A petition started by Canberra-based photographer Hilary Wardhaugh, #everydayclimatecrisis, is starting to gain traction and is well on its way to meeting its goal. A total of over 400 images have already been received, with the aim of presenting 1,000 photos to the Australian Government in Canberra in June 2022. Wardhaugh says that the purpose of the petition is to “have a tangible printed and digital record of this moment in time as documented by women and therefore elevating the women and non-binary peoples’ photography”.
The #everydayclimatecrisis Visual Petition is calling for submissions from Australian women and non-binary people that reflect Australia’s climate crisis both in their local area as well as nationally. Wardhaugh explains the rationale behind who can submit images: “By having women only submitting images challenges the industrial, capitalist and economic systems that have gotten us to this point. The #everydayclimatecrisis Visual Petition allows women to be seen, heard and considered.”
Wardhaugh says that she started the project because instead of feeling helpless, she wanted to do something positive. “I want women to respond to the call out literally but also emotionally, personally and creatively. Context is important,” she says. “The climate crisis we face is existential and can be all-consuming, but there are dangers of narratives of doom and despair.” With that in mind, those submitting images should consider those that also illustrate the beauty of the land, cultural practices to enhance and regenerate the land, and hope generated by photos of humans doing great things to repair the damage.
To submit images to the #everydayclimatecrisis Visual Petition, visit this link. An official launch event, Women See Change, will take place on 10 February as part of the AQUIFER Program, and will include a panel discussion.
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