I am one of a growing number of people who accept the science that tells us that urgent action is needed if we are to avoid the extreme effects of the mankind-generated climate emergency.
I am normally optimistic, but the re-election of the climate-change-denying Coalition government sees me feeling less positive.
I keep in touch with news from around the world, I see that – despite POTUS’ intransigence on the need for action – there are growing efforts in many US states to reduce emissions and increase the use of renewable energy.
I see European countries also achieving significantly reduced reliance on fossil fuels. Even China is making moves to reduce its dependence on coal.
My 18-year-old granddaughter, who is a high functioning autistic, was recently charged, I assume under some form of civil disobedience legislation, for gluing herself to the road at the Extinction Climate protest in Edinburgh. I would have gladly joined her were I not so far away!
I have solar panels on my roof. I cannot afford an electric car but I have a very fuel-efficient hatchback. I minimise waste and recycle all I can.
I am appalled at the Coalition’s refusal to even begin effective action. The states and territories are mostly increasing support for renewable energy but the electricity supply network needs central control to take the action necessary to adapt to increasing fluctuations arising from feeding power back into the grid.
The 3-D printed solar film, which the CEO of CSIRO showed the Q&A audience a few weeks back, is already in use in Japan, to generate electricity and reduce evaporation of water – a necessity for life which Australia does not husband well enough!
I seriously wonder whether the weird brand of religion followed by some in government, particularly the PM, has led them to believe that, as ordained by their god, the end of the world is nigh, and they are accepting that as a given, and refusing to try to prevent it!
Certainly, without effective and rapid action, the end of the world as we know it is rapidly approaching! Heat waves in Europe are likely to reap deaths from heat exhaustion. Polar ice in the Arctic is rapidly melting with clear implications for rising sea levels and adverse effects on marine life as well as the survival of species like the polar bears.
THE TIME FOR TALKING SHOULD BE OVER!
When governments think in 3-year bites (except when it comes to tax cuts, when they are happy to deny future funds to essential services in order to please voters in several years’ time!) they appear to refuse to consider cause and effect.
In fact, it appears that an alarmingly high proportion of our elected politicians are totally ignorant when it comes to scientific understanding.
We have government subsidies going to those who mine the coal and drill or frack for gas. We have trees being mown down so corporations can increase their profits, and greed and graft are rampant.
Most people reading this on the AIM Network could rightly accuse me of preaching to the converted. But I shall also post it on social media where it just might cause a stranger to think again about priorities and politics.
Where is our Extinction Climate action in Australia?
Our children have already led the way with their Strike 4 Climate rallies.
Are we adults all wimps or what? Do we ignore the truths spoken by Greta Thunberg because she is just a teenager, so what would she know about life and science? She has done the research which governments continue to ignore.
Please, can we set a date, when all who support the need for immediate action to fight global warming can down tools and get out in the middle of our nearest town and outside our government offices and make it clear that we need action and we need it NOW!
And we need to repeat this effort, monthly and then – if no changes are made – weekly!
Our world and the future of our children is in our hands. If we fail to take action, we will pay an appalling price in lives.
THE TIME FOR EFFECTIVE ACTION IS NOW!
LATER WILL ALMOST CERTAINLY BE TOO LATE!
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