Knitting Nannas from Sydney and the Hunter joined a rally and march in Sydney last Saturday to call for much stronger climate action by the global leaders gathered at the COP27 in Egypt. Rich countries have not kept the commitments they made in Glasgow last year. Global emissions continue to rise resulting in extreme climate events around the world. The worst impacts are being felt in developing countries which have contributed least to global warming.
The rally called on Australia governments to stop all new gas and coal projects and to rapidly phase out fossil fuels. Only then can Australia claim to “be back” as a responsible player in the global fight to survive climate change.
Gomeroi leader Suellyn Tighe addressed the protesters about the long campaign against coal seam gas mining in the Pilliga. After her people repeatedly rejected the Santos project the company decided to ask the Native Title Tribunal to overrule their rights so the mining can go ahead. The outcome of the company’s challenge is expected soon. The Tribunal usually rules in favour of mining companies and if they support the Gomeroi rights this will be the first time a decision has gone against a mining company in NSW.
Suellyn encouraged the crowd to walk together, with strong voices and to stand up and tell governments that this is not right and that it affects all of us. Division only works for the government bodies and the fossil fuel industry.
This last week has brought another wave of climate chaos and devastation in Australia. In poorer countries, the climate crisis is destroying lives, natural resources and economies. Low lying island populations will be forced to become refugees. This includes the Torres Strait Islands or Zenadh Kes.
Nannas believe that protests on the streets, gatherings in our suburbs and submissions on our computers all help the call to climate action. Only public outcry will break the power of fossil fuel miners over climate, energy and environmental policies in Australia.
Sydney Knitting Nannas and Friends 