School Strike 4 Climate (SS4C) and SEED Indigenous Youth Climate Network ask supporters to take part in a national day of action on September 25 and call on the government to “fund our future not gas”.
Governments around the world are spending vast amounts to stimulate their economies in the wake of Covid-19. This an opportunity to build the future we, our children and grandchildren can all thrive in by creating clean jobs that care for country, climate and our communities.
Instead the Australian government and its National Covid-19 Commission, which has heavy representation from the oil and gas industry, are planning to spend billions on expanding the gas industry – a potent contributor to climate change.
In a report released in August as part of an inquiry into Australia’s gas supply arrangements, the Australian Competition and Consumer Commission (ACCC) has criticised the gas industry for charging local gas users almost double the prices paid by overseas customers. And far from providing evidence for a “gas-led recovery”, the ACCC found that the industry was failing to support recovery for local industrial users and manufacturers.
The gas industry is one of the least labour-intensive industries in Australia – providing around one eighth as many jobs per dollar spent as the average for all Australian industries, according to the Australia Institute.
SS4C and SEED ask us all to host actions on September 25 in our suburbs, towns, and homes and then take to local and social media with a message to government to #FundOurFutureNotGas.
Covid-19 recovery funds should not be spent on gas and other damaging fossil fuel projects. Instead, they should be spent on:
- Resourcing Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander-led solutions that guarantee land rights and care for country
- The creation of jobs that fast-track solutions to the climate crisis and help communities recover
- Projects that transition our economy and communities to 100 per cent renewable energy by 2030, through expanded public ownership
Actions on the day can include an online group selfie, gathering with a small group in a park to take a photo with a banner, or creating a giant art installation. Wear yellow and make sure your action includes the words “fund our future not gas”.
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More information: https://www.schoolstrike4climate.com/buildourfuture.
environment@ssh.com.au
