Climate Conversations
Unlocking the potential for rural communities to take leadership on limiting climate change through regenerative agriculture
Local Links - Stronger Communities - LLCI011-032
The issue
Landcare groups in the south east sub-region (Yass,Boorowa and Hovells Creek) have been joining forces to discuss regional issues and promotion of Landcare activities through joint meetings and mini musters over the past year. These events highlighted the frustration that rural communites are feeling with lack of national leadership on climate change and a need to discuss how rural communities and farmers can contribute to ameliorating the problem while benefiting their land.
The solution
A decision was made by the Landcare groups to invite the community to a conversation around climate change. "Join the climate conversation; rural communities making a difference."
The climate conversation took place 25th May in Yass with over 220 participants to explore how rural communities and farmers can contribute to ameliorating the climate change while benefiting their land.
Invitations were sent to all members of the local community including schools and local politicians and the event became a sell out before the cut off date for registrations.
The impact
The event focused on how rural communities can make a difference with forum speakers including ANU paleoclimatologist Dr Bradley Opdyke, Cooma regenerative farmer Dr Charles Massy, soil scientist Dr Christine Jones, and social scientist Dr Siwan Lovett who looked at how and why global warming is occurring, how regenerative agriculture could be part of the solution, how useful carbon cycle is, the benefits of revegetation, and how communities can work together to reduce the impact of global warming.
A diverse range of environmental focused community, businesses and government agencies were invited to attend as stall holders. They provided a wealth of information, excellent networking opportunities and were busy in the breaks between sessions answering questions.
Key facts
- Sell out crowd of over 220 attendees
- Guest speakers including:
- Wally Bell Ngunawal elder
- Dr Bradley Opdyke (paleoclimatologist, senior lecturer at ANU College of Science)
- Dr Charles Massy (author and farmer)
- Dr Christine Jones (soil scientist and founder of the organisation Amazing Carbon)
- and Dr Siwan Lovett (social scientist and natural resource manager with Australian River Restoration Centre).