Impact
Koskela is making a difference this election with Climate 200
Koskela is making a difference this election with Climate 200
Koskela have joined forces with Climate 200 to raise funds and awareness ahead of the Federal election for Independent candidates backing science-based climate policy.
The 2022 Federal election is gearing up to be one of the most important opportunities to safeguard our future from climate catastrophe. Evident from the recent floods across NSW and Queensland, and the Black Summer of 2019, it is clear that the frequency and severity of climate related disasters have increased. If we continue on this trajectory, the results will be costly and catastrophic for the average Australian, not to mention the environment.
Koskela have collaborated with Climate 200 on a limited-edition tea towel imbued with the playful slogan 'This tea towel is cleaning up Australian politics'. $10 from every sale will go towards fundraising efforts for the Independent candidates backing science-based climate policy this Federal election.
We have a mix of tea towels available in both 100% linen and cotton which are all screen-printed locally, these tea towels make a statement you’ll want to be a part of. The limited edition tea towels are available for $25 each or save 20% when you buy two or more, with $10 from every tea towel going directly to Climate 200.
The sooner you donate* to Climate 200 the better our chances!
How did Climate 200 get started?
Climate 200 began just before the 2019 election. It started with a small group of frustrated Australians who couldn’t stand the way their futures were being wrecked by vested interests. They had independently tried to accelerate the country’s climate action, but in the end, realised that politics was the main roadblock to achieving progress. So Climate 200 was born to help support political candidates fighting for increasing climate ambition, restoring integrity to politics, and advancing gender equity. Almost all the candidates we supported in 2019 were independents. Several of them won, and went on to sit on the cross bench and hold the government to account and lead on these issues during the current parliament. They also showed others what was possible. Since then, we’ve seen the explosion of a genuine, grass-roots community independents movement around the country. Around thirty community groups have gotten together and nominated true community leaders as their candidates. 
Q&A with Climate 200's Executive Director, Byron Fay
Climate 200’s role is now to support the independents who share our values so they can compete against the fossil-fuel industry backed major parties.
Given your extensive background in international politics, what inspired you to focus your attention on Australia and work on this campaign?
Australia is the third largest exporter of fossil fuels in the world. We’re also continuing to approve new coal and gas projects, despite the International Energy Agency saying there can be no new fossil fuel projects if the world is to avoid catastrophic climate change. What we do here in Australia has international implications.
I spent many years working for the Australian Government in the UN climate negotiations. In that time, I saw how Australia can make a really positive contribution on the world stage. But I also saw how destructive we can be; how we can slow progress.
I had left the game by the time of COP26 in Glasgow last year, but it was a real low point for me. We had - and still have - the chance to be an incredible renewable energy and green manufacturing superpower. But, for decades, we’ve chosen a deliberately destructive path.
The Government’s hollow promises were greeted with the disdain they deserved in Glasgow. Every other developed nation announced significant increases to their 2030 emissions reduction targets. We didn’t budge. It was disgraceful and embarrassing.
I don’t want to see us remain at the bottom of the international pile. This election is the best chance we have at changing our policies and showing true global leadership on an issue with implications for the entire planet, and our economy.
In addition to donating, what else can we do to help bring about change this election?
So much! Start by finding who your local pro-climate independent candidate is with our postcode search tool. Then get involved directly with that campaign. It’s all about making sure as many people as possible know about these candidates. Put up a corflute, volunteer to hand out flyers or go door knocking, sign up to help on election day or buy some merch. You can also call up talkback radio, write a letter to the local paper or just promote the candidates online.
Of course, they all need as many donations as possible, and I’d encourage people to give directly to the campaigns.
Do you think there’s any coming back for the Australian climate if we don’t get the Independents in this election?
There’s always hope, no matter what happens. In fact, Climate 200 and the community independents movement have already changed Australian politics for the better. In December, the Australian Financial Review ran a headline about the arrival of Climate 200 that read “Australia’s climate wars may be over”. The Climate 200 movement was one of the biggest disruptors of the established political order in modern times, but because we’ve made climate a key election issue, and also noted that neither party is now willing to engage in a climate scare campaign in the lead up to the coming election.
But our opportunity for action on the big issues is shutting fast. If we don’t set strong, actionable targets and plans to significantly reduce our emissions by 2030, the future looks bleak. For us and our natural environment. You only need to look at the latest bleaching of the Great Barrier Reef or the recent floods in Lismore to see the effect we’re already having.
When the IPCC released its latest report, one of the Chairs said: “Any further delay in concerted global action will miss a brief and rapidly closing window to secure a liveable future.” That’s the window we’re in. And why this election is one of the last chances we have to change our politics and policies.
It’s also an incredible chance to tap into the enormous economic benefits of a decarbonised economy. Deloitte has estimated that we could see a $680 billion boost to the economy and add 250,000 jobs if we rapidly transition to net zero.
How do you find out which Independents are in your electorate and if they support science-based climate policy?
We’ve made it as easy as possible to find your local pro-climate independent candidate with our postcode search tool. They all back a science-based approach to climate action and I’d encourage everyone to get in touch with their local candidate to find out what their plans are.
Can Independents really have an impact or is this up to the major parties?
Today, federal government policy is made for voters in marginal seats. Governments have been able to ignore the views of voters in safe seats and instead pour taxpayer dollars into the marginals to help them get elected. These independents are our chance to turn previously safe seats marginal and ensure the views of voters in those electorates matter.
All things being equal, if we get just three more community-backed independents in parliament, they could deliver action on climate, integrity and gender equity, no matter which major party is in power.
Obviously, the upcoming election could change those numbers. And that’s why we’re aiming to get as many pro-climate independents elected as possible so that the issues the community really cares about aren’t a distant second to the fossil fuel industry donors of the major parties.
There seems to be a sense of apathy towards politics. How can we get voters engaged in the process?
I think people are put off by politics because politicians don’t act with humanity, decency or intelligence. The response to the recent tragic floods, or the Black Summer bushfires, are some obvious examples. So many politicians today are careerists driven only by a sense of power, not purpose. I think people respond to clearly explained plans and policies for a better future, not excuses and political games.
The most striking thing for me has been the response by the public when they meet the independent candidates. Or even when they hear them talking on our podcast, The Independents. People can feel the warmth, the passion and the authenticity of leaders who just want more for their community.
Fundamentally, independents are more accountable to their communities. They’ve not beholden to party officials, unions, factions or business lobbies. They’re genuine people, genuinely representing their electorates. If we had a parliament filled with people like that, I really believe voters would be a lot more engaged.
Q&A with Koskela's Co-founder & CEO, Sasha Titchkosky
When did you first get involved with the campaign, and why?
I became aware of Climate 200 last year. After years of frustration with the lack of action on climate change my curiosity was piqued when I’d heard that there was a group looking to fund climate focussed Independents like Zali Steggal. Koskela had supported Zali’s Climate Change Bills through the Pass the Bill not the Buck campaign work of the B Corp Climate Collective and have used our profile and voice to advocate for climate action for some time.
The two-party system doesn’t seem to be serving our democracy well and the idea of motivated, genuine, intelligent Independent candidates that might power share with one of the parties and break the deadlock on climate and integrity seems to be the next logical step for Australia’s democracy.
I volunteer my time out of work for the Independent candidate, Kylea Tink who is standing in North Sydney. I am doing this as these candidates rely on their volunteer base to help drive campaign donations and support as it’s tough to match the donor base of the major parties – even with some help from Climate 200. I would highly recommend getting involved!
Active hope is the best way to channel the frustration that is created by a lack of action on climate. I also believe a thriving democracy is worth fighting for and our democracy is looking shaking after years of voter apathy and a lack of political integrity.
Why is there a sense of urgency this election to shake up our politicians?
All the scientists reports are showing that the situation is becoming more and more urgent and the window to do something about the heating of our planet is rapidly closing. I believe that if we get the wrong outcome for Australia at this next election, it is likely that by the next election it will be too late to do anything impactful.
I also believe there are huge opportunities for Australia if we lead the transition to a low emissions economy so taking the action we need to on climate makes sense for us economically.
What made you decide to get Koskela on board?
Koskela has long advocated for greater action on climate change. Our partnership with Climate 200 is a way for us to start a conversation with our sphere of influence about the state of Australia’s political landscape and hopefully help to get people engaged and to highlight that there is a credible alternative to the major parties at the next election. Politics in Australia doesn’t have to be this way!
We've set up donations at checkout, with all donations going straight to Climate 200.
*Climate 200 only accepts donations from Australian citizens, permanent residents and Australian companies. Climate 200 is required to disclose the name and address of any person or entity that makes donations above the $14,500 disclosure threshold (this financial year) to the Australian Electoral Commission.
