Reality check on climate target
The Australian Climate Commission’s report The Critical Decade adopted a budget approach to cessation of greenhouse gas (GHG) pollution, stating that a 75% chance of the world avoiding a 2°C temperature rise (European Union policy) means progressive cessation of GHG pollution in 2010-2050 with emission of no more than 1 trillion tonnes more of CO2 (carbon dioxide).
Assuming an average world population in 2030 of about 8 billion people, this GHG pollution budget is 1,000 billion tonnes CO2/8 billion people = 125 tonnes CO2 per person.
Australia has a population of 22 million people and accordingly Australia’s share of the terminal GHG pollution budget is 125 tonnes CO2 per person x 22 million persons: 2750 million tonnes (Mt) CO2.
In 2009, Australia’s GHG pollution was 600 Mt CO2 equivalent, and at that rate Australia will use up its share in 4.6 years (2750 Mt/600 Mt a year).
However, in 2009 Australia’s domestic plus exported GHG pollution was 600 (Domestic) + 784 (coal exports) + 31 (LNG exports) = 1,415 Mt CO2 equivalent. This leave only 2750/1415 = 1.9 years for Australia to get to zero GHG pollution — yet under Labor GHG pollution is increasing.
Dr Gideon Polya,
Macleod, Vic
Pressure Arab dictatorships
If only these corrupt, cruel old men trying desperately to hold on to power in Libya, Syria, Yemen, Bahrain, Iran and elsewhere would see the reality that the world has changed and get out of the way of the tide of people yearning for freedom and justice.
Instead, these dictators go on using the same methods of oppression and terror to still try to cling to power. The sooner they realise the people have lost their fear, that the repression is adding to the rage of their people and no longer works, they will give up and the bloodshed will end.
Perhaps the actions of people in other countries would make a small, but important difference, helping the inevitable demise of these regimes and save many lives.
We could increase the pressure on these dictatorial governments if we wrote letters to their embassies and consulates telling their staff we know their rulers are abusing their people and plead with them to help stop aiding the killing, maiming and torture and side with the people.
I will be sending letters to these governments’ embassies and to newspapers expressing my outrage at the atrocities being committed in these countries. I ask others to do the same. We should not remain silent while these massacres and human rights abuses are happening.
Steven Katsineris,
Hurstbridge, Vic
Release waterfront documents
Please follow this link to a petition in regard to the release of documents pertaining to the 1998 Patrick and Howard government conspiracy which attempted to de-unionise the waterfront and which lead to the unlawful sacking of its entire workforce.
As some may recall the ALP whilst in opposition gave a commitment to release these documents and make them available to the public.
After 13 years this is yet to eventuate.
I'm not asking for a pint of blood, your first-born son, a kidney or the severed head of the village priest — merely a few minutes of your time to ensure that the ALP honours its pledge in regard to making these documents available to the public.
It would be appreciated if you could sign and share with your family, friends, colleagues and comrades.
Sean Ambrose,
MUA Patrick, Port Botany
Boycott the US too
We have a BDS (boycott, divestment & sanctions) campaign against the state of Israel. We also need to have a BDS against the US empire.
The next time I will consciously purchase something made in the US will be the day after its war machine becomes a defence service, and its 700-odd foreign bases are closed.
Luke Weyland
Strathfield NSW
Ban all live animal exports
The horrific cruelty that recently aired on ABC’s Four Corners — including cattle being beaten, having their throats hacked, and their eyes gouged out in Indonesian abattoirs — is, sadly, business as usual in the live-export industry.
Multiple investigations by PETA, Animals Australia, and other organisations have revealed rampant cruelty at every step of the live export process.
For example, sheep who are discarded by the wool industry and who have already suffered the misery of mulesing — in which huge chunks of flesh are carved off their backsides, usually without any pain relief — are forced to endure hellish, weeks-long voyages to slaughter on extremely crowded, disease-ridden ships.
Many sheep succumb to illness, starve to death, or are trampled. Survivors are often dragged from the ships at their destination and thrown into the backs of trucks and cars. At slaughter, most will have their throats cut while they are still conscious.
Banning live exports to some slaughterhouses in Indonesia is a start, but animals will continue to suffer as long as any live export remains legal. It’s time for Australia to ban this cruel practice entirely.
Jason Baker,
Director of Campaigns
PETA Australia