CoolOz - people taking action on climate change

Hi All

A very belated happy new year to all.

It’s already been a big year for climate news with the latest scientific report from the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) on the weekend. IPCC brings together 2,500 scientists from more than 30 countries

The IPCC concluded that the likelihood that the climate change has been created by the burning of fossil fuels and other actions is greater than 90%.

This, the IPCC’s 4^th report said global warming is an "unequivocal" fact and likely to continue for centuries, warning of a likely rise in world average temperatures of up to 4C.

For a summary of the findings, go to http://www.ipcc.ch/SPM2feb07.pdf

Remember the key things that we can all do as individuals:

1. Reduce your energy usage – switch off appliances at the wall when not in use, use a water-efficent showerhead
2. Purchase greenpower for your home (available from all electricity companies, often at exactly the same price you already pay - check out http://www.greenpower.gov.au/pages/Home-Who-Sells.php)
3. Reduce your car and air travel (Where you must travel, carbon offsets are available from organisations like Climate Positive, Carbon Planet and Greenfleet - check the links on www.cooloz.multiply.com)

Some events

•       TONIGHT – MONDAY 5^TH FEBRUARY - for CITY OF PORT PHILLIP RESIDENTS – Climate Change in the City of Port Phillip

Tonight’s meeting of the Port Phillip council (Monday 5 February, 6pm) will feature a discussion of council's recent report titled "Climate Change in the City of Port Phillip - An Initial Perspective".

This will be a terrific opportunity for residents to see how council views the issue of climate change, what local impacts are being assessed and what actions are being considered.

Council meetings are held at Council Chamber at the St. Kilda Town Hall, 99a Carlisle Street St Kilda.
If you wish to speak at any council meeting you can make a request to speak when you arrive at the meeting - for more information on attending and participating in council meetings see http://www.portphillip.vic.gov.au/about_council.html

•       CLIMATE CHANGE FORUMS – 7 Feb, 21 Feb, 8 Mar, 6pm to 8pm – a series of presentations by international experts – The first is “Climate Change, Despair and Empowerment” featuring John Seed. It’s at Richmond Town Hall, 333 Bridge St. Check it out at http://www.yarracity.vic.gov.au/Services/Arts%20&%20Culture/pdf/climate%20change%20forum2.pdf

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•       SUSTAINABLE LIVING FESTIVAL – Sustainability – How do you do it? 16-18 Feb, Federation Square. It’s advertised as “The Sustainable Living Festival showcases a huge range of exhibitors, talks, workshops, art, films and performances celebrating and inspiring sustainable communities.” Info at http://www.slf.org.au/festival/

More to follow…

Looks like it’s going to be a big year for taking action.