November 08 | Ryde Gladesville Climate Change Action Group

Counting down…. to the Federal Government announcement on the climate change plan.

In early December the Federal Govt will announce Australia’s response to Climate Change and set legislation in motion for the introduction of an Emissions Trading Scheme (ETS). The coming weeks are vital in influencing the shape of this. There is a need to show politicians that climate change is still our most pressing crisis.

Meeting with Maxine McKew

This week we met with Maxine McKew, our Federal MP to urge the government to recognize climate change as an emergency. We gave her a copy of the book Climate Code Red by Phillip Sutton and David Spratt. We asked for her support on

an emissions target of 25% by 2020,
action for 2010 to be the year in which Australia’s carbon emissions peak
losing the proposed subsidies in the proposed ETS for big carbon emitters.

We received a cordial welcome but were left with many concerns as Ms McKew suggested that there would be compromises to be made and that Australia would still continue to rely on coal. We also raised our concerns about the $100,000 income test on the solar rebate. Ms McKew suggested that this rebate was set at a reasonable level.

Sign GetUp’s petition

Get up have are this week asking people to sign their online petition to call on the Federal government for strong emissions targets.

Get up report that Treasury have just crunched the numbers and declared that action on climate change is affordable.

The Prime Minister is on the edge of a decision about the target but still under immense pressure from polluting industries. Help tip the balance towards a safe climate. Sign the petition today www.getup.org.au/campaign/WereUpForIt

Walk against Warming Saturday 15 November

Please join us at this annual rally that brings together all different groups and individuals who care about this issue. Now more than ever a large turn out is needed as the government sets our emissions target. A small turn out will lead government leaders to assume that the community aren’t concerned.

Where: Martin Place, Sydney CBD
When: Saturday Nov 15, 11am.

We will be meeting near the war memorial in Martin Place – between George and Pitt Streets – look for our banner. For more info go to: http://www.walkagainstwarming.org/?page=nsw.php&s=3

Local Climate Forum with Penny Wong – 19th November

Penny Wong Federal Minister for Climate Change will be speaking at a forum at Ryde Secondary College on 19 November at Ryde Secondary College auditorium to explain the Federal Govt’s Strategy on combating Climate Change.

The Emissions Trading Scheme (ETS) will be one of the main mechanisms that Govt. is proposing to employ to cap carbon. As it stands this proposed ETS will protect large polluters like coal fired power stations for some time and so slow the transition to a low carbon economy.

Even if you feel well informed about this event, please consider attending and letting others know about this event – a strong showing from our community sends a powerful message to the government

Time: 6.30pm – 8.30pm
Venue: Ryde Secondary College,(Multi-Purpose Centre, Forrest Rd, Ryde
RSVP 14 November, 9816 5911

Want to get more active?

If you like teamwork and would like to get more active on this issue come to a meeting on 11 November at 7pm to plan our next local event. Call Lynda on 0404 013 270.