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  • The Twitter storm has begun 350org

    The Twitter Storm has begun.

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    Bill McKibben – 350.org organizers@350.org
    6:16 PM (1 hour ago)
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    Dear friends,

    A confession: I like to tweet.

    When I come across something particularly sweet or peculiarly depressing, I feel better once I’ve shared it on Twitter.

    Twitter was designed as an outlet for individuals, but we think it can also work for social movements. And so, today, we’re launching an effort to amplify our movement’s message on Twitter, for a truly important cause.

    The world’s leaders are gathered in Rio for the “Earth Summit”, and we need to tell them to end fossil fuel subsidies. It’s going to be a Twitter Storm, and we need all the help we can get.

    Join in here: www.endfossilfuelsubsidies.org/twitterstorm

    We know that world leaders aren’t likely to achieve a comprehensive climate breakthrough in Rio — we aren’t expecting new binding rules that would slow the carbon emissions that are heating up our planet. But our governments could at least stop sending nearly a trillion dollars a year to the fossil fuel industry. If they did, it would help weaken the coal and oil and gas tycoons, and give renewable energy a fighting chance.

    Ending fossil fuel subsidies would also stop wasting our money. Why on earth should taxpayers subsidize the richest industry on earth? It’s bad enough they wreck the planet, without us paying them a performance bonus for doing it.

    So here’s the plan: we’re going to kick up a Twitter Storm. We need you to help create this storm by sending a message with the hashtag #EndFossilFuelSubsidies. We’ll be beaming your messages on famous landmarks in cities around the world, and a young team of climate activists will be on the ground in Rio to make sure world leaders hear us loud and clear.

    If you don’t already have a twitter account, we need you to sign up for one, which is easy to do. Tips and tricks for all this can be found here: www.endfossilfuelsubsidies.org/twitterstorm

    Look — sending tweets and emails alone will not win this fight. But we can’t go to jail or hold rallies every day. This is an easy way to make a statement. A loud one, if we all work together.

    Thanks,

    Bill McKibben (@billmckibben on Twitter)

    P.S. The world record for tweets in a day was set earlier this year, with birthday greetings for the adorably mop-topped teen idol Justin Bieber. Let’s try to beat it.

    350.org is building a global movement to solve the climate crisis. Connect with us on Facebook and Twitter, and sign up for email alerts. You can help power our work by getting involved locally, sharing your story, and donating here.

    To stop receiving emails from 350.org, click here.

    .

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    Bill McKibben – 350.org organizers@350.org
    6:16 PM (1 hour ago)
    to me
    Images are not displayed. Display images below – Always display images from organizers@350.org

    Dear friends,

    A confession: I like to tweet.

    When I come across something particularly sweet or peculiarly depressing, I feel better once I’ve shared it on Twitter.

    Twitter was designed as an outlet for individuals, but we think it can also work for social movements. And so, today, we’re launching an effort to amplify our movement’s message on Twitter, for a truly important cause.

    The world’s leaders are gathered in Rio for the “Earth Summit”, and we need to tell them to end fossil fuel subsidies. It’s going to be a Twitter Storm, and we need all the help we can get.

    Join in here: www.endfossilfuelsubsidies.org/twitterstorm

    We know that world leaders aren’t likely to achieve a comprehensive climate breakthrough in Rio — we aren’t expecting new binding rules that would slow the carbon emissions that are heating up our planet. But our governments could at least stop sending nearly a trillion dollars a year to the fossil fuel industry. If they did, it would help weaken the coal and oil and gas tycoons, and give renewable energy a fighting chance.

    Ending fossil fuel subsidies would also stop wasting our money. Why on earth should taxpayers subsidize the richest industry on earth? It’s bad enough they wreck the planet, without us paying them a performance bonus for doing it.

    So here’s the plan: we’re going to kick up a Twitter Storm. We need you to help create this storm by sending a message with the hashtag #EndFossilFuelSubsidies. We’ll be beaming your messages on famous landmarks in cities around the world, and a young team of climate activists will be on the ground in Rio to make sure world leaders hear us loud and clear.

    If you don’t already have a twitter account, we need you to sign up for one, which is easy to do. Tips and tricks for all this can be found here: www.endfossilfuelsubsidies.org/twitterstorm

    Look — sending tweets and emails alone will not win this fight. But we can’t go to jail or hold rallies every day. This is an easy way to make a statement. A loud one, if we all work together.

    Thanks,

    Bill McKibben (@billmckibben on Twitter)

    P.S. The world record for tweets in a day was set earlier this year, with birthday greetings for the adorably mop-topped teen idol Justin Bieber. Let’s try to beat it.

    350.org is building a global movement to solve the climate crisis. Connect with us on Facebook and Twitter, and sign up for email alerts. You can help power our work by getting involved locally, sharing your story, and donating here.

    To stop receiving emails from 350.org, click here.

  • The Rinehart Herald? GET-UP

    The Rinehart Herald?

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    GetUp! info@getup.org.au
    5:03 PM (43 minutes ago)
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    Dear NEVILLE,

    This morning Fairfax Media announced a radical overhaul of its businesses, with an estimated 1900 jobs to be lost. 

    The news of the restructure comes at a time when the future of Fairfax is under threat from Gina Rinehart who just purchased some 142 million additional shares in Fairfax, as part of her campaign to obtain two seats on the company’s board. It brings her total stake to 18.6% – ever closer to the maximum allowed before a shareholder must make an official takeover bid.1

    What’s so worrying about this? Even Rinehart’s closest advisors, including those who are tipped to join her on the Fairfax board, have revealed their vision for the company: that the way to increase profits is conservative editorial direction, not responsible and independent journalism.

    We think Fairfax’s customers disagree. As the board considers Gina Rinehart’s bid for a seat on the board – and her vision for the company – let’s tell the Fairfax board: we buy Fairfax’s papers because of their commitment to editorial independence, and that independence must be defended:

    http://www.getup.org.au/fourth-estate

    Jack Cowin, a close advisor to Rinehart, her colleague on the Channel 10 board, and the person tipped to join her on the board of Fairfax if her bid is successful2, told ABC radio two weeks ago: “the Fairfax board should have the right to change the editorial direction of the company if it would increase profit” and “Gina Rinehart would have a stronger right-wing view than probably the average liberal journalist.”3

    In short, Gina Rinehart’s closest allies think Fairfax should be about pure profit – and that the way to increase profits is conservative editorial direction, not responsible and independent journalism.

    A press that is independent, not just from governments but from vested corporate interests, is essential to our democracy. The Fairfax board has strongly resisted moves by Gina Rinehart for board positions, but with every share she buys it becomes harder for them to deny her a seat on the board. The only way to match her billions of dollars is by making our voices as consumers heard. If we come together to tell the Fairfax board not to give in, to protect the independent Fairfax papers, we can help protect the quality journalism know and love.

    http://www.getup.org.au/fourth-estate

    Thanks for standing up,
    The GetUp Team

    1 ‘Rinehart confirms Fairfax raid’, Sally Jackson. The Australian June 18, 2012
    2 ‘Gina Rinehart lifts stake in Fairfax to 15% as pressure for board seats builds’, Kirsty Simpson. Sydney Morning Herald June 15, 2012
    3 Audio transcript “Just a matter of time before Rinehart on Fairfax board: Jack Cowin”, ABC, 5 June, 2012 6:51PM

    GetUp is an independent, not-for-profit community campaigning group. We use new technology to empower Australians to have their say on important national issues. We receive no political party or government funding, and every campaign we run is entirely supported by voluntary donations. If you’d like to contribute to help fund GetUp’s work, please donate now! If you have trouble with any links in this email, please go directly to www.getup.org.au. To unsubscribe from GetUp, please click here. Authorised by Simon Sheikh, Level 2, 104 Commonwealth Street, Surry Hills NSW 2010

  • What Rio Can Do

    Alert Name: CLIMATE CHANGE NEWS
    June 18, 2012 Compiled: 12:55 AM

    By THOMAS LOVEJOY (NYT)

    Rio+20 will not solve the problems of sustainable development, but it can make a serious start.

    By ALAN MacDONALD (NYT)

    The untapped groundwater in Africa can help people and nations move out of poverty, produce more food and better adapt to climate change.

    About This E-mail

     

    You received this e-mail because you signed up for NYTimes.com’s My Alerts tool. As a member of the TRUSTe privacy program, we are committed to protecting your privacy.

     

  • Opposition treasury spokesman Joe Hockey accuses Julia Gillard of ‘lecturing’ world on economic management

    This accusation appears to be justified. Who are we to lecture the rest of the world on economic issues? I would not credit the Labor Govt. with being experts on economics, judging by the blunders and wastage we have seen during their term in Govt.

     

    Opposition treasury spokesman Joe Hockey accuses Julia Gillard of ‘lecturing’ world on economic management

    1
    MEXICO-G20-SECURITY

    Mexican soldiers patrol nearby the International Press Centre in Los Cabos on the eve of the G20 summit. Source: AFP

    THE Australian economy might be a shining light amid the global economic gloom, however Julia Gillard’s decision to write to world leaders about economic management has been slammed by the opposition as “the height of arrogance”.

    EXCLUSIVE: Poll finds Gillard a three-way failure

    The Prime Minister is in Los Cabos, Mexico, for a meeting of the G20, where she will urge her world counterparts to take urgent action on the European economic crisis.

    But already a letter written by the PM and Treasurer Wayne Swan warning G20 members to act against the risk of a new global economic crisis had become a “talking point”.

    In the letter, which some have taken as Australia “lecturing” the world on economic management, the PM urged Europe to engage in the reforms that had served Australia well.

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    Poll finds Gillard a three-way failure

    LABOR’S experiment to elect Julia Gillard as PM has been a “spectacular failure” with two thirds of voters believing the government is now worse.

    When asked why she felt the need to write to world leaders ahead of the summit, the PM said she wanted Australia’s voice heard.

    “We believed it was important to take all steps to make Australia’s views known,” the PM said.

    “My understanding from the senior officials leader discussions, the letters have become a talking point.”

    The opposition’s treasury spokesman Joe Hockey wasn’t impressed.

    “It’s the height of arrogance for Julia Gillard and Wayne Swan to be lecturing the world on fiscal rectitude and Government competence,” Mr Hockey told The Daily Telegraph Online.

    “Australia is in the position it is in thanks to the financial stability and reserves Labor inherited from the Howard Government, as well as the mining boom the government wants to cripple.

    “Rather than telling the G 20 nations how they should run their economies, Ms Gillard should be explaining to Australians why they have to suffer under the world’s biggest carbon tax and the damage it is about to impose.”

    The PM said she would be seeking commitments from other countries on action plans for jobs and growth around the world.

    But specifically she would be speaking European leaders to urge action on greater banking and fiscal integration across the Euorozone, banking bail-outs to prevent Europe dragging the rest of the world into recession.

    “What happens in Europe does matter to the economies of the world,” the PM said.

    “Our major trading partners in our region export to Europe, so what matters in Europe matters to them and, therefore matters to Australians. Here at the G20 I will be urging my European counterparts to take urgent action on the issues in Europe.”

    The PM wouldn’t comment on polls published in today’s News Limited newspapers that showed most voters believed her government was worse than that led by the man she deposed, Kevin Rudd.

    Earlier her arrival into Los Cabos was delayed after a police bus careered off a highway leading to the summit, plunging into a ravine.

    It is believed up to 30 Mexican police, assigned to secure the luxurious resort town for the meeting of world leaders, were aboard the bus when it crashed.

    Authorities could not confirm if or how many had died or were injured.

    The PM’s motorcade was delayed as traffic chaos blocked the heavily secured routes into the centre.

    51 comments on this story

  • Study Finds Ancient Warming Greened Antarctica

    Study Finds Ancient Warming Greened Antarctica

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    NASA News Services nasa_subscriptions@service.govdelivery.com
    2:28 PM (35 minutes ago)
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    You are subscribed to Earth News for NASA. This information has recently been updated, and is now available.

    06/17/2012 12:00 AM EDT

    A new university-led study with NASA participation finds ancient Antarctica was much warmer and wetter than previously suspected.

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    Click this link to sign up instantly to receive Science & Tech updates as well as the award winning newsletter from our partners at USA.gov or click this link to see all available options from USA.gov. USA.gov logo

  • The Daily Telegraph is urging readers to join our People Power campaign to beat the carbon tax and power prices

    The Daily Telegraph is urging readers to join our People Power campaign to beat the carbon tax and power prices

    Big Electricity Switch – Campaign launch

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    Big Electricity Switch – Campaign launch

    One Big Switch wants 25,000 signatures to secure big discounts on power bills for Australians. Hear campaign director Christopher Zinn laun…

    thetelegraph.com.au18 June 2012

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    Big Electricity Switch campaign director Christopher Zinn. Picture: Toby Zerna Source: The Daily Telegraph

    power prices

    The Edgeworth family from North Narrabeen. (L to R) Abbey, eight, Flynn, eight, Chris and Kelly Edgeworth, Kieran, 16, and Ben, 13, Picture: Show More Source: The Daily Telegraph

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    Big Electricity Switch – Neutralise the power rise

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    Big Electricity Switch – Neutralise the power rise

    Want to save on your power bill? One Big Switch’s Christopher Zinn shows you how by logging onto the One Big Switch website www.bigelectric…

    thetelegraph.com.au18 June 2012

    THE groundswell of discontent over electricity price rises has this morning morphed into decisive action with Aussies rushing our People Power campaign.

    By midday more than 4300 people had registered their interest in getting a better deal on electricity through the website www.bigelectricityswitch.com.au.

    The Daily Telegraph has joined forces with our sister mastheads across the country to push for bulk discounts large enough to neutralise an electricity price rise the federal Treasury estimates could be as high as 10 per cent.

    The campaign, officially launched this morning in Sydney, is being led by one of the country’s most respected consumer crusaders, the former face of Choice Christopher Zinn. Mr Zinn believes it will be possible to negotiate price cuts of at least 12 per cent if the campaign can attract support from 25,000 households and businesses.

    Results: Today’s Poll

    Thanks for voting!

    Would you switch power providers to beat the carbon tax?

    • Yes89.48% (6662 votes)
    • No10.52% (783 votes)

    Total votes: 7445

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    Highest carbon tax paying suburbs

    MOST of the big carbon tax bills will hit families in Sydney’s west and north – and in the country.

    United we stand with power in hand

    DESPITE the anger and uncertainty about escalating electricity bills, too many people are still paying more then they should to light and heat their homes.

    SUPPORT THE CAMPAIGN HERE

    The Daily Telegraph, Melbourne’s Herald Sun, the Adelaide Advertiser and news.com.au are collaborating with Mr Zinn and the One Big Switch organisation because of growing frustration about the cost of energy.

    Many households are dreading the carbon tax, which starts on July 1, because the pace of price rises will be so rapid it will be all but impossible to contain bills by cutting consumption – despite their best efforts. Those in the eastern half of Sydney, Central Coast, Newcastle and the Hunter region will be slugged an extra 20.6 per cent on their power bills, of which almost half – 9.4 per cent – is down to the carbon tax.

    The Independent Pricing and Regulatory Tribunal last week said that those living in western Sydney, Wollongong, the Blue Mountains and Southern Highlands would pay an average 11.8 per cent more, including the 9.4 per cent carbon tax slug.

    Costs will rise by an average of 19.7 per cent across the rest of the state, of which 7.9 per cent is down to the tax.

    Two-thirds of Australians oppose the controversial tax, a recent poll by the independent Lowy Institute revealed. Yet despite this, the Gillard government has refused to even consider reducing its impact.

    In a poll on this site today, nearly 90 per cent of 5500 respondents said they would switch electricity providers to beat the carbon tax.

    “People are disconnected from their electricity bills and as prices go up, they feel powerless to do anything,” Mr Zinn said yesterday. “One thing people can do (to save money) is become more energy efficient, but they are already doing that. People will drive around to find the cheapest petrol but they don’t do that with electricity.

    “What we want to do is reconnect people with their bills. Consumers have the power in this to achieve better deals.”

    Under the campaign, households must register for the bulk discount at bigelectricityswitch.com.au by midnight on July 15. Mr Zinn said people who registered didn’t even have to accept the discount – instead they could use the offers to shop around or negotiate a better deal with their current supplier.

    “We’re keen to get people who haven’t switched to join the group and drive competition in the market. That is, to make electricity retailers work even harder to get your custom.”

    While The Daily Telegraph is focusing on the carbon tax because it is the single biggest driver of the upcoming increases, those who support the policy can still register for the discount deal – because other factors will send prices up as much as 13 per cent.

    Australian Energy Regulator chairman Andrew Reeves, whose group sets the amount network owners can charge and earn, said: “We are aware any increase is a burden on households. Electricity bills are the largest single bill most households see and any increase is a concern.

    “Customers are responding to higher prices by reducing consumption. We consider under current rules, the allowances reward the electricity businesses with returns that are greater than the costs they reasonably should incur, in particular the cost to finance the new investment.”

    The campaign is Mr Zinn’s first since joining One Big Switch, which was set up in 2011 by Lachlan Harris, a former adviser to ex-prime minister Kevin Rudd.

    Choice and One Big Switch collaborated on a banking campaign last year.

    Households can register to join in the deal by logging on HERE by midnight on July 15