How to Write a Climate Letter to Your MP
Image: NSW Floods, Lismore, 2022, by Brendan Beirne
In addition to my work as a doula, I work within a Storm Recovery Support Program in the eastern region of Melbourne (Naarm). Our work aims to provide immediate and ongoing case management support for folk affected by the severe storm event of June 2021, which heavily impacted those in the eastern region. Increasingly, in Australia our communities are being hit with one disaster after another, such as bushfires followed by extreme storm events followed by floods. The compounding effect of these disasters is weighing heavy, even for those who may not be directlty impacted.
Whether it be drought, bushfires, severe storms or floods, here in Australia we are experiencing first hand the effects of climate change. And while the current devestating floods in NSW have shown the power of grassroots emergency support and community care, our government also needs to step up. The government has a core responsibility to ensure that our emergency management is fit-for-purpose and will work when called upon. They have a responsibility to show up during times of disaster, to enact legislation that mitigates climate change and to provide financial relief that supports disaster recovery.
Elections are far from the only moments that we can influence government, and one small thing we can do now is to use our voices by writing or emailing your MP. If you feel that our government isn’t taking enough action on climate change or to providing proper relief to those impacted by the current floods, I encourage you to speak up. There’s no better time than right now to apply pressure to your local member of parliament, to demand that they show up to support those impacted, and act on climate change. This is one small thing that can make impactful, lasting change.
I know that during times of uncertainty and disaster, simple tasks can feel overwhelming. Writing a letter to your MP may feel like another task that you don’t have time for, it can take energy and effort than some of us might not have right now. That is okay. If you do feel up for the task though, I have created a short guide below to make it a little easier for you to complete. For those who do have the priviledge to be observers of these disasters rather than living through it, know that this is energy well spent. And carries far more impact that tagging your MP or the PM on social media.
1. CHECK WHO YOU LOCAL MP IS
Writing and petitioning your own federal member of parliament is how you make lasting legislative change. To find out who your local MP is, search using your local postcode here. This will help you find your member, and their contact details.
2. TEMPLATE LETTER TO SEND YOUR MP
You can find a sample letter here that you can edit and send to your federal MP demanding change. Using your words and voice is important, so feel free to make any adjustments so that it’s your own. Please note that this template was written by Anna Richards during the 2021 Australian bushfires, so I suggest making some changes to reflect the most recent climate events i.e. the current NSW floods.
3. INCLUDE CURRENT RESEARCH AND/OR SHARE YOUR PERSONAL EXPERIENCE
Including references to current research and/or sharing your personal experiences of climate change (bushfire, floods, drought, extreme storms) will grab their attention and back up your demands. The Climate Council contains easily digestible information on climate change, and this article in particular is helpful to understand the link between climate change and floods.
4. IDENTIFY YOURSELF
Make sure that you include your full name and postcode at the bottom of your letter / email so that your MP knows that you live in the area they represent, otherwise they won't respond.
5. TAKE CARE OF YOURSELF
Climate anxiety, distress and fear are very real experiences in our current world, so make sure that you’re also taking care of yourself. The Australian Psychological Society has put together a helpful document here and you can view this video from psychotherapist Rosemary Randall which explores coping mechanisms surrounding climate anxiety and distress.
For urgent immediate help, phone Beyond Blue 1300 22 4636, Lifeline 13 11 14 or QLife 1800 184 527. To arrange an appointment with a psychologist, ask your GP for a referral.
- Lilly
08.03.2022
