Last Saturday we unfurled a banner featuring a giant dot on the banks of Parramatta River at Putney Park as part of global Join the Dots day, raising awareness about the links between catastrophic weather events and climate change. For our photo www.climatechangerg.org/events/join-the-dots/ and for moving images of events from Haiti to Afhanistan www.climatedots.org/watch (to see ours in the collection, click on the Pacific region from the map).

CLIMATE SUMMIT 2012

This year’s event was held at UWS Parramatta Campus and a number of us attended. Great presenters included Christine Milne, Bill McKibben (350.org) and Mark Ogge (Beyond Zero ). For presentations online on the latest science, rebutting sceptics and renewable http://climatesummit.org.au/summit-presentations/

Habitat Network

Habitat Network will be selling plants on Saturday 26th May – 8.30am to 1pm at Riverside Organic Market, Riverside Girls High School, Huntleys Point Road, Gladesville. An opportunity to buy some extra native habitat plants for your garden. Website is www.habitatnetwork.org/

BZE Repowers Port Augusta

BZE (Beyond Zero Emissions) has released a report outlining plans to repower Port Augusta using solar thermal technology and wind power to replace a current brown coal fired power station. This is an exciting step which has the support of local residents and Council and shows the possibilities of this technology in Australia. http://beyondzeroemissions.org/

Anti Coal Seam Gas mining rally

On 1 May farmers and the Country Women’s Association joined forces with climate groups to rally against the damage done by Coal Seam Gas. Check out these images

ABC News report on Anti Coal Seam Gas mining rally

Climate commission report

The Climate Commission was established to provide all Australians with an independent and reliable source of information about the science of climate change, the international action being taken to reduce greenhouse gas emissions, and the economics of a carbon price. Their report was released yesterday and is compelling reading.

http://climatecommission.gov.au/topics/the-critical-decade/

Ryde Gladesville Climate Change Action Group

We are a small dedicated group of core members and a larger group of supporters. Currently there are lots of exciting things happening in the climate change arena and we welcome others to join the core group. We are also looking at forming a small group of volunteers who would like to be slightly more actively involved from time to time, but who do not wish to attend regular meetings. We will contact you when we are holding events or actions that need extra hands to see if you would like to help out. Please contact Jo on 0414 375 149 or email us with subject heading – “Action Team” and preferred contact details and any areas of interest.

Next meeting:

Monday 4 June 2012 at 7.30 pm. Call Pamela on 0422 532 586 or Jo on 0414 375 149 for details.

5 May 2012 – Join the dots – Global Day of Action to join the dots on catastrophic weather events and climate change.

The Parramatta River is being affected by tidal surges and sedimentation – Ryde Gladesville Climate Action Group join the dots.

Photos from the global events http://www.climatedots.org/

The Ryde Gladesville photo is right near the beginning of the Pacific set on the homepage — just click the arrow near the map below the slideshow to navigate to the regional sets.

Or see more pictures from the Global Day of Action here.

A reminder that the closing date is 16 April. For information go to http://www.climatechangerg.org/community-solar/.

HOW WILL A PRICE ON CARBON POLLUTION AFFECT MY COST OF LIVING?

Information from the Climate Institute and organisations including CSIRO, ACOSS and AECOM about how the carbon tax will affect individual households is available at this link:

www.yourcarbonprice.org.au

350.ORG EVENT

We are organising a family friendly event on 5 May at Putney Park near the water play area and climbing frame. The theme for this year will be “join the dots” and is aimed at connecting people around the world to do more about tackling climate change. Go to www.350.org & www.climatedots.org

SUSTAINABLE SUPERANNUATION SURVEY

BZE (Beyond Zero Emissions) in conjunction with a large grouping of superannuation funds is conducting some baseline research into public interest in high performance high integrity superannuation. There is a short online survey you can complete at http://surveymonkey.com/s/FJRSRCF

2012 AUSTRALIAN CLIMATE ACTION SUMMIT

This is an annual national gathering of climate activists and will be held at Parramatta Campus of UWS on the weekend of 28/29 April. There is a fantastic lineup of speakers. On Friday 27 April as a lead-in event there is a forum at the NSW Parliament, Macquarie Street, Sydney. Go to: http://climatesummit.org.au/ or facebook https://www.facebook.com/events/343760925654605/

LOCAL SOLUTIONS TO GLOBAL PROBLEMS

Costa from Gardening Australia will be giving a talk at Permaculture Northern Beaches on verge planting and the idea of local solutions to global problems on 26 April at Narrabeen. Bookings essential. Priority to permies. Go to http://permaculturenorth.org.au/join

MONKTON MADNESS

Christopher Monkton, the infamous climate sceptic who has no formal scientific qualifications (he studied the classics and journalism at university), can be seen telling mining magnates to get control of the media in the following youtube clip. Well worth watching:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TbteCsXc_DU

Ryde Gladesville Climate Change Action Group

We are a small dedicated group of core members and a larger group of supporters. Currently there are lots of exciting things happening in the climate change arena and we welcome others to join the core group. We are also looking at forming a small group of volunteers who would like to be slightly more actively involved from time to time, but who do not wish to attend regular meetings. We will contact you when we are holding events or actions that need extra hands to see if you would like to help out. Please contact Jo on 0414 375 149 or email us with subject heading – “Action Team” and preferred contact details and any areas of interest.

Next meeting:

Monday 7 May 2012 at 7.30 pm. Call Pamela on 0422 532 586 or Jo on 0414 375 149 for details.

We would like to thank all our friends & supporters for your continued support.

Last month we announced a new bulk purchase of solar panels, using the same company as we did in 2007. Closing date is now 16 April. For information go to http://www.climatechangerg.org/community-solar/.

SAVE THE BARRIER REEF

Greenpeace has a petition to save the reef from a port and transportation of coal and gas. There is a chance the United Nations will withdraw the reef’s world heritage listing. Sign the petition: https://www.greenpeace.org.au/secure/petition/climate_gbr/index.php?cid=20&src=GP1

THANK YOU MR FERGUSON …

Mr Ferguson is the Minister for Resources. Have a look at this: http://vimeo.com/couchmode/user8911886/videos/sort:date/37729155

SOLAR HOT WATER

Mark Dreyfus, Federal Parliamentary Secretary for Climate Change and Energy Efficiency , shut down the solar hot water rebate program ahead of its scheduled time. If China supports this scheme, why doesn’t our Government? Send an email to Mark Dreyfus and let him know how disappointed you are in his decision. mark.dreyfus.mp@aph.gov.au

EARTH HOUR

Earth Hour will be on 31 March at 8.30pm. Please visit http://www.wwf.org.au/earthhour/

SAVE THE MURRAY DARLING RIVER SYSTEM

Submissions close 16 April, 2012. To have your say go to:

http://www.mdba.gov.au/have-your-say

Ryde Gladesville Climate Change Action Group

We are a small dedicated group of core members and a larger group of supporters. Currently there are lots of exciting things happening in the climate change arena and we welcome others to join the core group. We are also looking at forming a small group of volunteers who would like to be slightly more actively involved from time to time, but who do not wish to attend regular meetings. We will contact you when we are holding events or actions that need extra hands to see if you would like to help out. Please contact Jo on 0414 375 149 or email us with subject heading – “Action Team” and preferred contact details and any areas of interest.

Next meeting:

Monday 2 April 2012 at 7.00 pm. Call Pamela on 0422 532 586 or Jo on 0414 375 149 for details.

Jo Spangaro with Ryde Gladesville Climate Change Action Group supporters Richard Boult (as the sun) and Dominic Case at the February 2012 forum held by John Alexander on the carbon tax at Ryde Eastwood Leagues club.

The sun was there to make the point that Australia needs a big solar project to kick start our shift to renewable energy. Ryde Gladesville CCAG is working with other climate groups around Australia on the 100% Renewable campaign to this end. 

Sun shines on forum to ask John Alexander to build big solar

No, it wasn’t the parting of the clouds. A giant sun on legs turned up this week at the carbon tax forum run by Bennelong MP, John Alexander to highlight the potential for solar energy in Australia and to call on Mr Alexander to get behind the shift to a clean energy economy.

The sun was accompanied by members of local community group, Ryde-Gladesville Climate Action group, who attended the forum. The group, part of the new national ‘big solar’ campaign, is calling on Mr Alexander to support a new $10 billion fund for renewable energy.

“Australia is a country with abundant solar potential and the new $10 billion fund for renewable energy announced last year has the potential to build large scale solar projects across Australia.” said group spokesperson, Jo Spangaro.

“Tony Abbott’s Liberal party, supported by Mr Alexander, has so far said they will pull down this important new fund. Their position is creating industry uncertainty and preventing Australia from taking up the benefits of investment in renewable energy. Sophie Mirabella – shadow spokesperson on Industry who spoke at the forum was prosecuting the fear campaign against the carbon price package. What she didn’t do was tell people about the huge benefits this package will bring for investment in renewable energy. Neither did she provide an alternative plan to switch Australia to a renewable energy future. We were surprised to hear her saying we need to keep burning brown coal because its cheap, as this is known to be one of the most polluting substances in the world.

“If Mr Alexander really cares about rising energy prices, he’d be doing everything he can to get more solar power up. While coal and gas just keep getting more and more expensive, the price of solar is rapidly dropping. Investing heavily in renewable energy is the only way we are going to manage energy prices into the future”

“We surveyed 281 members of the Bennelong electorate last year, at shopping centres and door knocking. We found that 89% wanted to see strong policies for renewable energy. We have previously met Mr Alexander and think he understands the importance of renewable energy. We’d like to see him support the new $10 billion fund when the legislation goes before parliament.”

Following our successful bulk purchase of solar panels in 2009 we are once again organising with Aussie Solar to offer people the opportunity to purchase a 1.5KW solar panel system from $990. Contact us by either emailing us subject line “Solar bulk purchase” or contacting Pamela Reeves on 0422 532 586. An information pack and application form will then be forwarded to you. Application forms need to be received by 16 April as prices will increase from 1 July.

CSG TV Advertisement

You may have seen recently ads by the APPEA (Australian Petroleum Production and Exploration Association) trying to sell the virtues of Coal Seam Gas. The information presented is highly doubtful, especially the claim that there is enough gas to provide power for a 1000 years. For the real facts, go to the Lock the Gate website, in particular the video of why Tara is locking the gate.

www.lockthegate.org.au

Getup is running a petition against CSG exploration and development. To sign it. Go to:

www.getup.org.au

Reflex Paper

Reflex paper is involved in the logging of old growth forests which threatens endangered Leadbeaters possums in Victoria. The Wilderness Society is campaigning for Reflex to make the transition to plantation wood. An alternative is Reflex’s recycled paper. To sign the Wilderness Society’s petition:

www.ethicalpaper.com.au

Clean out

The NSW Government household chemical collection will accept fluorescent light bulbs as well as other poisons. Next one in our area is at Meadowbank Park Netball courts carpark, Adelaide Street, Meadowbank on Sunday 20 May. For more information, go to www.cleanout.com.au

Habitat Network

The Habitat Network is a dedicated group of volunteers who promote the planting of native flora in people’s gardens to encourage native fauna. Habitat Network is selling native plants native Saturday 25th February – 8.30am to 1pm at Riverside Organic Market at Riverside Girls High School, Huntleys Point Road, Gladesville

Ryde Gladesville Climate Change Action Group

We are a small dedicated group of core members and a larger group of supporters. Currently there are lots of exciting things happening in the climate change arena and we welcome others to join the core group. We are also looking at forming a small group of volunteers who would like to be slightly more actively involved from time to time, but who do not wish to attend regular meetings. We will contact you when we are holding events or actions that need extra hands to see if you would like to help out. Please contact Jo on 0414 375 149 or email us with subject heading – “Action Team” and preferred contact details and any areas of interest.

Next meeting:

Monday 5 March 2012 at 7.00 pm. Call Pamela on 0422 532 586 or Jo on 0414 375 149 for details.

We would like to thank all our friends & supporters for your continued support.

1. A tree for the garden (carbon positive)
2. Make it a fruit tree (plus reduce your food miles!)
3. A compost bin and /or a second compost bin (so you can rotate them)
4. A powermate to measure your energy use http://www.power-mate.com.au/
5. Tickets to music, plays or dance
6. Local handmade art or craft or those from developing countries (hardest hit by climate change)
7. Buy a bicycle – or if you’ve already got one then how about buying a lock/lights/panniers (so s/he can make the jump into commuting or shopping by bike)
8. A gift certificate to support environmental groups such as: Bush Heritage – http://www.bushheritage.org.au/, Rainforest Rescue, www.rainforestrescue.org.au/ , Oxfam http://www.oxfam.org.au/ as some suggestions.
9. Volunteer your time and labour to help prepare a veggie garden for a relative or friend.
10. try to avoid anything with a plug!
11. … and eating? Think low food miles- Mudgee wine not Malborough Sound. Local treats, not imported.
12. Thinking about a holiday in the new year? well check out: http://www2.acfonline.org.au/category/clean-travel/blog/happy-sustainable-holiday-season?eid=7472552
13. Other tips for a Sustainable Christmas can be found at: http://www.sydneychristmas.com.au/community-information/a-sustainable-sydney-christmas/

Send us your Christmas successes and we will share them in our next newsletter.

In the meantime, stay happy, safe and cool (but easy on the air conditioning)

Post GFC emissions higher

According to a SMH article, global emissions levels have increased dramatically since the Global Financial Crisis. During the crisis, emissions had decreased. To see the article in full, go to:

http://www.smh.com.au/environment/climate-change/emissions-hit-record-as-effect-of-financial-crisis-eases-20111205-1oege.html

Murray Darling Report

The report on how best to save the Murray Darling River has not been received well by most interested groups. There is an opportunity for anyone to make a submission to the Murray Darling Basin plan by 16 April 2012. For the full report and how to make a submission, go to

http://environment.gov.au/water/basin-plan/index.html

Durban International Climate Conference

The latest International Climate Conference hosted by the United Nations is being held in Durban and will finish 9 December. The United Nations Environment Program (unep) is an international body that discusses the environment and the effects of climate change on communities throughout the world. Have a look at their website:

http://www.unep.org/climatechange/ClimateChangeConferences/COP17/tabid/55429/Default.aspx

Coal Seam Gas mining by the numbers

Want to know more about coal seam gas mining and the extent of the area companies are wanting to exploit? Go to the following website which will give you information about this destructive practice:

http://www.abc.net.au/news/specials/coal-seam-gas-by-the-numbers/

Community purchase of solar panels

Two years ago, our group organised a bulk community purchase of solar panel systems for residents in the Gladesville area. We are now talking to the same company to offer another bulk community purchase next year. When we have more details we will let you know. In the meantime, we would love to hear from anyone who participated in our last bulk purchase who has feedback on how they found the installation process and the panels.

Ryde Gladesville Climate Change Action Group

The Ryde Gladesville Climate Change Action Group is made up of a small dedicated group of core members and a larger group of supporters. Currently there are lots of exciting things happening in the climate change arena and we welcome others to join the core group. Contact us here or phone Jo on 0414-375-149.

Next meeting:

Monday 6 February 2011 at 7.30 pm. Call Pamela on 0422 532 586 or Jo on 0414 375 149 for details.

THE Earth whizzed through Gladesville on Friday on its light-speed mission to remind earthlings how precious this planet is and why they should protect and preserve it.

The huge inflatable Earth is being relayed by environmental groups across Australia to rendezvous with a bigger house-sized Earth, the Climate Action Station, on the lawns of parliament House. On Friday it was the turn of Ryde Hunters Hills Flora and Fauna Preservation Society and the Ryde Gladesville Climate Change Action Group. After an hour at the Field of Mars in Gladesville it hurtled off to Hornsby and Newcastle.

Story from the Northern District Times, 26 Oct 11.

It was wonderful to see the Carbon Tax legislation finally pass the Senate on 8 November. This will now mean that Australia can finally take measures to reduce its carbon footprint. The 100% renewable campaign was successful in having money from taxing the 500 biggest polluters to be put towards Renewables.

Environmentalist of the Year

Lindsay Soutar, who quit her job last year to establish the 100% renewable campaign, has been recognised for her efforts by being awarded the Environment Minister’s Young Environmentalist of the Year award. For more information about her and the ongoing campaign for renewable energy, go to

www.100percent.org.au

Earth Relay

Some of our members joined those from the Ryde Hunters Hill Flora and Fauna Preservation Society to participate in the Earth Relay where a giant inflatable Earth travelled around the country to finish up at Canberra in time for the passing of the Carbon Tax legislation. To see the article go to

http://northern-district-times.whereilive.com.au/news/story/having-a-ball-with-earth/

Thin Green Line

This foundation was set up by Sean Willmore, who was an Australian park ranger. The aim of the foundation is to support rangers on the frontline, including the International Ranger Dependency Fund which supports the families of committed rangers who have lost their lives, or rangers who have been severely injured in the line of duty. For more information go to:

www.thingreenline.info/

Ryde Council and Recycling

Ryde Council has a service for old computers and their peripherals, TV’s and stereos which can be collected on the day of your garbage collection and taken away to be recycled. You need to ring the Council to organise pickup and limits do apply. For more information, go to:

Ryde Council’s Electronic Waste Collection page

Planet Green

Planet Green is a company the can recycle old TV’s, VHS and cassette tapes, plastics, computer equipment and more. They are located at the corner of Wicks Road and Epping Road, North Ryde. For more information on their services, go to

www.planetgreenrecycling.net.au/

Ryde Gladesville Climate Change Action Group

The Ryde Gladesville Climate Change Action Group is made up of a small dedicated group of core members and a larger group of supporters. Currently there are lots of exciting things happening in the climate change arena and we welcome others to join the core group. Contact us here or phone Jo on 0414-375-149.

Next meeting:

Monday 5 December 2011 at 6.30 pm. Call Pamela on 0422 532 586 or Jo on 0414 375 149 for details.

On 350 day we joined with Bike North to raise awareness of Moving Planet Day. We were featured in the Northern District Times. To see the article, go to

http://northern-district-times.whereilive.com.au/news/story/on-the-move-to-help-the-planet/

Earth Relay Day

To show support for the federal government’s clean energy legislation, environmental groups from across Australia are relaying inflatable globes to Canberra to meet the house-sized globe, the Climate Action Station, on the lawns of Parliament House.

On Friday 21 October the inflatable globe will be in the Field of Mars Reserve at 3pm and we would love to see you there and be part of the photograph to be sent to Canberra as a symbolic representation of public support for climate action.

For more information go to:

http://www.nccnsw.org.au/nsw-earth-relay

ReNew Magazine

This magazine is put out by the Alternative Technology Association a non-profit organisation which promotes energy saving and conservation to households and is published quarterly. It has a wealth of information on how you can be more efficient in your energy consumption and DIY projects such as a enviro friendly kennel.

www.renew.org.au

Eco Garden and Kimbriki Tour

Kimbriki is the resource recovery centre for the Northern Beaches area. They are running an Eco Garden and tour of the centre on Thursday 20 October 9.30am -12.30 pm. Bookings are essential. For information call 9942 2732. Their website is worth a look

www.kimbriki.com

Next meeting:

Monday 7 November 2011 at 7.30 pm. Call Pamela on 0422 532 586 or Jo on 0414 375 149 for details.

We would like to thank all our friends & supporters for your continued support.