Climate change is now affecting every country on every continent. It is disrupting national economies and affecting lives, costing people, communities and countries dearly. We need to ACT NOW.
We are experiencing the significant impacts of climate change, which include changing weather patterns, rising sea levels, increasing temperatures, devastating bushfires and more extreme weather events. The greenhouse gas emissions from human activities are driving climate change and continue to rise. They are now at their highest levels in history.
Community groups like ours can implement practical actions that prevent, mitigate or reduce exposure to climate impacts by helping their community and regions adapt and become more resilient under a changing climate.
The Social Justice Advocates of the Sapphire Coast believe that “Thinking globally while acting locally” is how we approach our various initiatives and projects. Our local collective actions we believe do make difference.
FORCES FOR NATURE (FFN) OBJECTIVES:
To:
- put climate change at the heart of everything we do: in work, as a parent, as a consumer, as a citizen.
- inform and educate our community about climate change and the associated impacts
- support a just transition from coal, oil and gas to a renewable-energy future
- grow a grassroots movement demanding climate change action through community led solutions to the climate crisis
- end Native forest logging in NSW
- provide support, mentoring for the Youth Initiatives group
- shut down Zombie development applications
- have many everyday conversations about climate change
VISION:
The Forces for Nature group’s vision is:
- for a fairer world where communities can thrive and where we are all safe from the impacts of climate change.
- to accelerate emissions reduction through promoting and creating more renewable energy projects while supporting and advocating for science-based targets to keep the goal of the Paris Agreement of limiting warming to 1.5 degrees of warming within reach.
FFNs proudest moments to date include:
- 2 x Envision solar group buys in Pambula where over 60 local residents bought solar panels for their homes. A free solar install was given to Pambula Surf Life Savings Club by Lakeside Electrical as part of this group buy
- SJASC Donated solar panels to Panboola Wetlands
- Supported Lumen Christi schools solar installation
- Coordinating the many working bees at Potoroo Palace, Black Duck Foods and other local environmental groups.
- Promoting and educating the Bega Valley Shire about eliminating single use plastics and alternative options in Pambula and Merimbula
- Running information sessions/ screenings about Fracking, Zombie developments and other environmental issues
- Supporting the Youth Climate Action group and Bob Brown Foundation with student marches and educational activities.
- Being waste warriors at various festivals and fundraising events: significantly reducing waste reaching landfill
FFN initiatives and projects in 2024:
- Renewable energy project in Pambula and surrounds for resilience and adaptation
- Campaign at the local council elections in September for candidates who believe in and support positive actions on climate change.
- Support for Youth Initiative group
- More working bees supporting local environmental groups
- Grant writing for projects
- Fundraising activities as required
If you are interested in joining our Forces For Nature group then please email our secretary@sjasc.org for contact details.