Five things you can do about climate change
Here’s a question that gets directed our way pretty regularly: ‘What’s the one thing I can do to help stop climate change?’
The thing is, there is no one thing. Instead, there are many things each of us can do to make a difference. We know this can make it tricky to know where to start, so here’s a list of five actions to get you started. Taken together, they can catalyse the systemic changes we need for a sustainable future.
1. Listen to First Nations Voices
Indigenous peoples have been stewards of this land for centuries, possessing invaluable knowledge about sustainable practices and the interconnectedness of ecosystems. In many cases, First Nations communities have been living on the frontlines of the climate crisis and fighting fossil fuel extraction since the industry begun. By supporting and amplifying their wisdom and experience, we gain a deeper understanding of the environmental challenges we face and work towards more inclusive and equitable solutions.
Get started: Read First Nation media like NITV and Common Ground. Consider donating to climate groups like SEED.
2. Move Your Money
The big four Australian banks and most superannuation funds are huge lenders to the fossil fuel industry, but they do take notice of consumer concerns and we can leverage this for climate action. By redirecting our investments away from these institutions, we can dry up the funding pipeline sustaining fossil fuel production and accelerate the transition to renewable energy. If switching banks is not feasible, you can take meaningful action as a customer by reaching out to your current institution as a shareholder and advocating for divestment from fossil fuels.
Get started: Check out whether your bank and super fund lend to fossil fuels via Marketforces.
3. Switch Your Energy
Burning fossil fuels generates the majority of Australia’s electricity and electricity contributes roughly 33% of Australia’s total emissions. Switching to renewables or a green energy provider is an important action to reduce carbon emissions and drive the acceleration of national divestment from fossil fuels. This is not just a good move for the planet – energy efficiency, rooftop solar, electric vehicles, and household electrification can save you thousands of dollars, shielding you from skyrocketing energy bills.
Get started: Check out your renewable options at home via the Clean Energy Council. If you rent or can't install solar panels on your roof, consider a plot in a Solar Garden.
4. Join a Group
Grassroots campaigns, climate groups and First Nations leaders have already made significant progress in addressing the climate crisis and each one of us can magnify this impact exponentially by joining in. There are so many worthy groups to support – it’s about figuring out the best fit for you and what you can contribute. Whether it’s surfing, knitting, parenting, football or farming – do what you’re good at and do your best.
Get started: Ask yourself these three questions – What lights me up? What am I really good at? Where do I already have relationships and influence? Then check out the Climate for Change database to find a group that lines up with your answers.
5. Fund Climate Action
Supporting climate organisations so they can supercharge their campaign work at this most critical time is one of the most powerful ways to make a difference. Less than 2% of charitable giving in Australia currently goes towards addressing climate change, which is far from sufficient given the scale of the challenge. By donating to organisations at the forefront of the climate crisis, we can bolster their efforts and challenge the influence of the fossil fuel industry. Even small contributions can make a significant difference when combined with others' support.
Get started: Become a member of Groundswell and accelerate high-impact climate action around Australia.