Australians demand climate action

Thousands of climate change activists took to the streets in Australia this weekend to protest the government’s abysmal action on climate change.

Protesters in Sydney blockaded the offices of Prime Minister Kevin Rudd, claiming the government is failing in its responsibility towards the environment.

“The prime minister needs to recognise that baby steps is not what is needed, we need the giant leap to a zero emissions future,” said Green MP Lee Rhiannon, speaking to the 2,000 protesters in Syndney.

Rallies elsewhere in Australia, including in Melbourne, Adelaide, Perth, Brisbane, Canberra and Hobart, challenged the government’s decision to delay the start of an emissions trading scheme by at least a year.

A total of 6,000 environmental activists marched in cities across the country.

Wearing red to demonstrate the need for urgent action, the protesters called for Australia to commit to 100% renewable energy by 2020, and to end its reliance on coal.

Slogans on their banners demanded “climate action now” and called for a government focus on “human need, not corporate greed.”

Australia’s climate change minister Penny Wong defended the government’s stance and accused the protesters of unrealistic idealism.

“What many of these people are calling for simply can’t be done. It can’t be done while supporting jobs,” Wong said.

“The best way to take action on climate change is for senators to pass these laws that will for the first time reduce Australia’s carbon pollution,” she added.