Austalia's Climate Action Summit

Submitted by President on Thu, 05/02/2009 - 11:07.

Australia's first climate action summit brought together over 500 people representing about 150 climate action groups from all over Australia. For three days we discussed, shared skills, networked, and we developed a policy, strategised on a national campaign as well as a initial proposal for how we will organise ourselves as a network of climate action groups.

UYDEC was represented by myself and I was pleased to see many others from the outer east of Melbourne in attendance. The experience was inspiring and motivating and I look forward to

It was amazing to witness the relative speed at which such a diverse group was able to come to agreement over the campaign strategy for the network. We agreed that the key campaign objectives for 2009 are:

1. Prevent the Carbon Pollution Reduction Scheme (CPRS) from becoming law.

2. Build community-wide action to demand green jobs, a just transition and 100% renewable energy by 2020.

3. Build community support for a goal of stabilisation at 300ppm CO2 in the atmosphere and strong international agreement in line with what science and global justice demands. Communicate this position to the Copenhagen Conference of Parties and advocate for the Australian government to adopt this position.

These objectives are based on the science of climate change rather than the politics of government or special interests.

To conclude the gathering a peaceful protest was held on theTuesday morning, climate activists encirlced parliament house to mark the beginning of the parliamentary year with a strong message that we are not happy with the governments direction on climate change.

For coverage of the summit and the action see:

For coverage of the events in the news visit these sites:

ABC News