climate change - where to after copenhagen?

a public forum in Belgrave
thursday 18 Feb
6.30pm for a 6.45 start, until 8pm

Earthly Pleasures Café - Bluestone Bar
1627 Burwood Highway, Belgrave

close to Belgrave Railway Station, plenty of parking at rear (Mel ref: 75F10)
Disability access: there are steps to navigate

Friends of the Earth have organised a free public forum to discuss climate change and the where to from here post Copenhagen negotiations. I encourage you to go along to contribute to this important and most critical issue.

The Copenhagen negotiations were a disaster for the world's poor. The chances of reaching a binding global agreement on climate change now appears even further away.

Yet climate change is real and already happening. As a global community we must act now to radically reduce our emissions. But what are the options for climate change campaigners here in Australia? How should we respond to the failure of Copenhagen? How and where should we be campaigning?

This forum will address:

* how we might respond to the failure of Copenhagen. Where to now for the climate movement?
* how to engage in international climate campaigning – including the problems of offsetting and the REDD – Reducing Emissions from Deforestation and Forest Degradation program - Ellen Roberts
* 'climate refugees'. How should Australia respond to the needs of our neighbours in the Pacific. Wendy Flannery
* climate campaigning in Victoria – how can we achieve a rapid transition to renewable energy here in Victoria? Cam Walker

There will be plenty of time for questions and discussion.

This is a free event organised by Friends of the Earth.

FoE welcomes local community and environment groups to set up an information stall.

For further information, please call 9419 8700 or cam.walker@foe.org.au
http://www.melbourne.foe.org.au/

fire forum, emerald

Today I attended a bushfire forum held by Tammy Lobato (MP for Gembrook) in Emerald. Speakers included the CFA, Emergency Services Deputy Commissioner, Joe Buffone who spoke about warnings, fire index levels and communication, there were also presentations by DSE and the Shire of Cardinia.

Joe Buffone, talked about the need for a whole of community approach to prepare for the fire season. He also talked about the new warnings and communication strategies for bushfire as well.

The new Household Bushfire Self Assessment Tool available on the CFA website was also highlighted. It is a step by step tool to assess your risk and will help you inform your fire plan.

It is a great initiative, Tammy is holding another forum in the Shire of Yarra Ranges too, details are:
When: 12 noon to 4:30pm, Sunday 18th October
Where:Upper Yarra Arts Centre Mechanics Institute, Warburton Hwy, Warburton (Melways ref: 290 B4 – google maps link)