Saturday, June 13
State Library
The National Climate Emergency Rally was a huge success. Speakers and entertainment included:
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 Teagan Edwards – Yarra Climate Action Now. Music by Melting Pot.
This event was organised by the Climate Action Centre and was about sending a message to government and the community that action is needed on climate change. The rally also supported the recently released Plan B report that outlines an alternative approach to tackling climate change rather than the flawed CPRS. You can find more about the Plan B here
The event was part of an Australia wide action of demonstations. In Melbourne up to 4000 people marched for action, which funnily enough coincided with the Victorian ALP State Conference at Melbourne Town Hall. Lots of noise was made here to really deliver the message to attendees.
Here’s some photos of the event. Note the cool SUNNY SOLAR, and CLEAN WIND posters – these DCAN posters were a hit at the rally – click here for photos.
The key messages of the rally were:
“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.”
www.climateactioncentre.org
www.twitter.com/climatecentre
