In 2019, I cycled 190 kilometers along the New England Highway to demand improved leadership within the New England region.
On the second evening of my journey, my first grandchild was born.
For my three sons, my granddaughter, and every future child yet to arrive, I have been on the lookout for over 25 years for genuine political advocacy regarding climate change and a sustainable approach to preserving our watersheds.
However, I have encountered politicians who profess to have my interests at heart while choosing to disregard the facts about climate change, regardless of the consequences. These same officials have now decided to renounce their promise to achieve net zero.
This decision has provided me with ample proof that they do not advocate for me, my daughters, or my granddaughter—rather, they cater to the specific interests of the influential and wealthy fossil fuel sector. That is who they truly serve.
Not me, not my family, nor the communities in rural Australia, who will ultimately bear the most significant consequences of this misguided stance.
Some lawmakers persist in the falsehood that we can continue to open additional coal mines and coal seam gas fields without completely jeopardizing Australia’s climate as well as our food and water security.
When they express opposition to "net zero," they are essentially stating their readiness to allow their voters to endure unprecedented floods, droughts, and heatwaves. If we refuse to move away from fossil fuels, we are inevitably heading toward the future that the scientific community predicts.
To safeguard our food and water supply in Australia, there’s nothing more critical than a stable climate and an effective water cycle.
When officials promote the expansion of mining or coal seam gas initiatives, they are harming our water cycle.
Communities in various regions across Australia are entitled to leaders who are not engaged in political maneuvering concerning the climate, which is central to our economic stability, water resources, and food production.
For over 35 years, I have worked as a stockman in the New England region and have managed numerous properties, yet I have never witnessed the extreme heat or dying trees as I have recently.
This situation mirrors the fate of the global coral reefs. For many years, the bleaching incidents went unnoticed, but now we risk losing everything.
If changes do not occur promptly, the signs indicate that our forests and grasslands could be headed in a similar direction.
The impacts of climate change are becoming increasingly severe. We require solutions across all levels; this includes renewable energy and regenerative agriculture—practices I have engaged in for nearly thirty years—to cultivate healthy pastures, as well as galvanizing politicians to take action.
Experts in economics and science concur that the quickest and most cost-effective way to enhance our energy capacity is through renewable energy coupled with storage solutions.
If we do not start caring for our environment, we will continue to see a rise in unnatural disasters and severe weather occurrences, such as heatwaves, droughts, wildfires, and floods. The key question we must all consider is—what will it take to reverse this entire predicament?
We require agricultural practices that improve quality of life, nutritional standards, water management, and climate along with natural resource governance that promotes the overall improvement of soils, forests, ongoing pastures, and watersheds.
Above all, it is essential to appoint leaders with influence who prioritize the food and water safety and future of our grandchildren, rather than engaging in political maneuvering – which affects the future of both our agricultural land and our nation.
The responsibility lies with the public to advocate for more effective measures against climate change.
No matter the political party or individual, and regardless of the media's portrayal and changes in stance regarding climate, we must consider – what vision do we have for regional Australia?
For my granddaughter and for yours, I cannot accept a lack of action regarding the climate emergency.
0 Comments