In outrageous news, last week Environment Minister Tanya Plibersek approved 171 new fracking wells in Queensland for Santos and Arrow Energy.1,2 And Chris Bowen is refusing to rule out new coal and gas as part of updating the Abbott-era Safeguard Mechanism that is meant to reduce emissions.3
This from a government who were elected with a mandate to act on climate with the urgency it deserves – it is clear that it’s going to take a loud, people powered movement to shift Labor on fossil fuels, but we need your help to make that possible.
There are 114 other coal and gas projects in the pipeline that we simply cannot allow to go ahead4, but right now, the Albanese government is taking advice from fossil fuel corporations, rather than listening to the Australian public, Pacific leaders, and climate science. It’s time to turn up the heat 🔥🔥🔥
That looks like building local power in key electorates, elevating the voices of those on the frontline of the climate crisis and extraction, holding big rallies in capital cities, and doing the research on key companies and projects.
This is 350 Australia’s plan for halting the expansion of new fracking wells and coal mines in this country, but it’s an ambitious task, and it’s going to take a big, beautiful movement to get there.
Can you donate monthly, or give a one off gift, to make this vision a reality?
For too long, conservative governments have sided with the fossil fuel lobby, holding back action on climate change and encouraging the expansion of this dangerous industry. Now we have a new government, but they’re clearly still beholden to the fossil fuel lobby.
It’s not going to be easy, and it’s not going to happen by asking nicely. If we want climate justice, we’re going to have to fight for it.
Keeping fossil fuels in the ground, supporting communities bearing the brunt of extreme weather events, and putting Aboriginal land back in Aboriginal hands is how we get through this, and build a better world.
We can do this.
References:
[1] Queensland govt’s gas well approvals slammed by activists, Brisbane Times
[2] Santos’ wins fracking approval for Towrie gas development from Environment Minister Tanya Plibersek, Michael West News
[3] Chris Bowen Interview with David Speers, ABC Insiders transcript
[4] New fossil fuel projects do have massive emissions potential if built, AAP