It has been a marathon for Victoria as we work together to flatten the COVID-19 curve. Melbourne is still in lockdown, but that hasn't stopped our grassroots campaign for Climate Justice. 

Here’s a quick update on our efforts over the last month...

OPEN LETTER PUTS SCOMO IN THE HOT SEAT: 

As you know, we've been campaigning for science-based Emissions Reduction Targets for years. With the Andrews government deferring its decision until the end of the year, we decided it was time for Act on Climate to step up into the national climate debate...

We've launched an open letter calling on Prime Minister Scott Morrison to increase ambition on climate and jobs.

Governments are now making decisions that will have big implications for our ability to tackle the climate crisis. We welcome individuals, organisations, and businesses who support climate justice to show their solidarity.  

Now more than ever, the Morrison government needs to hear from the community about the need for climate leadership.

ADD YOUR VOICE to the open letter. 

Friends of the Earth welcomes $1 million worth of grants to support 13 community-energy projects across Victoria, but say the Andrews government must must scale up funding to match the demand. 

"Communities are way out in front of governments when it comes to tackling the climate crisis," said Leigh Ewbank, Friends of the Earth's climate justice spokesperson.

"The Andrews government's grants for community-energy projects acknowledge this leadership and will create jobs while cutting emissions."

Friends of the Earth say the Andrews government can build on the momentum and create thousands more jobs by establishing a dedicated $100 million Victorian Climate Change Action Fund.

After the many months of lockdown, the decision to open up Victoria to fossil gas exploration, and the deferral of Emissions Reduction Targets, we finally have some GOOD NEWS:

This week, the Andrews government announced a plan to repower all the state’s schools, hospitals, and metro trains with renewable energy!  

The announcement has put even more spring in our step as we continue our campaign for Climate Justice. 

Here’s a quick update on our efforts over the last month...

It's a difficult time for communities across Victoria. We’ve been in lockdown for many months now. Yet the rate of COVID-19 transmission now occurring means we still have a way to go.

We understand that the introduction of a level-4 lockdown in Melbourne and Mitchell Shire as well as level-3 restrictions for regional Victoria is a bit deflating. Be safe, take care of yourself, and look after your community. And remember: We're in this together. 

Friends of the Earth's Act on Climate collective has masked up and maintains its commitment to Climate Justice. 

Here’s a quick update on our efforts over the last month...

Friends of the Earth Melbourne expresses great disappointment that the Victorian government has deferred setting the state’s first interim Emissions Reduction Targets. It is the second time this has occurred.

When the Andrews government strengthened the Victorian Climate Change Act 2017  it introduced deadlines to ensure our state’s response to the climate crisis is swift and steady. It demonstrated a keen awareness of the urgency of the issue when enshrining these deadlines in law.

Since 2017, community members across the state have been calling on the government to set science-based targets that contribute towards the Paris Agreement goal of keeping global warming below 1.5°C.

It is an outcome that would accelerate the rollout of renewables, increase investment in sustainable transport, require greater protection of forests and the natural world, and help protect communities from intensifying impacts. 

It's heartening to see our movement's incredible resolve and commitment to climate justice despite months of lockdown and a surge of COVID-19 cases in recent weeks. 

With the Andrews government leading the response to the pandemic, it's up to the community to make sure that climate action remains on the agenda. This mission is of particular importance ahead of the forthcoming announcement of Emissions Reduction Targets, the Victorian budget in October, and development of a state climate strategy.  

Here’s a quick update on our efforts over the last month...

Friends of the Earth Melbourne's Act on Climate collective officially launched its push to write a People's Climate Strategy for Victoria with over one thousand people watching the online launch via Zoom and Facebook live. The strong level of interest is a vote of confidence in the idea.

Writing a People's Climate Strategy for Victoria to present to the Andrews government later this year is a bold and ambitious undertaking. But shaping the state's first climate strategy is an opportunity that can't be missed.

The Victorian government is required to prepare and rollout a climate strategy every five years out to 2050. Our efforts in coming months will influence the Labor government's own plan (which must be prepared by October 31) as well as all those that follow it.  

Friends of the Earth and the Act on Climate collective cant do it alone... 

The collective needs your help to ensure the strategy is robust, capable of getting us to zero emissions as-soon-as-possible, and leaves no Victorian behind.

Here are the immediate next steps...

It has been a difficult time for the community. Yet our movement has shown incredible resolve and commitment to climate action in the face of these challenges. 

Friends of the Earth's Act on Climate collective has been keeping a watchful eye on the state of play. We're making sure that—despite the Federal government's refusal to act—Victoria's steps to tackle the climate crisis are bigger and bolder than ever. 

Here’s a quick update on our efforts over the last month...

Friends of the Earth welcome the Andrews government's announcement of $11 million to help communities respond to climate impacts on Victoria's coastline.

The state government's swift response comes after rising sea levels and intensifying storm surges in recent weeks have damaged infrastructure in Apollo Bay and Inverloch. Beach access points, walking paths, and roads have been affected.  

"Coastal communities need all the help they can get when it comes to the challenges posed by climate change," said Leigh Ewbank, Friends of the Earth climate spokesperson.

"Funding from the Andrews government will help communities with immediate responses to the damage caused by rising sea levels and intensifying storm surges."

"Greater funding will be needed to cope with the impacts of climate change on our coastline," added Ewbank.

"When will the Federal government provide funding for communities on the frontline of climate impact?"

Friends of the Earth say that community members are looking to the state government to show greater leadership on climate change while the Morrison government refuses to act.