💡 Why engaging in our political system matters

Let’s think back to times when we have discovered that a once widely used substance was actually highly dangerous… Asbestos, CFCs, DDT, lead pipes, and cigarettes were all once prolifically used in a variety of contexts. 

Why are these products now used far less than they used to be, or not used at all? 

It’s because governments banned, or heavily regulated their use.

We didn’t rely on individuals or companies to decide to stop using them. Governments recognised the harm the substance was causing the community, and acted to protect the communities they represent. 

This wasn’t always without opposition - affected industry groups often lobbied hardto try and convince people and governments that the harms weren’t as bad as scientists said, and were often successful in delaying action - just as the fossil fuel industry is doing today. 

Political parties pitch what they think the public will vote for. Neither major party currently has a plan for significant emissions cuts before 2030, which doesn’t reflect the science that has told us for decades climate change is an urgent and existential issue. 

By showing politicians that enough people care, and that climate is a central issue, we can encourage all parties to take bolder steps on climate action! 

Sustainable Spaces: Transform Your Home and Community

This post is all about space - not just the four walls around us, but our community, the systems we shape, and the mindsets we carry. Creating a climate-friendly space isn’t only about smart insulation and better appliances, it is about how we live, connect and care. Whether it’s setting up a compost bin for kitchen scraps, contributing to a shared community garden, or opening your home for community conversations, the spaces we create can become powerful sites for climate action and collective wellbeing.

We acknowledge the Traditional Custodians, the First Peoples of Australia, whose sovereignty was never ceded. We acknowledge the many Countries, cultures and knowledge which guide us today in fighting climate change. We pay our sincerest respects to all Elders, past, present, and the emerging future. 

We honour the deep knowledge and connection to Country that First Nations people have maintained for over 60,000 years. At Climate for Change, we recognise that meaningful climate action must include respectful partnerships with Indigenous communities.

Your Guide to More Conscious Eating - Climate for Change

The link between our plates and the health of our planet is stronger than we might think. Greenhouse gas emissions, biodiversity loss, and the staggering amount of food waste are all intertwined with how we produce and consume food. Let’s explore this connection and discover how conscious eating can be a significant step towards a more sustainable future.

🔋 Energy sector’s Impact on Climate 

Australia’s energy sector has a massive climate impact. Coal, oil and gas projects are the largest contributor to global climate change, accounting for over 75% of global greenhouse gas emissions. Australia’s electricity sector is the nation’s single largest source of greenhouse gas pollution – accounting around a third of total greenhouse gas emissions.

Research also reveals that Australia is the second-largest climate polluter globallywhen calculated by total carbon emissions from its massive fossil fuel exports. As global temperatures continue to rise, there are serious consequences for human health and wellbeing. For example, climate damage fueled by polluting coal and gas is driving extreme weather events, such as mega fires, heat waves, drought and floods.  

The good news is that some of the most severe risks of climate change can be mitigated if greenhouse gas emissions are significantly reduced in our atmosphere. This makes energy efficiency—using less energy to achieve the same or better result—integral to reducing emissions

🚚 How transport is fuelling climate change

Transport is Australia's third largest source of greenhouse gas emissions, responsible for 21% of the nation's emissions in 2023. And these numbers are climbing. 

Cars and light vehicles are at the centre of the problem, contributing over half of Australian transport figures, roughly 11% of Australia’s total carbon footprint. In total, road transport emitted around 106.4 million tonnes of CO₂ equivalent in 2022-23,  the highest level on record. While electric vehicle uptake is slowly growing, the vast majority of vehicles on Australian roads still rely on petrol or diesel. 

The impact even extends beyond emissions, with air pollution from car exhaust can cause smog and adversely affect human health, exacerbating respiratory symptoms in children, adverse effects on lung function and increased risk of cardiovascular disease. 

Despite these challenges, there is great potential for change. In Australia, buses, trains, trams and ferries only account for around 10% of distance travelled, highlighting a significant opportunity to shift towards more sustainable modes of transport.

😌 The connection between Mindfulness and Sustainability

A recent study shows a positive link between people practising mindfulness at the workplace and engaging in sustainable choices. In improving emotional and cognitive regulation, mindfulness helps employees become more self-aware of their environmental impact. For example, companies like Google offer meditation programs and silent rooms for employees to reset and refocus. This awareness encourages workers to prioritise sustainable decision-making, such as reducing waste, conserving energy, and supporting eco-friendly policies.

🚮 Think about what you’re wasting

It may not seem like much but every time the spinach in the bottom of your fridge gets mouldy or you throw out some old leftovers you’re adding emissions into the atmosphere. Every Australian produces around 312kg of food waste every year. This adds up to as much as 10% of Australia’s carbon emissions.

This doesn’t just put carbon into the atmosphere, it costs every household an estimate of $2500 and wastes the resources and water it takes to grow this food. As a country we grow enough food to feed everyone three times over. By thinking about what you buy or eating seasonal local produce you can limit your emissions and save money.

Fast fashion’s environmental toll 🌍

Fast fashion has transformed the way we shop, making clothing cheaper and more accessible than ever. However, this convenience comes at a huge environmental cost. The fashion industry is responsible for up to 10% of global carbon emissions, more than all international flights and maritime shipping combined! 

One of the biggest issues is the enormous amount of waste. The average Australian throws away 23 kg of clothing each year, most of which ends up in landfill, where synthetic fabrics can take hundreds of years to break down. 

Fast fashion also drives excessive water consumption and pollution. The fashion industry consumes around 79 billion cubic meters of water per year! Additionally, textile dyeing is the second largest polluter worldwide, contaminating rivers and harming ecosystems. 

🏦 The Problem: Your bank and superannuation fund may be fueling fossil fuels

Banks and superannuation funds are major drivers of the climate crisis.

• Australia’s Big 4 banks invested a staggering $6.8 billion in fossil fuel projects in 2023 alone, and since 2016, they’ve pledged over $97 billion to fossil fuels.
• Additionally, Australia’s top 15 super funds had $25.1 billion invested in coal, oil, and gas expansion as of December 2022.
• Even so-called “ethical” or “sustainable” investment options often still hold millions in fossil fuel investments.

Despite pledging to fund climate solutions, these financial institutions are continuing to pour billions into fossil fuel expansion, undermining efforts to tackle climate change.