Next week we're recognising Global Climate Change Week — a yearly event that encourages academics, students and communities to take action on climate change, share ideas and seek solutions.
From Monday 18 October to Friday 22 October, we're partnering with the University of Wollongong to host a series of online workshops, key speakers and panel events to inspire our community to be involved in the conversation around climate change.
"Climate change is an issue that unites all of us as we experience harsher summers, severe bush fire and rising sea levels. These changes will have long-lasting impacts on our residents now and into the future. It's what we do today that will set us up and make a difference for generations to come," Wollongong City Lord Mayor Councillor Gordon Bradbery AM said.
"Council is not alone as we do out bit to step up and tackle the climate change challenge. Our ten-year plan for the city, Wollongong 2028, considers the impact of Climate Change on our community as well as the ambitious targets set out by the UN Sustainable Development Goals.
"At the same time, we're already putting in measures to reduce the impact on our community by increasing the number of trees across the city under Council's Urban Greening Strategy, providing more bike paths to encourage active transport and by committing to reducing our greenhouse gas emissions to net zero by 2030 by using the opportunities and influence we have available.''
At its meeting next Monday night, Council will also consider a report on Council's Climate Change Adaption Plan and whether to put the draft plan on public exhibition for feedback.
Cr Bradbery encouraged community members to see what online opportunities there were to participate in events associated with Global Climate Change Week.
"There are many organisations, community groups and individuals across the world who are stepping up the challenge of climate change. By participating in Global Climate Change Week, Council is able to encourage the Wollongong community to connect with others, learn something new and be part of the solution for climate change.
"Academics and our education providers, including UOW, do incredible work in researching sustainable solutions, research and technological innovations that can benefit communities as we adapt and respond to climate change. We're pleased to partner with UOW to offer an opportunity for our community to step into the academic bubble and learn something new."
UOW Global Climate Change Week (GCCW) organiser Dr Belinda Gibbons from the School of Business said that with the United Nations Climate Change Conference coming at the end of the month, there has never been a more important time to bring people together to accelerate action to address the issue.
"UOWs theme for GCCW 2021 is: Climate, Health, Action! The week will focus on the impact of our changing climate on human and environmental health. We will explore sustainable solutions, from eating healthily and sustainably to greening our health systems," Dr Gibbons said.
"Hosted entirely online, GCCW will be filled with aspirational and inspiring stories, knowledge sharing and ideas, and discussions on actions to protect our health and our planet."
