Towards the end of last year, a young woman named Orana came into my office for a meeting. Orana is a student from Springwood High, and my team and I had been inspired to reach out to her after she sent us an email expressing some of her concerns relating to climate change. In that email she wrote:

"If we want to enhance our environment, we need to understand the natural law of tuning to our surroundings to make that environment a better place. This is an unwritten law that requires us to pay full attention to all the factors of what we human beings do that may impact the other living beings, and the environment in which we co-exist."

I was so touched when I read Orana's words and impressed with the way in which she had so eloquently and simply summed things up. It got me thinking that the time has well and truly come for us all to take responsibility as individuals for the imprint that we leave on this planet. There is no doubt that a hefty responsibility rests with governments in addressing the climate crisis. Sound progressive policy is undeniably key if we are to stand a chance of seeing our way through this—as is well-informed, sturdy legislation that does not dance around the age‑old protections of priorities that are perceived to have a greater importance than the ultimate wellbeing of our planet and all of its inhabitants, not just humans.

Since my appointment as Parliamentary Secretary for the environment, heritage, climate change and energy, I have had the great pleasure of working alongside a Minister who cares deeply about the natural world and the protection and preservation of our biodiversity. Hers is not a position I envy, because making good decisions is not always straightforward nor easy, but this Minister is determined and passionate, and I have great faith in her vision. Beyond the work that needs to be done in the halls of New South Wales Parliament, however, each and every one of us must commit to doing our bit. The collective actions of individuals amount to action en masse, and that is something I believe we should feel empowered by, rather than allow ourselves to become overwhelmed and fearful—a message I sent to Orana. I see positive action every day in my community, and I will take a minute to mention some incredible things that are happening in the Blue Mountains to compel us in a direction of hope, rather than trapping us in a state of despair—especially our young people.

The Blue Mountains Planetary Health Initiative is having profound and far-reaching impacts across our region. Lis Bastian and her team are saturating our community with solutions-based education and sharing stories from across the length and breadth of our community that inspire us to action—to think globally and act locally—gently nudging us away from descending into what is arguably one of the biggest challenges we face: the impact of inaction. I also mention the Blue Mountains Conservation Society, which I have had the great privilege of engaging with for many years and of which I am a member. The society's mission is to help protect, conserve and advocate for the natural environment of the Greater Blue Mountains Area. I have often turned to society members for their perspectives on environmental issues to guide me in my own advocacy for the ancient and beautiful World Heritage region I represent. Their insights are valuable beyond measure.

Another extraordinary organisation that I feel privileged to work alongside is the Blue Mountains World Heritage Institute. Its advocacy is informed by expert research and worldwide collaboration. The institute's generosity in sharing knowledge and focus on attainable solutions for a sustainable future supports me in the work that I do, and I am deeply grateful for every opportunity we have to connect. The climate crisis is huge and it is terrifying. Even with all the evidence, ongoing analysis and speculation, we are still not entirely sure what we are in for. I think we need to hold that space where we allow ourselves to feel the uncertainty of our future on this planet and let that compel us to do better. That is a message for our young people. We simply cannot have infinite growth, economic or otherwise, on a finite planet. Our Indigenous people know this, and the time has long since passed for us to not only listen to the ancient knowledge of our First Nations people but also put into practice what they have been saying, and living, for thousands and thousands of years—we need to tread lightly on this earth.

I was listening to renowned physicist Brian Cox recently and he shared an anecdote, which some members may have already heard, about an astronaut from Saudi Arabia who shared his experience in space. He said that on the first orbit around the planet he looked for his hometown. On the second orbit he looked for his country. But, by the third orbit, he saw only the earth. I find that recollection both profound and moving. It is a reminder that we should treat this planet as a single, fragile world, not a collection of separate places. Governments and big business and industry must act on climate change, but the so-called little things that we all do as individuals absolutely matter. To Orana, I look forward to the day when the human race truly acknowledges that we are a part of the biodiversity of this planet. I vow to work with her and her generation.