National Climate Emergency Rally

1pm, Saturday, June 13 State Library, Melbourne
(march to Treasury Gardens)

Speakers and entertainment includes: Peter Marshall - United Firefighters Union, Emeretta Cross -Tuvaluan climate activist, David Spratt - author Climate Code Red, Greens leader Senator Bob Brown, Rod Quantock - Melbourne comedian and Taegan Edwards - Yarra Climate Action Now. Music by Melting Pot.
Bring noise making instruments if you can.

Please tell your family, friends and workmates.

Interstate events: www.climaterally.org

Info: 03 9639 3660 or info@climateactioncentre.org
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If you have thought of taking action on climate change, now is the time. Drought, bushfires, floods and rising seas are already hitting hard. It's an emergency and we need emergency action.

In December 2009, governments of the world will meet in Copenhagen to create a new global climate agreement. Australia must support, not stop, strong global action.

We can tackle the recession and climate change together. Direct investment in renewable energy will create jobs, stimulate the economy and begin to create the carbon-free economy of the future.

• 100% renewable energy by 2020
Australia must make the shift from fossil fuels to 100% renewable energy from wind, solar and other available technologies.

• Green collar jobs not job cuts
We can renew our economy by creating hundreds of thousands of 'green jobs' and supporting workers to make a fair and just transition to sustainable industries.

• Strong international action with climate justice
Australia must take the lead in global climate talks, not undermine them with an ineffective 5%-15% target. Globally, we must to listen those who are most affected by climate change and least responsible for it.

• Don't pass the Carbon Pollution law
We need climate policies that make the big polluters pay and not allow big companies to go on polluting. The CPRS won't reduce Australia's greenhouse pollution.

• Protect Australia's Forests
Logging and clearing vegetation are major contributors to climate change as forests and woodlands are important carbon stores.

1pm Saturday, June 13, State Library
Only a strong and growing movement for change will make a difference. Come with your friends and family to the Rally. Help promote the rally in your community.

www.climateactioncentre.org
www.twitter.com/climatecentre

Thankyou and final appeal for donations

This letter has been sent to supporters of the event on 4/8/2008.

Dear friends,

On behalf of the organising committee for the July 5 "Climate Emergency" rally and human sign event, I am writing to thank you for your support.

 We had a successful rally with over 4000 attendees, great speakers, and good coverage on all TV news channels, and even on the news in New Zealand! The human sign benefited from the near-perfect weather and looked great in the photos.

 We held a short debrief meeting for the organisers on July 24, at which we viewed a slideshow of photos of the day (available from our website, www.climaterally.blogspot.com), finalised the finances of the day , and discussed future plans for climate change protests and public events. From that meeting, I have two items to inform you of and request further support on.

 The relates to our budget. We have paid for printing, PA, aerial photography and public liability insurance out of loans by two members of the organising committee and donations received to date, but after all donations have been received we are still $800 short to repay the two organisers their loans.

 We are asking supporting groups to help us make up this amount by either donating some money, or helping us sell photo prints of the rally and sign.

 A number of endorsing groups and individuals have made donations to the rally (ranging from $30 to $250), and we collected over $1200 at the rally itself. We would ask you to consider, if you have not already done so, sending a small donation. (It need not be a large amount if everyone chips in – there were over 60 endorsing organisations!).

If you have already made a donation, or are unable to do so, we are selling photo prints from the rally (especially the aerial photographs!). It would be good if you could forward to group members, or anyone you know who might be interested, the information for buying prints. The prices and information follow, and are available from our website, as are the pictures to choose from for printing. Have a look if you haven't done so already!

 We have resolved that if any money is left over after all costs are paid, it will be donated to future climate events. On that note, the second item of which to inform you from the debriefing meeting was that we discussed a call to action for a national week of climate protests around the week of  the Spring Equinox (beginning September 21). This call is available online  and we are holding an initial meeting this Thursday 6:30PM to begin organising in Melbourne.

 Again, thank you for your support and we hope you will continue to work together with all of us until climate change is addressed seriously by government and all levels of society!

 Ben Courtice

For the climate emergency rally organising committee

* * *

CLIMATE RALLY PHOTOS

We have arranged to get high-resolution prints of the photos from the rally which would be suitable for framing. The money we get from sale of these photos will help to cover the outstanding costs of organising the rally (any left over will be donated to similar events in the future).

To order photo prints of the human sign (or rally), view the images and send an email to rallypics@optusnet.com.au with the number and caption of the photo(s) you want, as well as the size below. Include your contact details so we can arrange payment and delivery.

Price list

	Matte	Gloss
6"x4" (15cmx10cm)	$4	not available
5"x7"(13cm x 18cm)	$5	not available
8"x12" (20cmx30cm)	$10	$10
11"x16" (28cmx40cm)	$15	$15
12"x18" (30cmx45cm)	$20	$20
16"X24" (40cmx60cm)	$25	$25
20"x30" (50cmx75cm)	$30	$30

Volume Discounts available.

 

Order rally photo prints here!

We have arranged to get high-resolution prints of the photos from the rally which would be suitable for framing. The money we get from sale of these photos will help to cover the outstanding costs of organising the rally (any left over will be donated to similar events in the future).

To order photo prints of the human sign (or rally), view the images and send an email to rallypics@optusnet.com.au with the number and caption of the photo(s) you want, as well as the size below. Include your contact details so we can arrange payment and delivery.

Price list

	Matte	Gloss
6"x4" (15cmx10cm)	$4	not available
5"x7"(13cm x 18cm)	$5	not available
8"x12" (20cmx30cm)	$10	$10
11"x16" (28cmx40cm)	$15	$15
12"x18" (30cmx45cm)	$20	$20
16"X24" (40cmx60cm)	$25	$25
20"x30" (50cmx75cm)	$30	$30

Volume Discounts available.

Photo album online

You can view a good selection of photos at the Bayside Climate Change Action Group's online album

In particular, the photos by Aerofoto (at least) will be available in large prints as a fundraiser to pay off the last costs for the rally (printing posters and leaflets, sound system hire and aerial photography costs).

We will post here a list of which photos are available and how much they cost as soon as details are finalised.

You can also see a YouTube video of Bob Brown addressing the rally at Peter Campbell's blog and more photos etc at greenlivingpedia.

Rally photos by Jenny McCracken

Climate Emergency human sign photos

Thankyou and well done

What a day! Thankyou to everyone who came and everyone who helped. We had more than we needed to make the sign, we had great speakers, we got a good run on the news, and I don't think I met anyone who didn't enjoy themself.

Crowd estimates vary from about 1500 (the police) to 3-5000 (most of the organisers I spoke to). Two people who separately attempted a head count that I spoke to both came up with about 4000. If anyone wants to count from one of the aerial photos let me know what you get!

It was an amazing convergence of different groups and campaigns. People came from as far away as Albury and Sale. Many diverse campaigns were represented and got good profile, without concealing the central message.

We collected over a grand in donations which is great. We still have some more to make up our costs so if anyone wants to donate through the website, Friends of the Earth who are accepting and keeping (tax deductible) donations for us. Click here and then click on the climate emergency rally donations button on their donations page.

We will also upload the photos from the aeroplane and blimp over the next couple of days. If anyone wants to buy a large size print of any of them we will be selling those as well. Watch this site!

Lastly, we will have a slideshow and video footage of the rally and sign on July 24th at Ross House starting at 6PM. We will also have time after the slides for anyone who wants to discuss the next actions for the climate movement to put up their ideas.

Please watch this space for announcements of future events and check out the links to supporting organisations. This movement is going to grow and your input will make a difference!

Ben Courtice
Organising convenor

Rally timetable: don't be late!

For people just attending the rally, please note the punctual start time (in bold) so that we can move off to assemble in the sign in time! If you are late, the Alexandra Gardens are on the bank of the Yarra just opposite Birrarung Marr and Federation Square, and you can still come down to join in. And don't forget - wear red for emergency!

For volunteers, please see where you are to meet at the other times.

• 10:00 AM: Human sign co-ordinators to meet at Alexandra Gardens
• 11:30 AM: organising committee to meet at Burke & Wills statue, corner of Collins & Swanston
• 12 noon: Human Sign Helpers to attend Alexandra Gardens
• 12 noon: PA system arrives & begins setup at City Square
• 12:30 PM: Rally marshalls, donations collectors meet & briefing at City Square by the statue
• 1:00 PM: Speakers begin
• 1:30 PM (1:45 latest): Speakers finish & march moves off
• 2:00 PM: march begins arriving at Alexandra Gardens & forming sign
• 3:00 PM: sign formed, aerial photography begins
• 4:00 PM: help pack up if you can! And thanks for coming!

2 Minutes to Midnight at Flinders St Station

Join climate emergency rally organisers this Wednesday July 2, 7-9am at
Flinders St Station.

We will display our large banner with the 2-minutes-to-midnight
globe/clock (as seen on the rally poster) under the station clocks, and
will leaflet the morning commuters for the rally.

This will also be a photo opportunity for media prior to the rally, so
please come if you can to swell the numbers. Dress appropriately (red if
you can).

Genetics campaigners support rally

It might not be the most obvious connection to most people, but campaigners against genetically modified crops are also part of the movement against climate change. As Gene Ethics put it in a letter to the organisers of the climate emergency rally:

"Genetically Manipulated (GM) crops are not a safe or sustainable solution to the problems of global climate change and drought. GM crops make our farms even more dependent on declining oil resources that create greenhouse gases. Chemical-free and GM-free organic farming systems will feed, clothe and house everyone."

We are happy to be supported by Gene Ethics and MADGE (Mothers Against Genetic Engineering).

Posters and leaflets to download

If you want to print the poster yourself to put it up you can download it here. These versions are updated to include latest endorsements and so on. Just click on these links.

Colour poster for copying

Black and white poster for copying

Colour poster for printing & copying

Black & white poster for copying

Your Water Your Say faces court costs

Your Water Your Say have had costs awarded against them after their Federal Court case. The group stated prior to the hearing that if costs were awarded "it is likely that the community action group YWYS will be wound up. This will leave the local community without an official organization to voice their concerns and opposition to the desalination project." As YWYS President Andrea Bolch puts it, "This action should send a shiver down the spine of every community group who dares to question a Governments decision."

People opposed to the desalination plant are encouraged to take action. You can:

• Come to the Climate Emergency Rally!
• Show your support at the community assembly (see picture for details). There will be a BBQ at 3pm every second Sunday from June 15 (BYO food)

• Write emails/letters to the media and to your local Member of Parliament.
  
• Phone the radio programs in Melbourne and Regionally to show your support for the
  campaign.
  

Tell them clearly how outrageous it is that State and Federal Governments believe it is fair and equitable to bankrupt community groups that dare to challenge their decisions. Tell them it is a misuse of their power that they endeavour to shut down debate and silence a community that will not accept having an environmentally destructive project the size of the MCG dumped on them without consultation.

Public forum: Speeding towards dangerous climate change

Public forum: 15 June 2008

Hear what the world’s leading climate scientists are discovering about the speed of climate change, the potential impacts on our way of life, and what we need to do to safeguard our future.

• Sir Rod Eddington has recommended we spend $18 billion on transport infrastructure, but says this will have ‘minimal’ impact on transport emission trends. Meanwhile transport emissions are forecast to grow by more than 60% over 1999 levels by 2020. Can we do better?
• Government ministers claim freeways offer environmental benefits and getting more ‘clean’ cars on the road is the solution, but are they effective?

Guest speakers include:

David Spratt
David Spratt is a climate-policy analyst and co-founder of Carbon Equity. Together with Philip Sutton, David co-authored Climate Code Red which meticulously documents extensive scientific evidence that the global warming crisis is far worse than official reports and national governments have indicated — and that we’re almost at the point of no return.

Dr Patrick Moriarty
Paddy Moriarty is an Honorary Research Associate at Monash University undertaking research in areas such as urban land use and transport and alternative energy. Paddy is also a Senior Research Fellow at the Australasian Centre for the Governance and Management of Urban Transport (GAMUT) at the University of Melbourne and has published extensively on alternative fuels, energy efficiency and transport systems.

Elliot Fishman
Elliot Fishman is a policy advisor with the Cycling Promotion Fund and Director of the Institute for Sensible Transport. Elliot has recently co-authored a report on the health benefits of cycling and what governments need to do to encourage more people to ride instead of drive.

When: Sunday 15 June 2008, 2.30pm - 5pm
Where: Supper Room, Melbourne Town Hall, cnr Swanston & Collins Streets, Melbourne
RSVP:

Next organising meeting: 7pm, May 29

The next organising meeting will be held 7pm this Thursday May 29 at the 60L building -- 60 Leicester St Carlton. Leicester St runs off Victoria St near Vic Markets at the corner of Elizabeth St, and 60L is one block up (nearly on the corner of Queensberry St).

In the last week a large number of groups have endorsed the event (see list below). We hope as many as possible can come to the meeting on the 29th. We have confirmed our booking of Alexandra Gardens for the human sign, and a broad representative meeting will make it easy to reach final consensus on speakers, publicity, budget and all the other details that make up a sucessful event.

We hope to see you there!

Ben Courtice
convenor

What a human sign looks like

This was the April 22 2007 sign at Sandringham Beach that the Bayside Climate Change Action Group organised, with 2-3000 people in attendance. Their online photo album of the event can be viewed here.

Other groups have also organised their own human sign messages including Your Water Your Say and the Anvil Hill Alliance in NSW .

Voices from Bangladesh Speaking Tour in Melbourne this Friday

The people and ecosystems of Bangladesh face many of the most devastating consequences of climate change and sea level rise – at the same time as international financial institutions continue to finance projects such as the Phulbari Coal project that directly contribute to climate change and threaten developing communities. This national speaking tour aims to raise awareness of the unequal impacts of climate change and to voice the urgent need for Australia to support development projects that are socially and environmentally just, rather than destructive.
The people and ecosystems of Bangladesh face many of the most devastating consequences of climate change and sea level rise – at the same time as international financial institutions such as the Asian Development Bank continue to finance projects such as the Phulbari Coal project that directly contribute to climate change and threaten the environmental health human rights of developing communities.

This national speaking tour aims to raise awareness of the unequal impacts of climate change and to voice the urgent need for Australia to support development projects that are socially and environmentally just, rather than destructive.

Speaker:
• Prof Anu Muhammad is a Professor in the Department of Economics at Jahangirnagar University in Dhaka and has been integral in leading the civil society campaign against the Phulbari mine.

International development projects financed through institutions like the ADB can, and have played a significant role in exacerbating climate change and locking Majority World countries into unsustainable, fossil-fuel intensive paths of development. Urgent action is required to direct development efforts away from projects such as the Phulbari Coal project that have potentially devastating social and environmental impacts, and offer no real benefit to affected communities.

The Phulbari Coal Project is currently under consideration for funding by the Asian Development Bank (ADB), yet would require the forced relocation of between 50,000-150,000 people and further affect between 100,000 and 2 million people through increased regional pollution and dewatering of the Barind tract. The mine's current owners, Asia Energy, have already generated controversy after five protestors were killed and 200 injured when authorities opened fire on 50,000 demonstrators opposing the mine in August 2006.

The tour will visit Sydney, Melbourne, Brisbane, Canberra, Katoomba and the Hunter Valley.

The tour is hosted by AidWatch, and supported by Friends of the Earth, Australian Ethical, the Mineral Policy Institute, Oxfam Australia and Rising Tide.

MELBOURNE EVENT:
Public meeting: friday May 23, 6.30 - 8.30pm,
Northcote High School. St Georges Road, Northcote, 3070 (just north of Merri creek). Take tram line 112 towards West Preston, stop 27 (full details on tram timetables)
For details on Melbourne event, please contact Cam Walker: cam.walker@foe.org.au

Camp for Climate Action Victorian events

The Camp for Climate Action will be a convergence of people from all over Australia who are determined to see real action on climate change. Despite being in a good position to switch to renewables, Australia is failing to move away from coal. Coal exports are our biggest contribution to climate change, and Newcastle, already the world's biggest coal port, is set for a massive expansion. The camp will be sending the message that we need a just transition from coal to clean energy – not an expansion of the coal industry.

The five day camp will be a peaceful, participatory and sustainable event, where people are invited to share, learn, plan and take action. As one of seven simultaneous climate camps happening in Europe and North America, it will be an inspiring gathering of people of all ages and from all walks of life coming together to take direct action for a living future.

What: five days of popular education, skillsharing and direct action
Where: Newcastle
When: July 10^th –15^th 2008
Who: You, your friends and family
For more info: www.climatecamp.org.au

Organising Meeting

When: Monday May 19^th at 5.30pm

Where: Melbourne University Student Union

Why: To facilitate the organization of the Camp for Climate Action, with a focus on Victorian logistics.

Fundraising Event

It's Getting Hot In Here: SOS + Climate Camp Fundraiser

Friday 23rd MAY
289 Lygon St, East Brunswick
Tram 1 or 8, Stop 123

$5 entry for the rich
gold coin for the poor

Music, Dancing and Delicious Home Brew from 8pm

www.studentsofsustainability.org
www.climatecamp.org.au

Peaceful Direct Action Workshop

The camp for climate action will be five days of inspiring workshops & direct action aimed at shutting down the world's largest coal port in Newcastle, just north of Sydney. If you're concerned about climate change, and want real action instead of more hot air, then we encourage you to come, bring your friends and family and get involved. Whether you're old or young, a seasoned protestor or if you've never been to a protest in your life, if you share our passion for climate action, then climate camp and this (free) workshop, is for you!

When: Saturday May 31^st 10am – 4pm
Where: RMIT Swanston St entrance
Building 8, Level 4, Multifunction Room Melway Ref: 2F, E1

www.climatecamp.org.au

This workshop will cover;

In the morning …

What to expect at the Camp for Climate Action
How to partake in peaceful direct action safely and with the support of those around you
How to define clear objectives for an action and to ensure that actions meet your objectives

In the afternoon …

Role play of peaceful direct action scenario's
Legal briefings on NSW laws and impacts of getting arrested (remember there are many non-arrestable ways to be part of peaceful direct action)
Media and interview skills
Police liaison skills and conflict de-escalation skills
Forming action groups and discussing potential actions before heading up to Climate Camp
Creating peaceful direct actions here in Victoria in the lead up

Please wear comfortable clothes that you can move easily in.
For more information or to RSVP contact vicclimateaction@gmail.com

REGISTRATION – let us know your coming …

http://www.climatecamp.org.au/let-us-know-youre-coming

You are encouraged to take part in the camp as part of an organised community, for increased autonomy and safety for all of us and efficiency for the organisers. To find out more about how the camp is organised before you register, see the Neighbourhoods and Action Teams pages and contact us if you need to.

Suggested Donation NOTE: Donation is not required for participation or registration. The most important donation you can make to Climate Camp is your time and involvement. However, Climate Camp will cost a lot to organise and put-on. While we've done our best to keep our budget low, many costs are unavoidable. If all of us who're coming* contribute a little toward the cost of the infrastructure we'll be using for the week, it will add up to a sizable contribution towards our collective expenses. The money will cover things we'll all need and use at the camp like composting toilets, kitchens, marquees and water tanks. * $20 (underpaid) * $40 (waged) * $50+ (if you can afford it) *Alternatively you could ask some-one who isn't able to make it to donate their dollars instead of their time.

Transport Registration

The Victorian Camp for Climate Action collective have organised two 12 seater buses to assist people to attend the Camp for Climate Action. These buses will be leaving the first weekend of July to arrive in Newcastle in time for the Students of Sustainability conference (see www.studentsofsustainability.org) A seat will cost $100 return (half the price of the train) and can be reserved by emailing viclimateaction@gmail.com

Climate Emergency Network General Meeting

Sunday May 25: 11.45am to 5 pm (incl. lunch break)
Abbotsford Convent, 1 St Heliers St Abbotsford. Melways 44 G5

The Climate Emergency Network (CEN) is a not-for-profit, non-politically-aligned network of community organisations that are campaigning for all governments to recognise and declare a state of climate and sustainability emergency in order to ensure we have a safe climate future for all people, all species, and all generations.

The network aims to bring together the many Climate Action Groups and community organisations across the nation to work strategically together towards this goal.

The network has been established only 3 months and has over 70 members in Victoria, representing many existing Climate Action Groups. We welcome new people and groups to join the network.

The Climate Emergency Network Charter is attached.

Please come along to meet with members of the Network.
• Hear how the work of the Network is developing and become involved in jobs and projects needing workers!
• View the latest version of the Climate Code Red slide show.
• Learn how to train as a presenter of the slide show and Climate Code Red emergency message.
• Hear how your Climate Action Group can become involved in a project to meet with your Local Community Leaders.
• Hear about plans to meet and discuss the Climate Emergency message with key policy makers and influential members of our society.
(A detailed agenda will be circulated closer to the date)

Feeling creative??? The network is seeking ideas for a logo. We invite everyone to bring along their suggestions on the day. We will decide on a basic concept or logo with the option to pass them onto a graphic designer for development

We would appreciate a donation to contribute to room hire expenses.

Lunch:
We will have a late lunch break about 1.30pm to 2pm. Food is available at the Convent Cafes or BYO.

Getting there... by public transport:
Via Train: Victoria Park on the Epping/Hurstbridge line is the closest railway station. Buses 200, 201, 205 and 207 run along Johnson Street.
Via Bus: Catch the Garden City/Bulleen Bus 203 from the city in Lonsdale St, this will run along Johnson St. Get off at Clarke Street Bus Stop. (Make sure you are going in the Kew Junction direction). Turn left from Clarke Street into St. Heliers and follow the sign to The Collingwood Children’s Farm. The entrance gates of the Convent are on the right before you reach the Farm.
Getting there... by bike or foot: The Capital City cycling and walking path passes the site.
Getting there... by car: Enter Clarke St from Johnson St, then left into St. Heliers Street. All day parking is available on the north side of St Heliers Street and costs $4.00(coins only). There is also 15 minute parking on the street. There is no vehicular access to the Convent site.

To RSVP or for more information contact: climatecodered@yahoo.com