Climate Action Show

• THE GREATER GLIDER Protect our Forests

  THE CLIMATE ACTION SHOWProduced by Vivien Langford and Bella JessonMay 5th 2025THE GREATER GLIDER  Protect our ForestsandNO MUSIC ON A DEAD PLANET While the state  Environment Minister is asleep in her bed at night, forest protectors are out in the dark, on tough terrain, with torches trying to locate greater glider nesting trees. The law says the loggers must avoid parts of the forest where there is evidence that this is glider habitat, but loggers go out in the daytime to find the nocturnal gliders and say they can find none. Should the concerned community really being doing their job for them? While the Federal Environment Minister wants to see no extinctions on her watch and is running for re election, the greater glider is on the endangered list and its habitat is being logged in QLD and NSW. Should she really be allowed to get away with this?https://science.anu.edu.au/news-events/news/new-logging-rules-nsw-put-greater-glider-closer-extinction-when-will-we-startAnd in case you are wondering what saving the glider can do to buffer us against the worst of global heating:At UN Climate Change Conferences (COPs), forest protection is a key focus, with a strong emphasis on halting and reversing deforestation and forest degradation by 2030. These efforts are crucial for both climate mitigation and adaptation, as forests play a vital role in absorbing carbon dioxide and providing numerous ecosystem services.  We go to the Bob Brown Foundation"Protect our forests Rally" in Sydney on March 25th 2025.Speakers:Andrew Wong Forest Ecologist and operations manager from  Wilderness AustraliaIn recognition of his commitment to strategic thinking he has been asked to train campaigners in eight different countries. He was the Chair of the health promotion charity ‘Life. Be in it.’ Australia 2019-2022. Susie Russell - Veteran Forest Campaigner(The Byron Echo October 2024)Veteran forest campaigner Susie Russell was arrested yesterday  in Bulga State Forest. She was the 12th arrest in the local community’s campaign to protect the Bulga forest.Ms Russell had attached herself to the giant logging machinery until she was cut off.‘Every hour those machines don’t work is 50 trees saved,’ she said. ‘Our community will throw itself at the machines for as long as we can. We don’t want to give up any chance to save this precious forest and the Greater Gliders and Koalas that live there.Susie Russell locked on in Bulga State Forest. Photo supplied.‘I have no doubt that our actions are on the right side of history.‘All the science, all the reports, all the experts, say that if we want to repair the damage to our planet, we need to start by not doing more damage. That is the most straightforward and cheapest way to make progress.‘Removing hundreds of thousands of trees from the top of the catchment is insanity,’ said Ms Russell.‘The trees hold the land together. When the intense rain events come and the soil washes downstream, and the rivers silt up and the floods are extreme, no doubt those currently overseeing the destruction will wring their hands and lament.‘I am sickened at the inertia of the environment departments and their ministers, at state and federal level. They have no vision, and no appetite for action. They are keeping their seats warm while their support base evaporates and the damage intensifies.‘Those of us putting ourselves in arrestable situations trying to stop the carnage, would much rather be planting trees or running youth programs or removing weeds. Senator Mehreen Faruquihttps://www.instagram.com/mehreenfaruqi/reel/DHh61mHBAb_/ Coco - Ghanaian poet of Mother Earth and rap singer Sue Higginson - NSW Parliament-  Video:Shocking proof of greater glider bewildered in decimated foresthttps://www.netimes.com.au/2025/04/30/greens-call-for-end-to-logging-as-mogwai-threatened-near-glen-innes/*****************************************************************************Noelani Petero - No Music on a dead planet . Interview by Bella Jessonhttps://www.instagram.com/noelani_thefaceaustralia/?hl=en Headlines FOREST WIN IN HIGH COURThttps://bobbrown.org.au/forest-win-in-high-court/ Activists occupy Forestry Corp buildinghttps://www.echo.net.au/2025/04/activists-occupy-forestry-corp-building/ TAKE ACTION - Can you please write to Premier of NSW?- just fill in the form belowhttps://www.suehigginson.org/logging

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• The Australian branch of the global Atlas Network and opposition leader Peter Dutton’s election promise to scrap offshore wind farms and build nuclear power plants.

  Rosie interviews Dr Jeremy Walker of the University of Technology Sydney on his research, on the history of petroleum industry and fossil fuel investors early knowledge of global heating, systematic efforts to influence public opinion and government policy to defeat effective climate policy: that is, to reduce fossil fuel industry, extraction and combustion to zero, and replace all energy use with zero-combustion, zero emissions sources.  Key to this is an international network of ‘free market thinktanks’ assembled by neoliberal economists, activists, politicians, media organisations and big business funders. Since its 1981 registration, the Atlas Economic Research Foundation (Arlington VA) has fulfilled its mission to ‘litter the world with free market thinktanks’, expanding the global Atlas Network of neoliberal thinktanks to some 550 ‘partner organisations’ in 100 nations eight of which are in Australian and New Zealand (see Pic). In this episode Dr Jeremy Walker discusses new research finding regarding  the history, definitions and methods of the Atlas Network of ostensibly ‘independent, non-profit’ public policy research institutes, which whilst generating vast quantities of legacy media outputs policy papers and social media content to influence public opinion, frame public debate (moving the ‘Overton window’) to defeat or advance government policies and constitutional reforms, has only recently been brought to light and named as a coherent global infrastructure- the Atlas Network.Dr Walker then discusses Liberal opposition leader Peter Dutton’s flagship election campaign promises: to use public finances to build ‘clean and cheap’ nuclear power stations across the nation, and to scrap offshore windfarm projects in Port Stephens, Illawarra (NSW), the Southern Ocean (Vic) and Geographe Bay (WA), In each case these announcements were preceded by highly sophisticated, disinformation campaigns involving individuals and organisations long associated with Australian and US  Atlas thinktanks, and accompanied by a swarm of ostensibly ‘community based’ campaign websites, often with anonymous membership and always without declaring funding. Pic 2: Atlas Network video celebrating Institute of Public Affairs ‘Repeal the Carbon Tax’ campaign (Youtube).  Pic 3: Tim Wilson, Ex- Liberal MP and candidate for Goldstein lead climate campaigner, Institute of Public Affairs, c. 2006-2013 (Youtube).Research publications: Walker, J (2023) Silencing the Voice: the fossil-fuelled Atlas Network’s campaign against constitutional recognition of Indigenous Australia, Cosmopolitan Civil Societies,15(2).  Walker, J (2022). Freedom to burn: mining propaganda, fossil capital and the Australian neoliberals. In Slobodian, Q & Plehwe, D (eds) Market Civilisations: Neoliberals East and South, Princeton University Press.  Walker, J (2020). More Heat than Life: the Tangled Roots of Ecology, Energy and Economics, Palgrave. Australian Parliament:  17 December 2024. Submission (no. 297) to Senate Standing Committee on Environment and Communications, Offshore Wind Industry Consultation Process, Australian Parliament House. Dr Jeremy Walker. ‘Who says ‘offshore wind kills whales’ and why? Funded by Big Oil and Coal, the co-ordinated disinformation and astroturfing against offshore wind development is a trans-national project of the Atlas Network. 13 page submission, 4 supporting  research articles, right of reply by Adam Weinberg ( Atlas Network, Virginia USA), Dr Walker reply to Weinberg. https://www.aph.gov.au/Parliamentary_Business/Committees/Senate/Environment_and_Communications/OffshoreWind/Submissions 4 Feb 2025. Australian Parliament. Speech by Senator David Shoebridge Advance and the Atlas Network. Video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WBZa4ZGfJOE     Senate Hansard: https://www.aph.gov.au/Parliamentary_Business/Hansard/Hansard_Display?bid=chamber/hansards/28689/&sid=0000 11 Feb 2025. Australian Parliament . Speech by Senator Peter Whish-Wilson Exposing the Atlas Network. Video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DHkwa_rrM4w     Senate Hansard: https://www.aph.gov.au/Parliamentary_Business/Hansard/Hansard_Display?bid=chamber/hansards/28693/&sid=0000 13 Feb 2025. Australian Parliament. Speech by Senator Peter Whish-Wilson. Offshore Wind Farm Disinformation & the Atlas Network. Calls for a new Senate inquiry into the Atlas Network in order to make recommendations regarding future anti-disinformation legislation. Video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=32tqyZTBIQw   Senate Hansard: https://www.aph.gov.au/Parliamentary_Business/Hansard/Hansard_Display?bid=chamber/hansards/28695/&sid=0282 Select Media: 18 April 2025. Good Weekend (Sydney Morning Herald, The Age, Brisbane Times). By Tim Elliott. ‘Copied the MAGA model’: The ‘grassroots’ lobby group funded by some of Australia’s richest.’ It claims to be a “grassroots” group promoting free speech and common-sense policy to ordinary Aussies. But behind Advance’s propaganda machine – and its deluge of disinformation – are links to the far right in the US. https://www.smh.com.au/national/copied-the-maga-model-the-grassroots-lobby-group-funded-by-some-of-australia-s-richest-20250408-p5lq6k.html 24 April 2025. ABC News. By Emily Clarke. ‘How Atlas Network amassed a global network of free market think tanks and reached into Australia and New Zealand.’ https://www.abc.net.au/news/2025-04-24/atlas-network-think-tanks-active-in-australia-and-new-zealand/104788732 2 July 2024. Washington Post. By Rachel Pannett. New Zealand, once a utopia for Trump-weary exiles, turns to the right. The populist National-led government is undoing many of Jacinda Ardern’s progressive initiatives, including gun control and environmental protections. https://www.washingtonpost.com/world/2024/07/02/new-zealand-america-moving-trump/ 22 Dec 2023. Mata Reports -New Zealand Television.. By Mihingarangi Forbes.  Trick or Treaty? Indigenous rights, referendums and the Treaty of Waitangi. https://www.1news.co.nz/2023/12/22/trick-or-treaty-indigenous-rights-referendums-and-the-treaty-of-waitangi/ 30 Oct 2023­­­­. ABC Radio National. Late Night Live. What is the Atlas Network? Dr Jeremy Walker interviewed by Philip Adams. https://www.abc.net.au/listen/programs/latenightlive/atlas-network-jeremy-walker-think-tanks-/103041202

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• "YOU ARE NOT ALONE"

  CLIMATE ACTION SHOWAPRIL 21ST 2025Produced by Vivien Langford "YOU ARE NOT ALONE"This episode of the Climate Action Show is part of the 89%Project, an initiative of the global journalism collaboration Covering Climate Now. The idea is that although between 80 and 89% of people worldwide want more effective climate ACTION they do not know that they are the majority. At the National Press Club Lunchin April, Greens Leader Adam Bandt reassured voters concerned about the climate crisis, by repeating... "You are not alone." Knowing that we are the majority could create a social tipping point that motivates action.https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=y69TTh__Npw With the headlines predicting minority goverment after the coming election, we explore what a hung parliament might achieve taking the urgency of the 89% to those who want to keep business as usual. 1.We will hear extracts from Allegra Spender's Climate speech in Parliament in May Allegra urges the government to get off fossil fuels, to stop opening new coal and gas projects, and to move as quickly as possible to renewables. She criticises the Labor Government's lack of a future gas strategy. She argues that their increase of fossil fuel projects creates more climate pollution and is a great disappointment for those who hoped for better.https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sTodgadZupg  2. Nick Ward standing for the Greens against Independent Allegra Spender in the Sydney Seat of WentworthOur community is facing significant challenges, from housing affordability to the pressing need for climate action. The scourge of racism and antisemitism will weigh heavily on this campaign. I believe in proactive, evidence-based solutions that address these issues head-on. I aim to bring a fresh perspective to Wentworth, advocating for Greens policies that reflect our shared values of fairness, sustainability, and community well-being. 3. Hannah Thomas standing for the Greens against the PM in the Sydney seat of GrayndlerIn 2022 she wrote in Independent Australia"Tuesday was also a heartbreaking day for the most vulnerable of individuals, children, standing up against the state in the courts of the colony. The Full Federal Court unanimously overturned an earlier finding that the Minister for the Environment has a duty to take reasonable care to avoid causing personal injury to children when deciding to approve a coal mine extension.The decision was essentially a green light to the Government and corporations to continue wrecking the climate in the face of overwhelming evidence that doing so would have catastrophic consequences for children.All of the evidence of the existential threat posed by climate change, and the fact that climate change is caused by fossil fuels, was accepted by the Court. And yet, the Minister for the Environment, who holds enormous power and discretion to perpetuate climate change, was found to owe nothing to the children whose futures are being irreparably harmed by climate change.I have no doubt that any number of legal experts would be able to defend each of these decisions based on the most sophisticated of technical arguments. But who cares about finessed points of law when ultimately, these decisions are all patently unjust to anyone with a functioning moral compass?" 4. Music by Eskimo Joe "Say Something" " https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mtWeAspTz0g

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• Keeping OCEAN pristine + WHYALLA steel in Public Hands

  CLIMATE ACTION SHOW APRIL 14th 2025Produced by Vivien LangfordKeeping the Ocean pristine andWhyalla Green Steel in Public Hands?  GuestsLisa Deppeler is a prominent figure associated with the OCEAN (Otway Coastal Environment Action Network) organization. She is particularly focused on stopping seismic blasting proposals off the coast. Lisa has been a key voice in raising public awareness about the potential impacts of seismic blasting on marine life, including whales and zooplankton. She has also been involved in organizing the "Great Ocean Rescue Tour" to inform people about the issues.  Renfrey Clarke is an Australian journalist, translator and left activist. Throughout the 1990s he reported from Moscow for Green Left Weekly,  His article about reviving the vision of Green Steel in Whyalla prompted this interview. His conclusion is that public ownership isthe best way forward."Profit margins for steel firms are mostly wafer thin, and a buyer for the plant will not be easily found. The chances seem high that the complex, after being modernised at taxpayer expense, will again be sold off for a derisory sum.Worse, there is the real prospect that the only credible-seeming bidder will be another “adventure capitalist” such as Gupta.Re-establishing a viable steel industry in SA requires the kind of financial resources that the private sector is unlikely to want to risk. The only realistic source of this money is the public purse. But if taxpayers are to bear the cost, they are entitled to demand that the assets stay in public ownership.Further, the public are entitled to demand that the steel plant be saved as part of a rational plan that takes in the whole of the Northern Spencer Gulf industrial region, and that stresses new processes and highly productive, clean technologies". https://www.greenleft.org.au/content/why-whyalla-steelworks-must-be-publicly-owned Here's what you can do to support OCEAN's campaign against seismic blasting​1. Sign the petition to abolish SPA permitsSpecial Prospecting Authority permits are a cheap and easy way for companies to buy access to large areas of ocean to conduct seismic blasting. The Australian Marine Conservation Society have a petition to abolish SPA permits. Please also share the link to your social media!Sign the petition here.​​2. Email the PM urging him to declare a moratorium on seismic blastingSend an email to Prime Minister Anthony Albanese urging him to declare a moratorium on seismic blasting until the recommendations from the 2021 'Making Waves' Senate Inquiry are acted upon.Click here to send an email to the PM3. Phone The Federal Minister for Resources Madeleine KingShe is in Western Australia : (08) 95279377The electorate concerned in Wannon https://www.abc.net.au/news/elections/federal/2025/guide/wann​

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• VIOLET COCO Portrait of an activist

  CLIMATE ACTION SHOWAPRIL 7TH 2025VIOLET COCO - Portrait of an ActivistProduced by Vivien Langford Interview courtesy of  Tim Budge and Ruth Yateman at Seymour FM on BEAM Mitchell Environment Group's radio show EARTH CHAThttps://programs.seymourfm.com.au/earth-chat Featured Guest: Violet CocoYou may not know the name Violet Coco, but you would have seen her on the news, arrested for protesting in different places, all to highlight the precarious state of our planet. Violet is a passionate environment and social justice activist. She has been arrested 49 times in 6 years as a non-violent, direct action, change maker. She recently spent two months in prison.She was the first person sentenced under controversial new anti-protest laws in NSW, receiving a sentence of 18 months in prison for blocking the Sydney Harbour Bridge in a campaign which was supporting firefighters. Her sentence was dropped on appeal. Violet describes herself as a conscientious objector to the murder of our planet. Violet is an eloquent and gracious conversationalist and someone who has great wisdom to share.   Information on Violet:- Patreon, Wilipedia and The Guardian Some links of interest mentioned in the show:- Song: People's Uprising by James Brook ft Violet Coco (on Bandcamp) - Some books and other resources:  Zen and the Art of Saving the Planet and Peace is Every Step, Thich Nhat Hanh We can’t get There from Here: Carbon, Climate and the Call to Wonder, with Báyò Akómoláfé and Paul Hawken  Any book by Joanna Macy

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