Europe’s top human rights court has ruled the Swiss government had violated the human rights of its citizens by failing to do enough to combat climate change. The landmark case was brought by 2000 Swiss women and the decision will set a precedent for future climate lawsuits around the world, including (hopefully) Australia!

Meanwhile, in Australia, Torres Strait Islanders won their latest UN case  about their human rights in the face of rising sea levels. However, here in Australia their legal action with the Australian Government is ongoing. We'll have a new issue briefing on this soon.

The public comment period for the proposed offshore gas project in the Otway Basin (Victoria) has been extended to 20 May 2024. If you haven't put in a submission already you can do it here.

It's easier than you think to comment and every submission counts! You don't have to be an expert - 2-3 paragraphs of your thoughts is enough.

The project was proposed in 2021 to alleviate Victoria's apparent gas shortage. Beach Energy discovered a gas reserve about 2km below the sea floor just 450 metres outside the Twelve Apostles Marine National Park. This project is incredibly short-sighted as the resulting emissions will contribute to the climate crisis while degrading one of Australia’s most prized marine national parks, endangering marine life and potentially ruining local tourism and fishing industries. 

If you need some ideas to get you started check out the issue briefing on the MPEG webpage.

At the March Zoom MPEG, Mike Pulsford, Campaign Manager for Parents for Climate spoke about their “Solar Our Learning” campaign, which visited Canberra last week to ask the federal government for solar panels on all schools, kindergartens and childcare centres across the country. P4C’s research shows if every school was powered by renewable energy, at least one coal-fired power station could be closed and there would be lower energy costs for all schools.

Mike is asking for help to promote the “Solar our Learning” campaign in your interactions with schools and MPs.

P4C also have an organisational open letter asking governments to support schools and childcares to install solar. Can your organisation sign the letter?

On Friday 22 March, the PM spoke in Newcastle about decarbonising and electrifying the economy, partly in response to the US IRA legislation and the UK's proposed Green Deal. Tell him you support this policy direction. If you need help getting started, here is an email example.

Labor has announced changes to the offshore gas bill that would have effectively removed powers from the Environment Minister for approvals or knockbacks to new projects. This backflip is thanks to pressure climate organisations and constituents like you on your Labor MPs. About a dozen Labor MPs spoke up in Caucus and pushed for changes to the bill. The Greens and Independents also lobbied for changes to be made. This is great news but there's still work to be done. There needs to be further amendment of the bill to preserve consultation with First Nations peoples who have custodianship of the lands and seas where offshore developments are proposed. You can read more here and here.

⭐︎ MPEG zoom meetup ⭐︎ Recent local group actions ⭐︎ Current issues  ⭐︎

Dear MPEG leaders and supporters,

Welcome to this month’s MPEG news!

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