Global Climate Change Action

Re Climate Emergency & Culture of Ignoring LETTER to VIPs, Media,
Academics & all State & Federal MPs

By Dr Gideon Polya
BSc (Hons) (Tasmania), PhD (Flinders) and Grad. Cert. Higher Ed. (La
Trobe),

I have been teaching Science students at Australian tertiary institutions for 4 decades (1972-2008, in the last 5 years as a part-time lecturer/demonstrator) and, of course, know that ignoring, lying, denial and obfuscation are inimical to teaching and learning and, in a wider social, national and global context, to rational risk management.

Dear Anne,

I am delighted that you will publish my Culture of Ignoring missive.

I was getting very despondent that only about 0.2% of the thousands of variously eminent and influential Australians I have written to had likewise agreed to inform others - and even more despondent hearing the expert opinion just now on ABC TV Lateline from our top coral expert Professor Ove Hoegh-Guldberg that 15% of the Great Barrier Reef has already gone and it is doomed with current behaviour.

Professor Ove Hoegh-Guldberg (top world expert on climate change and coral; University of Queensland, Brisbane, Australia) published a paper in 2007 in the world's top scientific journal Science (Coral Reefs under Rapid Climate Change and Ocean Acidification, Science 14 December 2007: Vol. 318. no. 5857, pp. 1737 - 1742 ; see:
http://www.sciencemag.org/cgi/content/abstract/318/5857/1737 , and
commented thus on the ABC Science Show with Robyn Williams
http://www.abc.net.au/rn/scienceshow/stories/2007/2115399.htm : "This is a paper that's really wrapping up essentially ten years of science. It's bringing together the two great threats to coral reefs, global warming and ocean acidification. What we find out is that the threat is much closer than we thought in the past, and in fact the magic number may be 450. When I say '450'; 450 parts per million of carbon dioxide and we lose them." (for opinions of other top Australian climate scientist see: http://sites.google.com/site/yarravalleyclimateactiongroup/climate-emerg...
-what-outstanding-australian-scientists-say .

Please feel free to link, re-publish and otherwise disseminate the Climate Emergency Fact Sheets and all other documents placed on its website by our Yarra Valley Climate Action Group (see:
http://sites.google.com/site/yarravalleyclimateactiongroup/Home ).

Best regards, Gideon Polya

This submission covers:
Australia’s Future Infrastructure Requirements Climate Change Infrastructure Investment and Water Infrastructure Requirements.
http://www.infrastructureaustralia.gov.au/submissions.aspx

m...@infrastructureaustralia.gov.au
A.Al...@aph.gov.au

Energy Investing – A sustainable future for Australia
Submission to National Infrastructure Priority List

We are writing to you as one voice from the abundant citizens’ climate change action groups that have formed across Australia. The existence of our many groups is the result of mounting anxiety in the population about the lack of effective action delivered so far on reducing our nation’s greenhouse gas emissions.

Our members are drawn from the spectrum of this country’s people, from urban, rural and regional areas. They include small and large business operators and directors, parents, students, grandparents, farmers, migrants, and public service and other employees. Diverse and often dissimilar, we all share a common wish to see far more effective measures undertaken by our leaders to avert the dangerous climate change that scientists across the globe predict.

Global warming is happening much faster than was previously thought, our government’s policy and initiatives need to be reconciled with the emerging respected science and IPCC recommendations so that we avoid risking catastrophic climate change.

The existence of our many climate action groups across the nation demonstrates a widespread understanding about the need for sweeping, legislated changes to industry and society to tackle climate change effectively.

We are writing to clearly express to you that:

1. We are very much aware that there are substantial numbers of highly credible research papers and reports that demonstrate the viability of currently available, clean, renewable energy sources as being able to deliver the bulk of the energy needs of this country.

2. We are acutely aware of the significant contribution of the coal industry to climate change, both here and overseas, and are not convinced by the clean coal pathway. Exports of Australian coal contribute more to global greenhouse gases than all of Australia's emissions combined. Worldwide, there is no proven, working model for sequestering greenhouse gas emissions from coal-fired power plants. The technology to provide ‘clean coal’ may never come to fruition, yet time is of the essence. We feel that any government that consents to the expansion of such a dangerous industry in this age is not acting responsibly, or in the public interest. With the above in mind we would like to see taxes invested into clean renewable energy supplies, in particular, heavy investment into Geothermal Power for base load supplies.

3. We remain opposed to the expansion of uranium mining and the nuclear industry for all the risks it continues to pose globally and locally.

4. Legislate a renewable energy target of at least 50% by 2020.

5. Cease the approvals of new or expanded coalmines, coal-fired power stations and coal export infrastructure, and instead use these taxes to support the development of alternative, sustainable industries in coal-mining regions, ie. Geothermal power plants.

6. Adopt a target of zero energy growth by 2010 with annual reductions thereafter, through increased energy efficiency and demand management.

7. Abandon any plans for the expansion of uranium mining and export.

8. No new dams on our rivers. Our rivers are dying. Dams do not create new water, they restrict river flow causing and creating greater problems in the long term - the perfect example is the Murray Darling. Going down a road which is clearly flawed is no way to lead this great nation into a positive future. We urge (a) less wastage, (b) greater investment into providing individual household roof water catchments ie. greater subsidies for water tanks and (c) re-use of treated water, particularly for farmland irrigation purposes.

We have every hope that your government will recognise climate change as a global emergency needing swift and decisive action to immediately curb this country’s escalating emissions, and the emissions that arise from our exports. We see a bright future for Australia and future generations if our leaders invest our taxes wisely.

Anne Goddard
Global Climate Change Action Group.
http://globalclimatechangeaction.org
http://au.groups.yahoo.com/group/ClimateChangeAction/

climate emergency protest, Sydney - please spread the word - *Climate **emergency - **renewables **now**!*

· *No carbon trading loopholes!*
The government is taking a business-as-usual approach to the climate emergency. Carbon trading alone will be too slow; with free permits for the big polluters it won't work at all. It must not be linked to international "carbon offset" schemes; these do nothing to reduce domestic emissions and often support environmentally damaging projects. Under its plan, the government admits, emissions will rise for some years to come. From: [Climate Change Action Group]

Earth near tipping point, climatologist warns - Published on Tuesday, June 24, 2008, by The Toronto Star - Earth Near Tipping Point, Climatologist Warns - by Tim Harper [read more at the Climate Change Action Group]

FULL SUBMISSION AVAILABLE HERE:
http://www.stop-fueling-climate-change.org/docs/GPE388.1_FebReport_V5.pd...

SIGN GREENPEACE'S PETITION:
Sign Greenpeace's Petition:
http://www.stop-fueling-climate-change.org/?scr=em_O1

SUBMISSION SNIP:

"...To subsidise coal is to subsidise
climate change.

Coal is the most carbon intensive
of fossil fuels and its use is a
major contributor to greenhouse
gas emissions both in Australia
and overseas.

Yet the coal industry was given a total
of $308 million in rebates for fuel excise in
2005/6,4 an amount greater than
all federal funding for renewables.
Over the life of the Coalition
Government, these grants
contributed $1.9 billion to the coal
industry(5) at a time when their
profits grew hugely; rising from a
$5 billion pre-tax profit in 2004/5
to $10 billion in 2005/06.6

The coal industry can afford to
have this subsidy removed; the
climate cannot afford to have it
continue...."

Sign Greenpeace's Petition:
http://www.stop-fueling-climate-change.org/?scr=em_O1

One hour... let's join together and give our planet a bit of a breather for one hour.

On Saturday the 29th of March at 8pm where-ever you are ... turn off everything, show you care.

Look at the stars, imagine a world at peace.

Join me and millions of others across the planet at 8pm on March the 29th (Saturday night in Australia).

Join the event at Facebook and invite your friends:
http://www.facebook.com/event.php?eid=8240986531
(626,828 attending)

mailto:Kevin.Rudd.MP@aph.gov.au
Prime Minister of Australia

Wording suggestions for writing to your leader.

Sent March 2008.

Dear Mr Rudd

Welcome to the office of Prime Minister.

It is truly a wonderful thing to have a change of leadership, I thank my fellow Australians for finally voting out John Howard and breath a deep sigh of relief.

My Rudd, I have been gathering information on the issue of Global Warming/Climate Change with a dedicated global group of individuals for the last few years and for my own interest for at least 10 years. Our focus has not been on blaming, but on the best possible ways forwards to mitigate the worst effects of climate change and the immediate actions needed to be undertaken by individuals and governments.

Through our research, we have concluded that the nuclear power option would be highly deleterious in both the short and long term, not only to Australia, but to the entire planet.

It is my view, and the view of the other members of my group (numbering over 80) that Climate Change/Global Warming is the single most serious issue that our country (and our planet) currently faces.

As a father, I am sure you fear for the future of your children. As a mother of two, I know that I do.

As the newly elected leader of our great nation, I am sure you understand the great power that lies within your hands. You are the person who will be singly held completely and totally responsible, via the decisions you make, not only by your own children, but by the citizens of this nation and the planet. Your name will go down in history as the man who gave our children a chance for future, or a man who ignored the innumerable scientific warnings given to him.

Mr John Howard’s name has already been tarred with the latter. I am of the strong opinion that this is the main reason for his losing office.

Mr Rudd, our group formulated the wording of a petition to Government heads which exceeded its target of 1000 signatures just before the election. It can be found online here:
http://www.thepetitionsite.com/1/global-petition-for-the-implementation-...
I draw your attention to the requests made in this petition. They are not unreasonable requests, they are not "un-do-able" for a man in your position.

Many other local groups of citizens who are also deeply concerned about climate change (numbering over 80 groups) from right across Australia have also formulated, agreed upon and endorsed the wording of a joint declaration towards actions which would help to mitigate the worst effects of climate change. This declaration can be located via my website here:
http://globalclimatechangeaction.org/JD
I draw your attention to the wording in this Joint Declaration and respectfully request your feedback on the above two documents.

Mr Rudd, this note is sent to ask you directly, will you please take immediate and urgent action to mitigate the worst effects of climate change? With the utmost respect, will you:

1. Urgently develop government owned geothermal plants for energy production, which is a PROVEN, clean and sustainable energy production method, for base load supply,
2. Provide increased subsidies for the local installation of solar and wind power generation, subsidies not only for property owners but for those who rent as well,
3. Encourage the greater use of public transport by ensuring that these services are reliable and as energy efficient as is currently possible?
4. Phase out coal as a base load power fuel for Australia?
5. Phase out coal exports and increase investment into the development of clean energy production technologies?
6. Phase out nuclear mining and nuclear exports. Ensure that our nation does not go down the nuclear power path, heed the wisdom in the warning given to us by Australian Aboriginal Elders “the poison, leave it”.

Mr Rudd, taking the 6 measures which have been outlined above cannot harm the future in any way. In fact, for you to immediately implement such positive measures will not only enhance and improve the lives of your current citizens, it will prove you to be worthy of the great honour which has been given to you by the Australian people, the greatest honour that can be given to any Australian, that of the office of Prime Minister.

The issue of climate change is one that affects us all and should therefore be openly and honestly discussed with your voters and the general public. To ensure that your office gets this letter I have also posted it to your feedback form on your website.

On behalf of the members of the Global Climate Change Action Group and the members of Climate Change Action Groups across Australia, I eagerly await your reply.

Yours sincerely
Anne Goddard
Founder
Global Climate Change Action
http://globalclimatechangeaction.org

*Climate change | Social change conference*, -
April 11-13, 2008 Sydney

The need for social change has become an urgent part of preventing
catastrophic climate change. Can the market fix the problem? What is
the real record of carbon trading? How can we build a social movement
capable of averting this disaster? What models and experiences can offer
real solutions? [Further details: Climate Change Action Group]

Update: Joint Declaration
note: click "read more" for list of endorsing groups.

To: Prime Minister Kevin Rudd MP
Kevi...@aph.gov.au
PO Box 6222
Kingston ACT 2604
Parliament House
Fax: (02) 6277 8495

26 November 2007

Dear Prime Minister Kevin Rudd

Congratulations on becoming the Prime Minister of Australia. We are very pleased that you will be making climate change a top priority of your first 100 days in office.

A joint declaration from the citizens’ Climate Action groups of Australia

We are writing to you as one voice from the abundant citizens’ climate change action groups that have formed across Australia.

Excellent u-Tube which explains, very clearly, why our global leaders should be taking immediate action to mitigate the worst effects of climate change.
Worthy of the wait even on dial up.

"most terrifying video you will ever see"
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bDsIFspVzfI&eurl

Views: 1,698,076 @ Nov 5 2007

Letter to the Editor, The Age
by Denis Frith
via: http://groups.yahoo.com/group/bluegreenearth
"Blunder"

Humans have extracted carbon that was stored by natural forces over eons to build up industrialized civilization. This use of the fossil fuels has facilitated the feeding of a rapidly growing population. It has enabled the manufacture of the items to meet many needs and to sate many wants of this large population. It has assisted in the rampant construction of the cities and their infrastructure. But it has irrevocably, although unintentionally, caused climate change.

Clearly, the issue of Climate Change is alive and well in the minds of many who will be casting their votes soon.

Nobel Peace Prize winner, Al Gore's, "An Inconvenient Truth" helped to facilitate a steep rise in public awareness.

Climate change skeptics argue that changes are natural phenomena caused by various things, nothing to worry about. Nothing to cause voters to seriously consider changing the way they have always voted.

Perhaps our own CSIRO along with the majority of the scientific community are in fact, "left wing" idiots, and we have absolutely nothing to worry about. No theory can be 100% correct until it is proved beyond any doubt,
right? Yep, right.

Well, proving the scientific community right in this particular instance is not such a smart long term goal for our species.

Proving Climate Change is a just a bunch of hot wind from a kooky crew of left wing loonies has NOT happened. That is also not 100% correct!

What has happened is that climate change skeptics have provided us with "other reasons" for the phenomena.

Whatever the cause for the phenomena, and whether climate change is "real" or not, we have now been clearly warned.

The two majour parties are getting nervous and addressing the issue in their own way. Of course they have ensured that their policies promote "business as usual". No need to upset the cookie cart.

Playing it safe, I will be choosing to cast my vote with a political party that has clearly and formally addressed the issue of Climate Change within their policies and who will provide local "clean" energy solutions which are
economically viable and safe for myself and my family.

Choosing a political party which has devised a solid financial plan to do this (with our taxes) is a very "safe" concept.

I'm very glad (and grateful) that I have an option of not having to vote for the two majour parties.

This election I'm going to go with the scientific community because I am a climate change believer, have been for a long time. I remain hopeful that mankind can evolve beyond this global crisis.

To me, this election represents our last chance to get it sorted, in the right way, for all.

Anne Goddard

Australian Political Parties Policies Analysis
Summary and conclusions:

This anaysis is biased towards the necessity to provide positive outcomes for myself, my children and our planet with the use of my taxes.

Our democratic right to vote gives us the freedom to elect political parties with solid policies. Political policies which (hopefully) positively represent the needs and wishes of the people. Elected political parties are placed into positions of power and control over our money.

Election promises or "Election Policies" are often political/media ploys to gain undecided voters.

Political Party Policies are not vote grabbing empty promises, short term propaganda or more 'hot air'. Party Policies are what each party stands for (or against).

My family and I wish to live on a planet where the many and varied species of life (not only human) are able to co-habit and co-exist in safety and security. A planet not yet completely contaminated with human created poisons and pollutions. A planet where we, the human species, can finally evolve into the incredible species we are.

Climate Change is an issue that needs tackling immediately. We need global leaders prepared to race humanity (and our precious taxes) with us, towards sustainable energy supplies and living systems. Our leaders must ensure that all polluting energy supplies are phased out and CLEAN energy is supplied.

Where ever we may live, there are ways that our taxes can immediately be put to good use by providing us with clean energy and energy efficient transportation. By solar/wind/geothermal/tidal/wave powered energy supply and by dramatic improvements in the public transport sector.

Therefore, I have analysed Australian Political Parties Policies based on the following personal requirements:

I wish to vote for a party which Understands that Nuclear Energy is not a short or long term answer or a "climate friendly" choice when considering expediture of our precious energy funds.

I wish to vote for a party that understands that burning of (finite resources) of coal and other fossil fuels must be phased out.

I wish to vote for a party which understands that commercial energy supplies must be replaced with sustainable (non long-term CO2 emitting energy sources) eg. geothermal, tidal, wave, solar, wind and that further "research" funding is not needed on these technologies. The above listed energy technologies can be installed immediately all over our country.

I wish to vote for a party that understands that large dams on our river systems add to our current climate disaster. There must be no further large dams for hydro-electrical generation.

I wish to vote for a party that understands that public transport should be well funded and improved to be of high energy efficiency.

I wish to vote for a party which understands that a national carbon trading scheme should be immediately implemented ensuring that existing native forests are retained and protected as carbon "sinks". Destruction of existing carbon sinks adds to our current climate disaster.

I wish to vote for a party that understands that the increased production of ethanol (or biofuels) for transporation fuel produces a negative energy output (particularly when land clearing/ploughing/planting/ irrigation/fertilisation/production/transportation and supply costs are taken into the energy cost of the equasion).

With the above thoughts in mind I have come to the Conclusion that the Australian Greens (AG) will have my first (or second) vote in both houses, dependent on where the Candidates preferences flow.
See their policies:
http://www.greens.org.au/about/policy/

Second (or first) place the Socialist Alliance (SA) dependent on where the candidates preferences flow.
See their Climate Policies:
http://greenleft.wikispaces.com/charter
General policies page:
http://www.socialist-alliance.org/page.php?page=190

The Australian Democrats (AD) score third (or fourth) place, dependent on where the candidate preferences flow.
See their policies:
http://www.democrats.org.au/policies/

Fourth (or fifth) place going to the Australian Labor Party (ALP) dependent on where the candidates preferences flow.
see their policies:
http://www.alp.org.au/policy/index.php

I will place all political parties who preference the Liberal (LP) or National Parties (NP) below the ALP with further preferences to be decided dependent on where Political Parties/Independents/Candidates send their preferences.

See National Party Policies:
http://www.nationals.org.au/About/Policies/default.asp

Liberal Party Policies:
I looked for the LP policies, but could only find "Election Policies"..? I presume that these words mean that after the election these policies are no longer valid?
Have a look at the attached glossy "Research & Development Plan" to see how our elected reps have been spending our taxes, sounds fantastic, yes..?
More detailed figures are available online here, cut the gloss, these are OUR taxes!
http://www.greenhouse.gov.au/agriculture/rdplan.html

See all political parties not listed above:
http://www.aph.gov.au/library/intguide/pol/polparti.htm. Further, investigate the Climate Change Coalition; http://www.climatechangecoalition.com.au who will be fielding a number of candidates in the forthcoming election, if this parties preferences flow to the Greens/SA/ALP rather than the LP/NP Coalition I will be placing them above the ALP.

I suggest that scrutineering on the Election day to be a very productive method of ensuring all votes are counted fairly and honestly. If ever there was a time to get positively ACTIVE, for a better future for us all, then election day is it!

For more information visit: AEC Scrutineering
http://www.aec.gov.au/Parties_and_Representatives/Candidate/Handbook/scr...

MANY HONEST VOLUNTARY SCRUTINEERS
ARE NEEDED ON ELECTION DAY

- to ensure EVERY vote is counted as the voter intended
- and to ensure that EVERY vote sees the light of day.

Please consider volunteering to scrutineer at your local polling booth on election night.

Anne Goddard
Wednesday September 26, 2007
http://globalclimatechangeaction.org

Yellow-cake John: Australia quietly signs up to nuclear club - [Greens-Media] Mon, 17 Sep 2007 Yellow-cake John: Australia quietly signs up to nuclear club Canberra, Monday 17 September 2007 Australian Greens Climate Change