By Ruth
Rosenhek, Director, Rainforest Information Centre
Some say that
perhaps we have reached the tipping point on climate change, that no matter
what we do it may be too late to stem the huge devastation that will be caused
by global warming.
At the
Rainforest Information Centre we have spent many years campaigning for issues
that often seemed hopeless and yet our actions have had much influence on
positive outcomes. Now we bring this experience to the Climate Change Despair
and Empowerment Roadshow.
In the 90-minute
presentations, we address the underlying feelings of hopelessness and
helplessness that many people feel when faced with such a huge crisis and how
these feelings can be transformed into
the fuel for inspiration and positive change.
Although, the
time for action may have been yesterday as well as today, there is much that we
can each do to try to stem the huge impacts of global warming. We also need to
work together collectively to urge Government to take on the radical solutions
that are requisite for future sustainable living on this planet.
If we truly want
to combat global warming, we can't avoid a major reorganisation of society and
technology. For example, Australia gives $6.5 billion annually in public subsidies
to the fossil fuel industry. Any real solutions must include redirecting these
subsidies towards the development of renewable energy and other transitions to
lower-carbon lifestyles.
Real solutions
also include large-scale public works programs to revamp our transport systems,
decentralise electricity networks to make them more efficient, reliable, secure
and receptive to solar, wind and micro-hydro power.
While in our presentations,
we discuss how to move through the many smoke and veils that have been cast,
one of the most obvious solutions is the number of people sitting in the seats
at each event.
As Al Gore said
in an interview with Jonathan Freedland in mid 2006 (The Guardian), "The only way in a
democracy to get the dramatic changes considered by the leaders, whoever they
might be, is for the people for really to be seized of the crisis and to demand
action."
Each of us now needs to awaken those around us to the urgency of
understanding and action. As US Supreme Court Justice Brandeis said in 1930:
"The most important office of government is citizen."
To this end, each
event culminates in the formation or invigoration of a climate study action
group.
The Climate
Change Roadshow has thus far visited Melbourne, Canberra, Sydney, northern NSW,
Brisbane and Sunshine Coast. April and May events for mid north coast, NSW and
Blue Mountains/Sydney can be found at www.climate.net.au.