Most governments have been slow to make the necessary policy and action changes to effectively reduced emissions and hold the global temperature to 1.5C by 2050. There are strong forces, particularly the fossil fuel lobby groups that are pushing Australian governments not to take action on climate change, because it affects their financial model and profits.
Governments however are also sensitive to voters’ views so why don’t you push back! Politicians are actually much more accessible to the community than most people realise, and you can easily contact your local Member of Parliament at a Federal and State government level. You can email, write, telephone or go and see them. They are there to serve you.
Between elections
The Federal government is the most important level of government for climate change for two reasons.
• Firstly, because it is responsible for Australia’s input to international climate discussions, which determine the level that each country will act on climate change.
• Secondly, because it currently has set a very small target for what Australia will do in reducing its emissions. Australian can and must do better.
Your help is needed and by contacting your local Federal Member of Parliament or Minister for Energy and Emissions Reduction is the best thing you can do. Australian Parents for Climate Action group have put together a great guide on how to do this here.