

Australian Issues: CSIRO – BOM – Drought Exception Circumstances Report.

Read an assessment & impact of climate change on the nature & frequency of exceptional climatic events at: http://www.daff.gov.au/agriculture-food/drought/national_review_of_drought_policy/climatic_assessment/drought-impact-report

Local Issues

National Permaculture Day – Saturday 1 May, 10am – 12pm

Open gardens at 12 Farnell St, Hunters Hill and 8/6-8 Donald Ave, Epping (urban home gardens with vegetables, solar and water systems). Also open permaculture garden and workshops at Ryde TAFE, Parkes St, Ryde 12 midday to 4pm www.permacultureday.info

Recycling in Ryde

City of Ryde Council has a comprehensive list of how to Recycle household waste from aerosols to white goods including e-waste & mobile phones. Have a look at: http://www.ryde.nsw.gov.au/wastedisposal

Refuse, Reduce, Reuse, Recycle in Hunters Hill – can be found @: http://www.huntershill.nsw.gov.au/Page/Page.asp?Page_Id=170

…& while you’re there…Hunters Hill’s Sustainability Plan is worth a look…http://www.huntershill.nsw.gov.au/Page/page.asp?Page_Id=303&h=0

…& just for good measure, over at Lane Cove they have composting & worm farms at http://www.lanecove.nsw.gov.au/Council%20Services/Waste%20Management/Compost%20Bins%20and%20Worm%20Farms/CompostBinsandWormFarms.htm

A date for your diary

Windy Day in Ryde on World Environment Day Sat 5 June 2010 at Buffalo Creek Reserve for a family fun filled arvo! More info soon!

Next meeting:

Wednesday 5 May, 2010 at 7.30 pm.  Contact us for more details.

The New South Wales Government is planning to build new coal fired power stations!

If you are concerned about this (and you should be) write to your State MP to let the Government know that you are strongly opposed to such action.

Contact us if you would like us to send you a draft letter that you can sign and post.

Read this fact sheet for more information about the impact of such new coal-fired power stations.

Now is the time for us all to call on the Government to cease such environmentally destructive policies and your voice, more than ever, is needed.

December is a big Climate month this year.

Walk Against Warming

12 December, 2009 Starting from Martin Place at 1pm

Ryde Gladesville Climate Change Action Group will meet at 12.45pm at the Cenotaph.

Keep a look out for our banner! Please wear something blue!

UN Meeting in Copenhagen

The website can be found at: http://en.cop15.dk/

Greenpeace have a webpage on what’s happening in Copenhagen, it can be found at:

http://www.greenpeace.org.au/climate

Reports back from meetings with our Federal MP’s

We met with Joe Hockey, Federal MP for North Sydney on 29 September 2009.

We received a written response to our questions just recently, for which Mr Hockey apologized. Mr Hockey does believe the science of climate change & that it is humanly caused. The coalition supports efforts to develop clean coal technology. Mr Hockey personally has rainwater tanks & uses green power at home.

We met with Maxine McKew, Federal MP for Bennelong on 12 November 2009.

On 12 November, we had a meeting with the Federal Member for Bennelong. We requested the meeting to ask Maxine McKew to argue for a higher emissions reduction target in Copenhagen, (minimum 40% by 2020) to not support the Opposition watering down of the current emissions proposal and to reconsider support for dirty energy sources. We have previously met with Ms McKew when she was a candidate in 2007 and then again in 2008.

Ms McKew refused our proposal to take notes for the purposes of reporting back in this Newsletter and was also unwilling to provide written responses to our questions or vet our written account prior to issuing the newsletter. She told us that the meeting was private.

We have not before had this response from any of the local, state or federal representatives or candidates we have met with over the past 2.5 years. What was particularly puzzling was that in response to the points we raised she indicated that we had previously raised our concerns on emissions targets and coals with her and there was no point in raising the issues again.

A number of concerned citizens including RGCCAG members met with Maxine McKew on Sat 28 November at the opening of the new boardwalk at the Field of Mars to express concerns about the environment including climate change. Ms McKew did apologise regarding our November meeting and we agreed to maintain open channels of communication.

Previous Event

350 Day – 24 October, 2009

On the evening of 24 October, 2009 RGCCAG had a magical lantern lighting evening of hope for the climate… read more and see pictures…

Next meeting:

Wednesday 13 January, 2010 at 7.30 pm.

Call Pamela on 9816 5672 or Lynda on 0412 094 979 for details.

We would like to wish all our friends & supporters a very safe & peaceful holiday season into 2010. A sincere thank you to you for your continued support over the past 12 months & we look forward to another interesting year ahead.

Dear Ryde Gladesville climate supporters,

September brings an important opportunity for the climate…

global actions on 21 September

This coming Monday 21 September, brief local climate wake up calls will be taking place around the world following a call by Avaaz. People will gather in public places to sound the alarms on their mobile phones, and call government leaders urging climate action. The images will be presented to world leaders at the UN the next day. Get to one of the 13 Sydney events in locations from the Town Hall steps, to Iron Cove Bridge and Pymble http://www.avaaz.org/en/sept21_hosts/?cl=314402564&v=3910

produce, consume and think differently

The OECD says we need to start producing, transporting, consuming, regulating, governing, even thinking, differently; starting today. For their new policy briefing http://www.oecd.org/topic/0,3373,en_2649_34359_1_1_1_1_37465,00.html

australia trails again…

According to the G20 Australia is ranked 15th in its capacity to generate business in a low carbon economy, the lowest of any industrialised country. The report also found Australia was in the bottom of the pack for meeting the global greenhouse gas target of 450 parts per million by 2020. It came 16th, ahead of only Turkey, Russia and Saudi Arabia. http://www.sbs.com.au/news/article/1090127/Australia-not-carbon-competitive

young people called on to vote… which world ?

3 different scenarios for the planet based on three different emissions targets are presented by World Vision and the Australian Youth Climate Coalition for young people to vote on. A great summary of likely impacts of warming under different proposed targets. The results will be taken to all Australian politicians, and presented at the United Nations. http://www.youthdecide.com.au/

grow your own

Much of our food travels thousands of kilometres to get to us producing massive carbon emissions from transport and refrigeration. A veggie garden is a simple way to reduce your emissions. See Ryde Council’s sustainability page for a how to. http://www.ryde.nsw.gov.au/WEB/SITE/me.get?site.sectionshow&PAGE2207

Upcoming events

Climate Action Update Forum

Monday 21 September , 6:30pm to 9:30pm Redfern Town Hall, Pitt St, Redfern Christine Milne, Australian Greens Senator, Lee Rhiannon NSW Greens MP, John Hepburn, Greenpeace
http://nsw.greens.org.au/climate-action-update-with-christine-milne-and-lee-rhiannon

Coal… the end is in sight

From 9 to 11 October concerned people will gather at Australia’s oldest coal mine in Helensburgh where a planned expansion will release 10 milllion tonnes of CO 2 annually and result in mining under Sydney’s catchment. A peaceful protest at the colliery will take place on Sunday 11 October. www.climatecamp.org.au

Ryde Gladesvilles 24 October 350 degrees event

Join us at Putney Park from 5pm to 7.30pm on Saturday 24th October to create an inspiring candle message with 350 candles in an Evening of Hope for the Climate. Local schools will be participating by making lanterns in class. Music and games will be provided as well as lantern making materials. www.350.org and www.climatechangerg.org

Seminar: Ocean Acidification, A litmus test for international law

Wednesday 30 September, 6pm – 7pm, Cost: full registration $66, New Law Building, University of Sydney. Speakers; Dr Tim Stephens & Prof Gillian Triggs
http://www.usyd.edu.au/news/law/457.html?eventcategoryid=36&eventid=4601

Next meeting

Wednesday 7 October, 7.30 pm. Call Jo on 9816 3594 or Lynda on 0412 094 979 for details

News

A new website called Beyond Talk

has appeared which asks people to put their names to this:

“I pledge, if asked, to perform non-violent civil disobedience and risk arrest in order to get our leaders to make the right climate-change choices.”
http://www.beyondtalk.net/ Currently at 3394 and counting!

AVAAZ Avaaz.org is an independent,

not-for-profit global campaigning organization that works to ensure that the views and values of the world’s people inform global decision-making. (Avaaz means “voice” in many languages.) Avaaz receives no money from governments or corporations. Avaaz issues include climate change, Burma, Tibet etc. Check it out at:

http://www.avaaz.org/en/report_back_2/#climate

An Article from The Australian

July 24, 2009 an essay from Martin Ferguson

“Humanity can’t power progress with green faith”
http://www.theaustralian.news.com.au/story/0,25197,25825701-7583,00.html

Climate change media

http://www.carbonequity.info/

A weekly service of CarbonEquity and the Climate Action Centre Melbourne.

To subscribe to this list (one email per week) send blank email to

carbonequityproject-subscribe@topica.com

Have you seen the 350 website?

www.350.org

Check out all the global actions on October 24 – including us!

http://www.350.org/action-list?city=sydney&country=au&tid=

Why 350 is the most important number (and campaign?) on earth

By Paul Gilding

The target of 2 degrees and 450ppm for climate policy. There is no logic to this position and no scientific body has ever argued this is a “safe and stable climate” goal. We just arrived at this goal as being the “best we could do”. 450ppm gives us an almost certain outcome of very serious damage to the global ecosystem and economy and a reasonable chance of going past 2 degrees and into tipping point territory risking civilisation’s collapse. Read all Paul Gilding’s ideas at:

http://paulgilding.com/cockatoo-chronicles/cc20090715-350-campaign.html

1 million women

1 000 000 women pledging to cut 1 million tonnes of carbon dioxide (CO2).

Join many women including Margaret Fulton & Sen. Christine Milne at:

http://www.1millionwomen.com.au/index.cfm?ruuid=31730DF1-E3C0-8CCF-3841518EFAA23A9F

What’s On

Climate Camp 2009

9-11 October, Join the camp at Helensburgh to call for a halt in the new coal mine expansion http://www.climatecamp.org.au/

NEXT MEETING: Ryde Gladesville Climate Change Action Group

2 September 7.30pm Bayview Hotel, Gladesville 166 Victoria Rd (look for us in the comfy chairs at back on left hand side)  (meetings 2009 – 7 Oct/4 Nov/2 Dec)

news:

Clive Hamilton-Crikey:

Al Gore is hoping, Obama is scared, Rudd is a wimp. The earth? So what did the G8 summit tell us? Barack Obama’s speech was beautiful, and remarkable. Europe has committed to a huge 30% cut in emissions by 2020 if boldness prevails at Copenhagen. http://www.crikey.com.au/2009/07/15/al-gore-is-hoping-obama-is-scared-rudd-is-a-wimp-the-earth/

igrid… an intelligent grid for NSW

Building more coal fired power stations is expensive and unnecessary. University of Technology Sydney, has a plan for reducing greenhouse gas emissions through energy savings and generating power close to where it is used, cutting total power bills in NSW. www.igrid.net.au

Safe Climate Australia is a NGO launched by Al Gore on 13 July formed by concerned scientists, community and business leaders aiming to mobilise Australia’s technological, economic and political expertise and resources in planning the transition of the Australian economy to zero net carbon. http://www.safeclimateaustralia.org/

do something:

Petition for climate justice Oxfam is campaigning for a strong, just and fair agreement in Copenhagen. Developed countries are responsible for most of the pollution, yet poor countries are being hit hardest. Sign the petition and check their great site. http://www.oxfam.org.au/campaigns/climate-change/

what’s on

Moocooboola Festival Sunday August 2, 10am – 4pm, Boronia Park, Hunters Hill, Come and say hello to your local climate group and write a letter to the PM at our stall.

National Tree Day: Sunday August 2: the average native tree absorbs 669 kg of CO2 in it’s lifetime, plus cools the streets and conserves energy. Plant one in your garden or join plantings at Marsfield Park and Boronia Park Epping www.treeday.planetark.org

Towards a Sustainable Economy Forum Thursday 5 August, 7pm, Willoughby Hotel (Upstairs) Penshurst St, Willoughby

Pacific Voices Speak Up On Climate Change: Greens Public Forum: 1:00 – 2:00pm, Friday 24th July 2009, NSW Parliament House, Speakers from Tuvalu & Kiribati, No Cost. RSVP 9230 3551 With Greenpeace and Oxfam.

The Big Melt – Climate Justice Forum Thursday August 13, 6.30 – 8.00 PM, Sydney Mechanics School of Arts, 280 Pitt Street Sherpa Pemba Dorje, and environmental lawyer Prakash Sharma speak about the Himalayas where disappearing glaciers are drying up Asia’s giant rivers. http://www.thebigmelt.org

Climate Camp 2009-9-11 October, Join the camp at Helensburgh to call for a halt in the new coal mine expansion http://www.climatecamp.org.au/

Ryde Gladesville Climate Change Action Group Next Meeting Wednesday 5 August 7.30pm, Bayview Hotel, 166 Victoria Rd (in the comfy chairs on left hand side)