I commend everyone who took to the streets on Friday for the global climate strike to make their voices heard on the need for politicians to step up and take urgent action on climate change. This movement has gained incredible momentum over the past year and continues to grow. Greta Thunberg has put it in the most blunt, honest and urgent way; "We need to act as though our house is on fire".
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Ballarat residents on masse took to the streets to support students and each other. An impressive estimated crowd of over 1,000 in Ballarat joined thousands across Australia and epic numbers around the globe. From New York to Hobart, from Ballarat to Ulladulla, concern about climate change is shared by a growing global wave of people of all ages and backgrounds. It's shared by young and old, rich and poor, and many in between.
We don't live in a bubble here in Ballarat. We are affected by more frequent, more extreme weather events, bushfires and the risks, social, health and economic impacts associated with climate change are growing. Many of us understand the enormous impacts of extreme drought and fire events being felt around the country. We are also keenly aware of the role Australia plays by being in the running to become one of the worst global climate damagers, with our federal government refusing to address the impact of the fossil fuel industry.
Greta Thunberg ignited an enormous global following just a year ago when her strike for climate #FridaysForFuture gained international media attention. Her actions and clear messages have cut through when for decades the concerns about climate change, pollution, and ecological crisis simply did not gain enough mainstream support.
Today, some of the most vocal supporters of action on climate change are farmers, doctors, trade unions, students, businesses and organisations who have joined scientists and academics. There are grave fears for the future of humanity and the health of the planet. Despite the fact that many decision makers are desperate to keep their head in the sand and carry on as though it's 'business as usual', a huge number of businesses and organisations want to see urgent action on climate change. Around 2,500 organisations in Australia added their support to the recent climate strike. 100 cities and Australian cities and towns held climate strikes. Demonstrations were held in cities on every continent except Antarctica. There were more than 4,500 demonstrations in at least 130 countries.
The majority of the public are now aware that climate change is an urgent issue that requires everyone from all levels of government and we need all sectors of society to take responsibility and actions. Here in Australia it's federal government action that has been the most lacking. Local governments are leading the way with 53 councils, including City of Ballarat and Hepburn Shire in our region, acknowledging and declaring climate emergency. Over 100 councils are members of the Cities Power Partnership, committing to actions to address climate change, and many more have been at the forefront of taking action for the past few decades. Many councils have ambitious plans for climate mitigation and adaptation. However, they also need the support of the other levels of government to continue this vital work. It has been estimated that a $10 billion fund is required to support local government and communities across the country to address climate change, both in terms of improving the resilience of local communities and reducing emissions. (ALGA National General Assembly Motion: Climate Emergency)
I support all who attended and supported strikes on Friday across the globe and here in Ballarat because it is clear that actions speak louder than words. The words, warnings and messages about climate change, environment, biodiversity loss and the devastating impact on humans and the planet haven't cut through to the mainstream in the past, but the rise of people from all walks of life taking to the streets in recent times just might. This is the biggest climate global mobilisation the world has seen and it's not going away.
- City of Ballarat councillor Belinda Coates