Be Prepared: Warning to Young Aussies About Climate Change Risks
Senator Jacqui Lambie urges young Australians to volunteer for disaster relief efforts
Tasmania, Australia, Jacqui Lambie, Volunteering, Climate Change, Natural Disasters
Tasmania: Senator Jacqui Lambie is sounding the alarm for young Aussies. She’s urging them to step up and volunteer after natural disasters. With climate change making these events more frequent and severe, it’s crucial to have a strong volunteer base.
She believes that more incentives are needed to get young people involved. After all, we need all hands on deck to tackle floods, bushfires, and other climate-related challenges. The Bureau of Meteorology is also warning about a potential La Niña event, which could lead to heavy rainfall soon.
Lambie pointed out that many young folks are hesitant to volunteer. They’re dealing with student debt, a tough housing market, and a job landscape that demands a lot. It’s a lot to juggle, and she gets it.
She’s even chairing a committee to create a National Volunteer Incentive Scheme, also known as the Climate Army. They’re accepting ideas until February 25 and will report back to Parliament by September 22.
According to Lambie, we need to show young people the benefits of volunteering. She mentioned that while she’s not suggesting conscription, there are other models from around the world that could inspire us.
With climate change on the rise, natural disasters like bushfires and floods are expected to become more common. Statistics show that volunteering rates have dropped, especially among those aged 18 to 24. It fell from 36.5% in 2019 to just 25% in April 2022, although it has slightly improved to 29.7% as of April 2023.
Jacqui Lambie Network candidate Ange Harper is also rallying support for the incentive scheme. She highlighted the alarming drop in volunteers and its impact on communities affected by disasters.
Harper pointed to the wildfires in California, stressing that Australia needs to be ready for the challenges posed by climate change. She shared her own experiences from her Army days, encouraging everyone to think about how they can help their communities.
She’s especially calling on the younger generation to step up as the current volunteer base ages. It’s all about coming together to support one another during tough times.