Australia…land of stunning beaches, adorable wildlife, and politicians who seem allergic to real climate action! If you’ve ever screamed into the void (or at your TV) about rising emissions, dodgy coal mines, or government inaction, you’re not alone.
But instead of just yelling into the abyss, let’s talk about what you can actually do to demand climate action.
Make Your Voice Heard
Politicians care about votes. They care deeply about votes. That means one of the best ways to push for climate action is to remind them that their job depends on it.
- Call or email your MP – Be polite, but firm. Ask them their stance on climate policies and demand stronger action.
- Sign petitions & write letters – Politicians love pretending people don’t care. A flood of signatures and messages proves them wrong.
- Join protests & marches – Whether it’s School Strike 4 Climate or an anti-coal protest, showing up in numbers makes an impact (and, let’s be real, it’s also kind of empowering).
Sign our petition to urge the Queensland Government to Provide Incentives for Electric Vehicles here.
Vote Like the Reef Depends on It (Because It Does)
When election time rolls around, don’t just vote for who your uncle at Christmas lunch says is “a top bloke.” Do your research.
- Check where parties stand on climate policies.
- Look at their voting records (not just their shiny promises).
- Support candidates who are serious about reducing emissions and investing in renewables.
And if you don’t like your choices? Push for independents or minor parties with strong climate policies. The political landscape can shift very quickly when people get fed up.
Follow the Money (And Starve the Fossil Fuel Industry)
Nothing speaks louder than money. If companies and banks are funding climate destruction, we don’t have to help them.
- Switch to a bank that doesn’t fund fossil fuels (Check out Market Forces to find one).
- Support businesses committed to sustainability – Because why give your cash to climate wreckers?
- Cut ties with energy companies that rely on coal – Green power is the future, and we’re here for it (Greenpeace has made a great guide).
Make Sustainable Choices
Let’s be real: No one is saving the planet alone by using a KeepCup. But collective action does matter.
- Eat less meat (or at least try Meat-Free Mondays—baby steps, people!).
- Reduce waste (unsure? see below).
- Use public transport or cycle when possible or at least carpool, so you can feel smug and efficient at the same time.
Sustainability isn’t about perfection. It’s about doing what you can while pushing for the systemic change that actually moves the needle.
Ways to Reduce Waste
- Avoid single-use plastics – Carry a reusable water bottle, shopping bag, and coffee cup.
- Compost food scraps – Instead of sending organic waste to landfill, composting helps reduce methane emissions.
- Recycle properly – Check local recycling rules to ensure you’re not accidentally contaminating the system.
- Buy second-hand – Reduce demand for new production by opting for pre-loved clothing, furniture, and electronics.
- Repair instead of replacing – If something breaks, see if it can be fixed before tossing it.
- Choose minimal packaging – Opt for products with little to no plastic wrapping whenever possible.
Join or Start a Climate Action Group
Everything is easier with friends—even climate activism. Whether it’s a local environmental group, a student-led campaign, or an organisation like Greenpeace or the Australian Conservation Foundation, getting involved with a movement makes a real difference.
The Bottom Line: Action Beats Despair
Yes, climate news can feel like a constant stream of “we’re doomed” headlines. But instead of giving up, get active. The more we push, the more we demand, and the more we refuse to let climate inaction slide, the better chance we have at real change.
Australia has everything to lose—but also everything to gain. Let’s make sure we don’t let the people in power off the hook. After all, if we can survive swooping magpies and 40-degree summers, we can handle climate activism.
So, let’s get to it!
FAQ section:
- How can I be more sustainable as an individual?
- How can I support the local economy?
- Why is sustainability important for Australians?