Here is the Act on Climate crew's update on what we're up to, what's coming up, and ways you can get involved!
In this first month of the year, we've hit the ground running alongside climate groups across the country to make the case for the Albanese government to Safeguard Our Climate, Not Polluter Profits.
RSVP for an upcoming collective meeting if you're keen to get in on the action - no experience required, just passion for climate justice.
We have a rapidly-closing window of time (about six weeks) to push for a strengthened Climate Safeguard Mechanism from the Albanese government that will crack down on the Dirty Dozen polluters and force them to make real emissions cuts this decade.
And we now have a colourful, action-packed series of events coming up that we'd love you to join us at, for whatever takes your fancy!
Read on for a recap of the action we've already taken, resources for you to meet with your Labor MPs, and explainers of the actions coming up...
Delivering the sign-on letter to the Dirty Dozen
In December, grassroots climate groups across the continent hand-delivered copies of an open letter to the Dirty Dozen Polluters. We gave them a deadline of January 13 to respond by... and only two bothered to get back to us, with responses that failed to address the substance of our asks.
The letter, signed by 48 organisations representing millions of community members, called for the Dirty Dozen to pull their weight on climate and support a strengthened Climate Safeguard Mechanism.
Albanese government puts proposed reforms on the table
Last month, the Albanese government announced their proposed reforms to the Climate Safeguard Mechanism.
But there's a big problem... the reforms would allow fossil fuel companies to continue emitting huge amounts of pollution and get away with writing them off with 'unfettered offsets'.
Check out our instagram to learn more about what the Climate Safeguard Mechanism is and who the Dirty Dozen Polluters are.
Meet with your MP to safeguard our climate
Right now the Albanese government are deciding whether to hold these polluters accountable. It’s time for Labor to show political leadership on climate, and that's where you come in!
The community needs to meet with our federal Labor MPs to be a counterweight to the Dirty Dozen Polluters' lobbying.
- Sign up to meet with your federal Labor MP
- Join an MP meeting briefing session and training on Feb 15. You'll get the information and skills needed to influence your local MP on the Climate Safeguard Mechanism and space to ask questions.
Exposing the Dirt on the Dirty Dozen
We have less than two months to go until the Albanese government wants the reform process completed
The community needs to hit the streets and show the Albanese government that we won't stand for the big polluters being cut more slack when it comes to climate action.
Here are the actions we've got coming up to target the three Dirty Dozen companies with headquarters in Narrm/Melbourne:
Join us, and other local climate groups, for one of our weekly flyering sessions out the front of BHP. We'll demonstrate to BHP that we're watching them and the rest of the Dirty Dozen polluters closely, as the Albanese government prepares to impose stronger emissions cuts on their operations.
Info Night: Safeguarding Our Climate against the Dirty Dozen
Come learn how you can get involved in this campaign, get the low down on what the Climate Safeguard Mechanism is, and help ensure our biggest industrial polluters pull their weight on emissions reductions. RSVP here to join us on Feb 9.
Crafternoon: The True History of the Dirty Dozen
During our visit to on of these companies (which one? to be revealed...) we discovered that they have a huge display in their lobby proudly showcasing historic artefacts that gloss over their polluting history.
Whether you have an interest in art, creative skills to contribute in making or just keen to give prop making a go, we invite you to help us build the memorabilia for a special hamper that we'll deliver which represents the company's true history.
We will provide snacks, drinks and music to assist you in your creative flow.
Join us for a fun street action where we'll hold BHP accountable for their historic contribution to climate change, and put the challenge to them to shift their stance and support a strengthened Climate Safeguard Mechanism from the federal government.
AND ANOTHER ACTION.. Just one more, now...
Street Rally: The Legacy of Shell
Join us for a street rally to hear about Shell's global history of environmental damage and dodging responsibility, and see if we can coax a Shell representative to come out of the building and tell us... Will they salvage their legacy and support a strengthened Climate Safeguard Mechanism?
And remember, you're always welcome to join Act on Climate's weekly meetings. Register here for the details.
That's all from us for now. But please get in touch if you have questions or fancy a chat.