My kids were late for school today. Not because we overslept, but because I wanted them to feel comfortable and loved, no matter how long it takes to put on their shoes. I just smiled and felt the overwhelming urge to protect what we love.
Let's face it, the US election feels like a big deal for our kids climate. It might be. But what happens next is up to us.
As the US elects an administration that will harm global climate action, it is clear we have more work to do. Let us gather our strength and hold fast.
It’s far from game over and momentum is on our side. But momentum requires our energy.
Momentum is a formula: speed times mass. Every one of us can contribute to the speed of climate action through our own actions. And every one of us is required to build a mass capable of unstoppable change.
That’s why I’m calling on you, to help build the resources we need to engage a million parents in actively supporting climate solutions in the lead up to the Australia election in a few month’s time.
Start a fundraiser and raise a few bucks to power our plan to build community support for climate action where its needed most.
Your light is needed now more than ever. And that is true for every day that climate pollution continues to rise. Each of us are the key to how this plays out now.
Remember that the US election does not determine what happens to the climate. But we can.
At a US national level, Many republicans want to keep the tax credits for green energy that are baked into the US Inflation Reduction Act - the new government may not muster the majority to undo them.[1]
At a state level, 50% of US states, with more than 50% of the population are committed to 100% renewable energy. And around two-thirds of the US economy is in states and cities that have formally committed to the Paris Agreement. Together, without federal support, they can achieve significant pollution reductions - even beyond Australia’s 43% target![2]
Globally, we are close to the turning point. China is building renewables at an incredible rate, showing signs that its emissions are slowing. That means the world’s emissions might peak before the end of the decade. Renewable energy economics have passed a tipping point that is only accelerating. Fossil fuels are losing, but we need to speed it up.
In Australia, we are on the cusp of economic transformation that could benefit families and communities nationwide. But it won’t be won with logic. It requires active demonstration of popular support. And every voice can make a difference.
The results of the US election reveal an inconvenient truth: we have more work to do to secure a safe climate for our kids to thrive. And we can not expect vested interests of coal, oil and gas to give up their hold on power so easily.
Now is game on for climate action. We must stay determined. Hold fast.
As unnatural weather extremes continue to grow, hold each other. And hold fast.
As politicians backed by fossil fuel dollars continue to promote polluting industries, raise your voice. And hold fast.
And as spin doctors tell lies about renewable energy and the costs of climate action, have courageous conversations. And hold fast.
We are part of a global movement of mums, dads, brothers and sisters, sons and daughters, all calling for a better world for our children. We can show it. And we can win it.
There will be delays, but we have a powerful plan and each of us has a role to play in changing the world for the better.
We owe it to our kids. And we won't stop until we win a safe climate for them to thrive
For our children,
Nic and the team at Parent for Climate
PS: check out my fundraising page with my family here. It’s going to be a laugh (which we all need).