Grandparents are an enduring, deeply powerful force in our community. Their care, commitment, wisdom, and wealth of experience—both as parents and activists—are invaluable as we navigate the challenges of our time. Often unrecognized, they are the backbone of many movements, driven by a deep love for their grandchildren and an unshakeable hope for the future.

Being a parent or grandparent in the midst of the climate crisis isn’t easy. The emotional toll can feel overwhelming, especially for those of us in conservative, regional communities. But one thing many parents agree on is that joining forces with others makes all the difference. Connecting with a local Parents for Climate action group helps lighten the emotional, mental, and physical load of taking action—it's more impactful and shows you’re not alone.

Australia has recently taken the undesirable title of being the world’s largest consumer of textiles per capita, with Australians buying an average of 56 new clothing items per year. With much of this consumption driven by fast fashion, it's no surprise that over 200,000 tonnes of clothing end up in landfill annually—the equivalent of almost four Sydney Harbour Bridges in weight. These figures, revealed by new Australia Institute research, highlight the unsustainable nature of our shopping habits.

Parenthood is a powerful motivator, and for three remarkable dads—Simon, Oli, and Karl—it's the driving force behind their commitment to climate action. Each of these fathers has found a unique way to make a difference, standing up for a safer, more sustainable world for their children. Their stories are a testament to the diverse ways we can all contribute to the fight against climate change, no matter our background or skills.

This week (and every week) we stand in solidarity with First Nations families and invite you to do the same.

This is an extraordinary read. A generous sharing of stories, the beauty of living with Country and the sorrow of our shared history that needs to be acknowledged more broadly. I'm so grateful for the invitation to sit with this journey, to experience all the feelings that arise and to grow in understanding along the way.

It’s official! The Blue Mountains Parents for Climate group have become Binfluencers! Their quarterly kids’ clothes and toy swap events have recently earned them a prestigious Blue Mountains City Council award, recognizing their significant efforts in reducing waste and consumption. This incredible team, led by dynamic Climate Mums Dr Jenna Condie and Dr Liora Ballin, has been awarded for their outstanding contributions to sustainability in their local community.

Whilst the Australian federal government has set a net zero target for 2050, we can all reduce our own carbon emissions now by making Personal Change. But we must also push governments and businesses to act by working toward Local Change and Widespread Change.

Enter your email address here and we will send you our handy climate action checklist, which includes:

1. The Big Picture on Carbon

2. Goal: Personal Change

• Use less fossil fuels at home
• Cut your emissions from transport
• Move your money!
• Offset your carbon emissions
• Support climate justice
• Eat less meat
• Reduce food waste

3. Goal: Local Change

• Reduce your school or preschool’s carbon emissions
• Start more climate conversations
• Share your story
• Find your tribe
• Hit the streets
• Lobby your council
• Run for election, or support someone else to do so

4. Goal: Widespread Change

• Campaign for climate action at the Federal Election
  
• Help to Solar Our Schools
• Create your own petition
• Add your name to demand a national Climate Bill

5. Sources and Further Reading

Was it worth the 31 hour road trip?

Well, according to our youngest and most passionate Swifty - "It was the best night of my life!" And whilst it wasn't quite the best night of my life, being at the Taylor Swift Eras Tour concert was an experience I’ll never forget. It was a much appreciated immersion in collective joy and awe. And was absolutely worth the wait and the effort to get there.

Heatwaves are dangerous for everyone, but especially our kids and other vulnerable members of our society - older people, people with disabilities or medical conditions, babies and young children, pregnant women and those who can’t keep their houses cool. 

We know that record temperatures and heatwaves are made worse by the burning of coal and gas, and that we need long-term solutions. 

And we'll keep pushing decision makers to support all Australian homes and schools to become climate safe and to take action on climate change.

But climate impacts are here now, and we need to look out for each other.

Preparing for a Heatwave

• Red Cross: How to prepare for a heatwave guide

• Doctors for the Environment Heat Health fact sheet

• Bureau of Meterology: Heatwave Assessment and Forecast Service for Australia

• Heatwatch: What is the current heat health risk where you live?

Tips for keeping cool and safe

• NSW Health: Beat the Heat guide

• Expert tips on how to look after your baby in a heatwave

Share #heatsafe tips on social media

• You can download these tiles here or simply share this Facebook post with friends and family 

Tips that can save you money!

• How do I use air-con efficiently?

• Lower cost ways to keep cool in muggy heat

Checking in on your friends, family and neighbours

One of the most important Red Cross tips for heatwave preparation is to get connected: “Keep in touch with friends, neighbours and relatives, particularly if they're unwell or isolated.”

Because connected communities are more resilient communities, and even having a handful of neighbours looking out for each other makes our immediate communities safer.

• Guide to checking in on your neighbours in a hot summer
  
  
• Sweltering Cities Heatwave Checkin Resources

• When to check in with an older person about hot weather
   

Remember, if you or someone you know is feeling unwell, contact a GP and in emergency situations call 000 immediately 

This week (and every week) we stand in solidarity with First Nations families and invite you to do the same.

Parents for Climate supports The Uluru Statement from the Heart and constitutional recognition for First Nations people. Our statement of support can be read here. We have also joined with over 40 climate organisations and groups representing a movement of over two million Australians whose commitment to a healthy climate and thriving environment is rooted in the values of justice, equality and fairness have signed a public letter supporting YES to the Voice. You can read the letter here

Australian Parents for Climate Action gratefully and humbly accepts the generous invitation extended by First Nations people in the Uluru Statement From The Heart to walk together in a movement of the Australian people for a better future.

It is National Reconciliation week (May 27th - 3 June) and we acknowledge that Australian Parents for Climate Action operates on the unceded lands of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples.

Happy Mother’s day to all the awesome Mothers, grandmothers, carers and mother figures in our community. This is our Mother’s Day card to you, with self-care resources and tips to nourish yourself.

And if you aren't a mother yourself, please share this with a mum you appreciate.

Why partnerships matter

Partnerships enable us to combine our strengths with like-minded organisations in pursuing our mission. As a largely volunteer led, registered charity the support of our partners is crucial in building our strength and the long term resilience of Parents for Climate.

Our strategic partners

We are proud to partner and work in coalition with the following organisations to create a safer climate for our kids. Working together we are stronger and our impacts greater.

Fundraising partnerships

We are proud to partner with the following businesses and organisations who provide financial and in-kind support to Parents for Climate and who are engaged in creating a more sustainable future for all. 

		As a 1% for the Planet Environmental Partner Parents for Climate is eligible to receive donations from 1% for the Planet members, on behalf of their annual 1% commitment.
		Acacia is on a mission to activate the energy and financial sectors as positive forces in our climate challenge.  Acacia provides real-time financial and climate performance insights for your home energy and financial providers, allowing you to see how they stack up against the market.  And they make it easy to move to providers that are doing the right thing by you and the planet. And if you are looking for other ways to improve your climate impact and save money Acacia can also connect you with solar and battery solutions. It’s a powerful way to take climate action, while looking after your back pocket. JOIN TODAY!

Whilst the release of the latest (and last for a while) IPCC report this week didn’t necessarily give us new information, it has certainly brought up a range of emotions for parents, grandparents and carers in our community. It's a time to remember we are all in this together and that we all need to take care of ourselves along the way. 

My story of living through droughts and taking action on climate change has recently been published in the the compilation “My Drought Story”. This has been made possible by the Rural Leadership Foundation Drought Resilience Leadership Course and the Rural Adversity Mental Health Program.

This week (and every week) we stand in solidarity with First Nations families and invite you to do the same.

What do you give to someone who has everything they need, except the one thing they care most about?