The image of the typical, laid-back preacher doesn’t sit well with the stereotype of passionate environmental campaigners. But elite bodyboarder Chris Kirkman is proof that surfers have a part to play in fighting the climate emergency.
He has competed everywhere from Portugal and Chile to Tahiti and Brazil, and it was through surfing that he first began to notice the human impact on the climate.
In 2019, Mr Kirkman, along with champion longboarder Belinda Baggs, founded Surfers for Climate. The organization has four key goals: to mobilize and empower a community of surfers to care about the climate; take climate action; help the marine community play a role in stopping onshore and offshore fossil fuel developments; and get politicians who represent surfing communities to take climate action.
Australia, which has suffered droughts, wildfires and floods across the country in recent years, is on the front lines of the climate crisis, causing increasing concern among all sectors of the population, including travellers.
Mr Kirkman said: “A lot of Aussies have stuck their heads out of the sand when talking about the weather, but then the fires and floods made the issue even more urgent. “It’s also a difficult path for people, as they don’t know where to start, or where to go.”
Part of the Surfers for Climate Release is to reach out to visitors and point them in the right direction. Mr. Kirkman explained: “We’re still learning about our audience and how to engage them, seeing how we’re moving all the travelers through the weather. It is referred to as an engagement wave with many withdrawal points on that wave”.
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Cast a wide net
Non-profits have done everything from hosting climate-friendly beer nights to producing eco-friendly consumption guidelines. Last month, they launched a new initiative called Business Up, aimed at entrepreneurs who are also entrepreneurs, such as builders, carpenters, and electricians.
“We held a one-day conference, where we brought together different suppliers of materials and builders who adopted the best practice on their sites in terms of materials and carbon neutrality,” Kirkman said.
“They haven’t had anyone interact with them on the community in their entire career. We know there are huge emissions from construction, yet we don’t talk to the traders. They have not been involved in climate change, but they just need someone to talk to them and give them an example of best practice,” he added.
Mr. Kirkman also pointed out that the discussion has been too intellectual for a long time, with “fit people in big meetings talking about processes and emissions, and we’ve forgotten that there are everyday people who can contribute if you take the time to engage with them, and that’s what we try to do with Surfers for Climate. “
Communication is important, as is knowing who your audience is and what they will respond to, and Mr. Kirkman argues that people who are not scientists but are passionate about the issue, need to work as he does. can get their message across.
As the climate crisis deepens, more and more people are experiencing the devastating reality of climate change. In 2021, Australia experienced catastrophic floods in the northern rivers of New South Wales, and many rescuers took the initiative to help with rescue efforts, using jet-skis to rescue people from their homes. drop off, and deliver the necessary supplies.
Mr. Kirkman hopes Surfers for Climate can scale his Business Initiative, engage with politicians ahead of the next elections and – like many non-profits – raise money so he can continue to do his work. He said: “It’s the hardest yet most enjoyable job I’ve ever had. “There’s certainly nothing else I’d rather do.”
