The science of climate change is now settled. After decades of research on the causes and impacts of climate change, we understand what is causing the climate to change and what needs to be done about it. It is now social and political responses that are needed. And this is where politicians come in.

Politicians definitely do have power when it comes to decision making about climate change. This is the case at all levels of government: Federal, state and local. Governments can make laws and policies which could both reduce the harms being done to the climate and help us adapt to the changes that are already here. For example, in 2022, after years of not having a high enough emission reduction target the Australian Federal government legislated a 43% emissions reduction by 2030 which is a step in the right direction for getting us to ‘net zero’ emissions (no more emissions than can be absorbed or captured) by 2050. The Federal government has also set a goal for 82% of national energy to be from renewables by 2030. The problem is, just making legislation for mitigating climate change is not enough. It needs to be followed by action to help us get there. Right now, experts say Australia is not likely to meet either of these targets.

Unfortunately, governments also have power to take us in the wrong direction when it comes to tackling climate change. For example, in May 2023, the Northern Territory government approved the development of the Beetaloo Basin gas field. This huge methane gas reserve, when extracted and burned, will create enough emissions to undo much of Australia’s current emissions cuts. This is happening at a time when the International Energy Agency says there can be no new fossil fuel development if we are to reach net zero by 2050.

In democracies, elected government representatives are supposed work in ways that people want them to. We know that in Australia right now, over 80% of people are concerned about climate change and want to see climate action. There is a clear disconnect, then, between people’s climate concern and the pace and scale of government action on climate change. As citizens, we need to let politicians at all levels of government know that they aren’t acting urgently or significantly enough – and hold them accountable. How can we do this? Young people have taken out court cases against government and protested in the streets. We can join them. Also, join with an adult and write to your MP. Get involved in local climate mitigation and adaptation action. Get educated about climate change and use your vote for climate when the time comes.