SUBMISSION TO THE VICTORIAN LEGISLATIVE ASSEMBLY ...€¦ · Climate change is an issue of human...
Transcript of SUBMISSION TO THE VICTORIAN LEGISLATIVE ASSEMBLY ...€¦ · Climate change is an issue of human...
SUBMISSION TO THE VICTORIAN LEGISLATIVE ASSEMBLY ENVIRONMENT AND PLANNING COMMITTEE’S INQUIRY INTO TACKLING CLIMATE CHANGE IN VICTORIAN COMMUNITIES
The Women’s Climate Justice Collective (WCJC) welcomes the opportunity to make a submission to the
Victorian Legislative Assembly Environment and Planning Committee’s Inquiry into Tackling Climate Change in
Victorian Communities.
About the WCJC The Women’s Climate Justice Collective formed at the Climate Justice Convergence held in Canberra in
February 2017. We are a national network of women and non-binary academics, activists, care-givers, workers
and community members committed to feminist climate justice as a framework for action to address Climate
Change.
The Collective’s Victorian alliance meet monthly at Kathleen Syme Library and Community Centre in Carlton.
Recent activities include the WCJC weekend camp at Commonground Conference and Retreat Centre in
October 2019 in Seymour, where members participated in networking, workshops and strategic planning and
development re: feminist climate justice.
WCJC pay respect to the Traditional and ongoing Owners and custodians of the land across the state of
Victoria, including the five tribes of the Kulin Nations. WCJC acknowledge that the land was stolen and that
sovereignty was never ceded. WCJC further recognise that environmental strategy and action must
foreground, and be led by, Victoria’s Indigenous communities and First Nations people of Australia.
Climate Justice WCJC’s biggest concerns are that existing inequalities around gender, income and wealth, race, rurality, ability,
sexuality, species and so on in Victoria will continue to be exacerbated under climate crisis, resulting in
widened inequalities and deepened injustices of power and privilege.
Recognising this, WCJC urge the Victorian Government to fast-track the development of a visionary, integrated
and gender-responsive Climate-Change strategy, involving whole-of-Government and community and private
partnerships. Policy, strategy and programs should aim to mitigate the underlying causes of Climate Change, in
particular by transitioning Victoria to a binding target of net zero emissions by 2030, and support Victorians,
particularly groups and communities who are most marginalised, to adapt to the impacts of Climate Change.
Science is telling us that the impacts of Climate Change are happening now and faster than predicted. As we
write this submission, the bushfire season in Victoria is well underway, having started earlier than in previous
decades. Currently, across the State, and other states of Australia, there are fires burning at a scale and
ferocity never previously encountered, causing irreversible damage to Victoria’s natural heritage, killing and
injuring wildlife at an unprecedented scale and devastating human lives and livelihoods. For well over 20 years,
scientists have warned that Climate Change would increase the risk of extreme bushfires in Australia. Their
warning was accurate.
The world is watching as Australia enters this new phase of climate crisis. The existential threat we are
presented with creates a clear moral and ethical imperative for Government at all levels to take immediate
and decisive action. The courage and leadership to take this necessary immediate action has been absent in
Australia to date. This makes it even more crucial for the Victorian Government to model meaningful, visionary
and just Climate Change leadership to the rest of Australia, and the world.
The Gendered Impacts of Climate Change Inequalities, injustices and discriminations that currently exist in Victoria and more broadly will worsen under climate change, according to a recent study by the International Union for the Conservation of Nature (IUCN). Unless Victorian climate responses and solutions are just and address the structural causes of climate change
(neoliberal capitalism, patriarchy, colonialism, white supremacy), our state will continue to go along a destructive trajectory of haves and have nots, resulting in more
widespread and entrenched inequalities.
Climate change is an issue of human rights, because climate change exacerbates inequalities and social injustices (Australian Human Rights Commission 2017). There are
multiple experiences of inequality and climate change in Australia, considering gender, sexuality, Indigeneity, race and cultural identity, ability, age, income level, and
place. The literature indicates that in Australia, advantage and privilege under climate change is most often held by people who are male, heterosexual, white, English-
speaking, able-bodied, high income-earning and residing in well-resourced urban communities.
Ways in which climate change affects and will affect different groups differently:
Climate change entrenches gender inequality and traditional gender roles in Australia,
exacerbating issues such as the gender pay gap, gendered caring responsibilities,
women’s underrepresentation in leadership, and high rates of violence against
women, especially for First Nations women (Australian Bureau of Statistics 2016).
Research indicates increased rates of violence against women during and after
climate events (Alston 2012; Anderson 2009; Parkinson and Zara 2013; Parkinson,
Farrant, and Duncan 2015; Sevoyan, Hugo, Feist, et al. 2013; Whittenbury 2013), with
heightened excuse making and legitimization of male perpetrators, which entrenches
male privilege (Parkinson, Farrant and Duncan 2015). Furthermore, single parent
households, generally headed by women, experience increased economic tensions
under climate change (Sevoyan, Hugo, Feist et al. 2013). Climate change also has
gender-differentiated health impacts. For example, during climate events farming
men have greater risk of physical injuries (Whittenbury 2013), and pregnant women
experience heightened risks from increased stress, lack of access to nutritious food
and higher likelihood of violence (Parkinson, Farrant, and Duncan 2015). Research in
drought-affected communities identified a tendency for women to ignore their own
health needs to prioritize the health of male partners (Alston 2009, 2012; Alston and
Whittenbury 2013; Whittenbury 2013). Australian men have a greater likelihood of
dying during bushfires, while women are more likely to die during heat waves
(Parkinson, Farrant, and Duncan 2015; Tyler and Fairbrother 2013).
Indigeneity, race and cultural identity are also important axes of power under climate change. In
Australia, First Nations peoples have unique experiences of climate change due to spiritual
relationships with land (often labelled country) (Arabena and Kingsley 2015; Green and Minchin
2014; Hughes, Rickards, Steffen, et al. 2016; IPCC 2014; Zander, Petheram, and Garnett 2013). For
example, McNamara and Westoby’s (2011) study with older Torres Strait Islander women found
that climate-induced changes to identity and place caused sadness and ‘solastalgia’ (distress from
environmental change). Furthermore, climate events may damage or destroy cultural heritage sites
and wild food networks (Choy, Clarke, Jones, et al. 2013), and First Nations peoples may be
displaced from country and relocated to increasingly stressed urban settings (Arabena and Kingsley
2015; Hunter 2009; Zander, Petheram, and Garnett 2013). First Nations peoples’ vulnerability to
climate change is also exacerbated by existing inequalities such as lower life expectancy and higher
rates of disability, chronic disease, suicide, unemployment, poverty, family and community
violence, and overcrowded and poor housing, compared with non-First Nations Australians
(Campbell, Stafford Smith, Davies, et al. 2008; Green and Minchin 2014; Hunter 2009; Choy, Clarke,
Jones, et al. 2013; Petheram, Zander, Campbell, et al. 2010; Steering Committee for the Review of
Government Service Provision 2014). Some climate change health impacts for First Nations
Australians include increased tropical, communicable, vector-, water- and mosquito-borne diseases,
respiratory illnesses, dehydration, psychological distress, anxiety, mental illness, substance use,
heat stress, and mortality, aggravated by poor access to health services (Arabena and Kingsley
2015; Campbell, Smith, Davies et al. 2008; Hunter 2009). First Nations weather knowledges,
peoples and rights are also excluded from climate change decision-making and policy that privilege
white, male perspectives (Alston and Mason 2008; Ford 2012; Gerrard 2008; Choy, Clarke, Jones, et
al. 2013; Petheram, Zander, Campbell, et al. 2010).
Most Australian literature regarding gender and climate change perpetuates binary,
heteronormative constructions of gender, overlooking experiences of LGBTI peoples
(Dominey-Howes, Gorman-Murray, and McKinnon 2014). LGBTI Australians
experience ‘double marginalisation’ under climate change (Gorman-Murray, Morris,
Keppel, et al. 2017, 44), due to state-sanctioned, institutional and interpersonal
discrimination, poor community understanding of LGBTI needs, and high rates of
marginalization, bullying, harassment and violence (Australian Human Rights
Commission 2015). For example, during the 2011 Queensland floods, LBGTI people
experienced stress, anxiety and depression, fears of prejudice and/or abuse, and
reluctance to seek mainstream emergency services due to fears of lack of safety,
accessibility and inclusivity in heteronormative spaces that privileged non-LGBTI
peoples (Gorman-Murray, Morris, Keppel, et al. 2017). Concerningly, some Australian
governments outsource emergency response and recovery arrangements to faith-
based Christian organizations with legal exemption from anti-discrimination
protections (Dominey-Howes, Gorman-Murray, and McKinnon 2016).
Furthermore, culturally and linguistically diverse (CALD) peoples and newly-arrived migrants and
refugees, especially those from non-English speaking countries, have heightened vulnerability to
climate change in Australia. This is partly due to language barriers, lack of weather acclimatization
and adaptation, and wearing climate-inappropriate clothing (Hansen, Bi, Saniotis, et al. 2013;
Sevoyan, Hugo, Feist, et al. 2013). During heat waves, new migrants may avoid public air-
conditioned spaces such as shopping centres, may be at risk at beaches and swimming pools if
unable to swim, and may experience ‘discomfort, anguish, sunburn and the potential for severe
health impacts’ (Hansen Bi, Saniotis, et al. 2013, 3). During climate events, lack of local language
and cultural knowledge also limits access to information, community activities and social support
networks that generally advantage non-CALD communities (Bell and Blahski 2014; Sevoyan, Hugo,
Feist, et al. 2013).
Australians with disability are also vulnerable to climate change, due to existing
systemic disadvantage through human rights violations, social isolation, negative
social attitudes and risk of violent crime, lack of support services, lack of access to
education and meaningful employment, greater risk of poverty, lack of access to
buildings, facilities, transport and internet, and difficulties accessing appropriate and
affordable housing (National People with Disabilities and Carer Council 2009; Walker
2015). These experiences are not gender neutral; for example, women with disability
have high risk of domestic, family and sexual violence (Australian Human Rights
Commission 2012). People with disability are at heightened risk from climate events,
especially extreme heat and cold (Hughes, Hanna, and Fenwick 2016; Walker 2015)
and during severe emergency evacuation procedures, particularly children with
disability (Boon, Pagliano, Brown, et al. 2008). Challenges also arise regarding the care
of people with disability before, during and after extreme events (Bell and Blahski
2014).
Older Australians are vulnerable to climate events such as bushfires due to reliance on others to
evacuate, and heat waves due to declining physical and cognitive health, tendency to overdress,
lack of thirst, limited transport and fear of high power bills (Hansen, Bi, Saniotis, et al. 2013; Horton,
Hanna, and Bell 2010; Sevoyan, Hugo, Feist, et al. 2013); especially First Nations elderly people with
chronic illnesses such as kidney disease (Sevoyan, Hugo, Feist, et al. 2013). During climate events,
elderly first generation migrants, particularly those with poor English proficiency, may have greater
support needs (Loughnan and Carroll 2015), and may experience linguistic and social isolation with
reduced access to English-language preventative health messages that privilege non-CALD
Australians (Hansen, Bi, Saniotis, et al. 2013). Furthermore, post-disaster scammers target elderly
Australians (Bell and Blahski 2014). Conversely, climate events can cause child health risks such as
overheating, dehydration, vector-borne diseases and mental health concerns (Hughes, Hanna, and
Fenwick 2016; Parkinson, Farrant, and Duncan 2015; Sevoyan, Hugo, Feist, et al. 2013). These are
intensified with new migrant status, low-income and disability (Boon, Joanna, Pagliano, et al. 2012;
Sevoyan, Hugo, Feist, et al. 2013). Climate events can also affect Australian children’s physical,
psychological and behavioural development (Parkinson, Farrant, and Duncan 2015); for example,
financial difficulties from drought can restrict rural children’s education access (Alston 2011).
Disaster evacuation centres with shared sleeping areas and volunteer carers also pose child
protection risks (Bell and Blahski 2014).
Economic exclusion is a key determinant of vulnerability to climate change (Sevoyan,
Hugo, Feist, et al. 2013). Low-income Australians have fewer resources to prepare,
respond, cope and recover from climate events (Bell and Blahski 2014; Hansen, Bi,
Saniotis, et al. 2013; Sevoyan, Hugo, Feist, et al. 2013). Poor Australians are more
likely to live in climate event-risk areas in low quality, energy inefficient housing
without insulation, with greater susceptibility to rising costs for electricity, water,
food and transportation (and lack of car ownership may impede effective adaptation,
especially in rural areas without public transport) (Sevoyan, Hugo, Feist, et al. 2013).
Extreme events exacerbate the gender pay gap and women’s unpaid care burden,
with increased risk of poverty for women (Alston 2009, 2011, 2012; Anderson 2009;
Parkinson, Farrant, and Duncan 2015; Whittenbury 2013). Furthermore, elderly
people, First Nations Australians and people with disability have decreased financial
capacity to respond to stressors such as extreme heat, intensifying health risks
(Loughnan and Carroll 2015; Choy, Clarke, Jones, et al. 2013; Petheram, Zander,
Campbell, et al. 2010; Sevoyan, Hugo, Feist, et al. 2013; Walker, 2015). Additionally,
people employed in fossil fuel industries may experience economic exclusion if the
transition to a carbon-free economy is poorly managed (Edwards, Fritz, and Wiseman
2009).
Finally, place is a relevant dimension of inequality. Australian rural communities are often at the
frontline of climate events (Alston 2009, 2011, 2012; Hughes, Rickards, Steffen, et al 2016; Stehlick,
Lawrence, and Gray 2000; Whittenbury 2013). During the Millennium Drought (1996-2010), rural
communities (especially farmers) experienced significant financial stress (Alston 2011; Hughes,
Hanna, and Fenwick 2016; Hughes, Rickards, Steffen, et al. 2016). Male farmers experienced
increased substance use, depression, anxiety and suicide (Alston 2009, 2011, 2012; Alston and
Whittenbury 2013; Parkinson, Farrant, and Duncan 2015; Whittenbury 2013), while female farmers
experienced stress, anxiety, depression, post-natal depression and grief (Alston 2011; Anderson
2009; Stehlick, Lawrence, and Gray 2000). Declining social services in depopulating rural towns
exacerbated mental health concerns (Alston 2011; Stehlick, Lawrence, and Gray 2000). Scholars
also suggest that First Nations peoples living on islands, the tropical north coast, the central desert
and in remote communities are at particular risk of climate change (Campbell, Smith, Davies, et al.
2008; Green and Minchin 2014; Hunter 2009). Conversely, some urban and peri-urban First Nations
peoples consider themselves highly vulnerable to climate change due to fewer connections to
country and dependency on mainstream resources (Choy, Clarke, Jones, et al. 2013).
The literature reviewed above highlights the diverse experiences and risks for marginalized Australians under climate change, supporting the argument that climate change
activism and policy should address multiple and intersecting inequalities (Arora-Jonsson 2011; Gaard 2015; Kaijser and Kronsell 2014). Victorian policy regarding climate
change, natural disasters and emergency management is generally blind to reducing the vulnerability and strengthening the resilience and adaptability of marginalized
Australians (including women). Marginalised Australians are also excluded from developing climate change-related policy and generally are not included in climate
decision-making bodies (Alston 2009, 2011; Alston and Mason 2008; Arabena and Kingsley 2015; Christoff 2013; Dominey-Howes, Gorman-Murray, and McKinnon 2014;
Gorman-Murray, McKinnon, and Dominey-Howes 2014; MacCallum, Byrne, and Steele 2014).
Key Recommendations 1. The Victorian government, local governments, non-profit sector and all other sectors and industry
adopt 'climate justice' as a frame of action to respond to and address climate change. Climate justice
challenges ‘distributive, procedural and relational injustices’ whereby vulnerable peoples are most
impacted by climate change (Evans 2010, p. 201). Kaijser and Kronsell (2014) explain, (t)he
responsibility, vulnerability, and decision-making power of individuals and groups in relation to
climate change can be attributed to social structures based on characteristics such as gender, socio-
economic status, ethnicity, nationality, health, sexual orientation, age, and place. Moreover, the
impacts of climate change, as well as strategies for mitigation and adaptation, may reinforce or
challenge such structures and categorisations (p. 420). Chatterton et al. (2013) explain that climate
justice involves principles of democratic accountability and participation, ecological sustainability and
social justice and their combined ability to provide solutions to climate change. Such a notion focuses
on the interrelationships between, and addresses the roots causes of, the social injustice, ecological
destruction and economic domination perpetrated by the underlying logics of pro-growth capitalism
(p. 606).
2. Climate justice must be mainstreamed throughout all areas and levels of decision-making, policy,
programming, procurement, budget-setting, governance and climate action. Actions to address
climate change must not perpetuate the root causes of climate change; that is, pro-growth, neoliberal
capitalism, patriarchy, colonialism and white supremacy. Climate actions must work to transform
structures of inequality and injustice to ensure that no one is left behind.
3. The social justice sector and local government must be adequately resourced to respond to and
integrate the social impacts of climate change in their work. This includes everything, such as
Aboriginal rights organisations, women's refuges and family violence programs, social housing,
financial counselling, poverty alleviation, welfare, emergency relief, food banks, legal services,
disability services, LGBTI+ support services, aged care facilities, and health programs.
Further specific recommendations include:
Transition to 100% renewable, carbon-free energy by 2030 Victoria needs a rapid transition to 100% renewable, carbon-free energy by 2030, which does not include
nuclear or biomass from burning trees etc. A climate justice approach demands that the creation of 100%
renewable energy in Victoria must not leave anyone behind.
In order to tackle energy from a climate justice perspective, several strategies are recommended:
Support and resource the rapid roll out of community-owned, collectively-managed, decentralised
renewable energy projects in communities around the State;
Support and resource neighbourhoods especially low income people and communities, to implement
microgrids and other innovative technologies;
Draw from the research of Beyond Zero Emissions regarding the electrification of industry, and how
this can be done using renewable energy;
Ensure that people in all their diversities (such as First Nations folks, women and non-binary folks, low
income people, farmers) are involved in all levels of decision-making regarding renewable energy
projects;
Support First Nations communities and organisations to develop and manage renewable energy
projects;
Ensure that the construction of renewable energy projects does not displace First Nations peoples
from their traditional homelands, and that all renewable energy projects uphold the principles of
Free, Prior, Informed and Continuing Consent;
Review State Planning Policies to require renewable energy systems on all new buildings (residential
and commercial), with concessions/grants for first home owners and lower-value homes;
Ensure existing and future public housing is energy efficient, with insulation, curtain treatments,
double glazed windows, access to renewable energy;
Ensure that all new public housing has solar passive orientation.
Clean industries and technologies In order to meet the emissions reductions required to stave off catastrophic climate change, as outlined in the
IPCC 1.5 report, the Victorian Government must: - Immediately legislate a strong, binding Renewable Energy
Target for 100% renewable energy by 2030.
Immediately legislate a binding target of net zero emissions by 2030;
Immediately legislate for no new gas, coal or oil extraction projects in Victoria;
Require all industries to develop transition plans and commence implementation to meet these
targets, with regulations and penalties for non-compliance. - Support extractive-reliant communities
to transition from an extractive-based economy to an innovative, circular economy that is zero
emissions, climate resilient, supports the rights and flourishing of people and nature, has fair and just
working conditions, and leaves no one behind;
Develop a significant fund to provide grants to local governments, cooperatives and communities to
develop alternative, emissions-free, climate resilient industries. Example sectors may include
recycling technologies, creative industries, knowledge economy, digital economy, and the caring
economy.
Transport and Mobility Increase and extend public transport throughout Victoria, including to regional areas;
Strengthen State Planning Policies to increase the quality and quantity of sidewalks and cycling lanes
in existing and new developments;
Require that rigorous gender analysis is conducted in all planning and urban design in Victoria to
enhance the safety and comfort of women and children when walking and cycling. This includes
ensuring that cycling and walking is accessible for people in all their diversities, designing pram-
friendly pathways, and designing lighting and landscaping to promote safety for women who are
walking and cycling at night. Plan International’s Australia's Safer Cities research showcases street
harassment and safety issues for women and girls in numerous cities around the world, including
Sydney, and provides useful strategies that could be adopted in Victoria.
Electric vehicles Low-emissions vehicles are expensive, and there are not enough opportunities to charge EVs around Victoria.
As such, it is difficult for low income people, particularly those living in rural Victoria, to purchase EVs. This is
despite the fact that EVs are likely more cost-effective over the long term. Another key factor for EVs is that
charging stations are likely to be powered from coal-based power supply, which undermines the emissions
reductions intention of this transport option.
In order to encourage and support low income households to use electric and other low-emissions vehicles,
the following are suggested:
Urgently legislate for immediate transition of Victorian vehicles to low emissions vehicles for
households and companies, with all new vehicles to be imported or manufactured in WA to be zero
emissions;
Immediately and significantly increase registration fees on high emissions vehicles;
Provide a reasonable concession for low income households to purchase and use low emissions
vehicles or EVs;
Provide funding for low income households to purchase solar panels and battery storage to be able to
charge electric vehicles;
Ensure that all public housing (existing and new) has renewable energy and battery storage that is
sufficient to charge electric vehicles.
Liveable towns and cities The Victorian government has not legislated for Zero Carbon or a binding emissions reduction target or a
renewable energy target. As such, it is extremely difficult for the energy sector to reliably invest in renewable
energy projects, and for communities to confidently develop collectivist renewable energy projects.
Low income people, including single mothers with children, generally lack the financial resources to improve
energy efficiency in their homes. It is very difficult for renters and public housing tenants to improve the
energy efficiency of their homes, as they do not own the home, and landlords are unlikely to implement
energy efficiency measures. State Planning Policies and other regulatory tools are required to mandate net
zero emissions in all new homes, to retrofit all existing public housing stock, and to grandfather existing private
rental stock to improve energy efficiency.
Further to this, State Planning Policies must be revised to ensure net zero emissions in all commercial
buildings. There can be a grandfathered and a sliding scale approach to these policies, with concessions for
smaller businesses.
Climate change is already causing issues such as extreme heat and cold, reduced rainfall, greater risk of
bushfire, and sea level rises. As such, the liveability of every neighbourhood and region in Victoria will be
affected, but in different ways. Government responses to climate change MUST be place-based, and must
ensure that climate responses leave no one behind - that is, that neighbourhoods and regions under climate
change are liveable for First Nations peoples, low income people, people with a disability, older and young
people and children, LGBTQIA+ peoples, women and gender diverse folks, and any other groups of people who
are particularly vulnerable to the social justice impacts of climate change.
The Victorian government must increase the levels of protection for existing forests, reserves, vegetation and
riparian zones. Clearing must be a very last resort, and reforestation and rehabilitation must be a priority.
Environmentally and socially-sensitive urban densification rather than continued suburban sprawl is critical to
retaining vegetation, as well as addressing the numerous social injustices and isolations that arise from sprawl.
Mass planting of endemic native vegetation, informed by First Nations peoples and environmental scientists, is
crucial.
Waste reduction While waste must be reduced, it is important that this does not become a key strategy for climate action in
Victoria, given that the emissions output from waste is minimal compared to the extraction and burning of
fossil fuels. Having said that, a key strategy is mandating FOGO bins and collection services in all local
government areas, which will significantly reduce the amount of waste going to landfill and will increase the
viability of community-owned commercial composting facilities.
Provide seed funding for community-owned composting facilities throughout Victoria to collect,
process and distribute organic waste;
Urgently legislate to ban single use plastics in Victoria, such as plastic cutlery, plastic wrap and
balloons. This will encourage the development and use of innovative replacement technologies and
materials.
Water security Local governments and communities require significant funding and support to transition our industries,
neighbourhoods and households to be water efficient and adapt to a drying climate. Examples include funding
and promoting the transition to regenerative agriculture; supporting First Nations peoples to lead the
protection of streams and waterways; protecting and enhancing riparian vegetation; and strengthening State
Planning Policies to protect waterways from development.
Ceasing logging of native forest and Rights of Nature Framework The logging of native forests in Victoria must cease immediately. This is vital for rainfall, water tables,
biodiversity and habitat and climate control. Native forestry is an outdated industry, alternatives have
enormous potential to safeguard forests and encourage and enable sustainable industries.
The Rights of Nature framework is a key framework that has been implemented in various other jurisdictions
(New Zealand, Ecuador, Bolivia, India etc), which gives personhood to the environment, including waterways.
When a waterway is given rights (such as the Whanganui River in New Zealand), it has much stronger levels of
protection and has legal standing in a court of law. Given that water is essential to the survival of people and
other species, there is strong justification for waterways in Victoria to have greater legal standing and
protection. Rights of Nature is an excellent framework to achieve this.
Regional Victoria Regional communities need to be well-resourced to prevent, respond and cope with the impacts of climate
change. Some key strategies:
Ensure that regional communities are well-resourced with local services to address social justice
issues that are exacerbated under climate change, such as food insecurity, health, mental health,
homelessness, poverty, violence against women, education access, discriminations, lack of access and
exclusion, and unemployment;
Provide funding and support to primary industries and local communities to develop and implement
place-based plans to transition to a sustainable, circular economy that is climate resilient, supports
environmental flourishing, ensures fair work for everyone, upholds the rights of everyone and leaves
no one behind;
Support and resource regional organisations that work for the rights of women and gender diverse
peoples to be equipped, trained and prepared to address the gendered impacts of climate change in
their communities, such as increased rates of violence against women and increased caring
responsibilities of women.
Support the agricultural sector with transition The Victorian agricultural sector requires significant funding and resources to transition to regenerative
farming practices that enhance the environment and adequately respond to the impacts of climate change and
the need for food security in the long term. Training and support programs for women regenerative farmers
are particularly encouraged.
First Nations peoples must be involved in every level of decision-making regarding carbon farming, to ensure
that carbon farming does not have destructive impacts on Country.
Protecting biodiversity The Victorian agricultural sector must urgently transition to regenerative and permaculture practices that
enhance the environment and biodiversity. The state government must provide significant funds to Landcare
groups to support this transition. Learning from and with First Nations peoples about land use and biodiversity
management (including fire management) is vital. This requires funding and resources for Aboriginal
organisations, Aboriginal rangers and Aboriginal communities to lead the protection and enhancement of our
environment.
The State Government must partner with and fairly resource Aboriginal peoples to lead actions to address
climate risks and improve biodiversity outcomes. This includes Aboriginal women, men and young people.
Climate Justice must be the key consideration in all projects and collaborations to address climate risks and
improve biodiversity, including ensuring that vulnerable peoples are not left behind or adversely affected by
actions.
Strengthening adaptive capacity We observe a significant gap across Victoria in addressing social injustices in adaptation to climate change.
Although extensive research has been conducted in Victoria and Australia about the social justice impacts of
climate change, this knowledge is not being translated into adaptation actions by governments, organisations
and industry. It is imperative that the Victorian Government lead on adaptation action that upholds the rights
of people and nature, ensuring that no one is left behind. This requires a transformational approach to
adaptation that funds and resources First Nations organisations, social justice organisations, health services,
state government agencies, local governments, and communities to develop and implement place-based,
locally-responsive, just and fair adaptation plans. The community sector, local government, State government
agencies, health sector and other sectors all require more knowledge, information and skills for how to
develop and implement adaptation action that is just and fair for everyone.
The State government can work with Universities and industry partners to resource and undertake action
research to develop and implement knowledge and tools required to effectively adapt to climate change in a
way that is just and fair for everyone.
Dr Naomi Godden, co-Chair of the Women's Climate Justice Collective, is a Research Fellow at Edith Cowan
University and is currently leading participatory action research with the WA Community Sector to identify
ways to mainstream climate justice into the sector. The sector has requested toolkits, information and
guidance for how to mainstream climate justice in their work. This is also mirrored in local governments. The
State Government can resource and support these innovative projects to address the knowledge gaps
regarding climate change adaptation.
Submission Details Compiled and edited by Lucy Foley and Courtney May
Women’s Climate Justice Collective (Vic)
Email: [email protected]
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/WomensClimateJusticeCollective/
Date: 31st January, 2020
The WCJC wishes to thank Dr Naomi Godden, co-Chair of the Women's Climate Justice Collective, and Research
Fellow at Edith Cowan University for contributing substantial research used throughout this submission.
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