The image of a typical, laid-back surfer does not conform to the stereotype of serious environmental campaigners. But elite surfer Chris Kirkman is proof that surfers have a part to play in combating the climate emergency.
He competed everywhere from Portugal and Chile to Tahiti and Brazil, and it was through surfing that he first began to look at the human influence on climate.
In 2019, Kirkman, along with champion skater Belinda Baggs, co-founded Surfers for Climate. The organization has four main goals: to mobilize and empower a coalition of climate-conscious surfers; climate action; help the surfing community play a role in preventing the development of coastal and offshore fossil fuels; and asked politicians representing the surfing community to take action for the climate.
Australia, which has suffered droughts, bushfires and floods across the country in recent years, is on the front lines of the climate crisis, raising concerns of all populations. , including surfers.
Mr Kirkman said: “A lot of Australians have dropped the sands when it comes to climate, but then fires and floods have really increased the urgency of the issue. “It’s still a tough road for people, because they don’t know where to start, or where to go.”
Part of Surfers for Climate’s plan is to reach out to surfers and point them in the right direction. “We’re still learning about our audience and how to engage them,” explains Mr. Kirkman, “finding out how we take every surfer on a journey to climate action. We liken it to a cohesive wave with multiple takeoff points on that wave.”
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The nonprofit has done everything from hosting climate-themed pub nights to producing eco-friendly consumer guides. Last month, they launched a new initiative called Trade Up, which is aimed at surfers who are also traders, such as builders, carpenters and electricians.
“We hosted a day-long workshop where we invited various material suppliers and builders who were adopting site best practices,” says Kirkman. their material and carbon neutrality,” says Kirkman.
“They have never had anyone engage with them about the environment in their entire working lives. We know there are huge emissions from construction, but we’re not talking to the builders. They haven’t joined the climate movement yet, but they just need someone to talk to them and give them examples of best practice,” he added.
Mr. Kirkman also pointed out that the discussion has been quite intellectual for a long time, with “people wearing suits in big meetings talking about frameworks and emissions, and we forgot that there are people everyday can participate if you take the time to interact with them and that’s what we strive to do with Surfers for Climate.”
Communication is important, as is knowing who your audience is and what they will respond to, and Kirkman argues that non-scientists who are passionate about the subject need to find figure out how to get their message across.
As the climate crisis grows more intense, more and more people are experiencing the devastating reality of climate change. In 2021, Australia experienced catastrophic flooding in the northern rivers of New South Wales, and many surfers actively joined the rescue efforts, using jet skis to rescue those in need. people trapped in their homes and providing essential supplies.
Mr. Kirkman hopes Surfers for Climate can expand its Trade Up initiative, engage with politicians ahead of upcoming elections and – like many nonprofits – raise funds so it can continue to do your job. “It was the hardest but most exciting job I ever had,” he said. “There’s certainly nothing else I’d like to do.”
