Monday 3 December 2007
Great Video - why we should spread the word
Check out this fantastic video on why we should all take action on climate change. Not because we're all tree-hugging hippies, but because the odds are better that way. Logic you can't argue with here folks. Pass it on. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bDsIFspVzfI
New Novel on Climate Change Theme
Hi Everyone. Those of you who attended the forum will remember Philip Machanick who has recently self-published a novel with a climate change theme, titled 'No Tomorrow'. It has been really well received and I thought I would put a link in here for those of you who may be interested in a copy, or further chatting to Philip.
http://groups.google.com.au/group/no-tomorrow
http://groups.google.com.au/group/no-tomorrow
Thursday 29 November 2007
Google Goes Green
Nathan found a great article on Slashdot, about Google going into Green Energy production on a mass scale.
One gigawatt of energy can power a city the size of San Francisco (or for that matter, Brisbane)! See Google's full
press release
"Google today announced its RE<C project to make renewable energy cheaper than coal in the near future. The company, and its charitable arm google.org, plan to invest hundreds of millions of dollars in the initiative. Larry Page stated: 'With talented technologists, great partners and significant investments, we hope to rapidly push forward. Our goal is to produce one gigawatt of renewable energy capacity that is cheaper than coal. We are optimistic this can be done in years, not decades.' "
One gigawatt of energy can power a city the size of San Francisco (or for that matter, Brisbane)! See Google's full
press release
Wednesday 14 November 2007
Forum gets Mention in Queensland Parliament
Indooroopilly State MP Ronan Lee gave a speech in Queensland parliament today about the Westside Climate Action Group's Candidate's Forum and our Federal MP Michael Johnson's no-show. Here are excerpts from the speech...now we are in Hansard.
"Last Tuesday the Westside Climate Action Group organised its inaugural candidates forum for candidates contesting the federal electorate of Ryan and the 80 or so locals that attended, including me, heard from six of the candidates including Kevin07’s candidate Ross Daniels.
There was one notable omission – Michael Johnson.
I have previously spoken in this House about Michael Johnson’s silence on environmental issues but to snub a community group like this is ridiculous.
But Mr Speaker, he’s got form – according to The Westside News – Mr Johnson dodged a Higher Education candidates forum at UQ recently. And at an environmental forum in Jamboree recently, he turned up but left before Question time.
Mr Johnson’s spokeswoman said he had to leave ‘‘because the forum was running a little bit over’’.
Fancy that, people had a lot to say about climate change during a federal election campaign. Surely this isn’t a surprise to Michael Johnson.
But, Mr Speaker, its kind of understandable that a candidate would hide under their desk when asked to defend John Howard’s record on the environment.
Here’s what Michael Johnson had to say in Federal Parliament on 18 September – “I am happy to put on the record that I do support nuclear being put into the mix as an option for Australia’s future energy and environmental benefit”.
Ryan deserves better than a Federal MP that won’t answer questions locally about their position on key issues and we certainly deserve better than a Federal MP that supports nuclear power generation."
Ronan Lee was a supporter of the Forum since it's planning, helping with photocopying of flyers, and with organising a venue for us at no cost.
"Last Tuesday the Westside Climate Action Group organised its inaugural candidates forum for candidates contesting the federal electorate of Ryan and the 80 or so locals that attended, including me, heard from six of the candidates including Kevin07’s candidate Ross Daniels.
There was one notable omission – Michael Johnson.
I have previously spoken in this House about Michael Johnson’s silence on environmental issues but to snub a community group like this is ridiculous.
But Mr Speaker, he’s got form – according to The Westside News – Mr Johnson dodged a Higher Education candidates forum at UQ recently. And at an environmental forum in Jamboree recently, he turned up but left before Question time.
Mr Johnson’s spokeswoman said he had to leave ‘‘because the forum was running a little bit over’’.
Fancy that, people had a lot to say about climate change during a federal election campaign. Surely this isn’t a surprise to Michael Johnson.
But, Mr Speaker, its kind of understandable that a candidate would hide under their desk when asked to defend John Howard’s record on the environment.
Here’s what Michael Johnson had to say in Federal Parliament on 18 September – “I am happy to put on the record that I do support nuclear being put into the mix as an option for Australia’s future energy and environmental benefit”.
Ryan deserves better than a Federal MP that won’t answer questions locally about their position on key issues and we certainly deserve better than a Federal MP that supports nuclear power generation."
Ronan Lee was a supporter of the Forum since it's planning, helping with photocopying of flyers, and with organising a venue for us at no cost.
Media Coverage of Forum
Featured in Westside News Wednesday 14th November, 2007
Double click on image to enlarge.
Double click on image to enlarge.
Monday 12 November 2007
Anna Keenan on Difference of Opinion
Friend of the Westside Climate Action Group, Anna Keenan, who was our guest speaker at the Candidate's Forum appeared as a panelist on ABC TV's Difference of Opinion last week. Anna had the first round of applause and the last word, and represented the concerns of a young generation in fine fashion, in a debate on how to tackle climate change. Read it or download it (episode 17, 8/11/07) from the ABC website. Well worth a look.
Thursday 8 November 2007
YouTube of Climate Change Candidates' Forum
The first public event of the Westside Climate Action Group was held at the new Science, Maths and Technology College at Toowong on Tuesday 6th November.
In a forum refreshingly free of political rhetoric, four candidates for the seat of Ryan faced a barrage of questions and ‘take home’ messages from about 80 citizens. Sitting Liberal MP Michael Johnson was invited to attend, but declined.
One particularly probing question was put by Anna Keenan of the Australian Conservation Foundation. What are your party's weaknesses on climate change policy?
See Anna's Group's question and the candidate's refreshingly frank answers: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fzRStxtyjW8
Candidates were invited to make policy speeches on climate change, which were limited to three minutes, and can be viewed here:
James Page (DEM): http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-Q4p4IiC6Ys
Evan Jones (GRN): http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=n3WoDYuJPWs
Ross Daniels (ALP): http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5l_7YDx0lo0
Charles Worringham (IND): http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7DPIMnxy5J0
In addition to questions put to candidates, participants also gave the candidates a very clear message on climate change. We are looking for politicians to mandate change. Don’t be afraid to make the politically unpopular decisions which have to be made.
In a forum refreshingly free of political rhetoric, four candidates for the seat of Ryan faced a barrage of questions and ‘take home’ messages from about 80 citizens. Sitting Liberal MP Michael Johnson was invited to attend, but declined.
One particularly probing question was put by Anna Keenan of the Australian Conservation Foundation. What are your party's weaknesses on climate change policy?
See Anna's Group's question and the candidate's refreshingly frank answers: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v
Candidates were invited to make policy speeches on climate change, which were limited to three minutes, and can be viewed here:
James Page (DEM): http://www.youtube.com/watch?v
Evan Jones (GRN): http://www.youtube.com/watch?v
Ross Daniels (ALP): http://www.youtube.com/watch?v
Charles Worringham (IND): http://www.youtube.com/watch?v
In addition to questions put to candidates, participants also gave the candidates a very clear message on climate change. We are looking for politicians to mandate change. Don’t be afraid to make the politically unpopular decisions which have to be made.
Tuesday 30 October 2007
Amendments to draft UK Climate Change Bill may include aviation and shipping emissions
For the first time ever emissions from aviation and the shipping industry may be included in the UK's emissions targets in possible new amendments to the draft Climate Change Bill. The Bill is also notable because it will place a legal duty on the government to reduce emissions by a set target. Read more here http://politics.guardian.co.uk/green/story/0,,2201343,00.htm
Sunday 28 October 2007
Walk Against Warming Sunday the 11th of November
Get your brollies ready because on Sunday the 11th of October the now annual event Walk Against Warming will once again be held in Brisbane.
This is an opportunity to get out and show your concern about climate change by participating in a colourful eye-catching, and at times theatrical, umbrella parade through Brisbane.
The date: 11th of November
Place: Queens Park (next to the casino)
Time: 1pm
For more information about the event visit: http://www.walkagainstwarming.org/?page=qld.php&s=3
Hope to see you there!
This is an opportunity to get out and show your concern about climate change by participating in a colourful eye-catching, and at times theatrical, umbrella parade through Brisbane.
The date: 11th of November
Place: Queens Park (next to the casino)
Time: 1pm
For more information about the event visit: http://www.walkagainstwarming.org/?page=qld.php&s=3
Hope to see you there!
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