PowerShift 2011

In King George Square in Brisbane, Qld, Australia. All pictures copyright of AYCC. 

Do you like having that long hot shower in the morning? Driving to work alone in your big ass 4WD or V8? Switching on all the lights in your home when just a couple would suffice? Using a laptop, mobile phone, wireless internet and many other electronic devices simultaneously? It seems just too easy these days that we do all these things automatically without even thinking or considering the impact using these very things have on our climate. Now I'm not saying doing all these things are bad, clearly we have evolved into a generation where a global communication network has become a necessity and therefore we need access to utilities on a greater scale but what I'm trying to point out here is trying to see the bigger picture.


I believe that the condition of our world today is the result of the collective consciousness of all human beings and that we all have the power to effect change. As a youth, I believe I am the future into creating a more conscious world, where all people are aware not just of themselves but the links between ourselves as humans and our environment. I wanted to know more about how I can do my part and how I can work with others to combat climate change. I found a way to gain more awareness and The Australian Youth Climate Coalition and Power Shift 2011 is a step towards that. Power Shift creates moments when our generation comes together, and starts the transformation we need to become a nation powered by renewable energy. Power Shift is held all over the country and on the 15-17th October, hundreds of young people came together for an incredible Summit at St Laurence's College in Brisbane, powered by The Australian Youth Climate Coalition. Together they engaged with the solutions, made our voice heard and The Australian Youth Climate Coalition are working to build a generation wide movement to solve the climate crisis before it’s too late and they do this by educating, inspiring and mobilising young people across the country. The AYCC is entirely youth-run representing more than 30 of Australia’s largest youth organisations and over 64,000 individual members. 


I have been a member of a couple of environmental organisations over the years but I find this movement may just be what we really need. I've always been interested in learning more about my carbon footprint and how my very actions are affecting the world around us and what better role I can take. I think getting involved in Powershift and or the Australian Youth Climate Coalition is an amazing opportunity to utilise the skills and tools gained from these experiences and working with others to make a difference, to grow and learn whilst being well equipped to take action not just on an individual level but progressively to a global scale. Whilst sharing this knowledge, we can learn to teach others to do the same and educate them about their impact on our environment and ways they can also make a difference and effect change.  


Change is the challenge and opportunity of our generation – it’s not about politics, its about ensuring a safe future for young people across Australia. "It is young Australians who will face the consequences of decisions made today. That’s why we have the vision that will deliver the short-term political impact and long-term cultural change needed for a safe climate future". (Taken from the official Powershift website)

If you'd like to know more please visit http://www.powershift.org.au/ and http://www.aycc.org.au/ for more information.