Issue #4: Wins & Demands
Let's hear it for people power!
This week, we have seen the biggest gas fracking player in the Northern Territory’s Beetaloo Basin walk away from further investment and exploration. Origin Energy has sold its rights to another company, so the fight is not over - but it’s a HUGE win. Only 6 months ago, it was the poster child of the ‘gas-led recovery’, a plan so flawed I don't know where to start.
But perhaps the real slow-burning, consistent power that has brought this undone is years of staunch opposition from Traditional Owners and communities personally affected by the proposed gas extraction.
There have been protests, legal challenges and the persistent voices of people on the front line - Aboriginal people whose culture and identity is entwined with their Country under threat.
To stare down massive million-dollar industries and complicit politicians looks daunting. But the Traditional Owners, pastoralists and communities have made their demands very clear: organisers know that “Power concedes nothing without a demand.” These words of Frederick Douglass, an 1850s anti-slavery campaigner, are as true today.
We need to stay informed and vigilant. Be ready to use words and actions to protect what matters not just to us, but to those who bear the brunt of climate heating.
So let’s make OUR demands heard. Start here today with our Climate Club Queensland picks for taking action. 🌞 🍍
What can you do today?
🐝 If you have 5 minutes:
Urge Labor to scrap handouts to oil and gas multinationals. The Morrison Government gave $19,000 EVERY MINUTE to coal, oil and gas companies. Labor needs to stop these subsidies immediately.
This week, Santos, one of Australia’s biggest climate-wreckers, announced it had successfully increased and extended loans with banks including ANZ, CommBank, NAB and Westpac. Santos is working on several new oil and gas projects, undermining global efforts to tackle the climate crisis.
Action: Send this message to the big banks: Stop funding Santos!
Political parties continue to receive huge donations from the fossil fuel sector. We need legislation to fix political donations, election spending, and lobbying.
Action: Sign the petition to stop corporate influence in our democracy.
🐇 If you have 15 minutes:
Are you a doomer who says it’s ‘too late’ or a stubborn optimist who says it’s ‘not too late’? Rupert Read, Associate Professor of Philosophy at the University of East Anglia asks When people say “it’s too late” or “it’s not too late”, ask them “TOO LATE FOR WHAT?”
Action: Watch this 6 minute video to be inspired about meaningful action.
💃🏽 If you have 30 minutes or more:
Let’s get arty! Are there young people in your life who love wildlife? The Australian Conservation Foundation ‘Wild At Art’ threatened species art competition for kids is now open for children aged 5-12 until 31st October.
Action: Find out more about the ‘Wild at Art’ art competition.
Now’s your chance to add your voice to the Inquiry into the 2022 Federal Election. Tell the inquiry that you want a limit on spending on elections by political parties and campaigners. A cap on election spending would put an end to undue influence from the rich corporations and industry bodies.
Action: Tell the inquiry you want a cap on election spending.
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Fun facts, writing, infographics you’ve seen about climate action
We began this issue with a win for Aboriginal Traditional Owners in the Territory. We end with this astounding "historic victory for climate justice" for Torres Strait Islanders.
The ‘Torres Strait 8’ have won their landmark 3 year international legal case originally brought against the previous Morrison government. The United Nations Human Rights Committee found that the Australian Government is violating its human rights obligations to Torres Strait Islanders by failing to act on climate change.
This is huge - the landmark decision obliges the government to do whatever it takes to ensure the safe existence of the Torres Strait Islands. It also sets a precedent for Indigenous Peoples all around the world. Wow!
That’s all for today, folks 👋🏽 Thanks for taking action.
See you in two weeks (and meanwhile, make friends with someone wearing a cool hat!)
Malcolm
plus Jan, Robyn and Ron - The Climate Club Qld team
We live, work and play on the lands of the Yuggara and Turrbal people in and around Magandjin/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. We pay tribute to the perseverance and pride of Aboriginal and Torres Strait culture that enriches our nation.
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Love this issue! So exciting about the win by the Torres Strait 8, and the news on Origin leaving Beetaloo Basin. Congrats Australia on yet another step towards a safe climate future!