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https://theconversation.com/as-western-sydney-residents-grapple-with-climate-change-they-want-political-action-200917>
"Western Sydney is being developed rapidly, increasing its already high
vulnerability to climate change. One day in January 2020, Penrith was the
hottest place on Earth. Residents who have endured searing heat, bushfires,
heavy rain, floods and huge damage bills in recent years are now a political
force.
In addition to being overwhelmed by such events, residents sometimes feel they
are not heard. During the COVID-19 lockdowns, essential workers in Western
Sydney felt alienated and over-policed, and demanded their predicaments be
taken into account. In the recent federal election, local candidates gained
traction due to their trusted presence in the community.
The preferences of the region’s culturally and economically diverse voters are
no longer predictable. They could also have a substantial influence on the
March 25 state election.
Our newly published report,
Climate Matters to Western Sydney: Everyday
Sustainability Practices in Uncertain Times, documents 100 residents’
responses to our survey about their environmental practices and their struggles
to secure their families’ wellbeing. Their aspirations for a sustainable future
emerge clearly from the survey responses.
Our findings challenge the idea that Western Sydney residents’ financial
concerns, such as costs of living and energy, are somehow separate from and
outweigh their environmental concerns. There is a strong desire to adapt
creatively to the challenges of an uncertain climate."
Cheers,
*** Xanni ***
--
mailto:xanni@xanadu.net Andrew Pam
http://xanadu.com.au/ Chief Scientist, Xanadu
https://glasswings.com.au/ Partner, Glass Wings
https://sericyb.com.au/ Manager, Serious Cybernetics
