Dear Australia,

This year marks 15 years since the Black Saturday bushfires.

Australia’s deadliest bushfire disaster: 173 people killed, over 2000 homes destroyed, and almost 80 communities and towns devastated.

For many of us, that was the day we first came face to face with the shocking impacts of our changing climate.

Since that day, Australia has experienced worsening bushfire disasters and increasingly dangerous fire behaviour, driven by hotter and more unpredictable weather, fuelled by climate change. These fires have destroyed homes, communities, natural habitats and taken lives.

As Australians who survived these disasters we know the stakes. Without timely and effective action to tackle climate pollution, more people like us will face extreme fires, floods and other life changing impacts.

We want everyone to live in a home that’s safe from the escalating impacts of climate change.

That’s why we support Australia's renewable energy future.

Burning coal and gas to generate electricity is the largest source of climate-heating emissions worldwide. But there’s a better way.

With our abundant wind and sun, world-class technology and legendary know-how we can power Australia with renewable energy instead. This will slash our power bills and create new jobs - all while lowering our emissions and the risk of future extreme impacts.

So as we pause today to remember everyone impacted by Black Saturday, and other bushfire disasters, we call on you to join us to protect Australian communities and help prevent future catastrophes by supporting Australia’s move to renewable energy.

Because no one else should have to go through what we’ve been through.

Thank you,

Bushfire Survivors for Climate Action