Riverina Climate Update 2023 will present an overview of how our climate is changing and how we are responding to these changes, with a focus on the solutions available to the Riverina region and community.   

This event is a collaboration between Kildare Catholic College, Charles Sturt University (CSU), The Australian National University (ANU), and Wagga Wagga City Council. It is a part of a series of Climate Update events organised by the ANU Institute for Climate, Energy & Disaster Solutions (ICEDS), bringing together experts, policymakers, students, industry and the community to discuss the state of our climate and what can be done to tackle climate change.

PROGRAM

4-4.20pm: Welcome to Country & Opening Remarks

• Aunty Mary Atkinson, Wiradyuri Elder
  Welcome to Country
• David Bardos, Director of External Engagement - Wagga and Albury
  Welcome Remarks 
• Councillor Jenny McKinnon, Deputy Mayor, Wagga Wagga City Council
  Opening Remarks

4.20-5.20pm: State of our Climate 
This session will summarise the latest climate research, including a snapshot of newly released data on how our climate changed in 2022. The session will conclude with audience Q&A.

• Professor Mark Howden, Director, ANU Institute for Climate, Energy & Disaster Solutions; Vice-Chair, Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change; Chair, ACT Climate Council
  Global Climate Overview 2022  [DOWNLOAD PRESENTATION]
• Professor Andrew Hall, Gulbali Institute, Charles Sturt University
  Moderator

This session will close with a live performance of 'The Truth' by Rory Phillips. The song is a passionate call to action on climate change and made the finals of the inaugural Environmental Music Prize. Rory is a Tumut resident and an Ambassador for the 2023 Environmental Music Prize. 

5.20-6pm: Break 
Light refreshments provided. 

6-7.15pm: What does the Riverina response need to look like? 
This session will explore how the Riverina community can respond to climate change. Discussion will consider the critical steps that need to be taken in the next five years to respond to this global challenge in an informed and logical manner within our local context. The session will conclude with audience Q&A. 

• Professor Dale Nimmo, Gulbali Institute, Charles Sturt University
  Bushfire impacts on biodiversity [DOWNLOAD PRESENTATION] 
• Councillor Jenny McKinnon, Deputy Mayor, Wagga Wagga City Council
  Wagga Wagga Net Zero Emissions Community Roadmap
• Ella McCorry, Wiradyuri Woman and 2023 School Captain, Kildare Catholic College and Eamon Kurta, Student Representative Council, Kildare Catholic College
  Youth, equity and climate [DOWNLOAD PRESENTATION]
• Gemma Purcell, Chair of Murrumbidgee Landcare and host of Haystacks Solar Garden Grong Grong
• Dr Rebecca Colvin, Senior Lecturer, Resources, Environment & Development Group, ANU Crawford School of Public Policy
  Moderator

More information:

• The Riverina Climate Update can contribute 3 hours to teacher identified professional learning hours for teachers of Geography, Science, Agriculture, Earth and Environmental Science and other subjects that directly address Climate Change, its consequences and management.
• For those using public transport to travel to the event, please head to Busabout Wagga - Charles Sturt University for routes and timetables.

• Please click here for parking directions and park in bays WP24 or WP26.

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