Fleurieu residents were among those attending the People’s Climate Assembly in Canberra at the resumption of federal Parliament this week.

A coalition of action groups organised the assembly to demand real action from the government in the face of the climate change emergency.

It ran from Sunday 2 February to Thursday 6 February on the lawns outside Parliament House and featured a rally encircling the Parliament on Tuesday 4 February.

Pam White, from Emu Bay on Kangaroo Island, has been active in environment and conservation groups for many years.

A former GP who has worked in mental health, she is concerned about the long-term effects of climate change on the people trying to address it and adapt to it.

“This is the biggest crisis our generation has ever had to face. It’s our responsibility to make things better for future generations.”

Pam says activism gives her something worthwhile to do and helps maintain optimism in the face of overwhelming devastation.

“I want to know I’ve done everything I could.”

Mayo MP Rebekha Sharkie was among several cross-bench MPs to speak at the assembly.

She spoke about how the fires in the Adelaide Hills and Kangaroo Island have brought home the impact of climate change in our landscape.

She also emphasised the need to overcome the deadlock in the Parliament on taking real action to address climate change. 

Ms Sharkie will second a Private Member’s Bill on addressing climate change, due to be introduced to Parliament by independent MP Zali Steggall in March.