July 20th, 2022
Yesterday, we got news that confirmed what we’ve been seeing for ourselves – our environment is in crisis. The State of the Environment report clearly lays out that many of the environmental disasters that have devastated so many of our communities are the direct result of climate change. [1] Federal Environment Minister Tanya Plibersek said this is a “wake up call” and that the government will pledge to save 30% of our land and forests – but what does this mean for us? Is it enough? What can we do for climate justice?

We do know what’s been happening around us; the fires, floods, droughts and loss of wildlife right here. That our friends and families overseas are also feeling the impacts of climate change. And we know that the new Albanese Labor Government needs to act urgently.

We’re a movement for racial justice; and that means climate justice. First Nations people and people of colour across the globe are disproportionately affected by climate change. [2] Just recently, we’ve seen king tides in Hawaii, overwhelming heat in India and England and floods in Bangladesh affect communities already impacted by global inequality. Democracy in Colour is gearing up to roll out climate campaigns, bringing together people of colour to use our collective power to influence climate policies.

But we want to make our plans together, so we’re asking our members – how are you feeling about climate change?

Let us know by taking a quick survey here

The report paints a grim picture of our environment. We’re facing extreme events, and the state of our lands and waters are “poor and deteriorating.” But there’s hope too. With quick and significant government action we can turn things around.

Will the Albanese Labor Government do enough? This year’s Federal election was called the “climate election” with the rise of the teal independents, a significant increase in primary votes for the Greens and concern about climate change and social issues. Now, we need to hold Labor accountable for their commitment to a safe climate for us and future generations.

People of colour are on the frontlines of climate crises around the world, and we care about climate justice. There’s an opportunity to make a real impact on climate policies – and our movement has got big ideas: pushing out reliable information about climate change, training climate champions from communities of colour and organising climate focused events for us, and by us.

The first step is to make our plans together. So let us know what you think

[1] ABC News – State of the Australian Environment Report
[2] Global Citizen – Why is Climate Change a Racial Justice Issue?