Chapter 1: Understanding Climate Activism

What defines a climate activist? It starts with a deep concern for our planet and a commitment to action.

Photo by Markus Spiske on Unsplash

Coal remains a formidable force, with millions of tons buried underground. Large corporations, supported by powerful governments through subsidies, are racing to expand their markets before it's too late. Financial institutions continue to profit from coal, while national electricity grids are structured around it. For politicians, coal plants can provide a reliable source of affordable energy, helping them maintain their power. In some regions, this dependency on coal has even led to corruption.

This week, I reached a significant milestone in my training with 350 Australia, a grassroots organization dedicated to reducing greenhouse gas emissions to the vital target of 350 parts per million.

Throughout just three training modules, I transitioned from being a "lone wolf," a role I found myself in due to various personal circumstances, to acknowledging the importance of my activism. The insights I gained about social movements, campaigning, and organizational strategies made me realize that, despite my previous isolation in the realms of social justice and environmental advocacy, I am part of a larger, revolutionary global movement advocating for our rights.

We stand united for equality and a clean, sustainable Earth. Our resilience is unbreakable. We are spread across the globe, and if one of us is attacked, countless others will rise to take their place.

My unwavering values and passion for life have driven my continuous activism. I invite you to follow my journey, from studying Biological Sciences at university and supporting Community Aid Abroad (now Oxfam) to campaigning for Tibet and East Timor's freedom. I protested Australia’s involvement in the Iraq war and created the “Stop Fires Australia” website to inform the public.

In November 2019, as I envisioned the future, I felt an impending disaster. The thought of devastating fires loomed large, and I regretted not doing more to prevent them. My health declined, and I battled shingles, feeling defeated.

The state of my health reflected the world's distress. My doctor, who noted my remarkable stamina, would have been saddened to see me overwhelmed. Yet, I persevered. I shared my experiences and philosophies online as a form of therapy, focusing on the positive and expressing gratitude for the beauty and collaboration around me.

Though my illness left its mark, I emerged as a warrior, eventually discovering 350.org, a turning point in my activism.

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I resonate with the mission of 350.org, feeling it like a symphony of dedicated individuals striving to restore our planet. These are real people employing strategies to create a balanced playing field for every life form on Earth. The members of 350 cultivate relationships, ideas, and actions aimed at reducing global greenhouse gas emissions by 2050.

I recognize that I am just one individual, and each of us is on our unique journey. True activists do not compete but collaborate, sharing our stories, motivations, and experiences, which serve as the foundation for a shared purpose.

For those who feel disheartened or isolated, remember that your sincere intentions will guide you to your community. The "Hundredth Monkey effect" is real; when enough of us unite, we can create monumental changes.

Currently, numerous energy-saving technologies are available for buildings, transportation, and industry, along with grassroots initiatives aimed at renewable energy, such as Beyond Zero Emissions’ “Million Jobs Plan” and Spain’s ambitious goal to achieve zero carbon emissions by 2050.

If you are beginning your journey toward climate activism, connect with the 350 organization in your area. Acknowledge that you are a vital part of this collective movement, an irreplaceable thread in the fabric of change.

The global climate movement inspires me to persist, to hold onto hope, and to never give up. Don't let anyone convince you that it's too late. The 350 Leadership training has equipped me with the tools to pursue our objectives, enhancing my morale and motivation. I have found my community.

The power of one is amplified when I become an integral part of organized and collaborative climate activism. Our drive to achieve our goals stems from our genuine care for the planet.

Transform your care for Earth into action by joining the global climate movement. Prepare to march, rally, and educate yourself and others. Understand that change can happen swiftly, and we must communicate to the public, corporations, and governments that this year presents a "golden opportunity" for a rapid transition to renewable energy and energy-efficient technology. The expansion of oil and gas must cease.

The oil industry is increasingly becoming an unreliable source of stable employment. It is in decline and should not be revived.

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You will find support from a network of passionate individuals and the awareness that your efforts matter as you care for yourself. By sharing information and actions with others, joining climate groups, and participating in their campaigns, you will contribute to building momentum toward achieving our climate action goals. Thank you.

Save Our Earth (Australia Group)

In business terms, S.O.E. stands for Standard Operating Environment. We propose that the "standard operating" approach must evolve to prioritize environmental sustainability.