More than 60,000 people are estimated to have rallied or marched for climate action across Australia in a demonstration that a significant number of people view climate change as a serious issue requiring substantive action from all levels of Government, including the Federal Government lead by cinservative Prime Minister Tony Abbott.
The rallies were organised by GetUp, the Australian Youth Climate Coalition and the Australian Conservation Foundation.
The protest comes as the bills to dismantle Australia's carbon price and funding subsidies for renewable energy are introduced into Federal parliament on Monday. If successful, Australia would become the first country to roll back a functioning carbon pricing mechanism.
Melbourne rally draws 30,000 people
The largest rally was in Melbourne where sunny weather and mild temperatures prevailed. The Age reporter estimated up to 30,000 people rallied and listened to several speakers followed by several music performances.
The Climate Council's Professor Tim Flannery addressed the crowd and highlighted the substantial rollout in rooftop solar PV systems in the last seven years to over a million households, about 10 per cent of all households. ""We can't leave a matter as important as climate change to Australian politicians. We must stand up and be counted." he said.
One of the first actions of the Abbott Government was to close the Climate Commission. As a result of public outcry, more than $1 million was crowd funded to establish the work of the Climate Commission as the publicly crowd sourced funded Climate Council.
Greens member for Melbourne Adam Bandt also addressed the rally and said that the science was clear. He told the crowd that "Tony Abbott is a climate change Neville Chamberlain when we need a Winston Churchill,"
Adam Bandt sparked a debate on the link between the unusually early and intense Sydney bushfires and climate change which embroiled Prime Minister Abbott and Environment Minister Greg Hunt as denying any link.
Tony Mohr from the Australian Conservation Foundation said it was time politicians started listening to citizens. "Australians want to make sure that we continue to reduce emissions," Mr Mohr said. "So politicians should listen to people around the country today - don't repeal the laws that we've got, and actually increase them, make them stronger, make them reduce pollution further."
Shadow Climate Change minister Mark Butler reaffirmed the Labor party policy not to backdown on repeal of the legislation. The Labor Party decided to oppose any wholesale repeal of their clean energy package, but would consider supporting any Government legislation transitioning to an Emissions Trading scheme.
"In Australia, unlike in most other countries, there's an atmosphere of denialism and scepticism," he said. "So many in our media and so many of our politicians, who should know better, deny that the science is settled."
"This isn't the time to move backwards. You'll hear a lot this week from Tony Abbott about his mandate. He'll tell all of you to get out of the way as he tries to slam Australia into reverse. But we won't be taking a backwards step, not this week, not this year, or next year or ever." he told the crowd reported the Guardian.
View my photos of the Melbourne Climate Rally on Flickr.
10,000 in Sydney do a Brolly Ballet for Climate Action
In Sydney 10,000 people turned out to rally in the rain producing a sea of umbrellas. Wendy Harmer as the MC of the Sydney rally encouraged the crowd to do the umbrella ballet, by lifting the umbrellas up and down and chanting "What do we want Sydney? Climate change now".
Here's the view of the umbrella action in Sydney this morning #climateaction pic.twitter.com/JfHAQRFyqt
— wendy_harmer (@wendy_harmer) November 17, 2013
The rally was addressed by Deputy Opposition Leader Tanya Plibersek who criticised the Government for failing to send ministerial representation to the Warsaw climate talks. She criticised the Coalition for not sending a senior Government representative to this week's climate talks in Warsaw.
"Was a trading emissions scheme working? Yes. Electricity from old brown sources of energy down, renewable up by 30 per cent in the first year of its operation," she told the crowd, according to the ABC.
Accoring to the SMH report GetUp campaigns director Erin McCallum said Tony Abbott was operating under a false mandate on repealing the carbon price.
"Today really demonstrated that Tony Abbott is acting under a completely false mandate when he says he has a referendum to undo climate action," she said."More than 60,000 people who turned out around the country today are representative of the polling we've seen, that the majority of Australians support stronger climate action."
"I think the most heart warming thing was just the sheer number of large and small events across the country."
5000 in Perth with record November heat
Up to 5000 people rallied in Perth to listen to speakers including Greens Senator Rachel Siewert and Labor Senator Louise Pratt, MPs Melissa Parke and Alannah MacTiernan as well as representatives of the firefighters union, World Vision and the Conservation Council of Western Australia.
Senator Siewart released the following statement:
"Today's rally has sent a clear message that people will not stand by as the Coalition tears up Australia's climate change laws," Senator Rachel Siewert, Australian Greens marine spokesperson said today."Tony Abbott wants to repeal Australia's climate change laws despite the fact that our state and our oceans are under profound pressure as a result of climate change.
"In WA, the drying trend across our South West threatens agriculture, rural communities and our food security. Climate change is causing our oceans to warm, become more acidic and is even leading to some ocean currents intensifying and moving closer to the poles.
"Around Australia and the world, we're seeing weather events becoming more severe, along with the increased risk of fires, floods and droughts.
"Action on climate change this decade is critical to keeping global warming to less than 2?C and to protect our oceans, environment, agriculture but Tony Abbott is taking us in the wrong direction by tearing up the price on carbon pollution.
"Acting on climate change is critical to protecting our state. The Greens support strong and responsible action to meet a greenhouse gas reduction target of net carbon zero by 2050, and to develop strong new industries in a clean energy economy driven by renewable energy.
"The Coalition are ignoring the fact that climate change is having an increasing impact on our lives. Ignoring the science is an irresponsible step that jeopardises the future of our state," Senator Siewert concluded.
Perth #climateaction rally pic.twitter.com/O3uJ0CmWil
— Circumpunct (@dream_tansy) November 17, 2013
Brisbane rally sees 5000
About 5,000 turned up in Brisbane where Greens leader Senator Christine Milne and Queensland Greens Senator Larissa Waters spoke to the crowd. Singer songwriter John Butler entertained the rally including singing the protest song 'From Little Things Big Things Grow'
WOW! 5,000 rocked up to the #brisbane Rally for #ClimateAction pic.twitter.com/gWcYEtHJye
— Robert Hume (@robertihume) November 17, 2013
Adelaide rally in Elder Park
In Adelaide at least 4,000 people met in Elder Park calling for action on climate change. One of the speakers included Greg Northcott from the United Firefighters Union.
Adelaide #climateaction rally had at least 4,000 people there. Murdoch's advertiser says 'more than 1000'. pic.twitter.com/4SuTN2MgCx
— Victoria Rollison (@Vic_Rollison) November 17, 2013
Canberra rally sees 3000 and struggles with sound problems
In Canberra:
The view from above: Jeffrey Chan's photo from the Canberra #climateaction http://t.co/8aEMldiGdk 2/2 pic.twitter.com/idClTOlGHV
— David Pope (@davpope) November 17, 2013
500 turnout in Darwin
In Darwin 500 people participated in a march for climate action from the Rapid Creek bridge to the Nightcliff pool.
Darwin, you're amazing! Great crowds in 30 degree heat for #climateAction: pic.twitter.com/je4uz83Ywg
— GetUp! (@GetUp) November 17, 2013
Hobart crowd of 2000 a good turnout
According to reports about 2000 people attended a rally in Hobart.
Hobart Climate Action Rally #climateaction pic.twitter.com/o8lhsWS5pF
— Simba (@rockoyster) November 17, 2013
This national day of action has motivated the largest number of people on climate change since the November 2007 Walk Against Warming rallies which attracted over 100,000 people. During December 2009 while the Copenhagen climate negotiations were underway about 40,000 people rallied in Melbourne. It is clear there is still strong community sentiment for strong climate action by the Federal Government, as well ast state and local government.
Fairfax Journalist Ben Cubby compared the rallies to the +axe the carbon tax rallies":
Interestng that, at their peak, the "axe the carbon tax" people could only get about 10% of the numbers of the #climateaction rallies.
— Ben Cubby (@bencubby) November 17, 2013
A fact highlighted as well by Andrew White:
#ClimateAction is doing a bit better than the Ditch the Witch rally (6000), Alan Jones rally (1000) & Convoy of No Confidence (300) @GetUp
— Andrew White (@litbright) November 17, 2013
Darren highlighted what the Liberal Party program on climateaction was in 1997, which makes interesting reading when you compare it with the current Liberal Party policy and (in)action.
This is what Liberal Party said as they announced the imperative need for #ClimateAction in 1997 until now. http://t.co/hhU2BoycjA #Auspol
— Darren (@djmer1) November 17, 2013
With 130 different events around Australia, there were many marches, rallies, picnics and protests. Some were small, a few people, and others were several hundred strong, and everywhere in between. These embedded tweets from my cursory search show some of the regional rallies for climate action.
New South Wales Regional Centres
Albury Wodonga:
Check out this impressive #climateaction crowd lead by an excellent ringleader in Albury Wodonga: pic.twitter.com/4fngsyVGRM
— GetUp! (@GetUp) November 17, 2013
Armidale:
At the #climateaction #armidale event today Prof Nunn talks about rising sea levels http://t.co/BT8FJBouSZ pic.twitter.com/cKJpJN5Q3Y
— Aus AirQual (@aaqg) November 17, 2013
Bathurst:
Bathurst's #climateaction event at the Carillon today. Pic by Steve Woodhall. pic.twitter.com/s60uY14Odd
— Tracy Sorensen (@Squawkingalah) November 17, 2013
Bermagui:
It's a beautiful day for #climateaction in Bermagui, NSW! pic.twitter.com/ISyr3nP4pw
— GetUp! (@GetUp) November 17, 2013
Braidwood:
Amazing effort! #climateaction RT @iamsammaher @GetUp here's another photo from Braidwood. pic.twitter.com/tSzvcSBq8t
— GetUp! (@GetUp) November 17, 2013
Brunswick Heads
@WillinManly the weather was lovely in Brunswick Heads #climateaction pic.twitter.com/C0yekBgRAU
— Jocelyn (@hey_jocelyn) November 17, 2013
Coffs Harbour:
Check out the Coffs Harbour #climateaction rally - organised in less than a week, and a ripper crowd! pic.twitter.com/mV5tTPUx9R
— GetUp! (@GetUp) November 17, 2013
Crescent Head:
The Crescent Head climateers doing #climateaction by the beach! pic.twitter.com/FW0ROGfTH3
— GetUp! (@GetUp) November 17, 2013
Dubbo:
@GetUp Dubbo wants #climateaction!! pic.twitter.com/u8UQvbOqF2
— Nicole (@nicfitzstevens) November 17, 2013
Glen Innes:
RT @GoldsteinMerc: Hello @A_J_Marshall, here are Glen Innes locals looking for #climateaction See you around town! :) pic.twitter.com/kqd8Pm0BLL
— the future makers (@thefuturemakers) November 17, 2013
Illawarra:
An incredible crowd, sharing umbrellas by the sea! Illawarra's #climateaction event: pic.twitter.com/haMd0Hn3fw
— GetUp! (@GetUp) November 17, 2013
Kempsey:
A colourful, wonderful #climateaction crowd in Kempsey! pic.twitter.com/yGYlEFLI2U
— GetUp! (@GetUp) November 17, 2013
Lawson, Blue Mountains:
Strong crowd gathers for National Day of #ClimateAction at Lawson #bluemountains @GetUp #climatechange #COP19 pic.twitter.com/gW3gxf1NHr
— Brent Hoare (@brenthoare) November 17, 2013
Blue Mountains:
The bushfire-affected Blue Mountains had a full house today for their #climateaction event: pic.twitter.com/CDGEKPZmSs
— GetUp! (@GetUp) November 17, 2013
Upper Blue Mountains
The Blue Mountains can't get enough #climateaction: pic.twitter.com/TEt0YAsHii
— GetUp! (@GetUp) November 17, 2013
Leard Forest (Tarrawonga Coal mine)
Here's a #standwithjono contribution to today's #climateaction rallies - out near Leard Forest (cc. @GetUp) pic.twitter.com/2jzanOmufO
— Stand With Jono (@StandWithJono) November 17, 2013
Murwillumbah:
Events still kicking on all over the country. An amazing #climateaction circle in Murwillumbah! pic.twitter.com/1GLDcK5jGQ
— GetUp! (@GetUp) November 17, 2013
Newcastle:
Newcastle - you're phenomenal. Taking shelter at the #climateaction rally: pic.twitter.com/FVrUMCxJ8y
— GetUp! (@GetUp) November 17, 2013
Port Macquarie:
Port Macquarie in action @GetUp on National #climateaction day pic.twitter.com/0RDfl0ivTY
— Phoebe Crane (@RestorativeChat) November 17, 2013
Tathra:
The #climateaction crowd looks amazing on the beach at Tathra, on the NSW Coast! pic.twitter.com/isVGWshnZk
— GetUp! (@GetUp) November 17, 2013
Victorian regional centres
Ballarat: Greens State MP Greg Barber addressed the Ballarat rally. He said "We will be pressing these issues pretty hard in the run-up to the state election. The state government has the tools in its hand to make big cuts to greenhouse gases."
Great crowd here in #ballarat for national day of #climateaction pic.twitter.com/q1CcZ2Z6aW
— Belinda Coates (@BelindaCoates) November 17, 2013
Bendigo:
Sprawling crowd at the Bendigo #climateaction rally in Rosalind Park. pic.twitter.com/TMzGMDGZdN
— Kirsty Wilson (@kirstinbooks) November 17, 2013
Castlemaine: (at least 1000 people attended according to @roshart)
Great crowd in #Castlemaine. #climateaction pic.twitter.com/VsmcXebQqb
— Josh Meadows (@JoshMeadows3) November 17, 2013
Grampians:
More than 100 people went bush for this #climateaction picnic in the Grampians, Victoria: pic.twitter.com/WHmFBSshrH
— GetUp! (@GetUp) November 17, 2013
Mallacoota:
Mallacoota, VIC, had a giant visitor at their #climateaction event! pic.twitter.com/XAns2EQUil
— GetUp! (@GetUp) November 17, 2013
Mallee:
Mallee, VIC, loves #climateaction! Thanks to all who came down @aycc pic.twitter.com/uUI9GeZkqt
— GetUp! (@GetUp) November 17, 2013
Torquay:
Great to be joined by the Country Fire Authority at the #climateaction event in Torquay! pic.twitter.com/Shit5Ui2lg
— GetUp! (@GetUp) November 17, 2013
Queensland regions
Burleigh Heads / Gold Coast
Joined with group at Burleigh Heads for National Day of #climateaction pic.twitter.com/8FEqwg2Viw
— susan taylor (@suzlette333) November 17, 2013
Cairns:
A sea of red? Cairns took to the local lagoon for their #climateaction event: pic.twitter.com/1faqJTGTfi
— GetUp! (@GetUp) November 17, 2013
Fraser Coast:
Fraser Coast Queensland #climateaction http://t.co/Oha5fmAj39
— Tanzi Smith (@TanziMary) November 17, 2013
Townsville:
What an amazing #climateaction crowd in Townsville! pic.twitter.com/kmvR40OMJK
— GetUp! (@GetUp) November 17, 2013
There were two rallies on the Sunshine Coast, one with 150 people at Coolum in Clive Palmer's electorate.
Western Australia regional
Broome:
"@GetUp:..Broome's local #climateaction where speech of the day was given by 14 y.o. Peppa: pic.twitter.com/GV1Tp0dqfJ" See it @FairCoffeeCo ?
— Susan Israel (@bondi_izzy) November 17, 2013
Margaret River:
Congratulations to Margaret River, WA, on a brilliant #climateaction gathering by the water: pic.twitter.com/P8ktc9O3Jw
— GetUp! (@GetUp) November 17, 2013
Tasmania regional
Devonport:
Gatherings are kicking off right now. Picnic for #climateaction in Devonport, Tasmania! pic.twitter.com/xVHssdjrXE
— GetUp! (@GetUp) November 16, 2013
Launceston:
Thanks to everyone who came down for a great day of #climateaction in Launceston! pic.twitter.com/3p533m9WgQ
— GetUp! (@GetUp) November 17, 2013
Sources:
- Bridie Smith, The Age, 17 November 2013 - Huge crowd attends city rally on climate change
- ABC 17 November 2013 - Thousands rally across Australia for National Day of Climate Action
- Gemma Khaicy, Julie Power, Sydney Morning Herald, 17 November 2013 - Crowd braves rain for climate change rally
- Oliver Milman, The Duardian, 17 November 2013 - Climate rallies held across Australia
- Brisbane Times, 17 November 2013, - Crowds attend city rally on climate change
- Mathaba, 17 November 2013, - Adelaide climate change rally draws 2000 protesters