Climate activist group takes to the sand following latest IPCC report

MORE than 30 people from the Australian Parents for Climate Action (AP4CA) and residents of Ocean Grove spent their Saturday morning expressing their concerns following the latest climate change report.

The concerns stem from findings published earlier this month by the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC), stating humans are unequivocally warming the planet triggering widespread and rapid changes in the atmosphere.

Global surface temperatures will continue to increase until at least the mid-century under all emissions scenarios, according to the Sixth Assessment Report by the IPCC.

The report also states that global warming of 1.5°C and 2°C will be exceeded during the 21st century unless deep reductions in carbon dioxide and other greenhouse gas emissions occur in the coming decades.

Member of the Geelong and Bellarine chapter of the AP4CA Laura Grufas said the group was compelled to do something to express its sadness and fear about what the climate scientists have told them in the latest report.

“It was a really sobering reminder of the scale and urgency those in government and business with power need to take in order to address this emergency,” Ms Grufas said.

“It was a peaceful and playful protest, we even had some K9 activists there, but it was a hopeful coming together for our shared future, particularly for our children.”

The demonstration over the weekend involved everyone meeting at the Ocean Grove main beach and writing “Code Red” in the sand, attempting to plead with local and state government to take urgent action and set some realistic targets.

AP4CA considers itself non-partisan and hopes that its demonstration falls on the ears of all potential candidates set to compete for office later in the year.

“We just want whoever is in power to initiate and implement the necessary targets and plans that are needed,” Ms Grufas said.

“Our message is a message to all MPs, politicians and decision makers in the local area.

“The thing we can’t understand is that Australia has unrivalled sun and wind resources.

“We could be a powerhouse on the global market in terms of clean energy.

“So, we don’t understand why the government are dragging their heels in committing to a target and a plan when there is a bright future for Australia in turning this ship around.”

Find out more about the Australian Parents for Climate Change Geelong and Bellarine group on Facebook or check out the national website at ap4ca.org.