24: Speak Up

For this weeks’ #52climatesolutions, we ask you to speak up!

There are billions of people in the world, but most governing decisions (e.g. what energy sources are supported, how we are fed, or what land gets cleared) are made by a just a few rich and/or powerful individuals (despite various democratic processes in many countries). In Australia, we’ve been raised to adopt colonialist, capitalist norms and accept a two-party political system. Sustainable or regenerative innovation is rarely supported, especially if the ideas don’t help the powerful get more money or power.

Yet everyone deserves to be heard. Your own voice is no less warranted than that of any politician or corporate CEO. With climate change ever looming, our collective responsibility is to ensure that those in power listen to all voices and take strong action on climate. And we have the capacity to speak up for the marginalised and the voiceless, so they are well-considered. Spare a thought for all those millions of plant and animal species trying to survive, often with human activity impeding on their habitat. Our voices are needed to speak up for their conservation needs.

For this weeks’ #52climatesolutions, we ask you to speak up! If you are able, have a meeting with or write to your local Councillor, a Federal politician, or a business manager who’s practices you think need changing. This can be particularly powerful just before an election or a budget announcement. Speak from the heart about a climate change issue that affects you personally. Or, speak up as an ally to those whose voices are generally unheard (e.g. nature, or marginalised groups).

The solutions to climate change require good communication. We can’t sit back and hope those in power will ‘do the right thing’ on our behalf. We need to hold decision makers to account and direct them to positive actions. This involves conversation; listening, debating, and learning from each other, then getting active! If there’s a chance to lend your feet and voice in protest over an issue that’s important to you, get out there and show up! But also, try to set aside just 30 minutes this week to send at least one email, and speak up on a climate-change related issue that matters to you.

Some tips on writing a letter for positive action