Global climate change week events explore local solutions, community resilience and risks to homes
The University of Wollongong (UOW) will bring researchers and communities together this October to explore how climate change is affecting the region and what residents, organisations and governments can do to respond.
UOW’s Global Climate Change Week program will examine local adaptation, discuss practical climate solutions and the risks natural hazards pose to homes, connecting university research with questions that matter to the community.
Global Climate Change Week runs from 12 to 18 October, with UOW’s local program beginning on Thursday 8 October. This year’s theme, Ways of Knowing in Climate Change Education, draws on scientific research, community knowledge and lived experience.
Associate Professor Owen Price, Director of UOW’s Centre for Environmental Risk Management of Bushfires, said the events would help make climate research accessible and relevant to everyday decisions.
“For many people, the questions about climate change are very close to home. What does it mean for my home, my neighbourhood, what risks should I be aware of, and what can I do to prepare?” Associate Professor Price said.
“These events are an opportunity to discuss those questions with researchers, government agencies, the insurance industry, and hear how local organisations are responding. We want people to leave with a clearer understanding of the challenges and the practical steps that can help their communities adapt.”
The opening event will bring together researchers from UOW’s Environmental Futures and the Australian Centre for Culture, Environment, Society and Space (ACCESS) for a roundtable on climate impacts across social and ecological systems. Later sessions will highlight local responses to climate challenges and explore how residents can better understand risks to their homes.
“Research is an important part of the response, but so is listening to the people who live and work in these communities,” Associate Professor Price said.
“Sharing knowledge gives us a stronger basis for deciding what action is needed locally and how we can work together.”
GLOBAL CLIMATE CHANGE WEEK EVENTS
Adapting to the Local Impacts of Climate Change | Thursday 8 October
Researchers will discuss climate impacts, collaborative research and pathways to community resilience.
Local Solutions to Climate Change | Wednesday 14 October
A session highlighting research-backed local solutions and how agencies and non-government organisations are responding to climate challenges.
Climate Change, Natural Hazards and Your House | Friday 16 October
Practical insights into climate-related natural hazards, risks to homes and ways to improve preparedness, including discussion with the insurance industry about rising premiums and insurance affordability for homeowners in vulnerable areas.
Event information and updates are available at UOW’s Global Climate Change Week page.
