Parents for Climate rally for 2035 target

PARENTS and children rallied at Ocean Grove main beach on Sunday to call on the federal government to adopt a science-based 2035 climate target.

Led by Parents for Climate, locals held signs reading “future on the line,” “net zero by 2035” and “cut pollution, not our kids’ future.”

Geelong-Bellarine-Surf Coast Parents for Climate member Laura Billings said as a parent, she thinks about the world her kids will inherit.

“Unless we drastically cut emissions this decade, they’ll face more fires, floods, heatwaves and hardship. Our leaders have a legal obligation and a duty of care to protect children – not delay action,” she said.

Participants urged the government to commit to net zero by 2035 – an objective the group says aligns with the best available science and Australia’s obligations under international law.

The International Court of Justice has confirmed governments have a legal obligation to protect children from climate harm, with Ms Billings calling this a “once-in-a-generation” chance to do the right thing.

“Kids born today will be in primary school by 2035. That’s not some distant future – it’s right around the corner. We’re making a stand as the decisions made today will deeply affect their tomorrow.”

Parents for Climate says the draft recommendation of a 65-75 per cent cut falls short of what’s needed to keep warming to 1.5 degrees. If adopted, it would lock in 2.2-2.6 degrees of warming – a level they say would be catastrophic for children.

The group aims to take the community’s concerns all the way to parliament and raise awareness about the decision on climate targets. A similar action will be held in Torquay this Sunday, August 17.