Good news on container deposits
Despite Coca Cola’s court action the Northern Territory is now set to restart its 10c deposit scheme on a firm legal footing. The NT got the agreement of all state environment ministers on 11 April which rejected beverage industry pressure to ditch consideration of container deposits. International companies have flagged $400-500 million investments and creation of over 1400 jobs if a national scheme was set up.
The great big divestment campaign: It’s time to ditch fossil fuel investments
Climate campaigner Bill McKibben is in Australia with a clear message-
“…if Australia builds up its coal exports as currently planned, it would produce 30% of the carbon needed to push global warming beyond two degrees. By 2020 the country’s coal burnt abroad will be producing three times as much CO2 as all the country’s cars and factories and homes. ” For the rest of this article click here
He also has a solution. Last week in Sydney he launched Go Fossil Free Australia. We can all be a part of this campaign, as members and customers of super funds, banks, educational and religious institutions, making investment in fossil fuels the risky enterprise it is. With renewables now technically able to provide our energy needs there is no need to cling to outdated fossil fuels. To put your bank and super fund on notice http://gofossilfree.org/australia/.
To see Bill McKibben on ABC’s Q and A
http://www.abc.net.au/tv/guide/abc1/201306/programs/FA1207H018D2013-06-04T130040.htm
Atmospheric CO2 reaches 400 ppm
The Mauna Loa observatory in Hawaii has just confirmed CO2 levels of 400 parts per million, which is higher than they’ve been in at least 800,000 years. 350 ppm is considered the safe level. For more http://m.guardian.co.uk/environment/2013/may/14/record-400ppm-co2-carbon-emissions
Repower Port Augusta
Is a fully costed plan to start a solar thermal power station in Port Augusta, kick starting large scale renewable power in Australia. This petition calls on the PM to commit funds
Going solar
Recent debates around electricity prices and renewable energy policy have ignored the rapid drop in solar costs. This report by the Centre for Policy Development looks at the key role rooftop solar will play in our future electricity system. http://cpd.org.au/2013/04/going-solar/
Cut your food waste by 50% and save $500 a year
38% of average household bins is waste food. Check out the challenge and how to get there on the One Million Women site http://www.1millionwomen.com.au/News.cfm?id=383
Get out!
Thanks to supporters who have already contacted us to offer to help letter box the electorate of Bennelong over the next months asking people to vote climate in September. The Opposition’s promise to repeal the carbon tax is bad news. We are still looking for a few more people to join us. Contact us with subject heading Letterboxing or call Jo on 0414 375 149.
WHATS ON?
National Tree Day 28 July
A practical way to give the earth some lungs. Hunters Hill Council are coordinating tree planting at Boronia Park 9.30-12. To register and find out more: http://treeday.planetark.org/site/54114