Thursday, 17 August 2023

Climate change

Ellen SANDELL (Melbourne) (09:59): We have just experienced the hottest month ever recorded on our planet – ever. As of today, over 100 people are confirmed dead from the wildfires that ripped through Lahaina in Hawaii. Greece is on fire. Oceans in Florida this week reached 38 degrees – that is oceans hotter than body temperature, as hot as a hot tub – and to be honest, I feel really scared. I feel scared because scientists did not think we would be seeing these terrifying impacts so quickly. But mostly I feel scared because even as the world literally burns, politicians in this place and other parliaments on both sides are still supporting new coal and gas projects that make the problem worse.

I have been a climate activist for nearly 20 years now, and nine in this place. When I was younger politicians dismissed us, laughed at us and told us not to be so dramatic. Now they tell us they are doing the best they can, but it is tricky and complex and we cannot expect everything to change all at once. But they tell us this while here in Victoria Labor support a new coal project and are actively opening up our land and sea for more gas drilling. I do not understand. Do they not lie awake at night like I do, looking at my kids’ faces, wondering what is going to happen? Not approving new coal and gas should be the absolute bare minimum. Young people are angry but they will not give up. They will keep fighting, as will I.