CLIMATE ACTION is their buzzword! An upsurge of climate action groups in the Gold Coast are working side by side to move Australia in the direction of climate justice for all.

As we continue to be hit by unprecedented weather patterns, the latest United Nations report on climate warns us to expect more intense and frequent weather events as a result of climate change.

Flood survivors from Lismore, New South Wales, visited Prime Minister Scott Morrison’s flood-free home in Sydney recently to vent their frustration about the federal government’s lack of action on climate change.

Meanwhile, the Great Barrier Reef is showing major signs of heat stress as it experiences widespread coral bleaching for the fourth time in six years. This news is very concerning to scientists and all ocean lovers, as the current La Niña weather cycle is normally associated with cooler ocean temperatures, not coral bleaching.

Such events have the potential to leave us feeling powerless and fearful for our future, but they also spur us on. If we don’t take collective action against those ideas and industries wrecking our climate to stamp out global warming activities in this decade, we see what we stand to lose – our unique natural environment and wildlife, our lifestyle, and our wonderful communities.

The Gold Coast climate community has rapidly expanded in recent times in response to these threats. There has been a groundswell of activity across broad interest-based volunteer groups, who are tackling climate change together with activists, environmental organisations, businesses, and institutions.

If you want to take real action on climate change now (there’s never been a better time!), these are the Gold Coast’s kick-ass climate groups and events you ought to know about:

Climate Community Nights

Held on the first Wednesday of every month, this meet-up is for anyone and everyone interested in issues around climate change and the protection and preservation of our environment. It’s about sharing the love between grassroots action groups and hearing about the range of activities across various causes. “When we can all come together, connect, share and support one another it's a really great feeling” says Kate Baldry, key coordinator. The next event is 6 April at Mo’s Desert Clubhouse, Burleigh.

Australian Parents for Climate Action

A network of supportive, fun parents and carers on a mission to empower one another to advocate for climate action. Solutions-focussed actions are designed to be accessible and realistic for busy parents. National Chair, Marie Carvolth, is in awe of the power and positivity that comes when acting out of care for our kids' safe futures. “It allows us to be seen and heard as a powerful voice in our communities, the media, and by politicians - we've had politicians across the political spectrum ask us to keep doing what we're doing, because it gives them the public support to take stronger steps on climate!”

Two fledgling groups are welcoming members on Facebook and seeking champions to take on light leadership roles with great support from the National Coordinator. If interested, please contact laura@ap4ca.org.

You can join North Gold Coast Parents and Friends for Climate Action or Australian Parents for Climate Action - South Gold Coast on Facebook.

Stop Adani

Stop Adani’s staunch campaign has been calling out coal and taking on the Adani coal mine and rail project in Northern Queensland for eight years now. Adani’s mine is operational but increasingly unviable, thanks largely to the actions of this group, who continue to pressure investors and subsidiary companies of Adani, and stand in solidarity with the Traditional Owners of the land where Adani is digging coal. Activist Kate Baldry says the large local group on the Gold Coast is so friendly, welcoming and supportive. “Before joining Stop Adani I felt very isolated in my opinions and very angry and frustrated by the apathy and inaction of those around me” she says. “Seeing an intelligent, organised Australia-wide collaborative network of people that regularly and consistently showed up and took action was incredibly empowering.” Contact Stop Adani Gold Coast on Facebook.

Gecko Environment Council

A seasoned campaigning body offering a wide range of volunteer activities. Gecko actively promote, conserve and restore the natural environment and improve the sustainability of the built environment in the Gold Coast and Hinterland in partnership with member groups and the wider community. Campaign coordinator Jessica Lovegrove-Walsh, who leads several climate projects on the Gold Coast, finds being part of the movement rewarding due to the number of individuals, communities, and businesses who are deeply concerned by climate change and acting on it. “We need this community-oriented approach, as no one person can tackle this complex issue alone” she says. “A lot of people are hearing the call to act, particularly after the recent floods.” Contact Gecko on Facebook.

Griffith Climate Action Beacon

Griffith University develops partnerships through research and practice to initiate responses to the climate challenge. “The next 10 years offers a critical window for Australia, and indeed all countries, to accelerate the transition to a net zero emissions economy and build capacity for a climate resilient future” states Professor Brendan Mackey, beacon director and co-author of the United Nations climate report. Events and projects are open to the community and can be found on their website griffith.edu.au/research/climate-action.

The following organisations with Gold Coast chapters also deserve a mention. You can reach out on social media to find out about upcoming local actions with all of them.