Climate change marches hit the streets of Australia
Climate change marchers
Climate change marches happened around the world today in the lead up to the United Nations climate change summit in Paris. I’ve no idea which figures are right, but I’ve heard that there were 2300 events in 150 countries. Impressive!
Thousands of people turned out in most of Australia’s major cities. Our morning news said that 60,000 turned up in Melbourne. I guess it means the message is getting through to people.
Poor John and I attended the Canberra gathering, along with 6000 others and assorted dogs, although we didn’t take our schnauzer.
A climate change dog with a banner that says—Be our climate heroes
Our protest/march started at noon on the lawns of Parliament House. After a few speeches, we trekked down Commonwealth Avenue, then turned right to assemble at the Aboriginal Tent Village in front of Old Parliament House. Yeah, we have two parliament houses, but the old one is now a Museum of Democracy.
The opening speeches were brief and informative. My two favourites came from Penny Sackett, a former Chief Scientist for Australia, and a firefighting fellow (didn’t catch his name). He said the obvious and supported it with some startling statistics.
In his words, drought and higher temperatures will bring more bushfires to the country—duh—but, to keep up, places like the Australian Capital Territory (where Canberra is) will need up to 96 per cent more firefighters by 2030. That’s almost double and a jaw-dropping. number.
There’s plenty of information online about the need to keep global warming under a 2-degree increase, so you can check out more about that at your leisure.
Two things, in particular, brought smiles to my face today.
Families visiting and a couple of kids rolling on the Parliament House lawn
The first is that the ACT (Australian Capital Territory) is ahead of the country (and much of the world) in achieving zero carbon emissions. The second was the hill at Parliament House. Kids are rolling down the the hill again. Before 9/11 we could walk up to the top of Parliament House and roll down the grass. After 9/11 the fences went up. The fences are still there, but the rolling is back again. I might have to do it myself one day.
But I’m curious. Did you attend a march today? Do you have an opinion about climate change?
P.S. A fellow blogger provided some great links in the comments below. I got the okay to add them here too:
http://environment.yale.edu/climate-communication/what-can-i-do-global-warming – some bigger picture stuff
http://yourenergysavings.gov.au/actions – great practical tips for everyday life, information our government seems dedicated to burying
http://www.yourhome.gov.au/ — tips from the Australian government
P.S.S. Our last protest/march was in Brazil.
Stopping traffic
Where to next? 
very positive steps…
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Everything helps.
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I do believe it is changing. It has since the beginning of time. Do I think we can stop it? Not really. It’s going to happen whether we do anything or not.
We are only worried about climate change because it effects humans, however Mother Earth doesn’t care if humans can still survive on the planet, She will go on with another species living on Her.
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Yes, Mother Earth will go on with or without us.
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I attended the march in Sydney Domain, media suggest 45 000, great atmosphere, all ages from youth, families with kids and oldies like me. Also very many different groups, local areas, religious groups, occupations, Tim Flannery spoke. It was very heartening to be there.
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Glad you marched too. How lucky you were to hear Tim Flannery.
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Hi, Peggy & John. There weren’t any protests in California that we heard about, but most of California was on fire last summer. We had to get insurance for our cabin from Lloyds of London–no one else would insure it. The drought has made everything very dry and vulnerable to fire. Flooding is expected this winter. This state could be the poster child for global warming. We are REALLY looking forward to Alaska. Milly & Dick
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The conditions in California are so bad they feature in the news here. I’m surprised people weren’t marching there, but it takes a lot of organisation to get something like this going. Yes, Alaska is something to look forward to.
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Indeed, the climate is changing, I see it here as well. But then… is there really anything we can do about that?
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We can try lots of things. A fellow blogger made some great suggestions in a comment below.
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I was not aware of the climate change day marches, but it is good that some people are making efforts to bring/keep awareness of the damages to our planet. There are so many different days for different causes that I usually miss some of the days, except those dearest to my e.g. World AIDS Day
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I agree. World AIDS Day is another important one to support.
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Thanks,Peggy. It was fabulous to see so many across the globe sending the message through our feet. Such an important issue.
Noticed a couple of comments on your blog about what we can do. Sooooo much, in fact. Here’s a couple of good places to start:
http://environment.yale.edu/climate-communication/what-can-i-do-global-warming – some bigger picture stuff
http://yourenergysavings.gov.au/actions – great practical tips for everyday life, information our government seems dedicated to burying
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Thank you so much for the links. I’d like to add them to the main part of the post so they are seen by those who don’t read the comments. Okay?
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Absolutely! This is another good Aussie one for things to do around the house. The Australian government has some really good information available but keeps it under wraps and fails to make it part of the climate change story. But the ideas & info are still there.
http://www.yourhome.gov.au/
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Congratulations, Peggy, on getting involved with such an urgent issue. Here in the U.S. I think the marches were overshadowed by “Black Lives Matter” protests in the news.
Mother Earth will indeed go on with or without us but we must do what we can to slow down global warming. It’s the only home we have and I love it!
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We have to take the view that every thing we do—small or large—might make a difference.
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Yes, I believe even the little things can make a huge difference.
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Yep, everything counts.
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I don’t know if we can change things but I do know that we must not give up trying. If we don’t try and if Governments don’t try we will have surrendered to the industrial complexes that are ripping our world to pieces.
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That’s it in a nutshell. We must not give up trying.
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There were climate change marches in various places across the UK today but we couldn’t manage to get out to one. The nearest to here was Sheffield, I believe – and the biggest one was in London, as to be expected. I’m not sure whether we can stop climate change continuing, but there are many things we can do to try to stop its effects escalating so dramatically. It just needs governments worldwide to get their act together and work in unison towards the same goal. Good for you, Peggy and John, for getting involved.
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We’re tree-hugging hippies from way back, so I’d be pretty cross with myself if I wasn’t involved now. When I first came to Canberra in 1982, I’d take plastic containers to the markets and let the deli person fill those instead of wrapping cold cuts in plastic and then paper. Everyone who saw it, thought it was a great idea, but I was the only one who did it back then. Same with shopping bags.
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I adore trees, although I wouldn’t call myself a tree-hugger. 🙂 I’m impressed by your environmental concerns, Peggy, especially as far back as 1982! You were obviously a forward-thinker, even then. The issues about climate change weren’t so important to people then and data wasn’t readily available. Issues over the ‘population explosion’ seemed more to the fore, if I remember – which is, of course linked to most, if not every, other environmental issue.
Let’s hope all the marches have some effect!
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I’ve been concerned about the environment since the 1970s when I lived in Egypt and travelled extensively in Africa. People had so little and made use of everything. It made me appreciate the need to re-use.
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Wow impressive! Something that is so important! I didn’t even know they had marches! I love the pictures in this post it really shows how people are waking up and do care!
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Thanks for commenting on the pictures. The crowd was huge, but it was hard to capture its size with a phone camera and at ground level. 🙂
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It was so cool to see so many!
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It was encouraging too.
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I believe we should be taking steps to outlaw pretty much anything that brings about climate change of any kind. And while 100% may not be possible right now. The sooner world Governments start taking more action, the better the chance for future generations of all life. We should be outlawing clearing in the Amazon (which used to generate 25% of the world’s oxygen – don’t know what the stats are now).
We should be planting more trees for starters. Replanting eroded creek and river banks. Stop hunting & poaching of endangered species. Stop the use of pesticides that are killing off insects that feed the birds. The bee population in the world is declining and without bees, the world will die (re lack of pollination of plants).
We should be stopping the Chinese mining and changing the way of life of the Tibetans, especially the nomads. The main rivers in Asia stem from the Tibetan plateau which include the Yangtze, Yellow River, Indus River, Mekong, Ganges, Salween and the Yarlung Tsangpo River (Brahmaputra River). Already the deforestation is affecting some of these main rivers that feed millions.
Climate change is affecting all the glaciers and that is proven without a doubt.
We should ban GMO crops also. I believe there is not enough scientific research on the long-term effects (both environment & human) of GMO crops.
In general terms, we should stop changing the way of life of indigenous peoples around the world. They live(d) in perfect harmony with nature, balancing their lifestyle with the changing seasons and food supply. They only hunted what they could eat in one day. Indigenous people in their natural lifestyle were lean, healthy and had none of the western diseases they’re now developing.
Housing estates should be built with more community vegetable allotments and people work shorter hours and encouraged to grow some of their own food. Surely there would be more jobs (or even part-time jobs generated if most people worked an 8 hour day again, not 50 or 60+ hours a week).
How many people do we know who bring their work home with them?
We need more apprenticeships to re-build the blue collar workforce….bricklayers, electricians, plumbers and so on. Apprenticeships might also discourage the young unemployed from crime or drug/alcohol addiction.
I suppose one can’t stop modern technology, but one has to make a better attempt at overcoming or reversing the negative aspects of our modern way of life, not just climate change.
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Vicki, I love the way you think. Would you please run for Parliament? I’d be your campaign manager—for free.
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I think like many people Peggy, but I’m also a realist. One can’t change the world overnight, but Governments could do better. Now I’m not working and trying to survive on a Government Disability Pension, I see far more of the ‘wrongs’ in our cities and less of the ‘rights’. I’ve been in the local hospital E.R. department many times over the years, but now the waiting rooms late at night seem to have some homeless laying on the floor with cardboard over them like a bed. I’ve seen holes under buildings with what looks like bedding, a radio and takeaway food and drink bottles in them on my street photography trips down the little lanes.
I think it’s appalling the expenditure in some areas of the city and the plight of the homeless and disabled.
There’s some 34,000 on the waiting list for public housing and yet there are so many unoccupied apartments and houses in the inner city. My own apartment complex is a prime example.
When the Olympic Games were in Melbourne, the council collected all the homeless and put them up in country motels for the length of the Games as they were (obviously) ashamed. If I can find a dollar for a homeless person, surely the Government can allocate more funding.
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Conditions for the homeless are mostly appalling. Canberra has had one great exception with Common Ground. It’s been a great success. http://www.commongroundcanberra.org.au/
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I live in a complex not unlike the link you shared with me, Peggy.
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I haven’t visited Common Ground. I didn’t know about it until last week when the organisers were interviewed on radio and said how well it’s going. The description sounded practical, communal and supportive. How’s your complex?
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Spent part of my life fighting for environmental issues, Peggy. Thanks for participating. –Curt
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I’d be ashamed of myself if I didn’t participate.
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it’s amazing to read how people are fighting for what is right and standing their ground
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It’s encouraging too.
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There weren’t any protests near me that I was aware of, but I believe the overwhelming majority of scientists when they say that global warming is real. They aren’t using some special kind of scientific method thats distinct from that used in the rest of science. The science they use is the same science that finds cures for diseases and keeps airplanes in the sky.
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You’re in the US, right? I’ve read that when Americans are surveyed about the issues that concern them, climate change almost always comes last. That result is of great concern to me.
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I was so struck by your comment I went to have a quick look at a couple of sources.
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Climate_change_denial
http://ecowatch.com/2014/07/22/americans-lead-world-climate-denial/
It does all make pretty grim reading. The figures for the USA are dire, but none of the English-speaking countries mentioned come out very well. It’s a sad thing to say, but there are clearly a small number of very well-financed individuals who must know better, but are so concerned with the short-term profits of their particular industry they are funding a massive campaign of misinformation. It’s not an attitude I can understand, of course. I mean, don’t these people have children? Perhaps they foolishly think that their wealth will always shield them from the worst effects. If that is their reasoning, then they are clearly playing with fire.
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Very grim—in fact incomprehensible—reading. As you said, ‘Don’t these people have children?’ Amazing how the grab for the almighty dollar extinguishes any sense of concern or compassion for fellow citizens of the world, children or not.
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Don’t have facts and figures at hand, but in the last 12 months, I’ve seen repeated mentions in the media that a clear majority of U.S. voters now DO believe climate change to be a real and pressing issue. This seems to be a new development here.
That being said, the very real, and underhanded campaign to discredit the science on this matter (from a cabal centered within the fossil fuel industry, I guess); and the gag-order that the majority of our elected politicians seem to operate under in regard to climate issues – all that is just mind-boggling; distressing beyond all reason to anyone paying any attention at all. Believe me, we’re hoping for better from our nation, and grateful to everyone else round the world for leading on this.
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It’s encouraging if US voters really are getting on board with issues surrounding climate change. They might be able to influence the politicians—simply by not voting for the doubters.
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Indeed. But we – the voters – are also up against very rich, very powerful interests; the concentration of money in just a few hands is resulting in those hands buying the politicians they want; in effect silencing the voices of so many. Hopefully I’m being a bit of an alarmist, and things are not as dire as I may imagine.
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Things probably are as dire as you imagine. Politics can be a dirty business. But a politician’s main desire is to keep their seat, so maybe voter backlash can make a difference.
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“Citing Urgency, World Leaders Converge on France for Climate Talks” – Nov 30, 2015
Click on the URL above to listen to speeches by leaders of various countries, organizations…
>>LE BOURGET, France — One of the largest gatherings of world leaders in history began a multinational effort Monday….. <> Over the next two weeks, 30,000 diplomats and delegates will labor to hammer out a new global pact that would, for the first time, commit nearly every country on earth to enact new policies…<<
It is very impressive that thousands of people around the world march and are concerned about saving our planet… and I hope that in this century and next climate change improvements will be enacted around the world.. a daunting task.
Sy, S.
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It’s a huge task and probably unachievable, but we have to keep trying.
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Grazie per aver visitato il mio sito. Trovò i tuoi scritti sempre molto interessanti
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I love seeing your creative little artworks. Thanks for enjoying my blog too.
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Thank you for visiting my site. Find your writing always very interesting
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Hi Sy, I didn’t know you spoke Italian? 🙂
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The kids rolling down the hill look like they are having so much fun. It’s nice that they are allowed to do it.
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Even I’ve rolled part way down the hill. 🙂
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your blog very nice. I want to travel world like you.
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Thank you so much. We know that we are very lucky to be able to travel the world. I hope you can travel too.
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I hope. thank you. you are very a bona fide. because you want somethings for me too
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Travel is a wonderful experience. Your country of Turkey is a great place to visit. I hope you start with it.
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ı know that. the travel a nice experience. We are happy to welcome you on your trip with wife. but I like to write. about love, dear, separation,miss… my blog is a literature page.
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And I like your literature page!
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The information on climate change was well known, as I learnt it as a student at Bathurst Uni in the 80’s and everything the lecturers taught us has happened, and sadly, more to come. Whilst, it is difficult to change government and big business’ minds, we can exert pressure, by petitions, refusing to buy those products, and making others and their local parliamentarian know. It may be too late in certain respects, but we can make change in our own micro-climate, our own little corner. From little things, big things grow. I hope everyone who comments here spreads the word.
And I read you have a schnauzer, as well. Me too, they are awesome dogs!
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Where do I start on your comment? Yes, climate change has been known for many years. Since the 1970s, I’ve been recycling, re-using and trying to show general restraint. I look at packaging (the less the better) and the behaviour of suppliers. I probably annoy my friends and I don’t regret that! 🙂
As for schnauzers, we’re on our second standard. Aggie is in the banner, and Indi is the current one. They’re headstrong but lots of fun.
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Headstrong -a standard schnauzer? You should try living with 1 miniature schnauzer who thinks he is a giant schnauzie and grew up as a breeding dog amongst 28 others. She had two😥🐾 litters and is now retired from breeding and that is why she came to us. She is super headstrong and bullies our 15 year old standard girl! Still, they are the best dogs!!! Love him to bits. ☺
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They are great dogs. A bit too smart for our own good. 🙂
Our Indi has had one litter. I’ll have to do a post about her soon.
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Yes, something must be done to save our climate.
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The collaborative and positive outcomes from the climate talks in Paris this month are a good foundation for making changes around the globe.
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thank you leggypeggy 🙂 dou you understand my article ? because ı writing the turkish.
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Yes ganibey, the online translator helps me to read and understand your articles. It’s not a perfect translator, but I can certainly get the ideas. 🙂
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you are perfect really 🙂 But my articles is not know body. Pls can you tell your friends about my blog. they can visit my blog page.
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Yes, I am happy to tell my friends. You can also use Twitter, Facebook and Instagram to promote your site. And visit this blog too. http://dreambigdreamoften.co/
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Our wake-up call came in the l970s. We were living in California for 5 years. For at least two of those years we were in severe drought and were required to drop our water usage or pay through the nose! No watering yards, or washing cars in driveways, etc. To our surprise, even with two young children, we were able to use shower heads, bricks in the toilet tank and other such tactics (saving non-toilet water for other uses) that we cut our monthly use by more than 50%! This was a huge eye-opener.
Bottom line: We’ve had plenty of warning–at least here in the US. I’m so grateful to see governments coming together in at least verbal and written agreement. Still, I’m holding my breath. We don’t have a good record of following through with corporations, for example, that use water as though it will never run dry.
This touched a nerve! Thanks Peggy for this encouraging post.
Elouise
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There was a very encouraging article in today’s local paper (The Canberra Times). Voters were surveyed in North Sydney, in the electorate represented by former prime minister and climate change sceptic, Tony Abbott. More than 75 per cent agreed that Australia should become 100 per cent fossil-fuel free. A majority also thought Abbott should leave Parliament.
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That’s amazing (the 75%…who seem to know one step that might get them closer to the 100% fossil-fuel free goal.)!
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Christmas love
spreads joyfully to
friends, new and old, as
natural as mountain streams
flow under
ice and snow
still moving, to join.
Harmony
comes from sharing a
round table. Buddha
Mohammad,
Jesus, Confucius,
Abraham, Gandhi
and Luther invite a pope
to break bread
under one God
that all pray to here
in Gwangju,
there in Amsterdam,
and Davao, where the
hunt for food
and water reverts to old
ways, not the
usual Christmas,
but children scramble
for goodies
like coconuts, fruit, rare meat
while we feast
on turkey, baked so
well, spring rolls folded
and rolled by
hands so delicate you can’t
imagine
what they’ve done. Merry
Christmas everyone.
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Thank you for this post, leggypeggy. I wish you a good night! Kisses.
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Thanks for such a lovely comment. You are most welcome. 🙂
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Thank you leggypeggy! Kisses.
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LP, i like this post. i don’t “like” what my country (USA) is doing about this very real problem and how we’re cavalierly dismissing science. screw the idiot trump and his cowardly lackeys. continue…
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So sad to see a nation going backwards, especially on science.
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