Australia’s first youth vote on climate change

This week Australia’s youth are being urged to join a growing global movement on climate change to vote for stronger action from our leaders at international climate change negotiations. 

A coalition between Australian Youth Climate Coalition (AYCC) and World Vision Australia, Youth Decide is Australia's first national youth vote on climate change and also the largest youth mobilisation on the issue. The week-long vote begins Monday 14 September. 

Alana Smith, National Director of World Vision’s youth movement, Vision Generation, said Youth Decide gave the generation who would be most affected by climate change the opportunity to send a clear message to leaders about what they wanted to see done. 

“Climate change is not just about polar bears and melting ice caps – it’s about people and the impact climate change will have on future generations,” Ms Smith said. “Youth Decide aims to give climate change a human face. 

“It's essential we get a strong global deal on climate change this year at Copenhagen - otherwise our generation will miss out on enjoying Australia's natural wonders and the world's poor will experience food and water shortages that will threaten lives and plunge millions into poverty.” 

Amanda McKenzie, co-director of AYCC and this year’s joint winner of the Banksia Young Environmentalist of the Year Award said young Australians had the opportunity to join a growing global movement during a historic time. 

“There are more than 300 local voting events taking place in schools, universities and workplaces around the country during the week,” Ms McKenzie said. “They will be held in every state and territory and range from BBQs to concerts, forums to morning teas. 

“In comparison to similar youth climate change campaigns overseas, this level of youth mobilisation around a single issue is massive. So far we have been able to mobilise more than 1,500 local event champions and anticipate tens of thousands of voters nationally. 

“Youth Decide re-frames climate change as an issue about equity – both between generations and also for the developing world.” 

World Vision CEO Tim Costello said the window of time to avert potential catastrophic shifts in our climate was short. 

“The poorest communities of the world, the poorest billion people, already live in fragile ecosystems and are most at risk from climate change,” Mr Costello said. “Acting on climate change is insurance. We can pay to adjust our lives now or pay in the future. It is no longer a question of prevention or bandaids.” 

As a celebration of the vote, Youth Decide is holding a free concert at Melbourne’s Federation Square at 5pm on Wednesday 16 September with Kisschasy, Mat McHugh from the Beautiful Girls and two very special unannounced Australian acts. Comedian Jimeoin will host the show. 

Note to editor: Please contact us for details of local events being held in your area throughout the week. 

Media Contact: Tamara Blackmore  0400 689 714