This special issue of Cosmopolitan Civil Societies has been edited by James Goodman, Heidi Norman and Devleena Ghosh, and is focused on Indigenous responses to climate change. The five papers included here introduce key concepts that reframe climate action in terms of anti-colonialism, Indigenous sovereignty and futures on Country, and explain multiple ways that First Peoples in Australia are mobilising new and innovative approaches to the climate crisis.

The cover image for this special issue is Suzy Evans' ‘Dhinawan’, 2025 © Suzy Evans. The work is reproduced with permission.

Describing the work and their practice, Suzy explains: My art practice involves painting, print making, collaging and sculpture. 

The artwork on the cover depicts the Dhinawan and wetlands. Dhinawan is central in Kamilaroi culture: it is mapped in the sky, on the land their eggs mark time.  The Emu provides us with many resources: its oil is medicine, its food, feathers are used for clothing, warmth and ceremony and eggs for food and carving.  

Where my traditional lands are, you would see a small mob of emus at daybreak near the washpool.  You don’t see them as much today.  My old Dad would often remind us of the importance of Indigenous Knowledges and the traditional practices involved in the management of country, all processes that keep our country balanced.  Maintaining water for healthy country has been a big issue for Kamilaroi people as water has been allocated, damned and diverted across the plains country to support farming and mining interests.  You can view Suzy’s ‘modernmurri’ portfolio, at https://www.suzyevans.com.au/.