National Indigenous Times, September 9 2024
In the lead-up to Tuesday's Better Futures Forum in Canberra, four young climate leaders from the Asia-Pacific and the Kimberley region have been travelling across Australia, calling on political leaders to take urgent action on the climate crisis.
Hosted by Seed Indigenous Youth Climate Network and Oxfam Australia, the advocates are urging for an immediate ban on fracking, a phase-out of fossil fuels, and a strong response to the escalating climate impacts faced by their communities.
The climate leaders - Tanya Afu from the Solomon Islands, Grace Ann Enriquez from the Philippines, and Peter Griffiths-Sebastian and Eduardo Maher, both from the Kimberley - have met with political figures to highlight the impacts of climate change on their regions.
Mr Maher, Yawuru, Jabirr-Jabirr, Bardi-Jawi, and Nyul-Nyul man, said climate change has become and on going issue in the Kimberley.
The Country we live on, and are connected to, has begun to be unrecognisable to our Elders," he said.
Wet seasons are shorter and during the wrong times of the year, fire seasons are becoming more dangerous due to the lateness of the vegetation drying, post the wet season.
It has been shown and predicted by scientists that a rise in extreme heat conditions will affect the Kimberley, and that the region will soon become unlivable for extended times of the year."
This tour comes at a crucial time, with Australia bidding to co-host COP31 in 2026 and significant political decisions on the horizon.
As part of their journey, the advocates are also building international networks and engaging with grassroots organisations to strengthen climate advocacy.
Ebony Pierik, a proud Jabirr- Jabirr and Bardi woman from Seed Indigenous Youth Climate Network, highlighted the importance of connecting communities to government decision makers.
It's important for mob to share their stories and experiences when it comes to witnessing climate change," Ms Pierik said.
We contribute the least to the issue, but more often than not we're the first and worst impacted.
It is an opportunity for politicians and city dwellers to hear first-hand what it's like to live regionally and under threat of becoming a climate refugee on our own Country, and to connect with us on a deeper level for meaningful change."
The timing aligns with the start of the Better Futures Forum, where Indigenous-led organisations and climate advocates will gather with more than 260 leaders from various sectors.
Notable attendees include Uncle Ray Minniecon, Indigenous Peoples' Organisation Co-Chair, Caleb Adams, a sustainable investment expert, and Tishiko King, an ocean and climate activist from the Torres Strait.
The forum will spotlight the essential role of First Nations knowledge and leadership in climate action.
Uncle Ray will emphasise public engagement strategies aligned with global climate frameworks, while Mr Adams will discuss the need for rapid policy changes towards a renewable future.
Tishiko King will participate in a Talanoa session, focusing on the climate effects on Pacific nations and Australia's relationship with the region.
The collective effort by grassroots leaders and key figures ahead of COP31 aims to underscore the need for stronger climate commitments from Australia, grounded in Indigenous leadership and international collaboration.