Professor Tim Flannery was the keynote speaker at seminar organised by the Southwest Environment Alliance at the Portland Golf Club. The seminar was sold out with 180 people in attendance, the majority were locals and some had travelled from as far as Sydney! There was great interest in improving our local environment and hearing from several highly qualified speakers on changes to our environment both locally and worldwide. Guest speakers provided an insight into the impacts of climate change including future scenarios for Southwest Victoria.
Rob Gell AM commenced the seminar by outlining a global perspective on climate change. With 2024 being the hottest year on record Mr Gell’s presentation focused on the upward trend of CO2 in the atmosphere.
Dr. Mary Picard provided an insight into the social impact of climate change and extreme weather events. Her focus was on how women, the elderly, disabled and indigenous community members were when impacted.
Dr. Roger Bodman CSIRO scientist presented data on our local climate, past present and future. His data showed longer periods of dry, hot days and declining rainfall for the southwest of Victoria.
Professor Snow Barlow spoke on the impact of climate change on agriculture and natural resources. Data presented showed impacts on various crops with shorter seasonal growth, less rainfall and higher temperatures.
Dr. Adam Bester outlined positive projects undertaken by the Glenelg Hopkins Catchment Management Authority to improve the local environment and highlighted the impacts of rising sea levels to our coastlines, waterways and homes.
Dr. Denis Rose spoke on Lake Condah world heritage project and how the indigenous community has implemented adaption strategies to the manage the water sources and the environment.
Keynote speaker Professor Tim Flannery gave a worldwide perspective on “signs of change“ to our environment. This included changes to solids, liquids and gases that make up our planet. Current levels of CO2 in our atmosphere and consequences for our environment now and in the future if no action is taken.
The Our Community, Our Environment Project has been sponsored by the Glenelg Hopkins CMA, Glenelg Shire Council and the Natural Resources Conservation Trust.
Statement by Lynn Murrell, SEA President.
“The conference achieved everything I had hoped for. Speakers inspired and informed and attendees gave us great feedback to create a credible community plan to take the southwest of Victoria towards a sustainable and prosperous future“
“With the clear message of thinking globally but acting locally it is hope we can encourage more volunteers in our community to join SEA.”
Lynn Murrell can be contacted on 0418 527 998.
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