Deputy Premier Carmel Tebbutt at the launch of 1 Million women launch
The Department of Environment, Climate Change and Water is a major partner in the '1 Million Women' campaign, a national initiative created by Climate Coolers, a not-for-profit women's group that is committed to protecting our climate, our communities and our future, and leading change for the better.
Daughters, mothers, sisters and grandmothers are encouraged to be part of the one million women signing up and pledging to each reduce one tonne of carbon dioxide (CO2). A reduction of one million tonnes of CO2 is the equivalent to eliminating 20 billion black balloons of carbon pollution.
Every woman who joins commits to a personal goal to cut one tonne of CO2 within a year of joining the campaign by taking practical action in her daily life. The campaign aims to enrol more than 300,000 women in NSW to get involved and take steps to reduce their own carbon pollution.
NSW Deputy Premier Carmel Tebbutt, is an ambassador of the campaign. The Federal Minister for Climate Change, the Deputy Leader of the Australian Greens, the Premier of Queensland, the NSW Chief Scientist and Sydney's Lord Mayor are also ambassadors.
The campaign was launched on 19 May 2009 and is being coordinated online at www.1millionwomen.com.au. The website has an innovative calculator and shopping list of actions and practical steps that can be taken. Once you sign up, you can return regularly to update your actions and track your progress to reducing your tonne of carbon pollution.
Women in Climate Change forums
As part of the 1 Million Women campaign, Green Capital is presenting 'Women in Climate Change (WICC)', a series of forums supported by the Australian Government through the Women’s Leadership and Development Program.
The inaugural WICC forums will explore the role of gender in Australia’s climate crisis. In recognising both the need for behaviour change and the power of women in driving demand for solutions-related products, services and programs, the events will consider the issues through the lens of women in society, in the community and in business.
WICC is for anyone - women and men – who needs to drive change in their organisations and communities. The Sydney event is on 20 November from 7am at the Hilton Hotel with keynote speakers the Hon Tanya Plibersek MP, Minster for Status of Women and Housing, and Sam Mostyn, Member of NSW Climate Change Advisory Panel.
A panel discussion with guests including Lisa Corbyn, Director General, NSW Department of Environment, Climate Change and Water and Veena Sawajhalla, Director, Centre for Sustainable Materials, Research and Technology, University of NSW will follow the speakers.
Visit Green Capital for more information and to make a booking.