Upcoming Events
We invite you to support the events listed below – both from HOPE and its environmental colleagues.
COVID-19
Please bear with us over the coming months as the country deals with the COVID-19 crisis. We do not have access to our network of volunteers and like-minded people/organisations as many are either not working or do not have access to the Internet/computers. But we will bring you as much up-to-date information as we are able to.
Please look at the Calendar of Events for 2020. But you will notice that some of the events planned for 2020 have been cancelled or postponed because of COVID-19.
08/10 2021
[DATE CLAIMER] Join the Global Race to Zero Virtual Summit, 20-21 Oct 2021
The Global Race to Zero Summit will be one of the biggest virtual climate events the world has ever seen...
The race is on but we need to sprint… With global climate talks fast approaching and time running out to prevent the most disastrous impacts of climate change, now is the time to act.
The Summit will explore the opportunities that emerge from taking action on climate change and provide a clear pathway forward for governments, citizens and companies.
This event will be delivered in partnership with the UN’s Race to Zero Campaign and will be supported by the Lord Mayor’s Charitable Foundation.
The event will be held just 10 days before the G20 meeting in Rome on 30-31 of October and in the lead up to the critical COP26 meeting in Glasgow from 31 October–12 November.
You can visit the event page to see all speakers and download the latest program.
26/09 2021
[DATE CLAIMER] World Biodiversity Summit - Part 3
| What is it | World Biodiversity Summit – Part 3 |
| When | 10th November 2021 |
| Where | Glasgow, UK – in-person and digital |
“Evidence of biodiversity loss is everywhere and climate change is contributing to this loss. But biodiversity loss does not only refer to the loss of plants and animals, it threatens all life on our planet. The state of the natural environment is directly linked to our ability to adapt, mitigate and solve the challenges that our planet is facing nowadays. As we aim to bring economic growth within safe planetary boundaries, achieve the Paris Agreement goals and support the Post-2020 Global Framework, cross-sector synergy is crucial.
The goal of the World Biodiversity Summit is to bridge biodiversity and climate and to accelerate investment-driven solutions to the biodiversity crisis. The Summit will serve as a convening for leaders from across public and private sectors, to set the world on a path to achieve the 2050 Vision for Biodiversity through actionable leadership and supporting the facilitation of a task force on nature-related financial disclosures.
Measurable targets and commitments will be established, determining best practices for innovation and collaboration and creating public-private partnerships that will strengthen initiatives to prevent the ongoing destruction of biodiversity, therefore contributing to a healthy planet.”
Schedule of Events
| Time | Topic |
|---|---|
| 09:00-09:15 | Welcome Remarks. Biodiversity and Climate Change – the Necessary Link |
| 09:15-10:00 | Opening Session: Rebuilding Better – Raising Ambitions & Mobilising Finance for Nature |
| 10:00-11:00 | Session 1 – Sustainable and Regenerative Agriculture at the Center of Development Strategies – Challenges and Opportunities |
| 11:00-12:30 | Networking Break |
| 12:30-13:30 | Session 2 - Policy, Technology & Finance - Creating Partnerships for Resilient Food Systems |
| 13:30-14:30 | Session 3 - Overcoming Barriers & Growing Investment Opportunities in Restorative Land & Forestry Management |
| 14:20-15:30 | Session 4 - Life Below Water - Harnessing The Blue Economy through Investment & Innovation |
| 15:30-16:00 | Closing Remarks by Partners - Natural Capital as an Asset Class - Mitigating Climate Change by Protecting Nature |
| 16:00-19:00 | Cocktail Reception & Networking |
Register online HERE
01/03 2021
2021 Youth Summit
Planned Youth Summit discussing issues of interest and/or concern related to the environment, animal welfare, social justice and heritage
- Due to new COVID-19 Safe Plans for schools, the 'physical' gathering of Years 9, 10, 11 and 12 students is no longer possible. Instead, the HOPE Management Team is seeking to re-imagine the events as a series of ZOOM meetings in late April
- Great news! Householders’ Options to Protect the Environment (HOPE) Inc., in partnership with St. Ursula’s College, will hold a series of 4 Zoom meetings, over consecutive days, to discuss issues of concern relating to the environment, social justice, animal welfare/conservation and heritage. The 4 afternoon ZOOM meetings will be held on 19th, 20th, 21st and 22nd April 2021, from 4pm to 5pm.
- Years 9, 10, 11 and 12 secondary students and their home-schooled equivalents are invited to participate in this FREE regional event and hear presentations from government, industry, academia and community group representatives. Each presentation will be followed by a Q&A session.
- Once the Youth Summit program of speakers is finalised, we will be asking students to submit their registration for one or more of the Youth Summit ZOOM meetings directly to HOPE at [email protected]. Students should include their name, year level and school
Australian Youth Climate Coalition
Main Aims
The Australian Youth Climate Coalition (AYCC) aims to empower Australia’s youth to take action on climate change and build a movement committed to a safe and sustainable future. As Australia’s largest youth-run organisation, the AYCC positions itself as the voice of the youth as it is young people who will inherit the consequences of today’s decisions. Its main aims are to empower and educate, run strategic campaigns, shift the narrative on climate change and mobilise young people.
Major Achievements
AYCC offers an online training program called the “Climate Justice Academy” which equips the next generation of climate change leaders with the skills they need to be the force for change in the world. Programs are provided for those already experienced in leading AYCC campaigns such as the Leadership program, and also for those looking to get involved for the first time such as the Speak Up Trainings. For those entirely new to the AYCC, the Digital Climate Justice Fellowship lays the foundation for the work the AYCC does and provides training in the causes of the climate crisis and ways to build a better future.
Training for school students are also offered with the Student Climate Leadership program available for schools which provides mentorship from experienced climate campaigners. The Showing Up for Indigenous + Racial Justice program explores the links between climate justice and First Nations justice, and there is even a program specifically tailored to young people from Northern Queensland which aims to equip the youth to take action in their communities.
Current Projects/Campaigns
Submissions to Chief Minister Michael Gunner
AYCC is currently collecting messages to Chief Minister Michael Gunner, asking him to protect the future of the Northern Territory from fracking and invest in renewable energy. The campaign aims to draw attention to the dangers of gas fracking in the Northern Territory and the growing community opposition to these activities. Head over to the AYCC website to write your message.
Queensland #Renewablerecovery Open Letter
The COVID-19 pandemic has had an enormous impact on the Queensland economy and as part of the economic recovery, the AYCC is calling on the Queensland government to deliver a renewables-based recovery. This recovery includes large-scale renewable energy projects providing thousands of new jobs and exporting clean energy to the rest of the country. Support the AYCC’s initiative by signing the open letter.
#Stopadani
The Stop Adani campaign aims to garner enough support to stop Adani’s plans to dig the dangerous Carmichael coal mine. You can support the AYCC’s Stop Adani campaign by signing the pledge on the AYCC website.
Origin Open Letter
The Origin Open Letter is addressed to Origin Energy and demands that Origin Energy drops their gas fracking plans and invests in clean energy solutions instead. You can support this campaign by heading to the AYCC website and signing the open letter.
No Public Money for Gas: Action Hub
This campaign aims to put pressure on local politicians to stop the Federal Government from giving public funds to fast-track gas projects. Since the Government needs the support of the Senate to get this plan across the line, you can email your MP to ensure that they put community before profit.
Upcoming Events
RSVP for these upcoming activism events:
- Tuesday 3rd November: Impact Hour Week #1
- Tuesday 10th November: Impact Hour Week #2
- Tuesday 17th November: Impact Hour Week #3
- Tuesday 24th November: Impact Hour Week #4
- Tuesday 1st December: Impact Hour Week #5
Visit this page for more details on times.
If you would like to volunteer for the AYCC or to find out more information, check out their website. You can also follow the AYCC on Twitter, Facebook and Instagram.
Climate Act NowJust 4 days to goDear friends of the environment, On Monday, I will table the Climate Change Bill in federal parliament. The Bill can then either be debated or referred to a Parliamentary Committee for inquiry. This will mark the beginning of the next stage of our mission to secure climate action for Australia. It means a lot to me to know that I have the ongoing support of so many others across the nation. Looking ahead, many of you have asked about what's happening on the day. The Climate Act Now team have put the following key highlights together for you so you can stay up to date. |
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World Tsunami Awareness Day
Though they are a rare occurrence, tsunamis (or tidal waves) are an incredibly lethal natural disaster, claiming more than 260,000 deaths in the past 100 years. The highest number of fatalities in that period was the Indian Ocean tsunami of December 2004, causing an estimated 227,000 fatalities in 14 countries, the worst-hit being Indonesia, Sri Lanka, India and Thailand.
In December 2015, the UN General Assembly decided to set aside the 5th of November as World Tsunami Awareness Day, to enlighten people about the dangers of this deadly natural phenomenon. It was prompted by Japan’s longstanding experiences with tsunamis and their expertise in dealing with them. The Japanese government has, over the years, accumulated a wealth of knowledge in the areas of tsunami early warning, public action, and rebuilding in the aftermath of a tsunami disaster, as well as minimising the damage caused in future scenarios.
World Tsunami Awareness Day calls on people and organisations around the world to observe this date and in doing so, raise awareness of the damage caused by these natural disasters and to share strategies and approaches for risk reduction. Investing in resilient infrastructure, early warning systems, and informing the community will protect both people and property for future generations.
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Australian Pollinator Week
Australian Pollinator Week is a week designated to acknowledge Australia’s unique insect pollinators. During this week, community, business, and other organisations can come together and raise awareness of these special insects and the vital role they play in pollination.
Founded by Dr Megan Halcroft of Bees Business in 2015, Australian Pollinator Week followed on from a community project called “Bee Aware of Your Native Bees”, funded by Western Sydney University and the Environmental Trust.
Although communities in the Northern Hemisphere have been celebrating the importance of pollinators since 2007, the seasonal differences in out Southern Hemisphere has restricted international celebrations.
Australian Pollinator Week was designated to fill the gap in order to acknowledge the role insect pollinators play in our southern spring. Schools, retirement villages, art groups, community gardens and local councils can all take part through group activities, fundraising and online participation.
Among the pollinators is the endangered Green Carpenter Bee, a beautiful jewel green bee whose habitat has sadly been devastated by the recent bushfires. To help this threatened species, and to find out more about Australian Pollinator Week, head to https://www.australianpollinatorweek.org.au/.
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National Recycling Week
Founded by Australian environmental non-profit Planet Ark, National Recycling Week has been established for 25 years. It offers a unique opportunity for councils, businesses, schools and individuals to build upon their recycling knowledge, and highlights the importance of practicing good recycling habits.
This annual campaign, which takes place between the 9th and 15th of November, continues to educate people across nationally provoke behaviour changes through the following:
- Creating recycling initiatives for industry and community, as well as kerbside recycling initiatives
- Providing people with the right tools to minimise waste and manage their material resources responsibly at home, work and school.
In 2020, the theme of National Recycling Week is ‘Recovery – A future beyond the bin’. This encourages people to value resources, reducing, reusing and recycling. Not only does this keep valuable material resources out of landfill, but it also creates a net gain for the environment by reducing greenhouse gas emissions and the need for new materials, saving money at home, work, and the classroom.
You can participate by reading up on:
- The recycling process
- How to manage food waste
- How to recycle packaging properly
- How to recycle electronic waste
For more information on how to get involved visit: https://recyclingnearyou.com.au/
(Written by Maggie NG, Hope volunteer VIC.)
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National Climate Emergency Summit
14-15 February 2020, Melbourne Town Hall
The National Climate Emergency Summit will convene practitioners, advocates, governments, youth leaders, and industry innovators to unpack what a climate emergency response could look like at local, national, and global levels.
The Summit will present a series of workshops, panel discussions, and debates that tackle critical issues spanning the political, economic, technical, and social change dimensions of achieving a full-scale response to the climate emergency.
The Summit addresses the pressing need to consolidate coordinated and cooperative approaches to form sound and effective responses – inviting communities, practitioners, businesses to challenge and assist governments to respond to the climate crisis.
The event provides an opportunity to catalyse breakthroughs that help shape the kind of climate emergency response citizens want to see.
For more information and tickets, go to: www.climateemergencysummit.org
