Let’s demand a safe climate, equal future for everyone

From the mountain peaks of Nepal to the blue oceans of the Pacific, communities who have done the least to cause climate change are bearing the brunt of its impacts.

We now know that the recent flash floods that tore through Nepal and Tibet and killed thousands were triggered by a glacier collapse associated with climate change. Communities in both these countries have lost their homes, loved ones and vital infrastructure, and recovery will be long and hard.

The catastrophic impacts of climate change aren’t just evident in Nepal, either. Our Pacific neighbors and Torres Strait Islander communities are facing rising sea levels and storm surges that could see their homes uninhabitable in just decades. 

The loss and damage from these events is unprecedented and heartbreaking. And it must be a wake-up call for countries like Australia who are not lifting their weight when it comes to action on climate change and providing international funding to support climate action in low-income countries.

The Australian Government has committed just $11 million in support to Nepal so far. That’s welcome, but it is just 0.2% of the USD$5 billion Nepal’s leaders are estimating recovery will cost.

We are the lucky country. We can do far more.

Without sufficient support, Nepal and so many other low-income countries being hit hard by climate disasters won’t have the funds to properly recover, deepening poverty and inequality. The injustice is, these countries and communities have contributed little to the climate crisis, yet are bearing the highest price.

At $2.2 billion per year on average, what we are demanding in international climate funding for developing countries is a fraction of the $14.5 billion Australia provides in fossil fuel subsidies per year.

These subsidies actively make climate change worse. We’re calling on the government to end fossil fuel subsidies, and stop new coal, oil and gas projects that are contributing to the destruction of our climate.

Instead of financially supporting this polluting industry, which profits off products that drive climate change, its time the Government makes them pay their fair share for the climate damages.

Sign our petition and join the fight for a safe climate and equal future.