Around this time last year, millions of people across the globe and an estimated 300,000 in Australia rallied against our leaders' approach to the climate crisis.
Amidst a global pandemic, the urgency to take action is only growing. Though not the first time, the explosion of the Juukan Gorge caves, a 46,000-year-old Aboriginal sacred site, for mining purposes, shocked many Australians. And now our leaders' propose gas is the key to economic recovery.
Right now, the government is planning to give billions in taxpayer dollars to prop up the gas industry in an effort for a ‘gas-fired recovery’. Gas is a fossil fuel that will turbocharge the climate crisis and subsidising the industry will not result in lower energy prices. There are also very few jobs in gas, meaning it’s not going to help Australia’s economic recovery.
The thing is, Australia has the potential to leverage renewable energy for its economy and environment to thrive. And this time communities across the country are calling for climate solutions to be Aboriginal and Torres Straight Islander-led and funded.
September 25 2020 is the Global Day of Action, when individuals and organisations across the country are challenging leaders to #fundourfuturenotgas. Alongside School Strike For Climate, AYCC, Seed Mob, and many other organisations and communities we call for no public funds for gas and other damaging fossil fuel projects.
Last week we created an artwork with a message at Peregian Beach in Queensland. Called Eye of the Future, the artwork was constructed by Gabrielle Quakawoot of The Art of String Theory, Rose Feely of Eucalypt Roses, us at Seljak Brand and our golden crew of helpers. It was created with ancient sacred geometrical techniques, the mathematics of elemental and natural design. It was decorated with grounded banksia pods and pandanus seeds from the dunes of the beach.
Rather than a gas-fired recovery, funds should be spent on:
- Resourcing Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander-led solutions that guarantee land rights and care for country
- Funding the creation of jobs that fastrack solutions to the climate crisis and help communities recover
- Projects that transition our economy and communities to 100% renewable energy by 2030, through expanded public ownership.
The future is inclusive and regenerative. We stand by First Nations Peoples to protect land and waters and lead the solutions to thrive in the face of a changing climate. Now is our opportunity to responsibly scale renewable energy to ensure a fair transition for all.
We have the wisdom, knowledge, creativity and technology. With caring, active people – and a shared vision – we can make the change we need to see.
Check out the video of the artwork: