On World Children’s Day, parents demand urgent climate action to protect their kids
Eurobodalla parents will gather at Apex Park, Moruya at 9am on 20th November, World Children’s Day, to call on the Australian government to act urgently to protect their children’s health and safety in the face of climate breakdown.
In a media release issued today by the event organisers they said "United Nations World Children’s Day commemorates the Declaration of the Rights of the Child, which Australia has signed. This commits Australia to protect the rights of all children to health and safety – rights which are being threatened by our government’s inaction on climate change.
"As bushfires rage across NSW and QLD, and children are losing their homes and suffering the health impacts of climate-change induced extreme weather events, Eurobodalla parents want the government to take stronger action on climate to protect our children."
Local parent and GP Michelle Hamrosi said: “We are distressed that the government is not acting to protect our kids’ health and safety from the enormous impacts of climate breakdown.”
“We’re already seeing Australian children lose their homes and their family’s livelihood from unprecedented bushfires, drought and storms. The future will only be more dangerous for our kids unless we act urgently to cut our greenhouse emissions and lead the world towards a safe climate future.”
Children are more vulnerable to the health impacts of climatic disasters, such as longer, hotter heatwaves, and increased asthma and allergies from bushfires and storm events.
Additionally, the mental health of young people is at greater risk as climate impacts worsen – many are starting to feel despair for their future.
“To protect our kids and avoid the most catastrophic impacts of climate breakdown, Australia must act on the science and urgently accelerate cuts to our greenhouse emissions, consistent with limiting warming to 1.5oC,” said Broulee mum of two, Kathryn McCarthy. “This includes switching to 100% renewable energy and phasing out fossil fuel mining and use.”
"A group of concerned parents formed Australian Parents for Climate Action in January, and the group already has over 5000 members and supporters who are concerned about a safe climate future for our children.
"Key organisers are in Eurobodalla, Melbourne, Brisbane, Gold Coast, South West Queensland, Canberra, Sydney, Adelaide, Perth, Port Stephens and Wagga Wagga. Members come from all states, all capital cities and many regional towns.
"There will be local actions for November 20 across the country: https://www.facebook.com/pg/ap4ca/events/.
"Read our open letter here, signed by child health, safety and parenting experts, asking the Prime Minister to protect the future health and safety of our children from climate breakdown: https://www.ap4ca.org/world-childrens-day-open-letter/
