A group of passionate young Australians, led by activist Anjali Sharma, is demanding more significant climate action from Prime Minister Anthony Albanese, emphasizing the need for legislative protection and a duty of care to address climate impacts on youth.
Young activists, led by Anjali Sharma, are urging Prime Minister Anthony Albanese to take bolder steps in addressing climate change and establishing a duty of care to safeguard young people from its impacts. Sharma, who previously led legal action against the then-environment minister, argues that despite legislative changes and emission reduction targets, more proactive measures are essential.
Sharma highlights the prevailing attitude among government officials that previous actions may suffice, stressing the importance of altering this mindset. She acknowledges the government’s efforts but urges them not to consider it a reason to abstain from further legislative protection, especially for the younger generation.
Currently, a parliamentary hearing is evaluating proposed laws that would make it mandatory to consider the health and well-being of young people when making decisions related to projects contributing significantly to greenhouse gas emissions.
Senator David Pocock, pushing for the legislation, notes significant support for the bill, except from major political parties, indicating a potential disconnect with the urgent climate reality. Doctors for the Environment Australia compares the proposal to approaches taken with the tobacco and gambling industries.
While the Department of Climate Change acknowledges the government’s progress in embedding emissions reduction targets into decision-making, activists, medical professionals, and organizations, including the Royal Australian College of General Practitioners and Australian Medical Association, support the proposed legislation.
Anjali Sharma emphasizes flexibility, expressing openness to government-developed policies addressing young people’s climate needs. The committee is set to report back on March 1, marking a crucial moment in the ongoing pursuit of climate-focused legislation and duty of care.
