Beneath the Wisteria

Climate activist Shannon Loughnane arrived in Benalla on Saturday one-third of his way through a walk from Coburg to Canberra.

Benalla Mayor Scott Upston, Shannon Loughnane, John
Lloyd (Renewable Energy Benalla) and Peter Maddock
 (Benalla Sustainable Future Group).

He was greeted by locals at an event organised by the Benalla Sustainable Future Group (BSFG) and took the opportunity to talk to community members about climate change.

BSFG president Peter Maddock introduced the event and welcomed Mr Loughnane to Benalla.

‘‘It was probably about two months ago that Shannon contacted us and told us about his project,’’ Mr Maddock said.

‘‘And we thought we would take the opportunity to hold this event and invite people from the local community to talk about what they’re doing locally and to find out what Shannon’s walk is all about.’’

The event was supported by a grant from Benalla Rural City Council, and Mayor Scott Upston spoke to the audience about the fundraiser and the importance of addressing climate change before handing over to Mr Loughnane, who by this stage had just about caught his breath.

‘‘Indigenous people lived sustainably on this land for more than 50 000 years and they were living in harmony with the natural environment,’’ Mr Loughnane said.

‘‘So when we talk about climate change it is very much something that colonisation and industrialisation brought along with it. ‘‘The climate emergency is here. ‘‘You won’t hear me saying the words ‘climate change’, as now we are experiencing a climate emergency.

‘‘The amount of carbon dioxide gas in our atmosphere is above levels not seen for millions Doing their bit: of years when trees were growing in the southern pole and sea levels were 20 m higher.

‘‘I can tell you that the last four years were the hottest on record, and 18 of the 19 hottest years on record have been since 2000.

‘‘The UNHCR estimates that about 250 million people could be displaced from their homes by 2050.

‘‘But the climate emergency is offering social and economic opportunities.

‘‘There are thousands and potentially millions of jobs in renewable infrastructure and energy waiting to be unlocked around the globe.

‘‘So this moment in history is not all about doom and gloom,’’ Mr Loughnane said.

‘‘If we address the issue properly we can make a difference to our environment and offer people opportunities.’’

Mr Loughnane spoke in detail about those opportunities and how we, as a society, could unlock them before taking questions from the audience.

The engagement highlighted a real drive by Benalla locals to address climate change and to find ways to do their bit.

After the event Mr Loughnane enjoyed some rest and relaxation before setting off towards Canberra on Sunday.

• Story from The Shepparton News by Simon Ruppert - “Time right to help climate.”

(Shannon was interviewed by Climate Conversations).