IPCC Report

Dear Supporters

We felt that the IPCC report deserved a separate newsletter because the findings were so dire.  The report was written after 234 scientists read 14,000 papers on what is happening to the climate around the world.

In light of the report, we have written to John Alexander voicing our ongoing concerns about the government’s lack of a plan to deal with climate change.  Scott Morrison has said the government won’t do anything, or waste tax payer money writing blank cheques, if there’s no plan. We think it’s the government’s responsibility to develop one.
We pointed out in our letter that since the LNP has been in power, many plans have been researched and developed by groups such as BZE, Climate Council, Australian Electric Vehicle Association and Solar Citizens that would see a fair and just transition away from our reliance on fossil fuels and to a 100% renewables, zero carbon economy.  We pointed out both Zali Steggall’s proposed Climate Bill and Helen Haines’ proposed Community Energy Hubs (which would benefit regional communities) have largely been ignored by the government. We also mentioned the government  is happy to continue writing blank cheques for fossil fuel exploration and mining to companies that pay little or no tax and are recipients of generous government subsidies.

There are things you can do.
Attend a Zoom meeting organised by 350.org to explain the IPCC report and what needs to be done. There are two options – 25 August 6.30-8.00pm https://actionnetwork.org/events/anger-hope-action-what-does-the-ipcc-report-mean-for-you-webinar-1/  or 11 September 1-2.30pm https://actionnetwork.org/events/anger-hope-action-what-does-the-ipcc-report-mean-for-you-webinar-2/
Write to or phone your federal Coalition MP asking the government commits to a plan to reduce our carbon emissions significantly more than the paltry 26% they committed to in Paris by 2030 (NOT 2050) and develop wide-ranging plans to deal with climate change. You could also point out that we have the technology now to deal with climate change – PV, wind turbines and battery storage.
John Alexander: john.alexander.mp@aph.gov.au Ph: 9869 4288
Trent Zimmerman Trent.Zimmerman.MP@aph.gov.au Ph: 9929 9822
If your MP is from Labor, contact them.  Labor has stated it will continue to support fossil fuel exploration and mining for the long term.

There are lots of articles regarding the IPCC report to read and podcasts to listen to.  We point you towards these.
What you need to know https://theconversation.com/this-is-the-most-sobering-report-card-yet-on-climate-change-and-earths-future-heres-what-you-need-to-know-165395
IPCC report and government’s lack of action https://www.abc.net.au/news/2021-08-10/ipcc-report-shows-earth-heating-coalition-time-to-act/100363518
Video on the positives if action taken https://www.abc.net.au/news/2021-08-10/ipcc-paints-a-positive-future-if-emissions-reduced/13490156
What can be done https://theconversation.com/ipcc-says-earth-will-reach-temperature-rise-of-about-1-5-in-around-a-decade-but-limiting-any-global-warming-is-what-matters-most-165397
A climate scientist who worked on the IPCC report offers hope – a podcast https://7ampodcast.com.au/episodes/a-climate-scientist-offers-us-hope
How did the IPCC reach consensus on the report? https://theconversation.com/climate-explained-how-the-ipcc-reaches-scientific-consensus-on-climate-change-162600
What went in to creating the report? https://theconversation.com/234-scientists-read-14-000-research-papers-to-write-the-ipcc-climate-report-heres-what-you-need-to-know-and-why-its-a-big-deal-165587

We are now at a pivotal point regarding climate change and the overwhelming urgency for action. Our federal government has once again shown its reluctance to take responsibility for action and its expectation someone else should solve the problem. Matt Kean, NSW environment minister, speaking at the Better Futures Forum, has urged voters concerned about the climate crisis to “send a message to all leaders” at the ballot box.  We should all follow his advice and encourage our family, friends, work colleagues and acquaintances to do the same.

Sincerely

Ryde Gladesville Climate Change Action Group committee