Dear Friend,

This March, our network was energised by the dynamic gatherings in Sydney for Climate Action Week, where we hosted the 'Storytelling for Change' workshop in collaboration with Unboxed Media and the 'Roadmap to a Clean COP31' panel.

These events not only inspired us but also propelled collaborative efforts to enhance Australia's climate initiatives.

Dive into the highlights below and discover how you can engage in our future activities.

🌏 ON OUR AGENDA 🌏

The upcoming federal election, set for May 3, is shaping up with cost of living as a central battleground. As these discussions unfold, it's crucial that climate policy remains a core part of the national dialogue. This election offers a critical moment for voters and leaders to consider the long-term sustainability of our economy and environment.

The 2025-26 federal budget highlighted investments aimed at advancing Australia's renewable energy sector and battery storage capabilities, which are positive steps toward reducing our carbon footprint and enhancing energy security. However, substantial work remains to ensure these measures fully address the intertwined challenges of climate change and cost of living.

We are working with our Sector Working Group partners to assess and respond to policy developments, from both the budget and the upcoming election. Better Futures Australia's shared advocacy remains bipartisan, aiming to engage with all parties to support a science-based approach that aligns with Australia's international climate commitments, particularly in the lead-up to a potential Australia-Pacific hosted COP31.

Stay tuned for analyses and advice on strategic advocacy directions.

ICYMI

\\\ BETTER FUTURES AUSTRALIA QUARTERLY MULTI-SECTORAL ROUNDTABLE

Couldn’t make it to our Quarterly Roundtable in February? No worries! You can catch up by watching the recording here.

\\\ INSIGHTS FROM CLIMATE ACTION WEEK SYDNEY

Climate Action Week Sydney (CAW SYD) was a vibrant forum that brought together diverse voices to drive meaningful climate discussions.

The week was charged with optimistic discussions and the resolve to affirm Australia's role in the clean global economy, with encouragement to more closely align with aspirations of our Pacific neighbours.

We were thrilled by the involvement of the Better Futures Australia community in these critical dialogues.

Event Highlights:

• Youth Storytelling for Change Workshop: Led by Liz Courtney on Future Generations Day and supported by UNICEF, the Climate Media Centre, and NFSA, this workshop highlighted the dynamic talents of younger generations. We're excited to share their compelling stories on our social platforms soon, amplifying the voices of tomorrow's climate leaders.
  

• Roadmap to a Clean COP31: This panel, supported by Comms Declare, Climate Integrity and UNSW, focused on the necessity of a COP that prioritises sustainability and human rights, with a spotlight on the pivotal roles of First Nations and Pacific leaders in demonstrating equitable and effective climate responses.

Additional Insights:

The week also featured reminders of the enduring nature of climate action amidst geopolitical shifts, with significant contributions from figures like Jonathan Pershing, former US Deputy Special Envoy for Climate Change and current Program Director at the Hewlett Foundation.

The active participation of Australian government staff and local officials at these events was particularly encouraging, highlighting appetite for more multilevel and multi-sectoral collaborative efforts to deliver climate solutions.

A huge thank you to all our colleagues, partners, and volunteers who made this week not just possible but impactful. If you're interested in collaborating on a roadmap to a Clean COP31, or have any insights to share, please don't hesitate to reach out directly.

📅 UPCOMING EVENTS & ACTIVITIES 📅

Check out the below events - all super interesting, and all free!

• Media Training by Climate Media Centre: Learn how to communicate climate change effectively. 📆Thursday April 3📍Brisbane, QLD. Register here.
• City Talks hosted by the City of Sydney: The Climate and Nature Crisis, featuring Christiana Figueres, 📆Wednesday, April 2, 6:30 - 8:30pm 📍Sydney Town Hall. Register here.
• UN Global Company Network Australia will host Virtual Open House: Guiding Your Sustainability Journey; a webinar for companies looking for help in achieving sustainability goals; 📆April 8, 11:30-12:15pm. Register here.

Do you have an event to share? Let us know by reaching out to [email protected].

🌱BE PART OF THE SOLUTION 🌱

/// OPEN CONSULTATIONS

• Victoria's Climate Change Strategy | The Victorian Government is drafting its second Climate Change Strategy to guide emissions reduction and strengthen climate resilience over the next five years. More Information - Submissions close April 8, 2025.
• Periodic Review of the Soil Organic Carbon method 2021 | Provide feedback on the compliance with Offset Integrity Standards under the Carbon Credits (Carbon Farming Initiative Act). More Information - Submissions close April 11, 2025.
• National Greenhouse and Energy Reporting (NGER) Scheme | Engage in the consultation on proposed updates to the NGER scheme. More Information - Submissions close April 11, 2025.
• Strategic Examination of R&D | Give feedback on strengthening Australia's National Science and Research Priorities. Submissions close April 11, 2025. More information can be found here.
• UN Special Rapporteur on Climate Change - Human rights in the life cycle of renewable energy and critical minerals | Contribute to the understanding of human rights impacts within the life cycle of renewable energy and critical minerals. More Information - Submissions close April 30, 2025.

Stay informed on upcoming consultations via consult.dcceew.gov.au.

🌱IN OUR NEWSFEED 🌱

/// REPORTS

• 'Embracing Complexity in Cities' by Kausal | This new report discusses how local governments can use a systems approach to climate action, offering practical frameworks and design principles. Drawn from interviews with sustainability officers in Australia, Finland, and the USA, it's a must-read for those involved in urban climate strategies. Read the Report.

Thank you for your continued support and engagement. For any questions, comments, or ideas, please don’t hesitate to reach out.

Warm regards,

The BFA Team - Lisa, Jordan, Ciara, and Quimby
betterfutures.org.au

We respect and honour Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Peoples and their Elders past and present and are committed to creating better futures together.