Community Climate Action Groups

With the advent of the Howard years and the general climate change denial and inaction going on from our political leaders, many frustrated and concerned individuals got together to form climate action groups. Across the country these groups popped up and set about doing a whole range of things. From political lobbying, to bulk buying of solar hot water systems, to community education and media stunts to raise awareness of climate change these groups have achieved a lot. They were instrumental in raising awarness of climate change and ensuring the howard govt was evicted. They continue their work today, and new groups are forming.

According to the Climate Action Centre in Melbourne there is around 50 climate action groups in Victoria and maybe around 200 Australia wide.


Some examples of what climate action have got themselves involved with include:

- Breeze – Ballarat group that has organised the bulk buying of SHW systems and solar panels. And then got a government grant to teach other climate action groups how to organise bulk buying of envioronmentla products

- Beyond Zero Emissions – believe that we need to move towards zero carbon emissions – and because of this more 'radical'apporach stepped away from other green groups who thought the target was too high. They do campaigns and advocacy to raise awareness and have a lot of speaking engagements to help raise the profile of the science behind a target of zero emissions. check them out on . www.beyondzeroemissions.org

- Families Facing Climate Change
Based in Ashburton, Melbourne this group is a concerned group of 10 families that want to make a difference. Their local member just happens to be Peter Costello, so prior to the election they lined him up talked all things green power and gave him a copy of Tim Flannery's 'The Weather Makers'. They also talked to their state member amd ran candidates before the last stae and federal elections. So it just goes to show that anyone can get political so get out there and talk to your MP asap!.

There is also a new Melbourne Moreland climate change group if anyone is interested. The next meeting takes place on Tuesday Feb 17th at the Coburg Library meeting room Cnr of Victoria and Louisa Streets, Coburg. For more info contact: ellenmroberts@yahoo.com.au

To check out the climate action groups near you go to Environment Victoria's website or try googling! Env Vic can also help with starting up a climate action group, so if there isn't one near you start one up yourself!