It has been a marathon for Victoria as we work together to flatten the COVID-19 curve. Melbourne is still in lockdown, but that hasn't stopped our grassroots campaign for Climate Justice. 

Here’s a quick update on our efforts over the last month...

OPEN LETTER PUTS SCOMO IN THE HOT SEAT: 

As you know, we've been campaigning for science-based Emissions Reduction Targets for years. With the Andrews government deferring its decision until the end of the year, we decided it was time for Act on Climate to step up into the national climate debate...

We've launched an open letter calling on Prime Minister Scott Morrison to increase ambition on climate and jobs.

Governments are now making decisions that will have big implications for our ability to tackle the climate crisis. We welcome individuals, organisations, and businesses who support climate justice to show their solidarity.  

Now more than ever, the Morrison government needs to hear from the community about the need for climate leadership.

ADD YOUR VOICE to the open letter. 

PEOPLE'S CLIMATE STRATEGY - CLIMATE SOLUTIONS SURVEY: 

In recent months, we've surveyed hundreds of community members about climate impacts, held online forums on energy and transport, and undertook a social media brainstorm about how to tackle the climate crisis.

These efforts have helped put the People's Climate Strategy on the government's radar. 

This week we've started the fun part... We've launched our online Climate Solutions Survey to collect the big ideas needed to help Victoria cope with climate impacts and rein in emissions.

But we need your help to collect at least 500 responses by Sunday 4 October. If we can smash this target then we'll be in a good position to influence the government's thinking. 

TAKE THE SURVEY today and share your ideas for action.


COMMUNITY WIN - VIC GOVT GRANTS FOR COMMUNITY ENERGY: 

The Andrews government announced $1 million worth of grants to kickstart community-energy projects around the state. It will help the Bendigo Sustainability Group realise its vision to build, own, and operate a 100kw solar farm, among other inspiring projects. 

Friends of the Earth welcomed this positive announcement from the government and called for scaled-up funding to match the demand. 

"If the government can support 13 community energy projects across the state with $1 million," we noted in our response to the announcement, "imagine what could be accomplished with a dedicated climate action fund."

SIGN THE PETITION for a $100 million Victorian Climate Change Action Fund.



PEOPLE'S CLIMATE STRATEGY - TRANSPORT FORUM SUCCESS: 

The community's strong appetite for sustainable transport energy was on full display at our packed out community forum on September 17. Attendees were treated to diverse perspectives on how the transport sector can quickly rein in emissions and prepare for climate impacts. 

We encourage people to watch a recording of the event to hear what PTUA advocate, Daniel Bowen; RTBU organiser, Amedeo D'Aprano; the Disability Resource Centre's Kerri Cassidy; and FoE's own, Claudia Gallois, had to say. 

CLICK HERE to watch the forum.  

'DIAL UP THE MUSIC, NOT THE CLIMATE #2':

On Friday 11 September, we presented a special night of music and grassroots charm with our Dial Up the Music, Not the Climate online concert. 

UPCOMING EVENTS:

There are plenty of informative online events coming up in October and beyond. We'd love to see you at the following:

• Oct 6, Don't Nuke the Climate, ACE Nuclear-Free collective
• Oct 7 - Lock in Offshore Wind Law Strategy Session, Yes 2 Renewables  
• Oct 13, New Activist Session, Friends of the Earth Melbourne
• Oct 19 - Climate Change Challenges to the Sovereignty of our Pacific Atoll Nations, Friends of the Earth Australia
   

And remember, you're always welcome to join us for our weekly Act on Climate meetings which we're now holding online via Zoom (Mondays at 6pm). 

That's all from us for now. See you on the (virtual) campaign trail...