Parents for Climate rally for second time

SURF Coast locals took to Torquay Beach at the weekend as they rallied for a 2035 climate target.

More than 50 people gathered at the beach with their handmade signs, calling on the federal government to set the bold goal.

“Parents are stepping up because 2035 is our kids’ childhood – not the distant future,” Geelong-Bellarine-Surf Coast Parents for Climate group’s Laura Billings said.

“And our leaders now have both a legal and moral obligation to act.”

 

Parents for Climate argue the Paris Agreement and Australia’s Climate Change Act 2022 means the government is bound to cut emissions in line with the best available science, and that the International Court of Justice has confirmed the government must protect children from climate harm.

As part of the community action on the weekend, parents also recorded short video messages for Corangamite federal member Libby Coker, sharing why the target matters.

Messages included protecting the planet for the future of children and people living with disabilities who are impacted by natural disasters and a warming climate, and about caring for the area and general wellbeing of the community.

The Torquay actions follow on from a similar gathering in Ocean Grove.

Ms Billings said the back-to-back actions showed how deeply families care about a safe future.

“Kids born today will be in primary school by 2035.

“The government cannot delay – the science is clear, the law is clear, and so are our voices as parents.”

Through the two community actions, Parents for Climate hope their voices are heard where it matters most and the government will commit to a 2035 net zero target.