Summer Heat

Summer Heat is the name we’ve given to the wave of actions underway this summer to take on the coal and gas industry on all fronts. Focusing on the hottest part of the year, people across the country will be challenging the expansion of coal and gas projects right across Australia. Together we will demand a halt to the rapid and dangerous expansion of the fossil fuel industry and take action for a safe climate and resilient communities.

The fossil fuel industry plans to digging up five times the carbon we can safely burn to limit global warming to 2 degrees Celsius – the target even the most conservative of governments have agreed to. So in short, the business model of the fossil fuel industry is to wreck the climate. For example, if the Galilee Basin is opened up for exploitation, the impact will be global. The Galilee mines contain enough carbon that, were the recoverable coal to be mined and burnt, it would diminish the remaining buffer between us and 2 degrees by 6 per cent.
It’s time for us to rise together and show the industry and our political leaders that we will not sit idle as they try and expand through Australia. If you want to know more read this 2 page campaign overview.

Grassroots climate justice campaigners of all kinds are coming together — from student divestment activists, to folks on the front lines where the fossil fuel industry does its dirty work, to people whose communities have been impacted by climate change, and those acting in solidarity with us across the country. Our goal with all of these actions is to demonstrate that it is not just a few radicals challenging the fossil fuel industry, but people of all manner of backgrounds and beliefs.

Everyone participating in Summer Heat actions should:

1. be nonviolent and peaceful in all of their activities during an action
2. appear dignified in dress and demeanor – these are serious issues, and we want to be taken seriously
3. knowingly and freely assume all risks, even if arising from the negligence of others, and assume full responsibility for participation in any action.

Something for everyone! From creative banner drops, social media storms, to civil disobedience in cities and by front line communities standing up to fossil fuel expansion projects. 350.org Australia and the various groups we collaborate with embrace the principles of peaceful direct action as a valid and powerful tactic.

No. Different actions could potentially involve different levels of legal risk, but all will include spaces appropriate for people who do not want to risk arrest. Each person who participates is fully and solely responsible for the legal risks of participating in these actions. Many events will however include a basic training that will brief everyone involved on what to expect, the principles of peaceful direct action, and how to participate in the safest manner possible..

If you can’t make it to an action, the best way to support is to organize events that can directly support the actions underway. Fundraisers, movie screenings and talks to get people fired up to go, or other recruitment events are all great ways to help out. In general, the more concrete your support, the more helpful it will be to the folks on the front lines. Drop us a line if you want to help out: summerheat@350.org.au

That’s fine — our movement is growing, and we expect a lot of people to join in for the first time! Many events will also include a basic training that will brief everyone involved on what to expect, and how to participate in the safest manner possible. We hope you enjoy taking part during the summer and find inspiration to continue showing the fossil fuel industry that they cannot endlessly reck our climate, land and communities.

Where possible, events will have their own ride and housing board for people to find and share rides and housing. If we’re able to secure mass transit or group housing, we’ll let participants of each event know via email and with a post on the event page.

Depending on the event, location and numbers, the Summer Heat team will help organise transport. However as funds are tight and time short, we would welcome any help to organise these logistics. Get in touch if your are interested: summerheat@350.org.au

Summer Heat has three major aims:

1. to support actions that challenge the expansion of the fossil fuel industry — both on the ground and in the public debate
2. to showcase the diversity of groups standing up to the fossil fuel industry and build solidarity amongst our movement.
3. to build stronger and bolder actions. If an action you’re planning fits these aims, we are keen to work with you. Visit the events map to see what else is going on in your region and register your new action: http://act.350.org/event/summer_heat_australia/

Whenever you want – during December, January or February. Events can even happen outside these periods if they fit the overall campaign, drop us a line if you would like to discuss this option: summerheat@350.org.au. The 350.org Australia team is planning a crescendo moment for Summer Heat in February, watch this space for the exciting details!

If you need support to run an action or event that takes on the fossil fuel industry in your community, then the Summer Heat team is here to help. The sooner we get started planning, the better off we’ll be. So drop us a line and we’ll see how we can help: summerheat@350.org.au

We’ll help with training and advice for all those taking part but we unfortunately we won’t be able to provide legal help nor pay fines for all of those who take part. We encourage participants in Summer Heat activities to be prepared and informed about what the legal risks might be. For those who want to take part but might need financial or legal help, please let us know and we can see if we are able to help.