CCBR Newsflash #37 - 14.12.08

Monday's release of the White Paper...

Dear CCBR Supporters,

After month's of consultation, lobbying and review (Green Paper, Garnaut Review) the Rudd Govt is about to deliver it's White Paper. This document sets Australia's response to Climate Change by outlining the detail of the Government's CPRS (Carbon Pollution Reduction Scheme) and setting emission reduction targets for 2020.

Marian Wilkinson's article in the Saturday's Herald summarises it all:
http://www.smh.com.au/news/national/playing-the-percentages/2008/12/12/1228585118388.html

While the article talks of pressure and consultation from Australia's environment movement and the scientific community it also highlights "It's a question of what the community will do if hopes are dashed"... CCBR is part of a fast growing movement giving communities a voice on this issue and we believe that if the Government is to be budged on weak targets between now and the international agreements being set in Copenhagen this time next year (the next phase for the Kyoto Protocol) then the budging has to come from community groups like ours. You and many others like you Australia wide are playing a vital role on where this country is heading on this issue....

Target's are still expected to be set around 5-15%, realistically even 25% would be way too low!
It is absolutely crucial that everyone understand how appalling the decision is and that it is roundly condemned, as this can form a platform on which to campaign for stronger and realistic targets next year.

Please consider doing one of the following:
1. Ring your MP...
tell them these targets are unacceptable and a disaster for Australia and the world.
Tanya Plibersek's (member for Sydney) number: 9357 6366
(You can find MPs phone numbers by searching here www.aph.gov.au/whoswho/index.htm)

2. Join the Step-Ins...
CCBR will be meeting cnr Crown and Foveaux Streets 11.45am Tuesday Dec 17. Join us for a fun demo outside Tanya Plibersek's office (12.09 till 1.01pm) . Thankyou to all who have RSVPed so far.
If you're not in the Sydney electorate look for a local step-in event planned for next week at: http://stepitupaustralia.wordpress.com/

3. Call Talk Back Radio...
and write letters to newspapers about the targets.
See the attached document for talking points and info.

Good luck,
The CCBR team