Issue #43: It’s been a good news week!
Emissions reduction and renewable energy targets now enshrined in law
There’s good reason to be upbeat in this issue.
The Qld State Government has passed legislation to reduce Queensland’s emissions by 75% by 2035 - one of the most ambitious in Australia. YEY!
Maybe we had something to do with it??? The most popular action in our last Climate Club edition was the AMCS petition - one of two petitions we included asking the Opposition support the legislation.
And guess what?🏆🏆🏆 They did! 🏆🏆🏆
It’s not perfect though: the Opposition did not support an 80% renewables target. This helpful story by the reliable Renew Economy team explains not only the win but the Opposition’s confusing position. The Australian Conservation Foundation also has their own take provided by Gavan McFadzean, Australian Conservation Foundation climate and energy program manager:
“It’s essential that ambitious, durable climate targets and policies have bipartisan backing, so the LNP’s support [for the emissions targets] just months out from a state election is a breakthrough, but by opposing the renewable energy targets legislation, the LNP has an emissions reduction target without a plan. This sends mixed messages to businesses that want to invest in renewables, clean tech and jobs in Queensland.”
And just because politics can be such a downer when you care about country and climate, I love this quote (also from Gavan) about the quirky position of the state LNP:
“The Queensland LNP now stands in contrast to its federal counterparts, who still debate the reality of climate change, propose fanciful nuclear energy pipe dreams and oppose federal Labor’s modest 43% by 2030 emissions reduction target.”
I think that’s a positive - don’t you?
We are in an election year folks, and both major parties have an eye on how they will win the support of the majority to be Queensland’s next new Government. Every message we send them will help shape their commitment to a climate safe future.
😉😉😉😉😉😉
In other good news, recently one of Australia’s most polluting fossil fuel companies faced a hostile shareholder meeting where the majority in the room voted down their climate plan.
This was the largest ever shareholder backlash against a fossil fuel company’s climate strategy! ⚡⚡58.36% ⚡⚡of shareholders voted against Woodside's flimsy climate plan. Sadly, this is not a binding vote but shows that even folk who want to make money from shares in Woodside think their future climate plans stink!
And with $18 billion set aside for new fossil fuel projects over the next five years - I’d say stink is a very polite description!!!
Every time a fossil fuel project fails to get going, there is cause for dancing in the street (metaphorically speaking at least).
We reported the win of Traditional Owners, young people and nature refuge champions in the 2022 court case that rejected Clive Palmer’s proposed Waratah coal development around the Bimblebox Nature Refuge in central Queensland. (Issue #14)
One of the key players in that court case was Wirdi woman Murrawah Maroochy Johnson, who has a powerful history of making a stand against coal on her Country.
Murrawah has just been awarded the prestigious Goldman Environmental Prize which honours the achievements and leadership of grassroots environmental activists from around the world. Congratulations Murrawah and #YouthVerdict. #StandingOurGround
Let’s get cracking on this week’s actions to play our part.
What can you do today?
🐝 If you have 5 minutes:
The proposed Baralaba South coal mine threatens prime farming land and water for local Baralaba and Woorabinda communities. Not only is new coal not needed, but the company has already been fined for its environmental vandalism.
Action: Send a submission (prefilled if you choose) to the Qld Govt to stop this mine.
The awesome Climate Council is asking for our feedback to help shape their future climate work. As a community-funded organisation that is completely independent from the government, they play a crucial role in developing and demanding immediate climate solutions. Share your ideas in their annual survey.
Action: Have your say in the Climate Council’s survey to help shape their work.
Save the date for the Brisbane Premiere of Walanbaa Ngiiyani | Stronger Together 35 minute documentary on the disastrous impacts of coal and gas extraction on communities around Australia and the Pacific. RSVP now - it only takes a minute.
Action: Put 4pm - 5.30pm, Sat 25 May, at Five Star Cinemas, New Farm into your calendars.
🐇 If you have 15 minutes:
A new expert report shows that Australia's coal mine methane emissions are likely more than DOUBLE what is officially reported. Using detailed data collected from satellites, this shows that we must stop new gas projects and transition to renewable energy sources immediately.
Action: Email Australia’s Climate Minister to crack down on coal and gas companies leaking dangerous methane using this simple tool and guide.
💃🏽 If you have 30 minutes or more:
Right now the Move Beyond Coal movement is taking action around the country to show politicians that we need urgent action on climate change. These big 12 days of action is called ‘Rise Up!’ and everyone can join. Search the website to find events happening near you from today until Friday 10th May.
Action: Visit the Move Beyond Coal website and search for event near you. Join up to add your voice.
Are you in Townsville? The fabulous North Queensland Conservation Council crew have organised a family-friendly crafty climate action stall at Townsville’s Strand Night Markets. Go along to support them, say hi, and maybe even win a voucher!
Action: Register now for Strand Markets stall Friday, 3 May from 5 to 8.30pm.
In more North Queensland activities, you can join this webinar to learn more about how we keep the renewable energy transition rolling out in the right places. Join up online this Thursday 2nd May.
Action: Join this webinar Keeping the Renewable Transition on Track: Next Steps After Chalumbin’s Withdrawal on Thursday 2 May at 6pm - 7pm.
Just want to sit back and watch a great film? If so, this last event is the one for you! Come along to the Brisbane premiere of Rising Tide’s film about last year’s massive mobilisation of thousands of people at Newcastle Coal Port. This was a festival with a purpose, and generated massive media attention. Check out the trailer here!
Action: RSVP to attend the free premier in New Farm, Brisbane, on Friday 7th May, of the documentary ‘The First Wave: the film of the People’s Blockade’.
I was part of the 2023 Rising Tide event over three days in November and can’t wait to go again - but for longer this time! The film explains why this is both powerful and enormous fun!
That’s all for today, folks 👋🏽 Thanks for taking action.
See you in two weeks
Malcolm
plus Robyn, Ron and Jan - The Climate Club Qld team
To help us keep these newsletters helpful, you can always reach us by email climateclubqld@gmail.com or check out the simple info on our About page.
We live, work and play on the lands of the Yuggara and Turrbal people in and around Meanjin - Brisbane. We pay respect to their Elders, past and present, and acknowledge that sovereignty was never ceded - always was, always will be Aboriginal land.
Thanks Malcom! Your post was a glimmer for me today. QLD LNP - who would have thought!