Five years ago, I couldn’t have told you which electorate I lived in. My only engagement with politics was turning up to vote every few years. Climate change felt huge and scary, but also far away. Then I read David Attenborough’s A Life on Our Planet, and something clicked. I realised that climate change isn’t just about melting ice caps or polar bears — it’s about my kids’ lives, their health, their safety, and their future.

And I also realised something else: our leaders aren’t doing enough to protect them.

So there I was, a Perth mum who used to avoid politics, boarding a plane to Canberra for the first time in my life — to meet with Members of Parliament and urge them to take bold, science-based action on climate.

I was part of the People’s Climate Delegation — more than 20 community leaders from across the country and the Pacific, including bushfire survivors, faith leaders, youth organisers, and First Nations voices. Our shared goal? To call for a strong 2035 emissions target that keeps warming to 1.5°C and a plan to achieve it.

The People's Climate Delegation outside Parliament House

When I landed in Canberra, I thought I’d be walking into meetings armed with statistics, emissions pathways, and climate science charts. But when I sat down with the staff of Federal Environment Minister Murray Watt, something different happened. I pulled out a photo of my kids. All the numbers and talking points faded, and I just spoke from my heart:

“I’m here because I want you to be courageous. I want you to protect my kids — and all our kids — from the worst impacts of climate change. I want you to listen to the science and do what’s right.”

Across the next two days, our delegation met with 21 MPs. We had big conversations about the kind of Australia we want to see in 2035, and the decisions that need to be made now to get us there.

Delegates with MP for Lalor Joanne Ryan.

Here’s what I learned:

• MPs need to hear a clear call for a specific target. “Net zero by 2035” is the science-aligned goal.
  
  
• Many MPs don’t know who Parents for Climate is — and they should! We need to put ourselves on their radar through emails, phone calls, meetings, media, social media, and even just wearing our t-shirts to local events.
  
  
• The government needs more evidence that most Australians want strong climate action. Every email, call, letter to the editor, and social media post counts — especially when friends and family join in.
  
  

I’ll be honest: I don’t enjoy making videos or speaking in public. I’m not naturally drawn to politics.
But I’ve realised that if I want the world to change, I have to change what I’m doing.
That means stepping outside my comfort zone, meeting MPs face-to-face, and speaking up for my children.

And I’m asking you to consider doing the same.

If you’ve only ever signed petitions about climate, try writing your own email to your MP. If you’ve done that, pick up the phone and call them. If you’ve called, book a meeting. And if you’ve met with your MP, think about stepping into a leadership role — helping others in your community to speak up too.

The more of us they hear from, the harder it is to ignore the call for a strong, science-based 2035 target. Political influence doesn't come from a small group of dedicated people doing lots of stuff - it comes from a large group of people who want change and are willing to do a few small actions together.

Leaving Canberra, I felt grateful for the chance to share my story and for the new friendships I’d made with other delegates. I also felt fired up — more confident than ever that parents and grandparents can be a powerful force for change.

Because if we want a safe future for our kids, the time to act is now.

Here’s to securing a science-aligned, strong 2035 climate target.

— Sonya

About Sonya

Sonya Elek is a mum living in Perth, Western Australia. After nearly 25 years of teaching music in schools, Sonya decided that changing careers was the best way she could help protect her sons and students from the worst impacts of climate change. Since late 2024, she has been working as a Community Organiser with the Conservation Council of WA. Sonya is a local leader with Parents for Climate and volunteers as a climate conversation facilitator with Climate for Change. Sonya is a keen permaculture student and is proud to have a thriving worm farm - although the same can't be said for her garden!