As thousands of Australians carry the GetUp Climate Torches around Australia, they are carrying a powerful message – to reduce Australia’s carbon pollution 50% by 2020. They will carry the torches, and this message, to Canberra where the torches will be presented on October 12th. The delivery will be part of a rally calling for 50% by 2020 emission reduction targets, soon after the final Garnaut report has been delivered and at a crucial time during your deliberations on Australia’s 2020 target.
Communities across Australia hosting the torch are showing that we as a country have an opportunity and a responsibility to step up and help solve global climate change. By 2020, we can cut our carbon pollution in half from 1990 levels. We can make sure that all new energy sources come from renewable energy, instigate a mandatory energy efficiency program, and phase out coal. We can invest in public transport, and reduce Australians’ dependence on fossil fuels. These are all things that our politicians, as members of Parliament at this crucial time in history, have the power to make happen. These are things that GetUp members are demanding leadership on through this torch relay.
To find a climate torch event near you, click ‘view events’ and enter your postcode or search the map.
For media or organising enquiries, contact Sam Mclean on 0403 510 038, or email [email protected].
Climate Protection Bill
GetUp is supporting the Climate Protection Bill, a bill developed by community climate action groups across Australia. The bill calls for a 50% by 2020 reduction target and is a fantastic example of grassroots democracy – ordinary Australians being proactive about the kinds of solutions they want to see government enact to solve climate change. You can find more information on the bill here: http://climateride.org.au/the-climate-protection-bill
About the Torch
The GetUp Climate Torch is an iconic symbol of our national determination to halve carbon pollution 50% by 2020. It was created by the designers of the Sydney Olympic Torch, BlueSky Creative and manufactured by Box & Dice.
Rather than a flame, the climate torch features an onboard microprocessor and bright LED display which shows the message ‘Halve Australia’s Greenhouse Pollution by 2020”.
The torch draws power from four sources, which are designed to embody four solutions to climate change. It features wind and solar power, which represent the established renewable energies we need to support to solve the energy crisis. Extra power is generated by a hand-crank that represents the ‘people-power’ we will need to create social change. The fourth power source is a lemon! Fruit and vegetables (and people too!) produce an electric charge and can be used as batteries. Two electrodes on the torch plug into a lemon, creating a fruit-battery that embodies the innovation and creativity that will create new climate change solutions in the future.
The electrical components of the torch are all recycled from consumer products. The Climate Torch Relay is supported by Visy – a company that is showing the importance of recycling in the fight against climate change.
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