On Friday, tens of thousands of people took to the streets of Melbourne ahead of this week's United Nations Climate Change Conference in Paris. Led by Indigenous environmental group Seed, it marked the largest climate action of its kind in Australia's history, kicking off protests in hundreds of other cities around the globe.
Stretching from the steps of Parliament House back to the State Library, the march attracted a broad cross-section—farmers, check-out chicks, students, baby boomers, and even Labor leader Bill Shorten.
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When VICE went down to speak to the marchers, most voiced frustration about Prime Minister Malcolm Turnbull's lack of reform on climate policy. Some, however, remained quietly optimistic about the potential of their movement to push for action on global warming.
VICE: Why are you here?
Corina: Today we're here for the People's Climate March, which was led by Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people. This is actually the first time that has happened in Australia, in a non-Aboriginal movement. It's really amazing, particularly because we're leading off the marches globally.
You're a part of Seed. What is that?
Seed is Australia's first ever Indigenous youth-led climate network. We launched in July last year.
Why was it important for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islanders to lead the march?
With climate change it always hits the most disadvantaged people the hardest. In Australia that quite often is Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people. When you think about our people, how they have been able to take care of this land for over 60,000 years, it's so important that we use that knowledge and take the lead.
Earth Guy: I'm here because I'm really concerned about how the Earth is being treated by big corporations—big energy, big coal, and big money.
How has the world changed since you were a kid?
That was a long time ago. When I was born there were 2 billion people on the planet. In my lifetime that's increased to over 7 billion... all of them want cars, all of them want the latest gadget but the planet can't support it.
Judith Lucy: I think, like a lot of people, I'm frustrated and this is a way of feeling like I'm doing something.
Are we fucked?
It feels a little like we are... but the fact that we're out here means that, obviously, there's still hope.
What brings you to the march today?
Fergle: I believe that if we don't take action on climate change the world will end and we'll all die.
What needs to change?
The whole system. We need to get rid of capitalism and this whole system that's based on constant growth and constant consumption. We should replace it with a democratic means of production and I think that is "ecosocialism."
Other than marching today, what are you doing about it?
I'm a member of Socialist Alliance, I'm a socialist. I believe in people-powered solutions.
Why are you guys here?
Gabrielle: We are, as angels, protesting the actions of governments and of fossil-fuel industries. Sending a message to these people that greater action needs to be taken in order to protect this place that has so dreadfully gone into a state of disrepair.
What do angels have to do with climate change?
Well, we look down on the earth and we see the earth and everything that's occurring here. And we look down and we weep.
Can you tell me why you've come here today?
Millie: We're here today... Oh man I don't even know where to start, there are so many reasons why I'm here today. I'm here with all of my Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander brothers and sisters who are standing up for our land, standing up for our culture, our people, our community.
How are Indigenous communities affected by climate change?
Well our communities often don't even have access to basic human rights. So when we have things like extreme weather events hit us, we're the ones who are hit first and worst. Left for weeks without emergency services coming for assistance. Our people are on the frontline of extractive industries that cause climate change. We're on the frontline of impacts but we're also, as we led the march today, on the frontline of changing this world.
Why are you here?
Old Billy: Because the world is at unrest. The whole planet is in crisis and the human psyche is reflecting what we are doing to this planet. It is part of our suffering, our blindness, and our lack of awareness about ourselves and the wider world.
What needs to change?
Change ourselves! Start really communicating, be open, be honest. Love one another and respect one another. Do away with all these hierarchies and structures and money. Just be kind.
Where can we catch your next gig?
This Sunday at the Thornbury Market.
So Michelle you're a scientist. Give us the facts.
Michelle: We're almost averaging 400 parts per million of CO2 in the atmosphere, which is making the climate very much like the Pleistocene. That was a period of a lot of environmental change and a lot of species had to adapt very quickly. Here's hoping we can adapt quickly too.
What do we need to give up?
We've divested our shares in oil and gas.
Andrew: She made, not quite the ultimate sacrifice, but a significant sacrifice to give up her job.
Michelle: I was an oil and gas geologist. Not anymore.
Tanzy from Less Meat, Less Heat.
Why are you marching today?
Tanzy: I'm part of Less Meat, Less Heat an organization advocating reduced meat consumption.
What's something people really should know?
If you eat a hamburger that's the equivalent of 27 showers but people don't really know that. Fuck four-minute showers, that does nothing. You could have one-minute showers but as soon as you eat a 300-gram steak you've counteracted two months worth of showering.
What brings you here after school?
Matt: We are here representing Aquinas College at the climate march to make sure that we are recognized as supporting the charge on climate change.
What would you tell your students coming up Christmas?
Buy less presents, don't buy junk. Buy something that's practical, functional, useful, and not wasteful.
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