Issue 9: More ups than downs this time!
Two steps forward... and only one step back! More huge wins for the climate and for justice in 2022.
Yet again 2022 has delivered us an outrage alongside an extraordinary breakthrough. And in between, some situations are hard to judge as either a win or loss! Take COP27, for example. Some judged the international gathering as a massive failure:
When the history of the climate crisis is written, in whatever world awaits us, Cop27 will be seen as the moment when the dream of keeping global heating below 1.5C died. Damian Carrington, The Guardian
However, others lauded the historic agreement on a loss and damage fund to compensate countries for climate change-related damage:
The creation of the Loss and Damage Fund today is also a clear victory for civil society groups across the world, who made this issue a priority and used their power to put sustained pressure on rich nations to take responsibility for the crisis they have historically caused. Climate Action Network International.
Meanwhile in Australia Youth Verdict, a First Nations-led group of young people aged 13 to 30, along with the Bimblebox Alliance achieved a historic win stopping Clive Palmer’s Waratah coal project on human rights and climate grounds. Similarly the Santos Barossa gas project north of the Tiwi Islands has been stalled by the Federal Court due to inadequate consultation with the Munupi people.
But …. again it’s not all good news. This week a climate protester from Blockade Australia was sentenced to fifteen months in jail, fined $2,500 and denied bail for blocking one lane of the Sydney Harbour Bridge for around 25 minutes. New draconian laws are being used to crush climate activists.
What can these outcomes teach us? That we never know when a win is around the corner. That we need to stand up for democratic rights to peaceful protest. That amplifying the voices of those suffering climate injustices can lead to transformative change. And that there is hope.
“No one can do everything, but everyone can do something.”
~ Signe Wenneberg
So what ‘something’ are you able to do this fortnight? Check out our top Climate Club Queensland picks for taking action today. 🌞 🍍
What can you do today?
Our most clicked link from our last edition was Australian Conservation Foundation’s petition to End coal and gas in Australia. With 13,304 signatures they’re now over half way to their 25,000 goal!
🐝 If you have 5 minutes:
As energy prices soar and fossil fuel companies reap record profits, more and more people are demanding an urgent transition to 100% renewable energy. Follow Solar Citizen’s easy online template to email Energy Ministers and demand a Renewable Energy Storage Target.
Action: Visit Solar Citizens guide to email your state and federal Energy Ministers to support a REST that will help households take control of their power bills. (You may have already signed the Solar Citizens petition, featured in Issue #8)
The Queensland Government has released the Queensland Energy and Jobs Plan outlining policies and actions to deliver a clean, reliable and affordable energy system that will provide power for generations. You will have until mid-2023 to have your say on the plan. In the meantime the government has promised to hold in-person consultation around the state, but not provided dates, times or locations. Sign up to their consultation email list to make sure they know we care!
Action: Subscribe to the Queensland Energy and Jobs Plan consultation notification list to make sure we find out when and where these crucial opportunities to debate the plan will be held! Download the plan here. (We introduced the Plan in Issue #7)
🐇 If you have 15 minutes:
DO THIS ONE PRONTO EH! Join Australian Conservation Foundations’ ‘Nature Snaps for COP15’ event to tell Environment Minister Tanya Plibersek to negotiate stronger nature protection and restoration at the upcoming COP15 event. Join hundreds of other supporters in posting messages and photos that represent the nature we love onto social media sites.
Action: Sign up here to join ACF’s nature snaps event on Wednesday 7th December and get a simple guide for making the biggest impact online.
Despite the good news about the Waratah coal mine and Santos Barossa project, Australia is still pushing new coal and gas projects. Glencore’s new Central Queensland mega-mine will destroy close to 10,000 hectares of land and at least 7 major creeks and river systems.
Action: Use the Lock the Gate online submission template to personalise your message to the Coordinator General opposing this project.
💃🏽 If you have 30 minutes or more:
Just want to chill? Join Toowoomba for Climate Action at their climate action film night to watch the quirky comedy-adventure-drama about one woman’s secret double life as an environmental activist.
Action: Join Toowoomba for Climate Action at their Climate action film night to watch Woman at War, on Thursday 15th December 7-9pm.
At this time of the year many people want to take some time to rest, recharge and plan ahead for 2023. 350.org Brisbane group are inviting all those interested in climate action to BYO ideas for positive change, action and a festive spirit to their end of year picnic.
Action: Join 350.org Meanjin group at their picnic on Saturday, December 10, 2022 4pm at Orleigh Park, 68 Hill End Terrace, West End, 4101 AU
Join Mackay Conservation Group to tell The National Australia Bank ahead of their AGM to stop funding Whitehaven Coal - who deal solely in fossil fuels!
If you’re in Mackay in December they’d love to see you at their Mackay action to send a strong message to NAB: #NotAnotherDollar for climate wrecking coal mines.
Action: Join Mackay Conservation Group for their action outside NAB Mackay branch on Wednesday 14th December 12pm.
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That’s all for today, folks 👋🏽 Thanks for taking action. We’re looking forward to sharing our surprise Christmas edition next fortnight and keen to hear from you! What wins do you want to work towards in 2023? What will lift your spirits and keep you hopeful? We’’d love to hear your thoughts in the comments below.
Is it Robyn under there? Or the Move Beyond Coal-babies staging their latest protest in a Mt Gravatt shopping mall? I think you can probably guess!
Robyn, plus Jan, Malcolm 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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