Emergency Leaders for Climate Action

This Groundswell grant supported Emergency Leaders for Climate Action to use the trusted voices of former fire and emergency chiefs to make the link between fossil fuels, climate change and worsening disasters clear. The funding helped sustain national media work, produce research on rising disaster risk, counter misinformation and brief decision-makers directly. It also supported work to equip more current and future first responders to speak publicly about climate impacts, helping build stronger support for cutting pollution, accelerating renewable energy and preparing communities for a hotter, more dangerous climate.

This Groundswell grant supported Emergency Leaders for Climate Action to use the trusted voices of former fire and emergency chiefs to make the link between climate change and worsening extreme weather clear. The funding helped expand ELCA’s media work, produce evidence and reports on disaster risk, and engage directly with MPs on emissions reduction and climate resilience. It also supported efforts to build a wider coalition of emergency leaders ahead of COP31, strengthening ELCA’s influence in national and international climate discussions.

This Groundswell grant provided early support to Emergency Leaders for Climate Action, helping former fire and emergency service leaders bring their frontline experience into the national climate debate during the Black Summer bushfires. The funding supported a major media push, direct engagement with decision-makers and policy advocacy linking worsening extreme weather with climate change. ELCA went on to hold its first National Bushfire and Climate Summit, release the Australian Bushfire and Climate Plan and build sustained public pressure for stronger climate action and disaster preparedness.