As we approach the upcoming election, you'll likely come across plenty of commentary suggesting that voters are more focused on the cost of living than on climate change. Pundits will urge politicians to prioritise pocketbook issues, sidelining climate in the process. They'll look to the U.S. election as a cautionary tale. They will say: “it’s the economy, stupid”.
Yet, if there was ever a more stark reminder that we cannot, and must not ignore climate change, it's the fires currently raging through Los Angeles. In the middle of winter.
These fires don’t discriminate. Nearly a week later, they continue to rage through the city, destroying homes, businesses, schools and shopping centres. They are consuming suburbs and communities at speeds of up to 96 km per hour.
As of Monday, 13 January, the fires have claimed at least 16 lives and reduced over 12,000 structures to ash after sweeping through over 37,000 acres in the greater Los Angeles area.
For those in Melbourne who may struggle to grasp the scale of these urban fires, imagine waking up one winter morning to find all of Sandringham engulfed in flames. It’s terrifying and yet, it’s not unforeseen.
This is the harsh reality of the climate crisis that experts have been warning us about for decades. As American meteorologist and climate journalist Eric Holthaus stated in The Guardian, the fires are “emblematic of a new era of complex, compound climate disaster.”
These infernos are being fuelled by a combination of man-made climate change factors. Hotter summers have rendered Southern California drier and more vulnerable to fire. Melting Arctic ice has altered the jet stream, exacerbating the famous Santa Ana winds, making fires not only more likely but also harder to extinguish.
This devastating incident is just one in a long string of co-occurring climate disasters that are currently playing out across the globe, but its significance is heightened by the fact that it’s happening in a densely populated city during what should be the wet season.
We cannot enter this election cycle pretending that climate action isn't urgent. We must not allow the government and opposition to shift our attention to other issues, distracting us with short-term debates while the climate crisis escalates.
When the Albanese government took office, they promised action on climate change. They set ambitious targets: to reduce emissions by 43% below 2005 levels by 2030 and to reach net-zero emissions by 2050.
But then they seemed to set those targets aside. While there have been some efforts, such as the New Vehicle Fuel Efficiency Standards, the government has also opened several new fossil fuel power stations, directly undermining any previous climate commitments. This contradictory approach not only goes against their stated goals but also sends a troubling message about the seriousness of the climate crisis.
We need to do more, and we need to act NOW. Setting targets will not reduce our carbon emissions without clear policies in place to achieve them. We must establish a strong framework and clear vision for transitioning to a net-zero future. Lastly, we must protect Australia’s unique biodiversity.
At the Better Together Party we advocate for an accelerated transition to renewable energy, emphasising electrification. This includes supporting households and businesses in making the switch to electricity, strengthening the grid, and promoting electric vehicles.
As we face this critical moment, we must recognise that climate action isn’t just a political issue, it’s a responsibility we owe to ourselves and to future generations. The climate crisis isn’t just a tragedy, it’s a crime that demands our immediate attention.