Erwin Chemerinsky wrote last week in the NYTimes that citizens have a right to sue for climate change action in this article. Which stated that "In 2007, the Supreme Court held that state governments could sue the federal Environmental Protection Agency to force it to reduce greenhouse gas emissions that are responsible for climate change. Last month, a federal magistrate judge in Oregon held that children could sue federal agencies and officials for not taking aggressive action to combat climate change."

In 2015 it was just 886 Dutch citizens that sued their government and the court ruled that they must take action to cut greenhouse gas emissions by 25% within five years.  Belgian citizens are also building a case against their government so this is something that is happening around the world.

It has been announced that an average of 35% of coral was now dead or dying in the northern and central sections, according to the surveys led by the Australian Research Council’s Centre of Excellence for Coral Reef Studies. Scientists have states coral bleaching is as bad as we've ever seen.

All mentions of Australia were removed from the final version of a Unesco report on climate change and world heritage sites after the Australian government objected on the grounds it could impact on tourism. A recent study suggested $10bn investment was needed to adequately reduce pollution levels and improve the reef’s resilience.

There has been long term inaction by both Labor and Liberal parties to take climate change seriously and there inaction has had detrimental impacts on the Great Barrier Reef that might never recover. No party has had any significant plans or strategy to deal with climate change.

What is happening that the government is ignoring?

1. 93% of the Great Barrier Reef had been affected by bleaching
2. 35% of coral was now dead or dying in the northern and central sections
3. Great Barrier Reef could be beyond repair within five years, scientists say
4. Australian content removed from UNESCO climate change report
5. Climate change risks threaten home values, potential damage bill from coastal erosion is conservatively estimated at $88 billion
6. Cape Grim carbon dioxide reading exceeds 400ppm landmark for first time
7. NASA announced that April this year was the hottest April on record

Time For Class Action on Climate Change

The case should be heard in the High Court of Australia on why they have placed the future of Australia's tourism, energy, food supplies and citizens health at risk.  This case is about more than just the world heritage listed great barrier reef.

I call for class action naming the Australian Government in a case vs Australian Citizens on the topic of climate inaction.  

Desired Legistlative outcomes from case

• Legistlation enforced 35% carbon emission cuts within 9 years
• Significant compensation of up to $50 billion to be paid to a national green fund that pays for work to reverse the impacts of inaction
• Add back Australian details to UNESCO climate change report
• Creation of a green energy fund that supports future jobs for the nation