Carbon Brief writes on the future of climate modelling and the new CMIP7 scenarios. Read more on Carbon Brief here.

These new scenarios represent a significant shift in how scientists predict our climate future. By moving away from unrealistic, high-emissions 'business-as-usual' models and instead focusing on the implications of current policies—whether they are strengthened or weakened—we get a much clearer, albeit sobering, picture of the reality we face.

Why this matters for climate action:

1. Realistic Projections: The 'high' end of the scenario range has dropped significantly, reflecting the global shift toward renewables and the declining plausibility of a coal-dominated 21st century.
2. The 1.5C Reality: The models suggest that some level of 'overshoot' of the Paris Agreement targets is now likely unavoidable, highlighting the urgent need for both rapid decarbonisation and effective carbon removal strategies.
3. Policy-Driven Futures: Instead of vague 'radiative forcing' labels, scenarios are now named by their emissions trajectories, making it easier to see how specific policy choices—from strengthening mitigation to rolling back progress—will directly impact warming.

For Tasmania and the broader climate movement, this underscores that while the most extreme 'doomsday' scenarios of the past may be less likely, the path to staying within safe limits is narrower and requires more decisive action than ever before.

Doctors for the Environment Australia (DEA) is writing an open letter to the Prime Minister and the Minister for Health regarding the risks of fossil gas. Concerned supporters can sign the letter and read more on the DEA website.

This letter highlights that fossil gas is not just an environmental issue, but a direct public health threat. From respiratory illnesses in the home to the broader climate impacts of methane emissions and extreme weather, the risks are widespread and indefensible.

For Tasmania, as we transition to a renewable future, understanding these health-related drivers is crucial. The letter calls for:

1. A clear timeline for phasing out fossil gas.
2. Support for communities to disconnect from gas networks and replace appliances.
3. Ensuring the gas industry bears the costs of health and environmental harms.

Far South Food Resilience Program writes on their website about food security frameworks in regional Tasmania. Read more at https://farsouthfood.org.au/.

The program identifies six critical dimensions of food security: availability, access, utilisation, stability, agency, and sustainability.

For Tasmania, strengthening these local food systems is a vital component of climate resilience. By ensuring our regional communities can feed themselves sustainably without compromising the environment, we build a stronger defense against the disruptions caused by a changing climate.

Parents for Climate have shared a beautiful new resource designed to help families talk to young children about climate-related emergencies. Charlie's Birthday Adventure, written by GP Dr Michelle Hamrosi and illustrated by Courtenay Tooth, is a gentle, community-informed children's book that models emergency preparedness and safety.

As Tasmanians face increasingly volatile fire seasons due to climate change, preparing our households emotionally and practically is more important than ever. This resource is an invaluable tool for parents looking to have honest, calm, and reassuring conversations about disaster preparedness with little ones without inducing fear.

The book was developed through extensive community consultation with child therapists, trauma psychologists, and educators. It is accompanied by free activity worksheets to help reinforce safety messages through play. You can read the full story and download the book and worksheets on the Parents for Climate website.