Unreasonable attacks on Adam Bandt who speaks out for action on climate change
Adam Bandt has every right to get fired up SMH October 20, 2013 Peter FitzSimons Can we give the Greens a break? For yonks they’ve been saying if we don’t look after the planet there will be hell to pay, and so, when that hell on earth arrives – most lately in terms of these unseasonal devastating bushfires – it is quite legitimate for the likes of Adam Bandt to draw attention to it, and advocate a change in policy. In the words of Barack Obama, denying the reality of climate change is the equivalent of belonging to the Flat Earth Society.
The carbon tax was demonstrably successful in reducing emissions. So when the Prime Minister says the previous government should ”repent” bringing it in, even as we break yet another month’s temperature record, and the bushfires take hold, it is reasonable for Bandt to put an alternative view. He is not disrespecting those who have lost their homes, nor those heroes fighting the fires. He’s saying what needs to be said, to try to do something so fewer people lose their homes in the future. The problem is not that he’s pushing his ”political agenda”. It is that his agenda – actually doing something to preserve the planet – is not shared by us all. Fire at will.: http://www.smh.com.au/comment/adam-bandt-has-every-right-to-get-fired-up-20131019-2vt3e.html#ixzz2iNifbkjT
Coal Seam Gas by any other name is still Coal Seam Gas
CSG industry wants to hide from its toxic name The Drum, By Matt Grudnoff 18 Oct 13, The words “coal seam gas” remain highly controversial and unpopular, which is why the industry wants to rebrand itself as “natural gas” as a way to avoid debate, writes Matt Grudnoff.
Just as those in the world of Harry Potter refused to utter Lord Voldemort’s name for fear of their lives, the gas industry appears equally frightened of using the words ‘coal seam gas’ for fear it might hurt its profits.
But just as calling Voldemort ‘He-Who-Must-Not-Be-Named’ didn’t make him disappear, calling coal seam gas (CSG) something else doesn’t make it any less of a concern for the community…….
These words are so toxic that the NSW government has proposed changing them. Rather than referring to ‘coal seam gas’ or ‘CSG’, it would instead be called ‘natural gas from coal seams’. Natural gas from coal seams might be technically correct, but we are left to wonder why the term needed expanding.
But the real question is why the industry is avoiding the debate. Could it be avoiding discussing environmental concerns because it fears that the public might be correct? Is its strategy not to engage a delaying tactic in the hope that CSG projects can be up and running before the full extent of the damage is known?……http://www.abc.net.au/news/2013-10-18/grudnoff-csg-industry-wants-to-hide-from-its-toxic-name/5030520
17 November Australia’s National Day of Climate Action!
National Day of Climate Action! http://aycc.org.au/action
Australian Youth Climate Action Climate change is one of the greatest threats facing our generation and the Government have not shown the Australian public that they have any credible climate change policy. It’s time to show them that we demand they protect our future.
Join us on the 17th of November for a National Day of Climate Action.
Be a part of a summer of climate action – it all starts on the 17th of November.
Locations and times coming soon.
Call for submissions on Abbott’s plan to repeal carbon tax
Climate-Action Canberra
The tax is working…it has reduced emissions…..economists support it whereas almost no economists support Abbotts ideas.
Removal of carbon tax will not necessarily save household expenses
Experts reject Coalition claims of carbon tax savings The Age October 16, 2013 Peter Hannam Carbon economy editor Experts have rejected claims by the Abbott government that household expenses would be significantly smaller after a repeal of the carbon tax…….Hugh Saddler, a principal consultant for energy analysts, Pitt & Sherry, said it had been “almost impossible” to see the carbon price footprint when it was introduced, and it will be no easier to tell the response if it is removed……
Gas price surge
While consumers will see a benefit from lower electricity prices if the carbon price is eliminated, the benefit is likely to be dwarfed by other changes in energy prices, said Tony Wood, director of Grattan Institute’s energy program.
Wholesale gas prices will double in coming years, adding about $170 a year to average Victorian household bills, and up to about $100 for other states less dependent on gas for heating, said Mr Wood…….
A much bigger impact, though, is likely if the Australian Energy Regulator adjusts the investment returns it permits for network spending on new poles and wires. The so-called “gold plating” contributed about half the increase of electricity prices over the past five years.
“Network prices should actually be coming down,” dragging power prices with them, Mr Wood said.
Opponents wrongly attributed all the increase in energy prices to the introduction of the carbon price, Mr Wood said. “You can hardly claim all the credit if [energy prices] go down.” http://www.smh.com.au/federal-politics/political-news/experts-reject-coalition-claims-of-carbon-tax-savings-20131016-2vmts.html#ixzz2i0BxzeCi
Australians’ special cancer danger from UV radiation
Sun sense in the summer months Australian Pacific College, 14 Oct 13 http://blog.apc.edu.au/2013/10/sun-sense-in-summer-months.htmlAlthough it’s not quite summer yet, the sun is starting to get hotter as we approach the hottest part of the year here in Australia. Some of you may be used to hotter weather than this but the sun in Australia is stronger than a lot of other countries around the world as evidenced by the fact that we have one of the highest rates of skin cancer in the world (Cancer Council Australia)……
- The majority of skin cancers in Australia are caused by exposure to UV radiation in sunlight.
- Sunburn causes 95% of melanomas – the deadliest form of skin cancer.
- In Australia, almost 14% of adults, 24% of teenagers and 8% of children are sunburnt on an average summer weekend. Many people get sunburnt when they are taking part in water sports and activities at the beach or a pool, as well as gardening or having a barbecue.
- Sunburn is also common on cooler or overcast days as many people mistakenly believe UV radiation is not as strong. This is untrue – you can still be sunburnt when the temperature is cool.
- Sun exposure that doesn’t result in burning can still cause damage to skin cells and increase your risk of developing skin cancer. Evidence suggests that regular exposure to UV radiation year after year can also lead to skin cancer.
- A tan is not a sign of good health or wellbeing, despite many Australians referring to a ‘healthy tan.’ Almost half of Australian adults still hold the misguided belief that a tan looks healthy……http://blog.apc.edu.au/2013/10/sun-sense-in-summer-months.html
No treaty with Australian aborigines – no legal ownership by British invaders?
Land ownership impacts on its inhabitants By Clive Dawson, The Courier, 17 Oct 13, “…….The doctrine of Terra Nullius literally land belonging to no-one meant Britain didn’t have to pay compensation or apologise to anyone for settling in Australia because there was nobody there to pay compensation or apologise to.
I wonder then who those Aboriginal people were who told Governor Phillips and his fleet which arrived at Botany Bay on January 18, 1871 to go home, and how can New Holland be part of the British Crown when Governor Phillips never signed any treaty with the Aboriginal elders on the 26 January 1788?
New Zealand had a treaty saying it belonged to the British Crown, so can the British government show the Australian people any treaty showing that Australia is part of the British empire?http://www.thecourier.com.au/story/1846991/land-ownership-impacts-on-its-inhabitants/?cs=64
Christine Milne calls for Australians to support climate change action
Christine Milne, 14 Oct 13 Even Rupert Murdoch’s Daily Telegraph now admits that global warming will put more Australian lives and homes in danger. Join us to stop Abbott from wrecking climate action.
The evidence of the threat of global warming to our lives and health has never been clearer; even the Daily Telegraph admits it. IPCC analysis on the front page of today’s Daily Tele shows that warming is getting more dangerous for all Australians: we’re at risk from heatwaves, extreme fire days, damage to our food and water supply, loss of homes and infrastructure and more.
Tony Abbott wants to tear down everything that we’ve achieved: the Clean Energy Act that’s charging companies to pollute and has already reduced emissions by 7%, $10 billion in clean energy construction investment that’s already building solar plants and wind farms, and much more. But he can’t do it without the Senate.
Take the first step today: join our call to all MPs to stop Abbott wrecking climate action.
The sickly state of Australia’s (and the world’s) uranium industry
At the Paydirt Uranium Conference in February 2012 in Australia, it was clear many companies were looking elsewhere, prompting an industry veteran to quip that copper and gold had never before enjoyed so much airtime at a uranium conference. A year later, attendance was so poor that the conference was reduced from two days to one day and shifted from the Hilton Hotel to a less opulent venue.
Uranium gloom and doom is also being felt in the enrichment sector.
Uranium’s sickly price problem Jim Green, Climate Spectator, 11 Oct 2013 The spot uranium price fell to $US34.50/lb U3O8 in late July, a price not seen since December 2005 during the upswing of a spectacular price bubble which peaked in June 2007 at $US138. The 12 per cent price slump in July was the biggest monthly loss since March 2011.
Since July, the spot price has fallen further still, to $US34, before surging to $US35 where it sits now. Recent prices are just over half the spot price of $US66.50 on March 11, 2011, the first day of the triple-disaster in northeast Japan. Continue reading
Carindale, Brisbane hosts Green Heart Fair October 13
Green Heart Fair 2013 sets up at Carindale SMH, October 7, 2013 – Natalie Fortuna The Green Heart Fair makes a return to Carindale on October 13, in a bid to make Brisbane Australia’s cleanest city. In what promises to be a fun and informative family-friendly day out, representatives from more than 40 leading sustainability organisations will promote clean living solutions while various entertainment groups perform throughout the day.
Lord Mayor Graham Quirk says the event is about highlighting and exploring sustainable living options within the community.
“I want Brisbane to be Australia’s cleanest, greenest city and events like the Green Heart Fair highlight how making just a few small changes can lead to a more sustainable lifestyle and help reduce the cost of living,” Cr Quirk said.
A Council Spokesperson said the semi-annual Green Heart Fair, which has been running in various formats since 2009, is a part of the Brisbane City Council’s wider Green Heart Events program…….
It has free entry and will be held on October 13, at the Carindale Recreation Reserve, Cadogan Street and Bedivere Street, Carindale.
International solar car race in Northern Territory
World Solar Challenge 2013 Kicks Off by Energy Matters, 6 Oct 13 38 teams commenced the 3,000 kilometre 2013 Bridgestone World Solar Challenge in Darwin on Sunday.
Australian solar car ‘Arrow 1’ from Queensland took pole position honours in the Elite Challenger Class and Team Eindhoven from the Netherlands and their family four-seater car ‘Stella‘ led the Cruiser Class.
Team Arrow had reached speeds of 120km/hr in track testing at Hidden Valley in the lead up to the event. Arrow 1 is being driven by Former Formula Ford race car driver Chris Ahern… ..http://www.energymatters.com.au/index.php?main_page=news_article&article_id=3970
How can psychology and the social sciences help us face the reality of climate change?
This conference will bring together researchers, practitioners and writers in psychology and the social sciences to examine these issues. The conference will include presentations and networking opportunities, including a dinner on Saturday evening.
Who should attend? Climate activists and professionals tackling community engagement in climate change.
Bookings: www.trybooking.com/DJGL Please book by October 6, 2013.
Venue: Community Room, Edinburgh Gardens, North Fitzroy
Date and time: Saturday October 12: 9.30am to 5.30pm, and Sunday October 13: 10 am to 3pm. Dinner on Saturday evening at nearby restaurant.
Cost: Full conference $110 ($60 concession), Single day $60 ($30 concession) Includes lunches and morning and afternoon teas. Conference dinner $30, excluding drinks. Haskins The North Fitzroy Arms http://psychologyforasafeclimate.org/events.php
It is time to learn the lessons from the past. Leave Queensland uranium in the ground.
57 Years since Maralinga: Australia’s uranium fuelling disaster since the 1950s http://qnfa.org/2013/09/28/57-years-since-maralinga-australias-uranium-fuelling-disaster-since-the-1950s/ SEPTEMBER 28, 2013 UPDATED ON SEPTEMBER 28, 2013 “DESPITE CLAIMS TO THE CONTRARY, ABORIGINAL PEOPLE DID WANDER THROUGH RADIATED LANDS. THEY CAMPED IN FRESH CRATERS, TO KEEP WARM AND TO TRAP RABBITS BLINDED BY COBALT PELLETS. WHEN DISCOVERED, THEY WERE COMPULSORILY SHOWERED, THEIR FINGER NAILS SCRUBBED WITH SOAP. THE WOMEN SUFFERED MISCARRIAGES. THEY WERE HERDED IN TRUCKS OR PUSHED ONTO TRAINS, EXPELLED FROM A SACRED SITE AT OOLDEA, A DAY’S WALK FROM MARALINGA AIRPORT. ALICE COX — AT 87, THE OLDEST SURVIVOR OF THE TESTS — REMEMBERS IT WELL. “SOLDIERS EVERYWHERE. GUNS. WE ALL CRY, CRY, CRYIN’. MEN, WOMEN AND CHILDREN, ALL AFRAID.”
John Keane, “Maralinga’s afterlife” The Age May 11, 2003i
57 years ago today, uranium from the Northern Territory was used in the One Tree nuclear test at Maralinga in South Australia. The 12.9 kiloton bomb dropped on Maralinga-Tjaratja land was similar in size to the bomb dropped on Hiroshima.Fallout from Maralinga nuclear tests dispersed over most of Australia, reaching Townsville in the north and Lismore in the east. The people of the land and those exposed have never been compensated.
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2 years ago, uranium from the Australia fuelled the ongoing nuclear disaster at Fukushima. As the crisis continues to unfold, evacuees face a life of displacement and uncertainty, while environmental impacts remain incalculable.
Despite the misery caused by our uranium, one year ago, Premier Newman reneging on a pre-election commitment, announced that he would allow uranium mining to go ahead in Queensland.
Today, Maralinga serves as a reminder of the real risks posed by a uranium industry in this state. Uranium is a radioactive heavy metal, the mining of which exposes those involved and the environment to radiological hazards and contamination. Water used in mining is rendered radioactive for hundreds of thousands of years making it unusable for human consumption and toxic to plant and animal life. Uranium mines in Queensland could threaten significant waterways such as Settlement Creek and the Great Artesian Basin.
Australia’s uranium legacy already includes: nuclear weapons, nuclear meltdowns, water way contamination and radiation exposure of workers.
It is time to learn the lessons from the past. Leave Queensland uranium in the ground.
For more information:
Read the report “High Risk, Low Return” the case against uranium mining in Queensland” http://www.brisbane.foe.org.au/uploads/1/4/1/7/14174316/highcost-lowreturn-uinqld.pdf
Contact: Robin Taubenfeld Friends of the Earth Brisbane 0411 118 737
Australian government not standing up for Colin Russell, imprisoned in Russia
Greens’ Senator Christine Milne says Australian Government must ‘stand up’ for rights of activists detained in Russia THE MERCURY AAP OCTOBER 03, 2013 THE Australian Government must stop looking the other way and stand up for the rights of environmental activists, Greens leader Christine Milne says.
Greenpeace protesters, including Tasmanian man Colin Russell, have been detained in Russia after authorities took against the crew of the Greenpeace vessel Arctic Sunrise.
Mr Russell, the ship’s radio room operator, is being held in the port city of Murmansk after his arrest at gunpoint on September 19 during a protest against oil drilling in the Arctic Circle.
“The Australian Government must stand up not only for Australian citizens but for all the activists and the right to non-violent protest,” Senator Milne told reporters in Hobart today.
The Arctic Sunrise was in international waters when it was boarded by Russian authorities, Senator Milne said. “On that basis I think the Australian Government needs to stop looking the other way and stand up for Australian citizens,” she said…….
Ms Bishop said Australians travelling overseas had to take responsibility for their own actions, adding she wouldn’t be running a regular commentary on high-profile consular cases. “Rarely is that in the interests of the person requiring assistance,” she said.
Senator Milne acknowledged the consular support received by Mr Russell but said the Australian Government should do more.
Why is Victorian government killing off renewable energy development?
Why are renewable energy projects being killed off by the Napthine govt? Yes2Renewables October 4, 2013 by Leigh Ewbank After appearing in The Geelong Advertiser expressing concern about the Napthine government’s energy policy–which has killed of another renewable energy project in the Geelong/Surf Coast region–Yes 2 Renewables received the following letter from Geelong and Surf Coast locals, Mik Aidt and Anthony Gleeson.
Aidt and Gleeson make a forceful argument about the need for the state government to support renewables and act on climate change:
Why is it decision makers in Australia think it is important to spend millions of dollars on building new and bigger roads, while investing in renewable energy, which can lead to improved health and a safer climate, is not important? Continue reading
1 This month
Chernobyl: The Lost Tapes – A good documentary on Chernobyl on SBS available On Demand for the next 3 weeks– https://www.sbs.com.au/ondemand/tv-program/chernobyl-the-lost-tapes/235274195556
20 May – Webinar – The dangerous world of AUKUS, US, military occupation and suppression of dissent
National Webinar, 20th May, 2026, 6.30pm AEST. Confronting laws restricting/suppressing protest speech and action
Speakers: Former Sen. Rex Patrick, Lawyer Nick Hanna ,Arthur Rorris ,Jorgen Doyle, Sen David Shoebbridge,
Facilitator Kelley Tranter.
of the week – Australians for War Powers Reform (AWPR)
To see nuclear-related stories in greater depth and intensity
Antinuclear 