Parents, grandparents and families across Australia are speaking up with a clear message: the government must set a science-aligned 2035 climate target to secure a safe future for our kids.
What’s been happening?
Over the past month, the Parents for Climate community has stepped up in powerful ways to ensure our children’s future is front and centre in government decision-making. Together we have:
-
Made hundreds of calls to MP offices – many from parents making these calls for the very first time.
-
Held 13 meetings with MPs, including nine with Federal Labor MPs, a first-ever meeting with the Prime Minister’s Office, and a first meeting with the Shadow Energy Minister.
-
Sent a steady flow of emails to Labor MPs and Senators.
Parents and grandparents are taking action because they know what is at stake.
Julia, a mother of two from the Adelaide Hills, shared:
“As a mother of two young children, I am deeply concerned about the impact climate change will have on their safety and wellbeing. The possibility that the government might not adopt an emissions target in line with science is unconscionable. Our government’s first priority must be to do everything necessary to create a safe and liveable future for the next generations.”
Families showing up, creatively and visibly
From school pick-up time in Brisbane and the Adelaide Hills, to gatherings at local parks and beaches, to colourful community actions in Margaret River and along Victoria’s Surf Coast, families are finding creative ways to call for climate leadership. These moments remind us that when we act together, we can make the issue visible in every community.
After school action in Meanjin (Brisbane).
After school action in the Adelaide Hills.
Community action at the Surf Coast on Wadawurrung Country.
Community action at Margaret River on Wadandi Boodja.
Our voices in the media
Parents have also been courageously sharing their stories with the media, ensuring the voices of families are heard far and wide. Stories from our community have been covered in national and local media adnd featured in the letters to the editor columns of major newspapers.
In Brisbane, mother-of-two Kate spoke about living through two major floods since 2011. Kate has shared her story to the media and in meetings with federal MPs, urging the government to deliver a 2035 target that will help keep children safe.
Over in Fremantle, single mother Emma expressed her concerns in a letter to the editor, reminding decision-makers that parents everywhere expect urgent action -
"My child will be 16 in 2035 - this is not the distant future, it is just around the corner. Scientists are clear - we need to commit to net zero by 2035 to stay safe. This is urgent, and it's deeply personal. All children are counting on us to act".
Together, making an impact
Every call, every meeting, every photo, and every story builds pressure for stronger climate action.
Together, we are showing that parents and grandparents will not stay silent while our kids' futures are on the line.
The government must now deliver a science-aligned 2035 climate target – because our kids deserve nothing less.