Meet the nannas giving our planet hope

Sometimes we need a bit of good news when it comes to climate change. It’s pretty dire out there, but you know that already, so we don’t need to labour the point. Instead, I want to introduce you to one group making a difference: the Knitting Nannas.

According to their website, the Knitting Nannas:

"…get together a group of women in their prime of life, who appear to be mild, middleclass and conservative... They make their presence felt in the war against unconventional gas mining, other forms of non-sustainable energy and nasty rapacious greed. We use the common stereotype of the sweet little old lady to lull the bad guys into a false sense of security. The idea of the Knitting Nannas is that of the iron fist in the soft fluffy yellow glove – there aren’t many scarier things than a forthright woman in her prime.

Knitting Nannas bear witness to acts of stupidity and greed, to save the land and the water for the kiddies – the future generations. We want to bring attention to our movement and to what is happening, gather supporters and media attention, so we can bring a halt to unsustainable and downright idiotic projects."

They don’t have a fancy website or a well-branded Instagram, proving that #aesthetics isn't necessary to have an impact and build a movement. A fire in your gut is.

The movements we often put our weight behind are built on the shoulders of those who came before us. These activists deserve reverence and respect, and we should do what we can to elevate their influence in the work we do.  

The Knitting Nannas curate a great list of positive climate news every week, so if you’re sitting on the toilet or on the train and you have a bit of time, read up on the success of various advocacy groups across the country on their fight against climate change. Here’s this week’s!

Insurer walks away from Adani’s Carmichael coal mine Sydney Morning Herald

Western Australia to use solar duck to give free power to state’s households “doing it tough” Renew Economy

After mammoth negotiations, the world adopts a plan to cut shipping emissions Sydney Morning Herald

Tiny forests are springing up in urban areas to combat climate change ABC News

Eastern bettongs returns to Sydney in feral free National Park – its digging restores ecosystems Sydney Morning Herald

Australia signs up to the Climate Club alliance, Albanese announces in Berlin ABC News

Rare chubby-cheeked rodent unexpectedly discovered Yahoo! News

Scientists have a novel way of solving the Great Barrier Reef’s coral rubble problem: glue ABC News

Give the nannas a follow and encourage them in their fight to end climate injustice. And hey, if you’re handy with the knitting needles, why don’t you join?

Nakie