Giving Victorians a voice on climate change

FLAGSHIP REPORT

In 2024, we know a lot about climate change.

We have the scientific evidence of its devastating impacts, we have copious academic dialogues about what the right response should be, we have political debates and technical understanding.

What we don’t tend to hear much of – still, in 2024 – is the voice of regular people.

Through a series of ‘Community Climate Conversations‘, VCOSS set out to hear from those who don’t often get a say on decisions around climate change. We wanted to know:

• What do ‘everyday’ Victorians think about climate?
• What are their primary areas of concern?
• What do they want to see done?

For a fair transition to a clean energy future and a safe climate, we must listen to the voices of those who will be most impacted. This includes people living in rural and regional areas. It includes recent migrants and culturally and linguistically diverse people, people living in social housing, young people, women, and people experiencing various forms of disadvantage.

Hearing from these groups about how climate change is affecting them – and incorporating their needs and desires into decision-making around climate change – will ensure that all Victorians can benefit from the transition we have to make.

This report offers an important contribution to our understanding of climate change: an understanding from the lived experiences of those who might otherwise go unheard and be left behind.

The conversations we held were wide ranging and the participants were diverse. Six per cent of participants were First Nations people

This report distils the recurring themes that came up during the conversations.

Issues brought up by participants – what we heard – are paired with the solutions – what we can do – that participants want.

Images from VCOSS ‘Community Climate Conversations

Where visited (click to enlarge)