Latest from Elsa Evers at the Climate Summit:
At the close of the final day of Australia’s Climate Action Summit, I understand what has made this summit so special. I’ll try to paint the picture:
An elderly man sits next to me, deliberately scribbling notes. Two kids run down the aisle next to me, stepping over those between them and their mum. A young local from the Royal Fire Brigade smiles at them as they pass. He sits next to a cleancut professional leafing through his briefcase.
The incredible diversity of people at Australia’s Climate Action Summit indicates a change in the environmental movement. We are no longer a bunch of hippies chaining ourselves to trees. We are ordinary Australians committed to cooperate so we can ensure a clean and safe future for those that will come after us.
A few words from some of the inspirational people I have met since the summit’s Day 1:
David Gross, former CSIRO scientist, Canberra:
‘I’d really like Kevin Rudd to take action as soon as possible. I have quit working at the CSIRO and now work as a full-time campaigner because I feel that there is now a need for political change – the science is already agreed upon.’
Rosemary Hathouris, Katoomba Leura Climate Action, Blue Mountains:
‘I’ve come here for some stimulus for what to do in this vital year, especially in our local communities so that ordinary people feel empowered to make change for our future.’
Barney Stephens, Darling River Action Group, Broken Hill:
‘Our Darling is already suffering from climate change and the political mismanagement of our waterways. I’m here to represent the Darling communities. We won’t sit around and watch Australia’s longest river die.’
I can’t wait until tomorrow, to stand alongside David, Barney, Rosemary and many others at Parliament House to demand our campaign objectives at the finale to Australia’s Climate Action Summit.
Join us to Encircle Parliament tomorrow!
