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WWF and the National Toxics Network today released a list of Australia’s most dangerous pesticides, more than 80 of which are prohibited overseas because of the risks they pose to human health and the environment.

The list includes 17 chemicals that are known, likely or probable carcinogens, and 48 chemicals flagged as having the potential to interfere with hormones.

More than 20 have been classified as either extremely or highly hazardous by the World Health Organisation yet remain available for use on Australian farms.

“Australians are at risk of being exposed to a dangerous cocktail of poisonous chemicals, many of which have been prohibited in other countries due to their risks to health and the environment,” said WWF spokesperson Nick Heath.

“Surely Australian farm workers, wildlife and ecosystems deserve the same level of protection as those in Europe or the United States.”

Jo Immig from the National Toxics Network said the list was evidence that Australia’s chemical regulatory system was failing to keep people and the environment safe from dangerous pesticides.

“European pesticides regulation is founded on a precautionary principle designed to give human health and the environment the benefit of the doubt,” Ms Immig said.

“Here in Australia we have the opposite, where chemicals that are suspected of causing cancer and other health problems remain on the market for years.”

Mr Heath said the list was a warning that Australians were not being adequately informed of the risks associated with harmful pesticides.

“The pesticides regulator must recognise that while Australia may have unique wildlife and different farming conditions, the chemistry of these dangerous pesticides is the still the same. If smoking causes cancer in the US, it will also cause cancer in Australia – it’s the carcinogens that matter not the country,” Mr Heath said.

“The list demonstrates just how far we are lagging behind the rest of the world. It’s time for us to catch up and give Australian farmers safer and better choices.”

Read the report here.

More information

Charlie Stevens, WWF Media Office, 0424 649 689;

Juliette King, WWF-Australia Conservation Policy Officer, 0438 864 997;

Jo Immig, National Toxics Network, Coordinator, 02 6687 1900, 0413 683 782

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The latest National Greenhouse Accounts show the greatest risk to Australia achieving vital cuts to carbon pollution is political hot air.

WWF-Australia points out that the Accounts reveal the amount of national carbon pollution is still growing compared to the baseline year of 1990.

“Any slow down in the rate of carbon pollution growth is more likely due to a slower economy rather than political progress,” said Paul Toni, WWF’s Development and Sustainability Manager.

“On one hand we have Senator Wong acknowledging that a price on carbon will be essential to reverse the growth in pollution, yet on the other hand the Government has chosen to delay any more progress towards an emissions trading scheme until at least 2013.

“Until we see all sides of politics making real efforts to reduce Australia’s carbon pollution, the only thing they are contributing is hot air.”

WWF-Australia continues to ask all politicians to support an emissions trading scheme which would cap the total amount of carbon pollution produced, then reduce it over time.

Without this system in place to put a price on carbon, Australia is in jeopardy of not only missing its target set out under the Kyoto Protocol, but more importantly of scuttling any chance of a meaningful global agreement to replace the Protocol when it runs out in 2012.

“As a de-facto election campaign begins in earnest, we want all of Australia’s politicians to remember this is unfinished business. Australia needs a price on carbon by 2011. Hot air won’t get us there,” said Mr Toni.

More information

Jonathon Larkin, Senior Media Officer, 0410 221 410, jlarkin@wwf.org.au

The future of the beautiful but threatened black-flanked rock wallaby remains uncertain as foxes and feral cats continue to wreak havoc on remaining wallaby populations, WWF-Australia has warned on International Day for Biological Diversity.

Over the last 10 years, WWF has been working with farmers and community groups in Western Australia to help reduce the threat of introduced animals like foxes which have become a major threat to the nation’s unique wildlife and are believed to have contributed to the extinction of several small mammal species.

To date, almost one million hectares have been baited across the state through funding provided by the Threatened Species Network Community Grants.

The blank-flanked rock wallaby is one WA mammal that is particularly vulnerable to attacks by foxes and feral cats. In order to ensure the long-term survival of the wallabies, WWF has partnered with the Shire of Kellerberrin and provided $120,000 of Australian Government funds to carry out a program of baiting and culling to reduce introduced predators in the wheatbelt.

“Foxes and other invasive animals are having a devastating impact on our native animals,” said Katherine Howard, WWF’s Threatened Species Regional Manager. “We’re encouraging local landholders to take part in an ongoing, coordinated baiting program to help protect one of our state’s most vulnerable species.”

“Less than 700 of these wallabies remain in southwest WA, in a handful of isolated colonies on rocky outcrops in the central wheatbelt,” explained Brad Thompson, the Shire of Kellerberrin’s Natural Resource Management Officer.

“The open farmland around these outcrops provides little shelter for the wallabies and they risk attack from foxes and feral cats if they try to move between sites,” he said.

Mr Thompson is working with landholders to conduct baiting on the private farmland surrounding the outcrops, which will make it safer for the wallabies to travel between these outcrops. Work is also being carried out to reestablish connections between the wallaby populations through the creation of vegetation corridors.

The WWF project expands on the Department of Environment and Conservation’s (DEC) baiting program which covers the outcrops but not the surrounding farmland. DEC also carry out monitoring of the rock wallaby populations and PhD researcher Nicole Willers is investigating their reproduction, population dynamics and genetics to get a better understanding of the remaining populations and overall biology.

WWF’s Katherine Howard is hopeful that the wallabies will continue to call the wheatbelt home. “With future funding and the ongoing commitment of surrounding landholders to continue predator control, we hope to see black-flanked rock wallabies bouncing around the wheatbelt for many years to come,” she said.

The United Nations General Assembly first held International Day for Biological Diversity in 1993 to increase understanding and awareness of biodiversity issues. This year the theme is invasive species and WWF is highlighting the impact that invasive species such as foxes and other non-native species are having on Australia’s threatened species.

Landholders interested in taking part in the baiting program should contact Brad Thompson at the Shire of Kellerberrin on 08 9045 4006.

More information

Paula Schibeci, Media Officer
Phone: 0406 381 137

Katherine Howard, Threatened Species Regional Manager
Phone: 0423 516 430

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Thousands of letters, cards and invitations will be arriving in mail boxes across Australia to promote this year’s Earth Hour.

Australia Post and WWF-Australia are encouraging people to take part in this year’s Earth Hour – Saturday March 28 at 8.30pm – with a commemorative set of three stamps, each featuring an animal and the messages “Lights Out”, “Switch Off” and “Save Energy”.

WWF-Australia CEO said that the stamps were a great way to spread the positive message of Earth Hour.

“Earth Hour remains a fantastic way for people everywhere to show their concern on climate change and Australia Post’s stamps will help us reach more people than ever before.

“Individual actions such as switching off the lights for Earth Hour do make a difference and 2009 is a vital year for action on climate change. WWF is hoping to see a strong agreement from world leaders at the UN Climate Change Conference in Copenhagen.”

The artwork on the Australia Post stamps is driven by the concept of protection, with the presence of wildlife in the designs emphasising the need to protect the planet and all life it sustains by reducing harmful greenhouse gas emissions.

“Australia Post is a committed supporter of this important environmental initiative,” said Noel Leahy, Group Manager of Philatelic, Australia Post.

“The health of the environment is an important global issue and through this stamp issue we hope to engage the community in efforts to help combat global warming by reminding and encouraging them to turn off their lights at 8.30 pm on Saturday 28 March.”

The striking designs of an owl, possum and orangutan represented in the three stamps are designed to appeal to all Australians and particularly young people.

Other collectable products in this issue include a first day cover, stamp pack, postmark, booklet of 20 x 55c stamps, stamp and medallion cover, prestige cover and maxicard Set. The issue is available at selected Australia Post outlets, via mail order on 1800 331 794 or online at www.auspost.com.au/stamps from 11 March 2009 until stocks last.

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This year, Earth Hour has been transformed into the world’s first global election, between Earth and global warming.

For the first time in history, people of all ages, nationalities, race and background have the opportunity to use their light switch as their vote – Switching off your lights is a vote for Earth, or leaving them on is a vote for global warming. WWF are urging the world to VOTE EARTH and reach the target of 1 billion votes, which will be presented to world leaders at the Global Climate Change Conference in Copenhagen 2009.

This meeting will determine official government policies to take action against global warming, which will replace the Kyoto Protocol. It is the chance for the people of the world to make their voice heard.

Earth Hour began in Sydney in 2007, when 2.2 million homes and businesses switched off their lights for one hour. In 2008 the message had grown into a global sustainability movement, with 50 million people switching off their lights. Global landmarks such as the Golden Gate Bridge in San Francisco, Rome’s Colosseum, the Sydney Opera House and the Coca Cola billboard in Times Square all stood in darkness.

In 2009, Earth Hour is being taken to the next level, with the goal of 1 billion people switching off their lights as part of a global vote. Unlike any election in history, it is not about what country you’re from, but instead, what planet you’re from. VOTE EARTH is a global call to action for every individual, every business, and every community. A call to stand up and take control over the future of our planet. Over 74 countries and territories have pledged their support to VOTE EARTH during Earth Hour 2009, and this number is growing everyday.

We all have a vote, and every single vote counts. Together we can take control of the future of our planet, for future generations.

VOTE EARTH by simply switching off your lights for one hour, and join the world for Earth Hour.

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In December 2009 world leaders meet in Copenhagen to agree on a post-Kyoto policy for tackling climate change. One billion people voting with their light switch during Earth Hour will create a powerful mandate for our leaders to take strong and decisive action on climate change in Copenhagen.

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Australians have another reason to switch off their lights for Earth Hour – Saturday, 28 March, at 8.30pm – the chance for a once-a-year view of the heavens.

“Earth Hour provides a great opportunity to spend time with friends and family, and this is a perfect activity to enjoy on the night,” said WWF-Australia CEO Greg Bourne.

“We’re hoping that one billion people all over the world will join us during Earth Hour to cast their vote for the Earth. What better way to remind us of how unique and important our planet is than to look up into space and appreciate the magnificent night sky.”

2009 is the International Year of Astronomy and as households and businesses take steps to reduce their carbon pollution, they are also significantly reducing their light pollution.

Professor Fred Watson from the Anglo-Australian Observatory said that light pollution was a huge issue for astronomers, both academic and amateur, the world over.

“International Year of Astronomy 2009 provides an opportunity for us to focus on the night skies, giving those who love astronomy a chance to highlight just how unique and exciting the scientific study of the universe is. Earth Hour, with its reduction in light pollution, will be a great chance for people to appreciate just how beautiful the night sky can be.”

Many of Australia’s astronomical observatories and planetariums will be switching off their lights for Earth Hour, including:

• Mount Stromlo Observatory (ACT)
• Siding Spring Observatory (NSW)
• Narrabri Observatory (NSW)
• Kirby Observatory (NSW)
• Green Point Observatory (NSW)
• Macquarie University Observatory (NSW)
• Magellan Observatory (NSW)
• Sir Thomas Brisbane Planetarium (QLD)
• Great Barrier Reef Observatory (QLD)
• Adelaide Planetarium (SA)
• Stockport Observatory (SA)
• Mt Canopus Observatory (TAS)
• Ballarat Municipal Observatory (VIC)
• Perth Observatories (WA)

Would-be astronomers are being urged to grab a telescope, or head to an observatory to make the most of the hour long event.

Sydney Observatory is one of the many observatories around the country open to the public on the night and resident astronomer Dr Nick Lomb is encouraging everyone to take advantage of the rare opportunity to obtain a view of the darkened night sky.

“On March 28, the Moon will be just past new, meaning that it will not be brightening the night sky. Therefore, with the reduction in Sydney’s sky glow thanks to Earth Hour, we should have quite dark skies that are perfect for observing the currently ringless planet Saturn and other celestial sights.”

Sydney Observatory will be open to the public from 8pm to 10pm. The observatory will feature a talk by lighting expert Reg Wilson on how good quality lighting in buildings, public spaces and homes lets us see better, makes us safer and also saves on energy use. Bookings are essential and places are strictly limited. Usual night fees apply.

With over 740 cities in nearly 100 countries already signed up to participate in Earth Hour 2009, people everywhere will be offered a view of their world, and other worlds, they may never have seen before.

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Some of Australia’s favourite big icons, including the Big Banana, the Big Pineapple and the Big Merino, have signed up to go dark for Earth Hour 2009 – Saturday 28 March at 8.30pm.

These ‘big’ icons will join many of Australia and the world’s most recognisable landmarks in switching off their lights for an hour, including the Sydney Harbour Bridge, Melbourne’s Federation Square, Paris’ Eiffel Tower, Christ the Redeemer in Rio de Janeiro and the world’s tallest tower – the CN Tower in Toronto, Canada.

WWF hopes that all of Australia’s icons, big and small, as well as households and businesses will switch off the lights for Earth Hour as a vote for Earth.

“In 2009 Earth Hour aims to reach 1 billion people in over 1,000 cities worldwide creating a strong visual mandate, a vote, from people around the world to say ‘we must deal with climate change,” said WWF-Australia CEO Greg Bourne.

“To make sure the Rudd government hears our message about the need to take action, we need as many people as possible to participate,” said Mr Bourne.

With just six weeks to go until Earth Hour, the following ‘big’ icons are signed up to go dark on March 28.

• Big Pineapple, Woombye, QLD
• Big Shell, Tewantin, QLD
• Big Gumboot, Tully, QLD
• Big Crab, Miriam Vale, QLD
• Big Penguin, Penguin, TAS
• Big Banana, Coffs Harbour, NSW
• Big Merino, Goulburn, NSW
• Big Wool Bales, Hamilton, VIC
• Big Ned Kelly, Glenrowan, VIC
• Big Arch of Victory, Ballarat, VIC
• Big DNA Tower, Perth, WA
• Big Orange, Harvey, WA
• Big Rocking Horse, Gumeracha, SA

Lindy Kerr from the Big Merino said she was proud to be part of Earth Hour this year and encouraged everyone in the local community to get involved.

“We’re throwing the challenge out there to all Australians – and all of Australia’s other ‘big’ icons – get on board and go dark for Earth Hour. It’s such a simple way to show your support for action on climate change, and more importantly, that regional communities across Australia are behind the initiative.

WWF-Australia CEO Greg Bourne stressed that the time for action on climate change was now.

“2009 is a critical year for our environment and the fight against climate change. World leaders will meet at the UN Climate Change Conference in Copenhagen this December to create a new global deal to cut greenhouse gas emissions.

“Australia’s proposed emissions reduction target of 5 to 15 per cent is too low and may act as a roadblock to an effective global solution. “We urge the Rudd Government to listen to the public’s support for Earth Hour and their vote for action. In the lead up to the Copenhagen climate talks in December, the Government must to commit to a reduction of at least 25 per cent.”

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