Late last year, I was fortunate to be invited along on a world’s first … an all female science expedition to Antarctica in a program called Homeward Bound. This program is a leadership, strategic and science initiative for women, set against the backdrop of Antarctica. It aim is to heighten the influence and impact of women (with science backgrounds) in order to influence policy and decision making as it shapes our planet. For three weeks aboard a ship called The Ushuaia, we spent time learning about leadership, visibility and what I was really there for .. climate change.
I knew that I was going to be traveling to an amazing place, but what I wasn’t prepared for was the overwhelmingly feeling of wilderness, beauty, fragility and a sense of sadness knowing that this place was going struggle with the effects of a warming planet.
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Of course, I didn’t have to travel to Antarctica to see examples of climate change. After all, Australia has been feeling the brunt of climate change for decades. Summer weather records that are breaking annually, extended fire seasons that are more intense and deadly, increased number of cyclones, water shortages and ironically floods too. Australia is not immune to climate change. For me though, I wanted to see what was happening outside my immediate circle. And I wanted to come home with a story to tell that people would want to hear.
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Since, coming home I have presented at the following places .. Skipton PS, Bacchus Marsh PS, Phoenix College, the Sustainable Festival at Ecolinc, International Women’s Day at Loreto College, CPA Engagement Evening and Green Drinks, Ballarat. These presentations give me the opportunity to talk, not only about climate change and Antarctica but also the importance of living sustainability and more why joining climate action groups is so powerful.
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If you would like to arrange a presentation for your workplace, school or club, please shoot me through an email at <[email protected]>
Slàinte – Colleen
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