Citizen COP

Speaking at AlterCOP 30 Australia was a real privilege. Walking my e-bike into a space full of people who chose to spend three days thinking, feeling, and acting for the climate reminded me that active hope is alive and well.

This wasn’t a meeting of passive spectators — it was a community organising, researching, campaigning, and reimagining how we live, move, and power our lives. I left feeling more grounded, energised, and hopeful than I have in a long time.

My message to government is clear: stop greenwashing. There is no carbon budget left. As the world’s second-largest fossil fuel exporter, Australia can’t pretend that a few extra solar panels will save the planet. We need to end our coal and gas addiction now.

We’re at a critical moment where we need to accelerate change in the face of powerful forces blocking climate action. Building community is essential — more connected and unified movements are stronger, more resilient to climate impacts, and form the foundation for effective organising and advocacy.

We must create urgency by having conversations and taking action in communities on the ground.

While there is much to be concerned or saddened about when it comes to the climate crisis, there is also a lot to be excited about. Here in Australia, we have incredible opportunities to become a major part of the solution.

We can transform from being a climate ‘villain’ today to a climate ‘hero’ tomorrow — by embracing renewable energy, exporting green technologies, and ensuring the right political leadership.