Anna Malos is an environmentalist, ecologist, forester – “yes, they go together” – and advocate for climate change action. 

She says the federal government’s recent “crucial” commitment to net zero by 2050 is a great but “nimble” start. 

“I would like to see Australia start off with that goal for net zero by 2050, but then as we realise how achievable that is, you know, bring back that goal,” she tells the Greek Herald.

“What ClimateWorks research shows is that Australia can get to net zero by 2035 if we use all the resources available to us.” 

Anna Malos is the country lead for ClimateWorks – an advisory and advocacy group for a commitment to net zero emissions by 2050 in Australia and the Asia Pacific.

Her team looks to advocate for climate change within a political and economic context. 

Malos has previously advised environmental and sustainability policies for the London government and has a master’s degree in forestry and land use from Oxford University. 

She says Australia should embrace a different attitude towards climate action.

“For the resources sector, it’s a big change, but it’s about which resources are mined rather than stopping mining altogether.”

“Australia can keep our role as an energy exporter” but she warns people are “still stuck in that way of thinking that everything to do with climate action is a cost.”

Net zero means no more greenhouse gas emissions will be released into our atmosphere than are removed or offset.

How do we do it? 

She says decarbonising the nation’s electricity grid would be a strong start. 

“…not only can we have a fully zero emissions electricity sector but we can also increase the amount of electricity we generate.” 

So, why can’t we decarbonise our industries sooner? 

Malos says climate commitments and targets have to be put in context. 

“…different countries have very different levels of emissions now for various reasons,” she explains.

“Many countries in Africa, you don’t want them to have to change their economies as rapidly because they’re still developing. They need a bit of leeway.”

“Australia is a wealthy country with these incredible resources that can move faster. That gives leeway to other countries to take time, to catch up, if you like.” “That’s why you’ve got that kind of difference between the global goal and what, you know, but, um, organisations like ClimateWorks considers is Australia’s fair share.”

Malos is optimistic about the future. 

“I think in five years’ time Australia will have moved forward.”

It’s about getting everybody on board.

“…business and investor attitudes have shifted radically and that’s as the science has changed and as technology has changed.”

“Investors are acting, businesses are acting, many governments are already acting…”

“I think … the vast majority of people in this country want more action on climate. They want to live in a safe world.” 

“I think that pressure will come to bear on our politicians.”

“I think this momentum is building.”

Feelings of uncertainty, sadness and a lack of motivation have all been a part of life recently as we endure countless lockdowns due to the global COVID-19 pandemic.

In the case of 72-year-old Anastasia Sevdalakis and 94-year-old George Rousou, they turned these negatives into positives and decided to take up new creative hobbies such as crocheting and painting during the Victorian lockdown.

Both Anastasia and George came to The Greek Herald’s attention through Australian Multicultural Community Services (AMCS) who support them, and other seniors, to live safely at home through things such as personal care, transport to medical appointments and domestic assistance.

AMCS thought they were pretty inspirational and we couldn’t agree more. Here they share their stories of why they decided to get creative in lockdown.

‘I was so happy, so relaxed’:

Anastasia Sevdalakis migrated to Australia from Greece in 1966 via airplane. She was 17-and-a-half years old at the time and knew a little bit of English. She tells The Greek Herald she was able to find a job ‘straight away.’

“In Greece, I was taught how to be a dressmaker so when I came here, I found work in a sewing factory. For most of [my career], I worked as a dressmaker,” Anastasia, who has two sons and four granddaughters, says.

It’s no surprise then that during the recent Victorian lockdown, Anastasia became addicted to crocheting as a way to pass the time and keep herself busy.

“I am a person who likes to go out, to play bingo and see my friends. When lockdown happened, I wanted to do something because I like to keep myself busy,” she says.

“One day I was looking at YouTube on my phone and I saw one girl doing crochet. I thought, ‘I need to start to do something as well,’ and so slowly, slowly I started crocheting.”

So far, the 72-year-old has made things such as pillows, a coverlet and even bags for her granddaughters. She says she’s never been happier.

“I was so happy, so relaxed. I would clean my house and then I would sit and do some crocheting and my day passed by beautifully,” Anastasia explains with a smile.

“I wasn’t thinking about lockdown and it helped me so much mentally. Even now, where there is no lockdown, I’m still making some new designs and times flies.”

‘It’s amazing how I picked it up’:

George Rousou left Cyprus at the tender age of 23 and arrived in Australia by boat in 1951. His daughter, Yvonne, tells The Greek Herald he instantly started working ‘in places where no one else wanted to work.’

“He worked in an abattoir, a rubber factory and crane driving. It was all taught by other Australians or other migrants because dad didn’t speak any English. So he was taken under the wing by lots of really good people and taught how to do things on the job,” Yvonne says.

“Later on, he picked up the skill of a carpenter and worked for the Housing Commission for about 13 years and then went off and was a carpenter working subcontracts around the northern and western suburbs.”

During the recent lockdown in Victoria, George added ‘talented painter’ to this list of achievements as well. He says he enjoyed getting up in the morning, walking over to his dining room table and getting immersed in a painting.

“The minute I get a pencil to start doing it, it’s amazing how I picked it up and I’m proud of myself,” George says with a laugh.

The 94-year-old is now surrounded by various original works of art depicting flowers, birds and nature and he loves to share his passion with everyone, including the AMCS support workers who visit him and help with housekeeping.

“He’s taken over the dining room table and it’s consuming him. It’s actually been a really great stress relief during COVID,” his daughter concludes.

“He gets great joy out of just colouring in and using his own imagination to produce some beautiful stuff and we’re very proud of him.”