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I know that our ancestors are rejoicing knowing that Torres Strait Islander voices are being heard throughout the world with this historic win. This win gives us hope that we can protect our islands, culture and traditions for our children and future generations.
We are celebrating now, but we know this is just the beginning of our fight for climate justice. The new Australian government may have brought in a new climate policy, but more ambitious action must be taken urgently.
That’s why we are calling on the Albanese government to fund adaptation programs such as seawalls that will allow communities in Zenadh Kes (the Torres Strait) to adapt to the impacts of climate change.
Masig is experiencing many environmental problems associated with climate change.Credit:Andrew Meares
Deep consultation with traditional owners is needed to make sure these seawalls are made to last and don’t have negative impacts on our way of life. For example, we know where the turtles and seabirds nest and how seawalls can affect their cycles of life.
We also need the government to commit to 100 per cent renewable energy in Australia in the next 10 years and to help communities in Zenadh Kes build community-owned renewables projects.
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This transition away from polluting fossil fuels needs to happen as quickly as possible, which means there can be no new coal and gas projects in Australia. But we must also help fossil fuel workers to retrain and find new jobs to keep their own communities strong.
We’re calling on the new Australian government to take this call for greater climate action to the international climate talks in Egypt in November and to push the world to keep global warming to less than 1.5 degrees.
We are celebrating in Zenadh Kes, but the fight is not over. We will continue to fight until our hearts stop ticking, and we know the next generation will pick up this baton and continue to run towards a brighter future.
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