Surfers for Climate
Surfers for Climate is an Australian nonprofit environmental organization founded in October 2019 by surfers Johnny Abegg and Belinda Baggs. Registered as a charity with the Australian Charities and Not-For-Profits Commission (ACNC), the group mobilizes the surfing community to address climate change through education, advocacy, and collaborative action[2][4][5].

Mission and Activities

The organization aims to empower surfers and coastal communities to advocate for climate solutions, emphasizing the role of oceans in global climate systems[1][4]. Key initiatives include climate education programs, workshops, and events such as the annual Water Women Campout and TUBIES Tradie Surf Comp & Sustainability Expo[1][5]. These events blend surf culture with environmental activism, fostering discussions on sustainable practices and policy changes[1][5].

Values

Core values of Surfers for Climate include:

• Bold Inclusion: Welcoming participants across abilities, identities, and backgrounds[4].
• Thoughtful Larrikins: Embracing surfing’s countercultural roots to drive change[4].
• First Nations Collaboration: Prioritizing partnerships with Indigenous communities to honor traditional ecological knowledge[4].
• Collaborative Action: Partnering with businesses, policymakers, and grassroots groups to advance climate policy[4][5].

Impact

The organization has engaged thousands of Australians through campaigns and educational outreach, focusing on bipartisan political engagement and community-driven solutions[5]. Its advocacy targets reducing carbon emissions in the surf industry and protecting marine ecosystems[1][3].

[1] https://surfersforclimate.org.au [2] https://surfersforclimate.org.au/pages/about [3] https://www.acnc.gov.au/charity/charities/6f1e40dc-3dd1-ea11-a813-000d3ad1cd99 [4] https://movementmonitor.org/surfers-for-climate/ [5] https://www.aph.gov.au/DocumentStore.ashx?id=6a9dcdc4-4636-4086-9136-0a150aecd631&subId=744926