In order to get
ourselves out of the current climate emergency, there are 3 main things we
quickly need to do:
1. Significantly reduce
our emissions by moving away from fossil fuels (i.e. coal, oil and
natural gas)
2. Move to 100%
renewable energy
3. Significantly reduce
our waste and become much more efficient.
Technologically, coming
off fossil fuels and transitioning to 100% renewable energy is not as
incomprehensible as you may think. Worldwide, renewable energy is developing –
and being implemented – at breakneck speed, and is becoming far more cost
effective and efficient. In fact, renewable energy, when it’s put onto the
system, tends to cut household electricity bills, not push them up.
It is political will
that is the key missing ingredient. This is largely because governments are
under extraordinary pressure from the fossil fuel industries to maintain the
status quo.
In a recent speech,
President Barack Obama disparaged dirty energy money being pumped into
political campaigns, saying that members of Congress’ energy committees didn’t
have the public’s best interest at heart because they were bought and sold by “fossil
fuel industries.”
This means that it’s up
to us, everyday people, to put enormous pressure on our governments – and also
on the companies that provide and/or finance fossil fuel energy – to make the
changes needed.
The following are 3 key ways in which we can start building that pressure:
1. By communicating with one another
Although many people
are very concerned about climate change, it’s not a topic that comes up much in
everyday conversation. But sweeping it under the carpet is only letting the
problem get worse.
Talking about it brings
the issue to the forefront, helps us to realise that we’re not the only one
with these concerns (in fact, we’re in the majority), gives us an opportunity
to work together on solutions and mobilises us.
Joining pro-environment
groups (such as online groups) can also be a good way to keep you up-to-date
with climate change initiatives, including those taking place in your area.
2. Through
economic pressure
Companies can’t exist
if we don’t buy their products. Nor do they like getting bad publicity, as it
can significantly affect their bottom line.
Yet many banks lend
money to projects that have serious detrimental impacts on our environment and
our climate. For example, in Australia the ‘big four banks’ – ANZ,
Commonwealth, NAB and Westpac – have lent almost $4 billion to coal and gas
projects in the Great Barrier Reef World Heritage Area since 2008.
In addition, a
significant number of investments and superannuation funds help finance the
fossil fuel industry.
An effective way of
exerting economic pressure on the fossil fuel industry is by switching from
banks – and divesting of investments – that finance the industry.
So why not make a call
or two? Ring your bank and superannuation fund and find out if they are
financing fossil fuel companies or infrastructure. If they are, tell them you're not happy. Or better still, switch.
3. Through
political pressure
Although it is the
fossil fuel companies that have the money to pump into political campaigns, at
the end of the day it is the people who have the power to vote politicians in
and out. A politician is unlikely to make a decision that will seriously
jeopardise their election / re-election prospects.
Writing to and lobbying
government, and peaceful protests, are good ways to create political pressure.
Also, if you’re concerned about a proposed law that requires opposition support
in order to pass, lobby opposition members. The key is to keep the political
pressure on. And of course, at election time, use your vote very wisely.
Useful links:
350.org
is an international climate movement to unite the world around solutions to
climate change.
www.marketforces.org.au/banks
This organisation helps Australians work together to get their banks out of coal and gas.
Image attribution: James Cridland
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