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Stronger Together: The most effective climate adaptation requires community

It’s confirmed: 2024 saw average annual temperatures exceed 1.5 degrees C above pre-industrial levels. In the face of frequent disasters and inadequate action at the national level, many individuals ask themselves a similar question: What can I do? 

It’s easy to become despondent and cynical in the wake of the climate crisis. Fossil fuel industries benefit from others’ lack of hope and feelings of powerlessness; this allows them to continue with business as usual. However, the act of uniting with others to act upon our common interests is a step any individual can take towards building a better future, towards building comm-unity. The free gathering of individuals is, in itself, a radical action that can have big impacts.

Communities around Victoria are adapting to climate change through community-led initiatives that bring people together. The question “What can I do?” increases in strength when it becomes “What can we do?”

 

Imagine a 40 degree day, absolutely scorching without a cloud in the sky. Would you seek solace in an asphalt car park or a greenspace, outfitted with over 700 trees, plants and shrubs? A community on Jadawadjali land in Dimboola, Victoria made a conscious choice to put their community members first by developing “Greenlink”, a heat respite in the middle of town. Although some people felt the car park was necessary for local shops, the greenspace has actually improved business, developed stronger social connectedness and wellbeing, and supported more people to intentionally connect with others and their environment.

“Partnerships are really important for understanding”, said one member of the town, “including [links with] the local historical society.” These partnerships help empower individuals to build community strength through community connection and climate adaptation.

From the Northwest to the Southeast, people of Gunaikurnai Country in so-called Sale, Victoria recognise that climate adaptation and community connection can happen for anyone. Anyone can be a citizen scientist, as proven by the Wetland Restoration and Citizen Science project which aims to engage and educate others on the importance of coastal wetlands. Coastal communities are on the frontline of the climate crisis, yet this community knows that “we can change things if we work together.”

Since wetlands take up only one percent of Earth’s land but account for almost 50 percent of ocean carbon sequestration, it’s important to care for them and ensure they continue playing their important part in climate adaptation. Rather than require only trained scientists to conduct this research, the Wetland Restoration program invites everyone to participate in a day of fieldwork. The data collected then informs the region’s management plans for wetland conservation. By sharing skills, knowledge, and through mutual support, this community adaptation program enables all members to have a role in climate adaptation.

Young people will be disproportionately impacted by the effects of climate change. CARYA (Climate Adaptation Requires Youth Action) upskills young people to tackle climate adaptation in a variety of ways. CARYA’s eight week training program occurs on Wurundjeri Country in so-called Broadmeadows, just north of Friends of the Earth’s headquarters on Smith Street, Collingwood. CARYA is one part of Banksia Gardens Community Services and aims to bring young people together to discuss and take action on key social and environmental factors involved in climate change, including sustainability training, enhancing communication skills, and building community.

Like other impactful climate adaptation initiatives, CARYA listens to the needs of the community. “It’s about bringing people together and facilitating what they want to do,” said Taryn D’Costa. For programs to be successful, it’s recommended that they “[create] spaces that are safe, that allow for emotional connections, reflections, [and] an actual network of support”.

Through social connections, young people are better equipped to navigate an uncertain future. CARYA member Wesley Grey said, “Taking action has one hundred percent helped me with my climate anxiety. My message would be, get involved in something local and attack these issues head-on.” 

Throughout Victoria, a web of climate adaptation is growing. As an individual, you have more power than you may think. By joining a community network, listening to the needs of others, discussing your own feelings and ideas regarding climate change, you can help prepare yourself and your community.

Pop in to Friends of the Earth’s Act on Climate collective’s weekly Tuesday 6pm meeting on Zoom or at the Smith Street Co-Op to join a movement of others concerned with climate change.

Additionally, you can attend the upcoming Climate Adaptation Fair on Saturday, February 8 to learn more about climate adaptation initiatives around the state.

Most importantly, remember that we are stronger together. Radical community is the first step to a climate resilient future.

 

Written by Act on Climate collective member, Sarah Powers

 

Stay tuned for further updates from Friends of the Earth's Act on Climate collective as we campaign for community-led climate adaptation by signing up for campaign updates here.

If you haven't already, please add your name to the call for a Victorian Community Climate Adaptation Fund. We need community-led climate adaptation that is continuously and adequately funded. This funding will enable communities to fulfil their plans to build resilient communities in a changing climate and keep those most at risk safe.

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