Tuesday, 15 October 2019

 Dr RATNAM (Northern Metropolitan) (13:49): Over the last few weeks the world has seen millions of people pour onto the streets rallying for action on climate change. The young climate strikers have led the way: mobilising and organising their peers to come together, inviting the world to join them in the fight for their future. They were followed last week by Extinction Rebellion, who put their bodies on the line in what they say is their only option when their leaders fail to hear their message in any other way. To all of them, we say thank you. History has taught us that big social change often begins with non-violent protest. From the civil rights movement to protests against apartheid, mass protest has been the key, and we are now faced with undoubtedly the biggest crisis our world has ever faced—because no less than the future of civilisation is at stake. As we begin to debate this week in this place how fast we move towards a renewable energy future, we will hear the same old excuses for why climate action cannot happen sooner. Just know that millions of people will hear and remember your inertia and your excuses.

As the world slides into mass extinction, irreversible climate change and extreme events, the young people of future generations will know your name and know that when you had a chance to protect their future you squandered it, and they will not forgive you if you do. But we also have the chance to renew some faith in our parliaments at a time when people are losing hope. We need to prove them wrong and do what we need to to back much stronger action on climate change, starting with increasing our renewable energy targets this week. It is now up to each and every one of you to do the right thing. History will not forgive you if you do not.