With an eye on the climate

Ballarat Courier
Saturday 29/3/2008 Page: 124

CLIMATE change in Ballarat will be put in to perspective at a forum next month. Four of Australia's leading scientists will share their knowledge on global warning, water biodiversity and energy issues at the forum.

Presented by Ballarat Renewable Energy and Zero Emissions and University of Melbourne, School of Forest and Ecosystem Science in Creswick, the forum will challenge people to hear the facts about climate change and its impact on Ballarat and its residents, and discover local solutions that will play a pivotal role in creating a sustainable lifestyle for the region's children.

BREAZE spokeswoman Elise Constable said climate change could be tackled on a local and regional level. As the impacts of global warming on our region increase, such as reduced rain fall, increased temperatures and storm activity intensify, it will be local residents, business and government groups working in concert which will yield the most powerful, relevant and successful solutions, largely because we know our region and our needs," Ms Constable said.

The differences between our current lifestyle and the one our children will experience in just 40 years time will be many and varied, but solve of the obvious changes can be grouped into two of the four subjects we are covering in the climate change forum. These include water and energy which rust be used far more efficiently."

Speakers at the forum include Professor of Meteorology and University of Melbourne Federation Fellow Professor David Karoly; Monash University director of the Institute for Sustainable Water Resources Dr Tini Fletcher; Canberra Fenner School of Environment and Society, ANU, Visiting Fellow Barney Foran; and University of Melbourne head of School of Forest and Ecosystem Science Professor Rod Keenan.

Ms Constable expected some interesting conclusions to cone out of the forum. She said the most important issues and solutions would be presented to the council, business groups and the community. The forum will be held at the Wendouree Centre for Performing Arts on April 12 between 12pm and 5.30pm. People can select and attend preferred sessions or attend all four sessions.

Admission is $12.50 for adults, $10 concession and $5 for students.

For more information visit www.breaze.org.au or call 5338 0980 to book tickets.