I returned from the first ever Australia’s Climate Action Summit feeling excited and energised!!! What an amazing 4 days – truly inspiring and productive! Over 150 community groups were represented by 500 people from right across the country.

One of the most empowering and thrilling moments was the protest action on the first sitting day of Parliament. It is estimated 2500 people were part of the action that encircled the entire perimetre of Parliament House – despite initial permission to occupy only the front face of Parliament House! Media coverage was solid with a helicopter completing a fly over for aerial shots that will go down in history.

Some brief notes on outcomes from the summit:

In 2009, climate action groups will campaign to:

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

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

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

4 main actions have been tabled to help launch these campaigns

1. March 27 and the day after Rudd tables the CPRS legislation in the Lower House of Parliament – Actions at Corporate Offices and MPs’ offices calling for their opposition to the CPRS
2. June 6 – World Environment Day – Rallies in each major city and actions in regional areas launching the 100% Renewables in by 2020 campaign
3. Mid September to coincide with the peak melt of the Arctic Summer Sea Ice (and school holidays) – 3-day Climate Direct Action Camps at polluting infrastructure in each state
4. In the week leading up to and during the Copenhagen International Climate Negotiations – Actions in communities across the country

In addition, plans are being completed to establish a functional national network that will help support these campaigns, and facilitate better communication between climate action groups across the nation so we can continue to learn from each other.

The main focus for 2009 is ACTION, ACTION, ACTION! 2009 MUST be the year we turn the tide on climate change – we cannot afford to wait any longer, we are in a climate emergency, and we need urgent action to achieve a safe and just climate future for all.

For the outcomes of the summit, see www.climatesummit.org.au

Shannon Higgs
Hills Against Global Warming