Climate equity
The VCOSS position on climate change is simple: Act now. Act fairly.
Climate change is hurting disadvantaged Victorians.
Whether they’re a low-income household who can’t afford to insure their home against bushfire, or a renter who doesn’t have an air-conditioner to stay cool during a heatwave.
And although we’re transitioning to lower emissions and cleaner technologies, the benefits aren’t being shared equally.
Solar panels, electric cars and energy efficient homes are expensive and out-of-reach for far too many.
VCOSS believes that a truly equitable response to climate change flips the script.
It means addressing existing disadvantage and improving people’s lives.
It means helping the people most at-risk keep save from the impacts of climate change, while targeting new innovations at the households who’d benefit most.
Climate Network for Community Organisations
VCOSS now convenes a Climate Network for Community Organisations. The purpose of the network is for community organisations to connect and to share knowledge on climate change and climate projects. The network provides an opportunity for community organisations to learn from external experts on topics within climate mitigation adaptation, and climate justice.
Through participation in the Network, Victorian community service organisations should gain an understanding of how their organisation can prepare themselves, their clients and their communities for climate change.
The Climate Network focuses on the day-to-day impacts of climate change rather than disaster preparation and recovery. However, disasters will be discussed from time to time.
The Climate Network is convened by VCOSS’ Climate Change Policy Advisor. For more information and to join, fill out this form, or contact Julianne Tice at [email protected].
One Million Homes Alliance
The One Million Homes Alliance brings together Victoria’s leading environment, social justice, local government and consumer organisations who share a commitment to a just transition to a sustainable society, where all Victorians enjoy equitable access to efficient, healthy and climate resilient housing, and affordable clean energy. If you’d like to join, please contact Julianne Tice, VCOSS Climate Change Policy Advisor, at [email protected].
Climate equity research:
More climate research
Extreme heat resources
Department of Health
Heat health preparedness guidance for health and community services can help organisations self-assess their preparedness for extreme heat.
The Bureau of Meteorology
Heat health alerts notify organisations when forecast temperatures might present a health risk.
Department of Energy, Environment and Climate Action
The six Regional Adaptation Strategies outline how Victoria’s six regions can adapt to climate change.
The Climate Science Report analyses how Victoria’s climate is changing and what hot weather is predicted.
Department of Families, Fairness and Housing
The Health and Human Services Adaptation Action Plan outlines in part how the community sector can adapt to climate change.
Preparing for emergencies: A reference guide for the social services sector can help organisations plan for and respond to emergencies including heatwaves.
Emergency Management Victoria
Extreme Heat Sub-plan outlines the official roles and responsibilities for extreme heat events.
VCOSS is the peak body for Victoria’s social and community sector, and the state’s premier social advocacy body.
We work towards a Victoria free from poverty and disadvantage, where every person and community experiences genuine wellbeing.
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VCOSS acknowledges the Traditional Owners of Country, and we pay respect to Elders and Ancestors. Our business is conducted on sovereign, unceded Aboriginal land. The VCOSS offices are located on Wurundjeri Woiwurrung land in central Naarm.