October 24th 2009 Magnetic Islanders Rally for Climate Change Action Today people around the globe stood up and demanded that their leaders take urgent action on the emergency of climate change. With just 6 more weeks until the talks on Climate Change begin in Copenhagen (7 - 18 December 2009), approximately 80 Islanders attended a rally as part of the 350 International Day of Action on Climate Change. One of the organisers, Wendy Tubman, President of Magnetic Island Nature Care Association (MINCA) told MT, “We must unite with others around the world and keep up the pressure for ambitious, fair and binding climate change solutions grounded in the latest science and strong enough to get us back below 350 ppm of carbon in the atmosphere' 350 is the number that leading scientists say is the safe upper limit for carbon dioxide in the atmosphere (measured in parts per million). The world's current level is 387 (September 09). The last time the level was below 350ppm was in 1987, when it was measured at 347ppm. Speakers at the rally included Oceanographer Dr Don Kinsey and Marine Scientist Dr Katharina Fabricius whose recent study into the acidification of our oceans has sent alarm bells ringing regarding the ability of oceans to remain healthy and productive in the age of climate change. Olivia Illidge speaking at the rally Magnetic Island State School Year 7 student, Olivia Illidge, gave a passionate speech asking leaders to urgently take action for the sake of her generation and those to come. The afternoon also saw Island musicians perform, including Malcolm Hamilton singing his provocative and cutting anthem, “Corporate Warrior”, a song about greed and the resulting environmental destruction that follows. Wendy Tubman urged participants to take immediate action not once but every week until the talks in Copanhagen begin. 'This is not something that can be put off until 'after Christmas' or when things are less busy, or left for someone else to do. The people we elected on the promise that they would seriously address climate change have let us down. Neither of the major parties are offering action that will be adequate”. Wendy said. 'I urge everyone to maintain the momentum and write, fax and email the Prime Minister regularly so that he finally 'gets' that he is bound to represent our wishes.' A photo of the Rally has now been uploaded to the 350 website and will be displayed in Times Square, New York, along with many other Climate Change Action photos taken across the planet. To see 305 action photos go to www.350.org Magnetic Island Traditional Owner from the Wulgurukaba clan sings at the rally. If you would like to send a message on climate change to our leaders, here are some addresses. The Hon Kevin Rudd MP Prime Minister Parliament House CANBERRA ACT 2600 Email : Click Here Senator the Hon. Penny Wong Minister for Climate Change and Water Parliament House, Canberra, ACT 2600 Tel: (02) 6277 7920 Email : Click Here The Hon Martin Ferguson AM, MP Minister for Resources and Energy; Minister for Tourism. PO Box 6022 House of Representatives Parliament House Canberra ACT 2600 Tel: (02) 6277 7930 Fax: (02) 6273 0434 Email: Martin.Ferguson.MP@aph.gov.au The Hon Malcolm Turnbull MP Leader of the Opposition. Parliament House Contact PO Box 6022 House of Representatives Parliament House Canberra ACT 2600 Tel: (02) 6277 4022 Fax: (02) 6277 8562 Email: Malcolm.Turnbull.MP@aph.gov.au Hon Peter Lindsay Member for Herbert (Townsville) Nathan Business Centre Cnr Ross River Rd & Nathan St CRANBROOK 4814 Phone: (07) 4725 2066 Fax: (07) 4725 2088 Mailing address: PO Box 226 AITKENVALE 4814 Email: Click Here Queensland Senators – click here Story and photos - Pen Sheridan

Magnetic Islanders Rally for Climate Change Action

3 comments

Sam October 25th 2009

Hi! I just wanted to say that to stop Global Warming we should plant more trees and that the easiest way to do it I believe is by using a new search engine that plants trees for half their profit. It's called Treehoo.com and you can also get your free email address there.

robert van den berg October 26th 2009

Do not believe companies that say that they will plant trees. Its a money making scheme.PLEASE!!!!, you are being fooled by these companies!!!, ps since when do the people from Maggie care whats going on in the rest of the world. you are islanders right ????? And what was this thing about not having bottled water on the island?? are you guys nuts...thats deffinatly not the way forward.Its your mining industry,diamond, copper, bauxiet, uranium up north,but hey thats a employer right to drive your big cars in AUS. Bottled water, for f*** sake. Face reality and beyond your small box, wake up!!

Jenny Stirling October 26th 2009

I am so impressed ...80 people from Maggie and 80 people in the mainland at the Strand. You were the people the New York Times were talking when they said 'from the Himalays to the Great Barrier Reef' when referring to the apprax 5000 events around the world protestig for climate action. And now the bottled water campaign- that will give them something to talk about. Never mind about people who think its only the big issues that matter. People are doing what they can and I believe in that.