Panellists from various sectors shared insights on climate change and Western Australia’s potential for a resilient future. Topics included perspectives from Traditional Owners and young people, the importance of building climate resilient communities and regions, and how climate change affects global and local investments.
Whadjuk Yorga Aunty Robyn Collard opened the forum with a Welcome to Country. This was followed by an address from Director General Michelle Andrews which emphasised the importance of integrating the traditional knowledge of First Nation Australians and involving young people in climate change discussions.
“Cultural knowledge of Country, climate change and adaptation are highly relevant to our work, and we’re looking to integrate Western science and the wisdom of Traditional Owners in what we do at every level,” she said.
Michelle cited examples of department initiatives incorporating First Nation peoples’ perspectives and encouraged public servants to renew their commitment to addressing climate change within their agency.
Deputy Director General Climate and Sustainability Emily Briggs said event attendees left the forum with deeper knowledge about adapting and building resilience to climate change.
“Participants were clearly eager to engage in climate more broadly, with lots of enthusiasm for exploring climate mitigation options too,” Emily said.
The day ended with a keynote address by Mark Boulet, from the Monash Sustainable Development Institute, about applying a behaviour change lens to climate change.
Pictured: Vanessa Elliott, Jason Barrow, Jack Collard and Michelle Andrews.
