Protestors to spell out urgent climate message

Sat, 12th July, 2008

When: 9am Saturday, 12th July Where: Hawkins Wickham Park, Newcastle

What: Hundreds of people spelling out Cut Carbon Now or Never alongside a ticking clock.

Why: The time for action to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and wean Australia off coal exports is now.

People from all over Australia have been camped in Newcastle for the last three days taking part in the Camp for Climate Action.

Tomorrow morning, camp participants will spell out their message to the Australian Government. We have no more time to waste, but must move away from coal dependence and stop spiralling greenhouse gas emissions now.

Spokesperson Georgina Woods said, “People from across Australia are spelling out our demands in no uncertain terms. We have to take the opportunity now to stop expanding the coal export industry and to put a moratorium on any new coal fired power stations.”

The next major activity as part of the camp after the human sign will be on Sunday 13th July when hundreds of people will march on the biggest coal exporting port in the world, in Newcastle to take direct protest action to stop coal exports in their tracks.

For more information please contact:

Georgina Woods 0438 223 771 Holly Creenaune 0417 82 541

Iemma - don't sell us out to climate change

Tue, 26th February, 2008

Environmentalists from across NSW are joining today's community rally and stand with workers against the sell-off of NSW electricity.

Holly Creenaune of Friends of the Earth Sydney says "Environmentalists agree the plan threatens the rights of working people across NSW, and our right to affordable electricity. It is a major setback to efforts for serious action on climate change.

"Allowing private, profit-driven corporations to control NSW's biggest source of domestic greenhouse pollution would be an unmitigated disaster for the climate. Iemma's plan is designed to encourage private corporations to build a new baseload power station, significantly increasing greenhouse gas emissions.

"Iemma and Costa are misleading the community and workers on the real cost of the sell-off of our energy: selling off public control of our climate future."

Wenny Theresia of the Australian Student Environment Network says "Privatisation of electricity in Victoria saw electricity prices skyrocket to an all time high, hundreds of jobs sent offshore, and kept the world's most polluting coal-fired power stations in operation – an experience echoed across the world.

"The Garnaut Climate Change Review, due later this year, has already indicated we need to reduce greenhouse emissions drastically; privatisation is likely to confound these efforts.

"The NSW coal-fired power stations up for sale are among the most polluting in the world - the Eraring power station emits over 20 million tons of CO2 each year*¬. Privatisation of NSW coal-fired power stations will ensure that we continue down the coal-fired path of climate change.

“The Iemma Government is arrogantly hosting a conference this week to brief industry on ‘strategic insights’ into a post-privatised energy market. We will stage a picket to show our opposition and continue the campaign to stop the sell-off.

"We need a moratorium on coal fired power stations, and we need to start phasing them out. Phasing out coal, and cutting unsustainable energy demand, will not be driven by profit-motivated companies. It requires strong government intervention."

For more information please contact:

For comment Holly Creenaune – Friends of the Earth Sydney – 0417 682 541 Wenny Theresia – Australian Student Environment Network – 0402 564 862

Thursday February 28th - 8:30am at L’Aqua, Cockle Bay Wharf, Darling Harbour, Sydney Picket of the NSW State Energy Outlook Conference for a privatised NSW energy market.

Young Australians tackle Climate Change at Youth Conference

Thu, 18th October, 2007

100 students and young people from around Australia will attend the country’s largest ever youth conference on climate change on October 18th-21st in Katoomba, NSW. The conference, “Switched On 2007”, is a joint project of the Australian Student Environment Network (ASEN) and the Australian Youth Climate Coalition (AYCC). ASEN, together with the nineteen other AYCC member organisations, is mobilising a generation-wide movement to stop dangerous climate change.

"There is an overwhelming urgency around climate change, and young people understand that more than anyone else," said 22-year-old Wenny Theresia, Switched On Co-coordinator involved in ASEN. “Our generation is inheriting the legacy of inaction on a polluted planet. We face the challenge of dealing with the climate crisis – however we recognise that we are part of the global movement for change and can advance an inspiring new vision for Australia.”

Emma Kefford, 22-year-old Switched On Co-coordinator involved in AYCC, emphasised that Switched On 2007 is the product of a growing number of youth climate change-oriented efforts. "Over the past two years, we have seen literally thousands of students campaign to switch their University campuses and schools to renewable energy, and demand stronger government action on climate change.

“At the conference, participants will be strategising around a number of key climate campaigns including the AYCC ‘Adopt a Politician’ federal election campaign, the upcoming national Walk Against Warming rallies, and campaigns to stop the root causes of climate change such as the expansion of the coal and nuclear industries,” she said.

23-year-old Amanda McKenzie, AYCC National Coordinator, continued, “Youth of all backgrounds will use their experience from local and state-level climate change action to build the nation-wide, youth response to dangerous inaction on climate change. We are creating a fresh, positive, and inspiring vision of the future – one focused on our potential to overcome the challenge of the 21st century, build a clean energy economy, create green jobs, increase global equality and ensure the future of our planet.”

Photo opportunity: Group photo with a giant inflatable white elephant (representing nuclear power infrastructure) – Friday 19th October, 1pm, conference site (Katoomba Christian Convention Centre, cnr Cliff Drive and Violet St). We are also happy to forward photos.

For more information please contact:

Media contacts: Ms. Wenny Theresia M: 0402 564 862 Switched On Co-coordinator Australian Student Environment Network Email – climateconference@gmail.com Website - www.switchedon2007.com

Indigenous Nations sign on to UN Declaration - Howard continues to slash indigenous rights

Fri, 14th September, 2007

Today the Aboriginal Tent Embassy and supporters will demonstrate at Prime Minister John Howard’s Sydney office, in response to the Government’s refusal to sign the UN Declaration on Rights for Indigenous Peoples.

Darren Bloomfield of the Aboriginal Tent Embassy says “By refusing to sign the UN declaration, Howard is condemning Aboriginal Australia to further dispossession and cultural genocide. We are here to demand an end to the genocide that began in 1788 and has never stopped.

“This is the 35th year of the Aboriginal Tent Embassy: we are still occupying the lawns of Old Parliament House in Canberra. During last week’s APEC meeting, we set up a Tent Embassy in Victoria Park, Sydney, exposing John Howard’s unwanted nuclear agenda and shameful Northern Territory military intervention. We will continue to fight for the sovereignty and human rights of all Indigenous nations.”

Olivia Nigro of the Sydney Nuclear Free Coalition says, “In the past eleven years, the Howard Government has trashed the human rights of Indigenous people: expanding uranium mining on Aboriginal lands, undermining land rights, paternalistic welfare policies, and the recent military takeover of Northern Territory Aboriginal communities.

“People right across Australia recognise and support the adoption of the UN Declaration for Indigenous Rights. We recognise the Declaration through our ongoing community action asserting the sovereignty and right to self-determination of Aboriginal peoples. We will recognise the Declaration at the polls at the Federal Election when we vote Howard out.”

For more information please contact:

9am - Office of Prime Minister John Howard 56-70 Phillips St, City.

Darren Bloomfield - 0412 826 043– Aboriginal Tent Embassy

Olivia Nigro - 0401 955 405 - Sydney Nuclear Free Coalition

Don’t Nuke Sydney University for GNEP: Opposing Howard’s Nuclear Agenda at APEC

Thu, 6th September, 2007

Today Sydney University students, staff and community members will show their opposition to the proposed Institute of Nuclear Science, marked for a major role in the US-Australia nuclear deal announced last night.

Holly Creenaune of Friends of the Earth Sydney says “the US-Australia nuclear deal seeks to turn Australian universities into research and training grounds for a dangerous and unsustainable industry.”

“Australia’s status in GNEP as a major nuclear fuel supplier will lead to significant pressure to store international waste in the proposed Northern Territory nuclear waste dump. Despite the Prime Minister’s claim, the Federal Council of the Liberal Party passed a motion in June explicitly supporting an international waste dump in Australia.”

Olivia Nigro of the Australian Student Environment Network says “Sydney University students do not want to see their university be part of Howard’s aggressive nuclear push. The Institute for Nuclear Science will be first since the closure of Australia’s sole remaining School of Nuclear Engineering in the 1980s. Twenty years on, there is still no support for Howard’s nuclear agenda at Sydney University or across the Australian community.”

Wenny Theresia of the Sydney Nuclear Free Coalition says “Nuclear power is no solution to climate change – it is too expensive, too dangerous and cannot provide the deep cuts to greenhouse gas emissions we need now. “Friends of the Earth Sydney, Sydney Nuclear Free Coalition and the Australian Student Environment Network are planning strong contingents demanding real action on climate change and a nuclear-free future at this Saturday’s APEC rally.”

12 midday, Thursday, September 6th Fisher Library, Sydney University

Speakers include Isobelle Coe - Aboriginal Tent Embassy, Matt Howard - Iraq Veterans Against the War, and Michael Thompson - President of the National Tertiary Education Union Sydney University Branch.

For more information please contact:

Holly Creenaune 0417 682 541 - Friends of the Earth Sydney

Liv Nigro - 0401 955 405 - Australian Student Environment Network

Wenny Theresia - 0402 564 862 - Sydney Nuclear Free Coalition

APEC protest stops work at the world’s largest coal port

Tue, 4th September, 2007

8am, Carrington Coal Terminal Newcastle: This morning, 20 young people have entered and stopped work at the world’s largest coal port to express their outrage at the lack of action by APEC leaders against the causes of climate change.

Taking real action on climate change, the demonstrators have attached themselves to coal reclaimers at the Carrington coal terminal, bringing the terminal’s operations to a halt.

“We are here today to condemn the Howard Government's inaction on the climate crisis and its dangerous push for so-called 'clean' coal and nuclear at the APEC summit. Dirty fuels like coal are no solutions to climate change; the public demand renewable energy now,” said Nicky Ison, spokesperson for the action.

“Instead of real action on climate change, we have seen the Federal and NSW Governments approve the doubling of coal exports from Newcastle, already the world's largest coal port. Howard has again stated that APEC will not set binding greenhouse pollution reduction targets. We are locking on to stop Bush and Howard's dirty policies from locking us into climate disaster,” Ms Ison continued.

“Our generation will have to deal with the devastating effects of Howard and APEC's backwards decisions on climate change. That is why today we are taking action to secure the future we have a right to – a future free from dangerous climate change,” she said.

The protest follows a similar action in Victoria yesterday morning, which halted a generator at a coal-fired power station in the Latrobe Valley.

http://realactiononclimatechange.blogspot.com

For more information please contact:

Nicky Ison: 0423 717 567 Ben Michaelsons: 0410 545 590

11 Arrested at APEC Coal Protest

Tue, 4th September, 2007

11 arrests have been made at this morning's APEC coal protest at the world's biggest coal port in Newcastle. Police have cut 5 people from machinery, where they had locked themselves to stop work at the Carrington Coal Terminal.

Spokesperson Nicky Ison said that this week's APEC Summit in Sydney was not about stopping climate change, but about cementing Australia's role as world's biggest coal exporter. "All Australia's biggest coal customers are in APEC. While APEC rhetoric has focussed on climate change, it is clear that APEC members have no intention of cutting back fossil fuel use - the cause of climate change. Australia is using the forum to promote the dangerous lie of "clean coal", not to promote real action on climate change. This morning, we are taking real action on climate change"

This morning, 20 young people entered and stopped work at the world’s largest coal port to express their outrage at the lack of action by APEC leaders against the causes of climate change.

The demonstrators attached themselves to coal reclaimers at the Carrington coal terminal, bringing the terminal’s operations to a halt.

“We are here today to condemn the Howard Government's inaction on the climate crisis and its dangerous push for so-called 'clean' coal and nuclear at the APEC summit. Dirty fuels like coal are no solutions to climate change; the public demand renewable energy now,” said Ms Ison.

“Instead of real action on climate change, we have seen the Federal and NSW Governments approve the doubling of coal exports from Newcastle, already the world's largest coal port. Howard has again stated that APEC will not set binding greenhouse pollution reduction targets. We are locking on to stop Bush and Howard's dirty policies from locking us into climate disaster,” Ms Ison continued.

“Our generation will have to deal with the devastating effects of Howard and APEC's backwards decisions on climate change. That is why today we are taking action to secure the future we have a right to – a future free from dangerous climate change,” she said.

The protest follows a similar action in Victoria yesterday morning, which halted a generator at a coal-fired power station in the Latrobe Valley.

For more information please contact:

Nicky Ison: 0423 717 567 Ben Michaelsons: 0410 545 590

Real action on climate change

Mon, 3rd September, 2007

Climate activists halted work at the Loy Yang 'A' coal-fired power station in the La Trobe Valley early this morning.

This is one of numerous actions targeting the fossil fuel industry across Australia today to condemn the Asia Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) leaders lack of action on climate change.

Taking real action on climate change four people attached themselves to the conveyor belts feeding coal to Loy Yang 'A', bringing operations on that conveyor belt to a halt.

"This is the type of visionary action that the Asia Pacific Economic Forum (APEC) is unable to take. Their non-committal, aspirational targets are completely inadequate to stop dangerous climate change." Said Michaela Stubbs spokesperson for the group.

"Here in Victoria we have seen a focus on the Loy Yang 'A' coal fire power station, while in Newcastle street theatre raising awareness of the coal industries impacts on climate change will be taking place" said spokesperson for the group Michaela Stubbs.

"Al Gore himself has said he is shocked that young people are not putting themselves in front of bulldozers in coal mines across the world to confront climate change. Well this is real action on climate change. Our current political representatives need to get their head out of the sand and step up to the plate." Said Michaela Stubbs, spokesperson for the group.

"Our future is too precious to be placed in the hands of corporate bureaucrats and politicians alone. APEC are environmental criminals whose polices lock us into a future of dangerous climate change".

"Scientists are telling us we need immediate action to avoid dangerous climate change. Immediate action including strong short term green house gas reduction targets, dramatic expansion of renewable energy and ratifying the Kyoto Protocol are essential."

"Instead of real action on climate change we have seen the Australian federal government, and Victorian state government, support the new HRL coal fired power station with $150 million in financial support here in the Latrobe Valley."

"It is people of our age, our generation who will be dealing with the long-term consequences of climate change. We need real action on climate change to stop our reliance on polluting forms of energy such as coal and move towards a renewable energy future." Concluded Ms Stubbs.

www.realactiononclimatechange.blogspot.com

For more information please contact:

Michaela Stubbs 0405023817

Students want no part in Howard's Nuclear Research Plan

Wed, 18th July, 2007

Students from universities across Australia are outraged by Prime Minister John Howard's announcement of a $12.5 million investment in a Nuclear Collaborative Research Program between the Australian Nuclear Science and Technology Organisation (ANSTO) and Australia's university sector.

Spokesperson for the Australian Student Environment Network Holly Creenaune says ""Students oppose our universities performing the role of research and training ground for dangerous and unsustainable industries. In the face of climate change, Australian universities have an important opportunity and responsibility to invest in a safe, non-polluting renewable energy sector.

"The sole remaining School of Nuclear Engineering at the University of NSW was closed in the 1980s. In 2006, there were no courses in nuclear engineering offered in Australia as a result of the sustained public pressure against an industry that remains unwanted.

"It is outrageous universities are being forced into collaboration with the nuclear industry as one of their few options for much-needed funding. The $12.5 million allocated for Howard's Nuclear Collaborative Research Program will create a disturbing focus on non-renewable energy research and education in Australian universities.

"Students are increasingly demanding universities invest and channel their research towards sustainable and renewable technologies. Australia's energy future lies with solar and wind power, not nuclear power production, and we are calling on universities to lead the way," Ms Creenaune concluded.

The Australian Student Environment Network report Opportunities To Waste: Australian Universities and the Nuclear Industry , detailing the role of Australian universities in supporting the nuclear industry, is available for download from www.asen.org.au/OpportunitiesToWaste

For more information please contact:

Holly Creenaune

Australian Student Environment Network, Nuclear Free Universities CampaignReport Co-Author: Opportunities To Waste: Australian Universities and the Nuclear Industry

0417682541 / holly@asen.org.au

Polar Bear Locks on At Dept. of Planning against Anvil hill mine

Fri, 8th June, 2007

The Australian Student Environment Network is blockading the Department of Planning in response to the approval of the controversial Anvil Hill mine by Planning Minister Frank Sartor yesterday. A student dressed as a polar bear has locked on.

"The approval of Anvil Hill *blatantly exposes the State government as shamefully uncommitted to combating dangerous climate change.* Anvil Hill will produce 27 million tonnes of greenhouse pollution every year, more than the pollution of the entire NSW transport sector of four million vehicles," said Nicola Ison, National Convenor of the Australian Student Environment Network.

"The approval of Anvil Hill despite the fierce community opposition seen on the weekend with over 500 people rallying against the mine, demonstrates that the NSW government is more interested in protecting the economic interests of the coal lobby than those of the local community, local industry and the environment."

"This mine is an offensive decision in the face of global warming. *Concerned members of the public will continue to express our disgust and opposition to the mine until the decision is repealed,*" said Olivia Nigro from the Sydney University Environment Collective. is one of many actions to come as part of a dedicated and persistent campaign to save Anvil Hill. We will continue to demand that the NSW government phases out coal to allow a just transition to renewable energy as it is the only solution to climate change.

This is one of many actions to come as part of a dedicated and persistent campaign to save Anvil Hill. We will continue to demand that the NSW government phases out coal to allow a just transition to renewable energy as it is the only solution to climate change.

For more information please contact:

*Media Contacts: Nicola Ison Australian Student Environment Network, National Convenor 0423 717 567 Olivia Nigro Sydney University Environment Collective* *0401 955 405*

Environmentalists Occupy Melbourne Headquarters in Melbourne: Demanding Action on Climate Change

Wed, 2nd May, 2007

Environmental activists are currently occupying the Liberal Party Headquarters in Melbourne, demanding the party gets serious on climate change, and abandons its current push for a nuclear future.

"Young people are facing a future of dangerous climate change – a future led by the Howard government who is failing to invest in safe and sustainable renewable energy, and who is pushing an agenda to introduce nuclear power," said Claire McCall from the Victorian Branch of the Australian Student Environment Network.

"Young people know nuclear power is no solution to climate change – it is too expensive, too dangerous and cannot provide the deep cuts but to greenhouse gas emissions we need now.

"It's time the Liberal Party got serious on climate change, and shift its environmental policy away from dangerous uranium and coal," she concluded.

The National Union of Students today held its National Day of Action: "Demand A Better Future", putting forward a strong youth voice across Australia on education, action on climate change and industrial relations.

For more information please contact:

For further comment, contact Emma - Melbourne University Student Union Environment Officer on 0409219726, or Loki on 0425773564.

Global Day of Action Against Barrick Gold

Wed, 2nd May, 2007

What: Occupation of Barrick Gold Corporation Headquarters

Where: The Australian Headquarters of Barrick Gold, Level 10, 2 Mill Street, Perth

When: 11.30am today

Today, community campaigners, environmentalists and students will occupy the office and deliver alternative annual report to the Australian Barrick Gold Corporation Headquarters here in Perth. This action is part of a Global Day of Action Against Barrick Gold, the world’s largest gold mining company. Communities around the world in Chile, Argentina, Peru, Canada, the Philippines, Tanzania, and Europe, affected by Big Mining projects, are carrying out simultaneous demonstrations against the Barrick Gold Corporation. These protests are being held today as Barrick Gold Corporation holds its AGM in Canada.

ASEN (Australian Student Environment Network) National Convenor Nicky Ison says:

"Barrick Gold’s illegal operations in Australia at the Lake Cowal Mine at the heart of the Wiradjuri Nation in NSW have been the site of ongoing protest for over six years. Barrick Gold is stripping Australia of precious water resources, internationally significant wetlands and destroying Wiradjuri history and culture."

"While Australian communities are in the grip of devastating drought, and irrigators are told by our Prime Minister to pray for rain, Barrick’s Gold Mining operations draw up to 17 million litres of freshwater each day at the Lake Cowal Mine alone" says Tim Hemsley, Convenor of ASEN WA.

By participating in today’s Global Day of Action Against Barrick Gold and presenting Barrick Gold with a report which details the grave threat brought upon our world by it’s cyanide using actions, we hope to send a message to Barrick Shareholders that their investments are highly risky: Throughout the world, communities are rejecting and shall put an end to these shameful metals mining operations.

For more information please contact:

Nicky Ison at Barrick Gold HQ: 0423 717 567 Tim Hemsley: 0420 225 059

Lockdown over radioactive future

Mon, 30th April, 2007

What: ALP headquarters lockdown Where: ALP HQ 360 King Street, West Melb When: 8.30am Why: Lockdown of ALP headquarters in response to both parties locking Australia into a dangerous nuclear future

A collaboration of community representatives have locked down Victorian headquarters of the ALP headquarters to voice their disgust that the party is locking Australia into a dangerous nuclear future.

"We are here locking the parliamentarians out of office as the Australian Labour Party (ALP) is locking us into a radioactive future." Said spokes person for the Australian Student Environment Network (ASEN) Claire McCall

"The ALP is obviously suffering an ethical leak with its U-turn on uranium mining positioning Australia to be the world’s leading supplier of nuclear materials and climate chaos." Said Claire McCall.

"How can the ALP say they are different to Howard when both parties are sending Australia down a path of moral and ethical bankruptcy. Howard is risking the health, safety and future of the Australian people and economy with an unknown and unsustainable nuclear power pipe dream for Australia." Said Teishan Ahearne.

"If we are going to be fair dinkum on climate change, we need a fair dinkum energy revolution globally, which means renewables like wind and solar, not dangerous reactors and uranium mining"

"Climate change must be dealt with by real changes to our economy and society, not by substituting one environmental disaster for another." Concluded Claire McCall.

For more information please contact:

Claire McCall at ALP HQ: 0412 656 017 Teishan Ahearne: 0432 228 729

Sydney Uni Management and Security Remember Chernobyl

Thu, 26th April, 2007

On the 21st anniversary of the world's worst civil nuclear accident, the Sydney Uni Management and Security remember the continuing suffering and impacts of Chernobyl by stopping the construction of nuclear reactor on campus.

"Chernobyl was, and remains, a major international tragedy that killed, injured and affected many hundreds of thousands of people," said Sydney Uni Security Daytime Patrol Manager and Keeper of the Front Lawns, Mr Bavister.

"The Chernobyl anniversary is a time for sombre reflection, not a time student environment activists to inflate large-scale blow-up (get the pun?) nuclear reactors on campus. Students attempted to construct a 12 metre tall inflatable nuclear reactor, much the dismay of a staunchly anti-nuclear University Management.

"All this talk about nuclear as a solution to climate change - it's just hot air. We're tryin' to keep this campus clean, green and nuclear-free", concluded Bavister.

For once, USyd Security and students saw heart to heart. The Sydney Uni Clean Energy Campaign welcomed attempts by the University to shut down direct links between the nuclear industry and Sydney Uni.

The students warmly invited all Security staff to attend today's forum, launching the report 'Opportunities to Waste: Australian Universities and the Nuclear Industry', 2 – 3:30pm, Reading Room (Holme building), including speakers Dr. Stuart Rosewarne (Political Economy, Lecturer), and report author Holly Creenaune.

Opportunities to Waste: Australian Universities and the Nuclear Industry www.asen.org.au/OpportunitiesToWaste/