I have to admit that I didn’t get much work done on Wednesday. I dove into the US election rabbit hole, watching with ever growing anxiety as Donald Trump moved closer to regaining control of the White House. By the end of the day, it was clear that he had won, and that we would be facing another four years of intolerant right wing extremism in the USA.

Of course, the impacts will be dire: for the environment and climate, for working and gender diverse people, women and minorities – who collectively make up the majority of people in the USA.

Around the world, the re-emergence of right wing populism continues: from right wing libertarian Javier Milei in Argentina to Viktor Orbán in Hungary and the rise of the far right in Austria, open and pluralistic societies are being turned in the wrong direction.

And this change in direction is always backed by the threat of violence: from the ongoing genocide in Gaza by the government of Benjamin Netanyahu (‘the most right wing government in Israel’s history’) to Recep Tayyip Erdoğan in Türkiye and his ruthless and violent suppression of the Kurdish people, right wing populism only has one outcome: violence, horror, division, and the suppression of minorities.

Given the role of the USA in the global political system, a dangerous turn to the right has implications for all of us. As it empowers other nations run by ‘strong men’ like Putin, and repression against minorities at home will cause direct and deep suffering at home.

It is right to be sad and depressed right now.

And while many people clearly voted for Trump because of their personal economic uncertainty, a sense that their government had failed them,  and their desire to see change, that doesn’t excuse them for voting for a truly awful human being who stirred political violence to stay in power and who only speaks to the very worst in humanity, stoking resentment, anger, division and hatred. The reality of what a second Trump presidency will mean is clearly spelt out in the Project 2025 manifesto, which was crafted by the dangerously right wing Heritage Foundation. It is right to feel angry that so many people went along for the ride, knowing full well what it will do to their country and their fellow citizens.

But we also know that this is only a moment in time, and that the struggle for a better world continues, as it always has. In the USA communities are organising to protect people most at risk from homophobic attacks, and extend networks of solidarity for undocumented migrants. The ‘Alt National Parks Service’ is organising to protect national parks as the Trump administration returns to its agenda of opening protected areas to oil and gas drilling, and many states have already indicated their willingness to move faster to ensure the energy transition.

And as our colleagues at FoE-US stated:

‘People will be feeling dismayed and frightened at what Trump’s win means for democracy, environmental justice, women’s rights, people of colour, refugees and LGBTQI+ communities. We must remain united against fear, division and hatred and strive for climate justice’.

Back at home, we have seen a long campaign by the Liberal and National parties to stoke a US-style culture war in the leadup to the next federal election. Pauline Hanson’ party is following the same strategy. From promoting coal, gas and nuclear power to attacking renewables and the energy transition, the LNP are running a campaign that seeks to tap into people’s fear of change, base self interest and intolerance. The campaigns for nukes and against renewables are based on misinformation campaigns, exactly as they have been used to great effect by Trump, Elon Musk, and their corporate allies in the USA. 

Action is always the antidote to despair

As is already happening since the US election, violence against minorities has increased. We must continue to build active solidarity with the people and communities who will feel the brunt of an emboldened racist and homophobic movement here in Australia.

We know that we need to build common cause with a broad range of people in society. Now is not the time to retreat into our silos. We must keep working with the broader community to build support for climate action, environmental protection and a pluralistic, diverse and equitable future. 

Get involved in our campaigns

That’s why our work to ensure a rapid transition away from coal and gas to renewables, efficiency and storage is vital. You can find out about our Yes 2 Renewables campaign here.

And that’s why our deep organising with climate impacted communities is working to build community led adaptation and resilience in the face of rapidly escalating climate change impacts. You can read about our Act on Climate campaign here.

As Peter Dutton continues to push a dangerous pro nuclear agenda, the decades long efforts of our anti nuclear campaign is more important than ever. You can find about this work here. 

And as First Nation groups assert their rights to manage Country here in Victoria, we are proud to stand with groups like the Dja Dja Wurrung (read more here).

We continue to fight the good fight – from shifting investment away from coal and gas (details on Market Forces here) to building a strong and diverse grassroots movement demanding decisive action on climate change (find out more about Tipping Point here) to building a co-operative economy through the efforts of Earth Worker, FoE has a significant place in the struggles of the coming years.

Please consider making a donation so we can continue our work.

Thanks for walking with us.

These are hard times. Make the space to grieve, to feel angry, check in with your people, and look after yourself. With a federal election on the horizon, there is a lot to do at home.