With Australia experiencing the extreme weather events predicted by climate scientists decades ago, and the influence of social media muddying the waters of truth, Benalla Sustainable Future Group is eager for the local community to have the opportunity to hear from experts on the subject.
Group president Peter Holmes said he was excited to have two experienced climate scientists Lynette Bettio and Leanne Webb take part.
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“They will address the very important subject of climate change,” Mr Holmes said.
“They will present facts, and future projections of how man-made climate change will affect this region.
“Dr Webb has been a climate scientist for more than 15 years.
“Since completing her PhD at Melbourne University, she has worked for much of her career with Professor David Karoly at the CSIRO Climate Research Institute in Aspendale.
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“She works as a climate change knowledge broker, and has extensively researched the impacts of climate change on the agricultural industry, and in particular the wine sector.
“Dr Webb was part of the team that prepared climate projections for Australia, released in 2016, and is currently engaged with the University of NSW in a study looking at the impacts of climate change on indigenous health.
“Dr Bettio, a former Benalla resident and FCJ college student, is a senior climatologist with the Bureau of Meteorology in Melbourne, has a PhD in Climate Science.
“She researches changes to Australia's climate including long-term trends in rainfall and temperature, and the interaction with extreme events.”
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Dr Bettio also co-authored the 2018 State of the Climate report produced by the CSIRO and the Bureau of Meteorology.
“Rarely do we have the opportunity to hear about climate science first hand, from scientists at the forefront of climate research,” Mr Holmes said.
“And there will also be an opportunity to ask them questions, so we are urging the community to embrace this event.
“Also of particular interest will be a brief talk by the Mayor of Indigo Shire, Jenny O'Connor, related to her shire's declaration of a climate emergency, and their proposed actions in response to that declaration.
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“Indigo is one of approximately 90 local governments representing over eight million citizens in Australia, that have already taken this action.”
During the Q and A session, there will be a light supper in the BPACC foyer.
● The event will take place at BPACC at 7 pm on Thursday, March 19, however, attendees are advised to come early to secure their seats in the theatre, as it is a free, non-ticketed occasion.
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