Join young people as they ‘Paddle for Change’ to protect future generations
On 9 March at Mona Vale Beach, young people stand on their paddleboards to raise awareness and campaign to ‘give a voice’ to younger Australians on climate decisions.
Mackellar MP Sophie Scamps says the initiative will empower young people to take charge on climate issues.
“As we confront the climate crisis, younger Australians deserve to be heard on decisions that will affect their future – even those too young to vote,” Dr Scamps told Peninsula Living Pittwater.
“The idea of the new ‘duty of care’ legal concept is to ensure that their interests are considered by lawmakers when they approve fossil fuel projects or pass laws that will have long- term consequences,” she says.
The ‘duty of care’ to future generations is being championed by a group of young people and independent senator for the ACT, David Pocock. Mr Pocock’s Duty of Care Bill would require policymakers to consider future generations as a primary group affected by parliamentary decision-making and environmental issues. Off-shore mining through the PEP-11 mining licence is a hot topics on the Northern Beaches.
“It’s a fossil fuel project that, if approved, could operate for up to 50 years and significantly add to our CO2 emissions,” Dr Scamps maintains.
Anjali Sharma, a young climate activist and duty of care advocate, said it was important governments acted to protect the future.
“As the law stands, there is no legislation that speaks specifically to the health and wellbeing of young people in the face of climate disaster that is increasing in frequency and severity. As we acknowledge that the young people of today and tomorrow will be worst affected by climate change, legislation must develop to reflect this and enshrine this duty of care,” Anjali says.
Music and a free barbeque are just some of the activities prepared for the Paddle for Climate day. Speakers include Dr Scamps and Anjali.
For more information and to register, visit the website of Sophie Scamps.
