People across five continents will join the Rise for Climate mobilisation to showcase real climate leadership and increaase pressure on governments ahead of the September Global Climate Action Summit.

SYDNEY, JUNE 8, 2018: – Tens of thousands of people across Australia and around the world, will take part in Rise for Climate events on September 8, demanding local action to speed up the transition to a 100% renewable energy future, in a fair and equitable way, and illustrate the achievements of renewable energy.   

“There is an appalling vacuum of leadership in the Australian Federal Government when it comes to climate change, and Australians are crying out for action,” said 350.org Australia’s CEO Blair Palese.

“We all know that continuing to rely on coal for our long-term energy needs and economic growth is a recipe for disaster,” Palese said.  We currently have no national plan to move to clean energy and away from fossil fuel exports, and no support programs for coal and gas communities impacted by the global shift away from sources that is already underway.”

“Rise for Climate gives everyone concerned about our climate, our energy future, our environment and our impacted communities the opportunity to hit the streets together and say, ‘We want real action on climate now, we want divestment from fossil fuels and a real plan to transition us to 100% renewables’.”

The global Rise for Climate movement is being supported by hundreds of diverse environmental groups, charities, unions, universities, local governments, churches and businesses, and aims to send a clear message to governments on all levels that we want urgent action on climate change.

In Australia, public events are already planned in Brisbane, Sydney, Darwin and Melbourne with a call going out today to grassroots groups and communities nationally to begin organising local events.  

The global Rise for Climate days lead up to the Global Climate Action Summit in California on 12-14 September. The event will be attended by governments, cities, businesses, community leaders and other stakeholders, aiming to showcase climate action taking place around the world and inspire deeper commitments from all levels of government around the world.

Websites riseforclimate.org, gofossilfree.org

For interviews: Blair Palese, 350.org CEO 0414 659 511

Media contact:  Lou Fraser, 350.org: 0438 993 068.