2020-02-29
Entering the decade of our last chance to avoid catastrophic climate change, activism needs to ramp up
By Hon. Tim Clifford, MLC for East Metropolitan
This is it. 2020. Our turning year. We are here.
We now have just 10 years for systemic change to transform our social, economic, and environmental policies, processes and management. And though that may seem daunting, given the current state of affairs, I think we can do it. Actually, I know we can do it.
However, I’d forgive you for not feeling as optimistic as I do right now. The destruction and chaos that unfolded over the summer was terrifying, to say the least. Lives and homes were lost and communities were devastated, all while our political leaders were off vacationing across the globe.
But there is a silver lining. People, politicians and previous naysayers are changing their tune. And it’s not just because of the East coast fires; it’s because of you, because of the community.
Last month Extinction Rebellion held a two week People’s Parliament directly across from Parliament House. With banners and political statements staring right into the dining hall and MPs offices, there was no escape from the very simple message: do your job.
Throughout those two weeks I visited several times to speak to the volunteers who gave up their comfy bed and a roof over their head to protest for a safe future. I spoke to a school teacher that said he was there because he wanted politicians to do the right thing and listen to the science and not the fossil fuel companies who have bought our politicians with dirty donations. He went on to say that the failure of politicians to act has been taken on board by many of the young generation coming through and they will hold them to account because the issue of climate change won't go away, it's going to get worse. Though the Premier and others may ridicule these protests, direct action works. XR and other community groups are there to ensure that MPs cannot turn a blind eye. So I thank them for all that they do.
As we kick off the parliamentary year, my team and I have been working closely with many environmental organisations and stakeholders to plan how we can make the biggest impact in the climate space. In particular, we have been working on how we dismantle Woodside’s highly-polluting Burrup Hub project. Alongside the Greens WA team and my colleagues, we have been running a Beyond Gas campaign. The campaign is focused on highlighting the major environmental and ethical issues that the project – which is set to emit 4x the pollution of Adani – will create locally and globally. The Burrup Hub simply cannot be approved. And with your help, if we keep the pressure up, we may have a chance of keeping it at bay.
In other news, I am in the process of launching a podcast. Activist will be a look at the inspiration behind activists across the globe, and here in our own backyard. I'll be speaking to heads of organisations and everyday people who are on the frontlines of tackling important issues such as climate change, environmental protection and conservation, human rights, and social justice. In fact, our very own Margo Beilby was the first person I interviewed for the podcast. But you’ll have to wait until Activist is launched to find out more.
Header photo: At the People’s Parliament, organized by Extinction Rebellion.