Adani and Commbank No doubt by now you’ve heard that the Federal Court has overturned the Federal Government’s approval for the Carmichael Mine and that the Commbank has pulled out of financing the project. The environment minister, Greg Hunt, will now have to reconsider the project. Here is your opportunity to tell him why he should reject it for good. Go to https://secure.action.org.au/page/speakout/protect-the-galilee?js=false&utm_medium=email&utm
Read the article about Commbank pulling out of the project http://www.smh.com.au/business/mining-and-resources/adani-and-commonwealth-bank-part-ways-casting-further-doubt-on-carmichael-coal-project-20150805-gisd1l.html
Then you can send a letter to Commbank supporting their decision http://action.marketforces.org.au/page/speakout/commbank-out-of-carmichael-coal?js=false and then send a letter to the other major Australian banks asking them to commit to not financing the project. http://action.marketforces.org.au/page/speakout/catch-up-to-commbank-on-galilee-coal?js=false
Welcome back RET? With Federal Parliament resuming today, you can send a personalised letter to your Coalition MP asking them to Stand up for Solar just like the ALP has. Go to http://www.standupforsolar.org.au/email_your_mp?utm_campaign=email_coalition&utm_medium=email&utm_source=solarcitizens
Recycling Nespresso capsules You can drop these off (sealed in a plastic bag which will also be recycled) in the instore recycling collection box at Pure Flowers florist 3/23-25 Burns Bay Rd, Lane Cove NSW 2066. This is part of a national recycling system that will have collection points at places including florists, garden centres and nurseries.
NSW and the RET NSW does have the option of going against the Federal Government’s plan to destroy the Renewable Energy sector. Read how https://newmatilda.com/2015/06/29/time-take-power-back-how-states-can-get-around-cut-renewable-energy-target
Alberta, Canada and climate change Alberta’s new government has announced it will double its carbon tax to $30 per ton (does that number sound familiar?) by 2017 in an effort to tackle climate change. http://thinkprogress.org/climate/2015/06/25/3674149/alberta-canada-climate-change-wow/
Eat less meat and save the world? The UN has published a report that suggests that eating less meat can have an effect on climate change. http://www.theguardian.com/environment/2010/jun/02/un-report-meat-free-diet
Australia cooking the books The Australian government has been overstating its greenhouse gas forecasts so to make climate targets easier to reach. http://gu.com/p/49k57/sbl
CSG Royal Commision petition Glen Lazarus, Queensland Senator, has started a petition asking for a Royal Commission into the impact of CSG mining. Find it at https://www.change.org/p/the-abbott-government-establish-a-royal-commission-into-the-human-impact-of-csg-mining
EDO Climate Litigation Fund The EDO (Environmental Defenders Office) in Queensland and NSW have been instrumental in supporting communities to bring climate change matters to the courts. They have now set up this Litigation Fund and they need your monetary support to continue their good work. Go to http://www.edoclimate.org.au/
Abbott Proof fence Did you see the HarbourSculpture exhibition at Clarkes Point Reserve at Woolwich last week? There were a number of sculptures relating to climate change but this one appealed to us. http://www.dailytelegraph.com.au/newslocal/inner-west/artist-david-watsons-abbott-proof-fence-sculpture-pokes-fun-at-the-prime-ministers-stand-on-climate-change/story-fngr8h4f-1227471321011
Meetings with local member Having met with Victor Dominello last month, we have now finally (after a number of attempts) managed to secure a meeting with Anthony Roberts on 17 August. We will let you know how it goes. Next, John Alexander. Watch this space.
Moocooboola Another successful day with 60 children painting a pot and planting a plant, 23 new supporters signed up and ongoing interest in the Nissan Leaf belonging to one of our members. We even managed a quick word with Anthony Roberts and told him we didn’t think he was doing enough to stop CSG mining. He thinks he is.
Barack Obama The US President has announced US coal fired power stations are to limit their emissions citing climate change is the greatest threat to the planet. See http://www.abc.net.au/news/2015-08-04/obama-says-climate-change-greatest-threat-facing-world/6669828
Rooftop solar for apartments A developer in WA has installed solar panels on its apartment developments. Have a look http://onestepoffthegrid.com.au/rooftop-solar-for-apartments-how-one-developer-is-making-it-happen/#.VbhOKxeo8hs.facebook
What’s On
Rally outside Parliament House on Thursday 13 August at 10am outside NSW Parliament to tell MP’s to vote yes for a gasfield free NSW. Organised by Lock the Gate.
On the Road to Paris. Scientists will talk about the current situation with climate change and the future. Thursday 13 August at Parliament House Theatrette, Parliament House at 6-7.45 pm. Book at https://www.eventbrite.com/e/taking-the-global-temperature-international-climate-scientists-on-the-road-to-paris-tickets-17932351145
Politics of Climate Change On 25 August 6.30 -8pm at Sydney Town Hall there will be a talk about Australia’s position on climate change in the leadup to the Paris conference. Tickets free but booking essential. http://www.ticketmaster.com.au/event/13004EF9B196196D?did=city
Forum on implications on environment from Pope’s encyclical. Organised by Australian Religious Response to Climate Change 22 August 10 – 4.30 St Agatha’s Primary School, Pennant Hills. Register at www.arrcc.org.au