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World Wide 5-Minute Actions!HELP SAVE THE MURRAY RIVER TURTLE! The Mary River turtle (scientific name: Elusor macrurus) is a fast swimmer with claw like flippers. It likes to live where there are riffle zones and rapids in the river because it likes the fast flowing water. It nests on sandy river banks. In fact turtles return to the same nesting site year after year. It has the extraordinary ability to absorb oxygen when underwater through gill-like structures near its cloaca, as well as breathe air when on the surface. This turtle was only described formally by scientists in 1994 and little scientific research has been done on where it lives, how it breeds and how we can conserve it. In addition to the Mary River turtle, the Southern Snapping Turtle (Elseya albagula) also found in the Mary River is in the process of being listed as ‘endangered’ at the Federal and International levels. Turtles may even hold the cure for cancer. Turtles live to a ripe old age and scientists are interested in their ability to replicate cells with very few variations over such a long time. If humans had this ability, perhaps cancer cells (which are abnormal variations of our own cells) would be less likely to develop. How can we save the turtle? In the next few weeks the Queensland Government will be asking the Federal Environment Minister for approval to build the dam. So right now it’s really important to show that we care about the Mary River and its turtles. Register your opinion right here.
MAKE A DIFFERENCE TO HUMAN RIGHTS IN CHINA!With Chinese New Year just behind us and The Beijing Olympics just ahead, it’s a great time to let the Chinese government know of your support for human rights. When China bid to host the 2008 Olympic Games, Chinese authorities made a commitment that the Olympics would be an opportunity to develop human rights. As excitement builds and the Olympic torch approaches China for its momentous entry into the Olympic stadium, there are still many opportunities for human rights improvements in China. Here are eight ways for you to help China leave a positive legacy for the Beijing Olympic Games during this special time. http://action.amnesty.org.au/china/comments/8868? (Amnesty International Australia)
WRITE TO THE TREASURER ABOUT THE BUDGET and CLOSING THE GAP!After a tremendous year in which close to 100,000 Australians joined the Close the Gap campaign, there are some positive signs that federal, state and territory governments have grasped the depth of the Indigenous health crisis and are preparing a response. This response must set long-term goals supported by coordinated and adequately funded programs. Our task is to ensure this happens. This means securing adequate funding through the federal budget. To give this the best chance of success we ask you to write to Treasurer, Wayne Swan, reminding him of the need to set-aside adequate long-term funding to Close the Gap. http://www.oxfam.org.au/campaigns/indigenous-health/take-action/write-to- treasurer.php? (OXFAM AUSTRALIA)
ENCOURAGE THE SCOTTISH GOVERNMENT TO PASS ITS CLIMATE LEGISLATION!The Scottish Government has just published proposals for the most progressive climate change legislation in the world: the Scottish Climate Change Bill. If the proposals are passed, they could commit Scotland to reducing its greenhouse gas emissions by 80% by 2050 – the target that all developed countries should make if we are to avoid the worst effects of climate change. Now is your chance to show the Scottish Government that there is international support for bold legislation, setting Scotland as the example for other countries to follow. If every country in the world had the same ambitions for a legal framework that ensures that the necessary cuts are delivered, then together across the world we could really tackle climate change. Take action here to encourage the Scottish Government to be bold and lead the world: http://mail.panda.org/inxmail/url?vvpv000birib0b76h3a3 Thank you, WWF International |
The Mary River Turtle is an endangered
species which only lives in one river in the
whole of Queensland. Unfortunately, the
Queensland Government is planning to build
the Traveston Crossing Dam on the Mary
River that will destroy 36.5 km of the river,
flooding the habitat of turtles and many other
rare and endangered species.