The Climate Crisis
In some respects, preventing climate breakdown is highly complicated. But in another, it’s really simple. We need to:
- leave fossil fuels in the ground,
- stop deforestation,
- eat a mainly plant based diet,
- live simpler lives and
- reduce the waste we produce.
'At the UN climate summit in Glasgow last month, governments failed to set the world on a path to reducing emissions by 45 per cent by 2030 in order to stabilise the climate close to 1.5 degrees but did close the gap to that trajectory.' according to Cam Walker of Friends of the Earth (FoE) Australia.'
The Bad News
Already at only 1°C warming, we are seeing an increase in extreme weather events across the world. This has resulted not only in mass deaths and displacement of peoples but also destruction of wildlife. Low lying countries and regions, such as the Torres Strait, are especially vulnerable to sea level rises and extreme weather events.
The Good News
Meaningful change can be driven by committed citizens- and many are stepping up to the challenge:
- Paul and Pabai, Traditional Owners and native title rights holders of Saibai and Boigu in Gudamalulgal in the Torres Strait are taking the government to court. After 65,000 years on the islands, their communities are being forced to leave due to flooding. They’ll be arguing that the Federal Government has a legal responsibility to ensure Torres Strait Islander Peoples are not harmed by climate change. See https://www.australianclimatecase.org.au/
- Following on from Stop Adani's recent online rally attended by many, including FoE members and Tipping Point, the Bank of New York (BNY) Mellon pulled out of providing financial services to Adani. This is a big win for Wangan-Jagalingou Standing Our Ground cultural custodians who spoke out against BNY Mellon's financial deal for Adani- and who have been conducting ceremony at Adani's mine site for more than 2 months at the time of writing. Ref: https://www.stopadani.com/
- Mass rallies and nonviolent direct actions are taking place all over the world. In Australia last month, activists shut down coal exports from Newcastle, the world’s biggest coal export port, for more than a week. See https://www.blockadeaustralia.com/
How You Can Help
- Join Tipping point ( https://www.tippingpoint.org.au/ and work towards stopping the burning of coal and gas in Australia.
- Contact the Federal government at https://preprod-onlineservices.environment.gov.au/contact-your-minister and the Queensland Environment minister Meagan Scanlon ( (07) 3719 7140
Email:[email protected]) and call for :
- More ambitious climate action and renewable energy projects. These need to be in areas and of a size that do not impact on our native forests and wildlife.
- An independent Environmental Protection Authority in Queensland to oversee our environmental policies and ensure protection for our biodiversity.
- An increase of and funding for adequate management of protected areas.
- A waste levy that funds nature conservation.
May we wish all Kuranda readers a healthy and joyful 2022 filled with activism!
NEXT MEETING: For details and to join FoE FNQ, contact Sarah on 4085 0054/[email protected]. All welcome.