This week young people across Australia will be voicing their concern about the Government’s lack of action on climate change, with street theatre, beach parties and human signs.
The Rudd Government’s announcement to indefinitely shelve the emissions trading scheme has drawn criticism from the Australian Youth Climate Coalition, Australia’s largest youth organisation.
“The Rudd government seems to be attempting to remove climate change from the national agenda,” said Amanda McKenzie, AYCC’s National Director. “But young people want action, not delay. We understand that climate change is much more than a political issue – it is a threat to our future.”
The AYCC’s response will be colourful, innovative and attention-grabbing. Next week, from the 3rd to the 10th of May, the AYCC’s Climate Reality Week will see young people across the nation delivering our leaders a timely reality check: climate change is a reality, and it’s time to start working on solutions.
Events will be happening all around the nation. Young “construction workers” will be hard at work in Adelaide, warning motorists of the “climate danger ahead.” Scores of young Melbournians will be braving the cold in bikinis and board shorts, creating a beachside scene in the centre of the city and making a point about projected sea level rise. In the nation’s capital, a human sign will spell out a message our political leaders need reminding of: “climate change: it’s real!”
In addition to providing political leaders with a much needed reality check, Climate Reality Week will also empower young people to educate their communities about climate science and solutions, giving them confidence when faced with rising confusion and misinformation caused by climate denialism.
“Young people were a critical demographic in the election of the Rudd government,” said Ms McKenzie. “We want the government to make good their election commitment and create a comprehensive plan to address climate change and build a clean energy economy.”
For media inquiries, contact
Amanda McKenzie 0409 535 437
amanda.mckenzie [at] youthclimatecoalition.org
Level 6, 620 Bourke Street, Melbourne VIC 3000
-or-
Ellen Sandell 0400 544 754
ellen.sandell [at] youthclimatecoalition.org
For photos from events around the country, check the AYCC Flickr account here.
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The Australian Youth Climate Coalition is a coalition of Australia’s largest youth organisations and over 50,000 young people from across Australia. Our mission to is build a generation wide movement to solve climate change before it’s too late, through bringing about short term political impact and long term cultural change.
