December 2014 newsletter

We wish you all the very best for the festive season. Thank you for your support and participation in letter writing, petition signing and rally attending as well as talking and spreading the work about climate change to friends and family.

10/50 Vegetation Clearing code
If you are horrified by the unnecessary cutting down of so many trees under the 10/50 Vegetation clearing code, we encourage you to use the attached sample letter http://www.climatechangerg.org/action/1050-vegetation-clearing-code/ and send to some or all of the listed NSW Government politicians.

Indian bank to invest in Adani’s project
The State Bank of India (SBI) has decided to lend money to Adani for the Carmichael Coal mine. Sign this petition from the Indian 350 group to stop it going ahead. http://act.350.org/sign/SBI_SayNo/?akid=5604.759317.fMNaxv&rd=1&t=1

Commonwealth Bank to support Adani?
The Australian Financial Review has named Commonwealth Bank as an arranger for Adani’s Carmichael Mine. The bank has neither confirmed nor denied this. http://act.350.org/sign/CBACant/?akid=5621.759317.N1d-dK&rd=1&t=1

Long term dangers of fracking?
The long-term effects of fracking are unknown according the UK’s chief scientist. http://www.theguardian.com/environment/2014/nov/28/fracking-risk-compared-to-thalidomide-and-asbestos-in-walport-report

Conservative plans to shut down renewable energy
There is a group of crossbench senators in Australian Federal parliament who are determined to undermine the renewable energy industry. Read on http://reneweconomy.com.au/2014/the-new-conservative-plan-to-shut-down-renewable-energy-96690

New electric car coming to Australia
Tesla is releasing its new electric vehicle in Australia this month. http://reneweconomy.com.au/2014/tesla-to-launch-in-australia-in-early-december-34518

NSW’s first net zero energy town?
Uralla was one of 5 regional towns that applied for a grant to become the first zero net energy town in NSW.  http://reneweconomy.com.au/2014/uralla-firming-as-first-zero-net-energy-town-in-nsw-48739

Battery free electric cars
The next step for electric cars could be here in five years. http://www.iflscience.com/technology/graphene-based-supercapacitors-could-eliminate-batteries-electric-cars-within-5-years

Christmas Gift Ideas
Instead of buying something, how about donating money to an environmental cause? Greenpeace for the Great Barrier Reef https://www.greenpeace.org.au/donate/save-the-reef/?src=EM3&utm_campaign=EOY%20Appeal&utm_source=Wave%203&utm_medium=email&utm_content=link1, The Wilderness Society for anti CSG mining campaign https://secure.wilderness.org.au/appeal/13-05-fightingfund-appeal.php. If you’re more interested in campaigning against the fossil fuel industry support 350.org https://act.350.org/donate/australia/. The NCC (Nature Conservation Council) for its ongoing campaign to protect Sydney’s water supply and protection from CSG and coal mining in NSW http://www.nature.org.au/get-involved/donate/ or ACF (Australian Conservation Foundation) to protect and strengthen environmental laws http://www.acfonline.org.au/ or help the Climate Council continue its role in providing information about climate change at https://www.climatecouncil.org.au/donate/ or Solar Citizens for their ongoing work on protecting and strengthening the RET http://www.solarcitizens.org.au/ or Lock the Gate for farmers standing up to CSG miners http://www.lockthegate.org.au/donate

Otherwise, there is a large range of environmental organisations that have shops where you can buy things online eg Australian Marine Conservation, Wilderness Society, Bush Heritage Australia

Fossil Free Super Fund
Looking for a super fund that does not invest in fossil fuel or companies (such as banks) that invest in those industries? Then take a look at Future Super. www.myfuturesuper.com.au

Global Divestment Day
On February 13 and14 next year, 350.org will be organising a worldwide divestment day, encouraging everyone to take collective action and demand institutions do the right thing by the climate and divest from fossil fuels. Find out how to participate at http://gofossilfree.org/australia-gdd/

AGL and Gloucester
Want to know what AGL wants to do with its CSG mining in Gloucester? Watch and share this video https://www.facebook.com/video.php?v=1567127710171831&set=vb.1528956003989002&type=2&theater

Solar Citizens go to Canberra
A group from Solar Citizens recently went to Canberra and met with a number of politicians. Have a look at their photos https://www.facebook.com/media/set/?set=a.731204800283064.1073741855.361491373921077&type=1

Help ACT go fossil fuel free
Sign this petition to help stop Whitehaven’s mine and send a message to ACT government. http://campaigns.gofossilfree.org/petitions/divest-canberra-from-fossil-fuels

What’s on
The Future of Transport
Come to a seminar on Wednesday 17 December to hear about the future of transport at Shepherds Bay Community Centre, 3A Bay Drive, Meadowbank 6.30-8.30pm. Bookings on 9952 8222. Information at www.ryde.nsw.gov.au/futuretransport