climate

Six Degrees' work is grounded in an understanding of the need for climate justice, and by taking climate change personally; its members work to redress the inequalities that underpin climate change.

We are living in a time of dangerous climate change, where the very existence of stable climatic systems is under threat from unsustainable human energy production. The Queensland coal industry is the state's largest contributor to greenhouse gas emissions and must therefore be phased out as we move urgently towards a low-carbon future. A 'just transition' that is ecologically sustainable, socially just and culturally appropriate is essential to avert catastrophic climate change.

A broad-based climate movement is evolving in Queensland and around Australia. In addition to the work done by the traditional non-governmental organisations (NGOs), there is a burgeoning grassroots climate movement in Queensland. Local climate action groups (CAGs), student activists and transition town advocates are working to address root causes of climate change, build alternatives and change individual habits.

Six Degrees and Friends of the Earth Brisbane recognise and pay respect to the Aboriginal nations and traditional care-takers of the land. We recognise sovereignty was never ceded and that Indigenous dispossession, European invasion and the extractive industry in Queensland have inter-woven histories. We are committed to building relationships with the traditional owners and Indigenous peoples in south-east Queensland.

Climate Justice is a people-centred, rights-based approach to climate change.

As well as ensuring that the earth can support future generations, it requires those who are historically responsible for climate change and have benefited from carbon-intensive development to take responsibility for its impacts.