Climate movements, learning and the politics of climate action in Australia

Public concern over the long lack of action on climate change was a clear factor in the defeat of Australia’s conservative government at the May 2022 election. Youth, women and the climate movement were credited with the record numbers elected of Greens Party and independent climate action candidates. These outcomes were supported by campaigners adopting a long-term, door knocking strategy of listening to people’s concerns and volunteering assistance in the community after flooding on Australia’s east coast. Despite these political gains, the climate movement must continue its activism if more ambitious and urgently required policy actions are to be enacted for climate mitigation and adaptation.