In October 2018 the IPCC made it clear that the world has 12 years to manage the impact of human-made climate change (11.5 years to go) to keep temperature rise to 1.50C.
Another damning report has just been released by the UN stating that human society is in jeopardy because of the impacts of human actions that are leading to the accelerating decline of Earth’s natural life-support systems.
The UN Intergovernmental Science-Policy Platform on Biodiversity and Ecosystem Services (IPBES) report states that humans are destroying rainforests, marine environments, and animal species at a rate that is significantly higher than at any time in the last 10m years.
What can you do?
Make your vote count in the upcoming federal election on May 18.
Independents for Climate Action Now, ICAN, is a party of allied independents who share a commitment to immediate and pragmatic solutions to the climate emergency and they are running candidates for the senate in NSW, Queensland, and Victoria.
Their genesis was a meeting in Mullumbimby and they have been up and running for seven months.
ICAN policies include transitioning to 100 per cent renewable power, mitigating and sequestering carbon emissions with improved landcare practices, developing zero- and low-emissions technologies, and exporting renewable energy to other countries.
‘ICAN is standing to keep the incoming government accountable to climate policy with scientific, evidence based findings,’ said founder and the second candidate on their NSW ticket, Jim Tait.
Their policy platform addresses the changes needed in each sector of the economy and has been reviewed and supported by former Australian of the Year, Professor Tim Flannery.
‘Most Australians are tired of the policy paralysis within the major parties,’ said Mr Tait.
Crossbench response needed
‘We aim to work on the crossbench to unite for effective climate policy outcomes.
‘The science is in and it is unequivocal. We need to reduce emissions globally by 50 per cent by 2030. The good news is that climate action will create jobs, support the industries of the 21st century, and secure the future for our children.’
ICAN candidates
Candidates running for the Senate under the ICAN banner include scientists in the fields of marine, geology, ecology, and botany as well as experts in eco-tourism, sustainable housing, resource management, and renewable energy. Most have operated their own small business so are cognisant of the pressures of commercial viability as well as providing for a family.
ICAN says that their candidates promise pragmatic, science-based and economically sound solutions for climate action in the Senate.
NSW
Their lead candidate for NSW, Father Rod Bower, joined ICAN because, ‘it has the best policies to ensure a happy and prosperous life for my grandchildren’.
The third candidate standing for ICAN in NSW is Annette Schneider, a farmer, artist, and mother. She is a member of the famous activist group Knitting Nannas, and is highly respected for her direct action on equal rights and environmental issues.
Queensland
Dr Andy Lewis is the primary ICAN candidate in Queensland has seen first-hand the effects of climate change on our Great Barrier Reef, and strongly believes that this World Heritage icon is far too precious and important to be degraded on our watch.
‘As the economic and social costs of climate disruption keep growing across our country, the science and the message is clear – stabilising our climate and powering our country with clean energy are the keys to saving our reef, our environment, and delivering our society and our nation a viable future,’ says Dr Lewis.
Dr Con Lokkers is running in the second position on the Queensland ticket is an ecologist while the third member is of the ticket is Gary Pend who has 40 years in the property industry and was trained by Al Gore as a Climate Reality Leader.
Victoria
Paul Wittwer who studied economics and has worked promoting employment and economic development in regional towns is leading the senate ticket in Victoria.
‘I understand how economies can be transformed and am excited to play a role in progressing Australia into a zero emissions future,’ said Mr Whittwer.
His running partner is Kammy Cordner Hunt who has a Bachelor of Science (Geology, Meterology, Mining) and is a former shire councillor from North East Victoria.
‘Each ICAN candidate, as an independent, has their own policy stance on each and every issue,’ says founder Mr Tait.
Find ICAN candidates’ policies online at www.i-c-a-n.com.
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