The Diary
Cool Citizens
Wise Words
"Never doubt that a small group of thoughtful, committed citizens can change the world. Indeed, it's the only thing that ever has."
Margaret Mead
Attitude is everything - do you try to help others?
Get your friends green. Tell them about the problems. Show them
how they can help. Start a project together.
Developed and Developing
People talk about countries being developed or developing. Kofi
Annan, former Secretary General of the United Nations, defined a
developed country as: "one that allows all its citizens to enjoy a
free and healthy life in a safe environment." Developing countries
are working toward this. Australia, New Zealand and the UK are
among the developed countries.
Our closest neighbours
New Zealand, Papua New Guinea, Indonesia, New Caledonia, Vanuatu,
Solomon Islands
The Golden Rule
Each of us needs to try and live our lives by following the
declaration and treating others with respect. The Universal
Declaration of Human Rights was proclaimed on the 10th December,
1948 and contains 30 articles that explain our rights.
You have a right to:
✔ Freedom and equality
✔ Work and have a family
✔ Live and be safe
✔ Justice before the law
✔ Nationality, representation and education
✔ Think, believe and express yourself
Fair Trade
Other countries aren't as lucky as we are and don't have the same
living standards. People live on less money and often have fewer
opportunities. It is also cheaper to make products but this means
workers get less money and their families suffer. Fair trade aims
to make sure farmers and workers in developing countries are paid
good prices under fair working conditions.
Our Past is Special
Hundreds of indigenous languages have been spoken in Australia.
These languages, customs, dreamtime stories and special sites are
treasures to learn more about.
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Respect: to hold someone or something in high
regard
Citizenship: the rights and
responsibilities people have as Australians
Conservation: the preservation, management, and
care of natural and cultural resource
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Make your own Earth Charter poster. www.earthcharter.org.au
Coffee is the most purchased fair trade product in
Australia.
Many voices make change
If one person at your school asks the Principal for something it
may not happen but if every student asked then there is more
pressure for change.
The Australian Youth Climate Coalition is a group of young
people who want to solve climate change.
They campaign decision makers to stop pollution from damaging
the environment. You can be involved and find out more at www.aycc.org.au
From start to finish, map the lifecycle of something in your
pantry.
Write to the Big Green Cheese in Australia. Tell them about your
projects and how they can make our country more environmentally
friendly.
Our coast - keep it clean
86% of Australia's population lives along the coast. So, it's not
just a great place to cool off but a home that we have to share
with sea birds and marine life.
✔ Keep off the sand dunes and walk on the designated tracks. It is
tempting to crash down them but the dunes are held together by
plants and they stop the sand from blowing away.
✔ Take all your rubbish with you. Leave only footprints.
OCEAN ON THE RISE
One of the biggest problems that comes from global warming is
slow sea level rise.
The level rises because of melting polar ice and glaciers adding
extra water to the seas and also because sea water expands as it
heats up. Global warming is speeding up sea level rise.
Pacific island nations and people living on the coast will be
most affected.
Tuvalu, a group of nine coral atolls has started to evacuate its
population because of the increasing flooding during high
tide.
Scientists believe the rise will be from 9cm-88cm which doesn't
sound like much but will damage fresh water supplies, towns and
erode beaches.
It's not too late to help - all the little things add up (save
energy and live a little greener, tell others) and everyone makes a
difference.
The Big Green Cheese
Federal and State Governments are organised into different
departments all headed up by a Minister (the big cheese).There is a
Federal Minister for the Environment whose portfolio manages
national programs and legislation (laws) to protect and conserve
Australia's environment. The Environment Protection and
Biodiversity Conservation Act 1999 (EPBC Act) is the Government's
key piece of environmental legislation.
GOVERNMENT - HOW DOES IT WORK?
Everyone over 18 has their say on who represents us in
Parliament because we are a democracy. Our Government is led by
politicians who make decisions based on what the citizens want -
the Prime Minister is the head honcho for Australia and leads the
Federal Government. Then there are the State Governments, led by a
Premier (or Chief Minister for the Territories) and the local
councils, led by a Mayor who look after our towns, cities and
regions.
Each level of Government looks after particular areas like
defence, education and telecommunications.
Who are your politicians?
WHAT'S AN NGO?
Groups like Green Cross and Oxfam are non-government
organisations or NGOs working independently from government.
They try to help solve problems. You can find out more about them
by searching their websites.
How to be an awesome citizen?
Know what goes on in the world, look out for others and try to do
something to help. Write to your local politicians telling them
your opinion and start your own project. Often the best things are
the interesting, small ideas. Just be positive and have a go.
That's how people change the world.
The Aussie Gong
Twice a year our most outstanding Australians are awarded
Australian Honours by our Governor-General who is the Queen's
representative in Australia and our Head of State. The medals go to
people who have gone out of their way to help others by doing their
work with great passion. Something to aim for!
