Weekly protests on climate

CLIMATE change activists have committed to protesting outside Groom MP’s Garth Hamilton’s office for multiple weeks, calling on the Federal Government to commit to cutting carbon pollution.

Toowoomba for Climate Action spokeswoman Alison Fearnley said members of the group would protest outside the Ruthven St office every Friday until November’s United Nations Climate Change COP26 Conference ended.

“We are protesting to show how scared we are about global heating’s impact on Toowoomba’s families, economy and way of life,” Ms Fearnley said.

“CSIRO data shows by 2050 our region will have some of the worst temperature rises in Australia. This means more and more drought, life-threatening heatwaves and catastrophic fire conditions.”

“As well as this, Toowoomba’s water supply is also only guaranteed until 2049,” she said.

Ms Fearnley said Australia was “under significant international pressure to commit to cutting carbon pollution” at the conference.

“With this in mind, we have invited Mr Hamilton to speak to us about what the science says will keep us safe,” Ms Fearnley said.

“The Australian Climate Council says we need 75% emissions reductions below 2005 levels by 2030 and net zero by 2035.

“Use of fossil fuels – including gas – also needs to immediately stop to avoid catastrophic global heating.”

Mr Hamilton said the Toowoomba region was a “leading light” in the Federal Government’s approach to climate change action.

“From exciting conversations around green hydrogen, and solar and wind technologies that sit alongside thermal coal in our broader footprint, we are a region that is energy agnostic,” he said.

“We have strong targets, an enviable track record, and a clear plan.”

The Friday protests will be held from 4-5pm from September 10 until November 12.

COP26 will be held from November 1-12 in Glasgow, Scotland.