You may have received a blank newsletter – this doesn’t mean there’s nothing to report but rather a slight brain freeze on the part of the person who sends it out. Our apologies.
IPCC Report
The latest IPCC (Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change) report is the most extensive ever done. Its message is clear – climate change is happening and rapid action is required. The Climate Council has produced a simple video explaining what is happening. http://www.climatecouncil.org.au/ipccar5synthesisreport. For a brief explanation of the IPCC’s findings at www.climatecouncil.org.au/ipccar5synthesisreport
Ban ki-moon calls for divestment
The UN Secretary General has called on pension funds to dump investments in fossil fuels. http://www.abc.net.au/worldtoday/content/2014/s4120251.htm
Meeting with John Alexander
Four weeks ago Ryde Gladesville Climate Change Action Group requested a meeting with our local member John Alexander to discuss the government’s response to the RET review. We are still waiting to be given a meeting date. This reminds us of the response of an earlier Member for Bennelong, John Howard whose staff spent a year not being able to give us a date to meet him. He lost the seat at the next election.
Adani
Banks around the world continue to back away from investing in the Carmichael Mine in Queensland. But the big four Australian banks have not yet done so. Tell them not to https://www.greenpeace.org.au/action/?cid=76&src=EM1&utm_campaign=Save%20The%20Reef&utm_source=Active%20Users&utm_medium=email&utm_content=link2
Abbott Point
The Abbott government appears poised to fast track the approval of plans to dump millions of tonnes of dredge from a coal port expansion onto internationally significant wetlands. Read more: http://www.smh.com.au/environment/conservation/new-abbot-point-dredge-plan-to-dump-spoils-in-wetlands-20141029-11dppx.html#ixzz3I9Htsxev
RET Target
The government continues its campaign to destroy the renewable energy sector. Email the Federal Government cabinet saying that cuts to renewable energy is unacceptable http://www.solarcitizens.org.au/email_cabinet?utm_campaign=ret_negs_update&utm_medium=email&utm_source=solarcitizens
Pacific Warriors in Newcastle
This event received no news coverage. See how people from islands in the Pacific brought the message of how climate change is affecting them. http://world.350.org/pacificwarriors/?akid=5478.551946.kLBQf5&rd=1&t=1
Methane cloud
Methane is even more potent in its effects on climate change than carbon in the atmosphere. This article discusses a cloud of it over part of USA and its source. http://www.theecologist.org/News/news_round_up/2600212/nasa_confirms_uss_2500squaremile_methane_cloud.html
Australian technology moves to Germany
As a result of the Federal Government’s refusal to support renewable energy, an Australian company that developed a renewable energy electricity generator has moved its operation to Germany. http://www.abc.net.au/news/2014-10-28/australian-green-energy-company-forced-offshore/5849082
Santos CSG in Narrabri
Santos has 56 test wells in the this region which could stop bores flowing through the Great Artesian Basin (which covers 22%of Australia). Numerous spills and leaks have come from these wells recently. There is a concern these wells could severely affect farming and water supplies to country Australia. Ask the Premier for a halt to these activities until threats to the Basin can be ruled out. https://www.getup.org.au/campaigns/coal-seam-gas/stop-csg-in-the-great-artesian-basin/stop-santos-csg-threat-to-the-great-artesian-basin?t=KERjyh2ej
India doesn’t want Adani or GVK’s coal
Market Forces has conducted a survey in India about importing the coal from Australia by these two questionable companies and the majority of people there don’t want it. Click here to find out more and what you can do. http://www.marketforces.org.au/indiacoalpolling
Australia’s report card
The Climate Council has produced a report on Australia’s efforts to deal with climate change stacks up against what is happening in the rest of the world. http://www.climatecouncil.org.au/globalresponsereport?utm_source=supporter%20email%20global%20report&utm_medium=EDM&utm_campaign=global%20report
USA and China
USA and China have set ambitious targets to cap or reduce greenhouse emissions by 2030 which highlights the inadequate target Australia has. For the article go to http://www.abc.net.au/news/2014-11-13/calls-for-australia-to-reduce-emissions-after-us-china-deal/5887474
State Government’s CSG plan
The NSW government’s announcement about CSG mining could still allow mining in water catchment areas. No details are available until after March election. Read more http://www.smh.com.au/nsw/coal-seam-gas-projects-in-sydneys-water-catchments-could-get-the-goahead-20141113-11ln6h.html#ixzz3IuU5prHB
Ryde Council Sustainable Home Challenge
Ryde Council is offering a limited number of residents a free in-home sustainability assessment which will show how you can save money on your bills and will put you in to a draw to win environmental improvements to your house. Complete a survey either on line or in hardcopy. Closes 31 January 2015. For details http://www.ryde.nsw.gov.au/Council/News+and+Public+Notices/Rydes+Sustainable+Home+Challenge
Heads in the Sand
A great protest at Bondi about government’s inaction on climate change. http://www.theguardian.com/environment/2014/nov/13/g20-australians-bury-heads-in-sand-to-mock-government-climate-stance?CMP=soc_567
What’s on
Leard Forest Hoedown
Want to help raise money to support the community blockade of the Maules Creek Coal Mine? Then book a ticket for a night of music and dancing on 21 November at The Red Rattler, 6 Faversham St, Marrickville. For tickets http://www.eventbrite.com.au/e/leard-forest-hoedown-tickets-13520138097
Rock the Gate concert
Lock the Gate has an anti-fracking concert to be held at Enmore Theatre in Newtown on 23 November. All proceeds go to support Lock the Gate Alliance. http://premier.ticketek.com.au/shows/show.aspx?sh=ROCKTHEG14
Christmas get together
On 11 December at 7pm come and find us at the Hunters Hill Hotel on the corner of Ryde Road and Joubert Street North for a Christmas drink and to celebrate the achievements of the climate movement this year.