August 2008

Welcome to new supporters and thanks to those who came by our stall at the Moocooboola Festival and said hello or participated in our message to Kevin Rudd to respond urgently to climate change. Check out our banner and message and those of other groups across Australia.  http://turnthetidekevin.blogspot.com/    

Al Gore: His challenge to the USA

The USA can and should to shift to 100% renewables for electricity production in the next 10 years. This case was put by Al Gore in a major speech on 17 July.  

“There are times in the history of our nation when our very way of life depends upon dispelling illusions and awakening to the challenge of a present danger. In such moments, we are called upon to move quickly and boldly to shake off complacency, throw aside old habits and rise, clear-eyed and alert, to the necessity of big changes…” http://wecansolveit.org/content/pages/304/    

Climate Code Red

The necessary response to the rapid changes to our climate is to view the situation as an emergency. This is the case made by David Spratt and Phillip Sutton in their new book “Climate Code Red: The case for emergency action” . They argue that we need to stop thinking about what is reasonable and respond to the situation with measures that can return us to a safe climate.  

A summary was published in The Age on 8 August. Middle of the road … towards a cliff  

Afternoon with Local Government Election Candidates

A forum is being held by the Ryde – Hunters Hill Flora and Fauna Preservation Society to find out the views of Council election candidates on climate change – especially the impact on threatened species. 

Date: Saturday 23rd August
Time: 2:00 – 4:00pm
Place: Environmental Education Centre, Field of Mars Reserve
(enter at car park off Pittwater Road, Gladesville)  

Meeting with John Watkins, Member for Ryde

Ryde Gladesville Climate Change Action Group are meeting with our local state member in the next 2 weeks to ask him how current state policy is going to impact on emissions reductions. Watch this space.