The Asian Australians for Climate Solutions (AAFCS) took the first step by engaging directly with the Chinese community in South Australia, hosting a Cost of Living and Climate Change forum attended by 63 community members. The event highlighted how climate change is driving the cost-of-living crisis through higher electricity bills, rising food prices, and unaffordable insurance premiums。
These conversations revealed a shared reality: climate change is no longer just an environmental issue, but a daily financial burden affecting families, especially the most vulne
rable.
From these beginnings, the AAFCS has mobilised alongside the broader Chinese community to push for COP31 to be co-hosted by Australia and the Pacific, linking our advocacy to the Climate and Health Alliance (CAHA) open letter, which calls for a people- and health-centred COP31.
Together, we echo the health sector’s call for bold leadership that safeguards health, strengthens partnerships, and secures a just and sustainable future.
Importantly, this is not just a Chinese community effort. Multicultural communities across Australia, from Pacific Islanders to South Asian, Middle Eastern, African, and European diasporas, are uniting to urge the Albanese Government to secure COP31 for Adelaide. Hosting COP31 here would not only strengthen Australia’s leadership in the Asia-Pacific region but also bring jobs, tourism, investment, and global recognition to South Australia.
Our message is clear: climate change is driving today’s cost-of-living pressures and tomorrow’s health risks. COP31 in Adelaide offers a once-in-a-generation chance to show that when communities unite, we can shape a safer, fairer, and more resilient future for all
