OCEANIA CLIMATE STORIES
Youth voices on climate change impacts and solutions are articulate, creative, and needed.
The climate crisis is here. Each year, communities in Oceania fight to save lives and properties from bushfires, floods, and rising sea levels. For many young people, these are formative experiences with lasting impacts.
Climate decision-making often occurs in spaces closed to youth voices. Persuasive lobbying by multinational companies and short-term political interests permeate the discussions and texts that determine our future.
Youth voices on climate are diverse; informed by a multitude of experiences, perspectives, and expertise. This collection of personal narratives, poetry, photographs, and opinion pieces aims to not only spotlight how the climate crisis is altering the lives of young people across Oceania but also illuminate solutions to these challenges. Oceania Climate Stories seeks to start conversations and galvanise action through the canvas of storytelling.
PERSONAL NARRATIVE
‘The land serves as our law, emphasising the interconnectedness of our culture with the environment‘
As a proud, young Yidinji man from Far North Queensland, Guruji Wagner describes how his connection with his Indigenous heritage has shaped his perspective on environmental sustainability and climate change.
POEM
extinguishers
Carina Griffen tells of the experience of growing up with the threat of bushfires and the realities of climate inaction.
CALL TO ACTION
The Alamea
Pacific and Indigenous people have long been global leaders in climate action, writes Mary Maselina Harm. It’s time for Australia to listen to their voices, phase out fossil fuels, and take real climate action.
PERSONAL NARRATIVE / VIDEO
Black Saturday through a child’s eyes
As a 10-year-old during the 2009 Black Saturday bushfires, Daniella documented the experience in her diary.
PERSONAL NARRATIVE
From the Ashes
During lockdown, Max Collett lent his hand to the Black Summer bushfire rebuilding effort – and bore witness to the incredible resilience of ecosystems and communities of Gippsland.
CALL TO ACTION/ VIDEO
The generation of change
At 14, Sophia Skarparis mobilised over 12,000 people to sign a petition to ban plastic bags. Her video narrative highlights the immense potential for youth activism and individual agency in driving transformative change.
PHOTO ESSAY
Justice for Rabi: The story of Banaba
A project that highlights the injustices faced by the Banaban people from decades of phosphate mining, forced relocation, and underdevelopment. Photos and words by Katja Phutaraksa Neef, and the Banaban Human Rights Defenders.
COLLAGE
Rising Resilience: Navigating Climate Challenges as a Rohingya Refugee
A collage by Noor Azizah depicting the profound impact of climate change on the Rohingya people.
INTERVIEW
Strength from the fragments of Nuku alofa
Kara Guloien interviewed sixteen-year-old Sena of Nuku’alofa, Tonga, on climate change and the strength of her community.
POEM
Mercy Mercy Mercy
Kupakwashe Matangira wishes for a world where nature is cared for, and leaders listen to calls for action.
POEM
Concrete jungle where dreams are made
Angelica Mantikas wishes for a time before the Anthropocene.
CALL TO ACTION
Climate change: my story and the big problem
Scarlett wants you to consider what individual actions you can take to minimize your environmental footprint.
CALL TO ACTION
Just want to get the job done
Decision-making at international climate conferences often excludes those who are most impacted by climate change. An anonymous contributor writes about how climate change is more than a global crisis; it is also deeply personal.
CALL TO ACTION
Zac’s journey as a climate justice campaigner: the fight for the right to a healthy environment
Zac Chu documents his journey to becoming a climate justice campaigner and advocates for youth empowerment in climate action.
POEM
Whispers of a Lorax
Ashwin Raghuraman‘s take on the Dr. Seuss classic – and call to bridge the moral narrative told to children with determined policy actions.
PHOTO
Repercussions of a Rapidly Changing Climate
An anonymous contributor records the impacts of climate change on local resources.
