Region has little concern on climate change

People in the Goulburn region are less concerned about climate change than the rest of Victoria, according to a Sustainability Victoria survey.

Only 56 per cent of people surveyed in the Goulburn region, including Shepparton, were concerned about climate change, compared to 78 per cent in Victoria as a whole and 81 per cent in Greater Melbourne.

While Goulburn region residents were just as sceptical about climate change as other Victorians, 58 per cent agreed it was an issue requiring urgent actions immediately, compared with 78 per cent in Victoria.

Sustainability Victoria lead social researcher Dianna McDonald said there was also a troubling ‘‘perception gap’’.

She said when the Victorians who believed in climate change and action were asked how many other people thought the same, they said 48 per cent.

‘‘The reality is different to what they perceive,’’ she said.

‘‘This is not a good thing because they’re less likely to act, talk about and support action when they feel like they’re in a minority.’’

However, Ms McDonald said when the seven per cent of Victorians who were climate change sceptics were asked, they said about half thought like them.

‘‘Even though the sceptics are under 10 per cent, they think half the population thinks the same, so they’re emboldened,” she said.

Ms McDonald has been discussing the results of the Victorians’ Perceptions of Climate Change report around Victoria, stopping off in Shepparton last week.

She said the report was released about a year-and-a-half ago, surveying 210 Goulburn region residents and 3333 people across the state.

Although Goulburn region residents may not be as concerned about climate change as the rest of Victoria, 84 per cent believed they could take meaningful action, also showing strong support for renewable energy.

Ms McDonald also said the recent bushfires may have increased Victorians’ concerns about climate change.

‘‘The survey shows there’s a gap between the Federal Government’s action and what people want,’’ she said.

Story from The Shepparton News - “Region has little concern on climate change.”

A masterclass on engaging your community about climate change

Masterclasses aimed at helping groups engage with their communities on climate change have been set up by the Victorian Government.

The first of the five “masterclasses” will be held at Benalla on Wednesday, June 8, followed by similar events at Morwell, Bendigo, Horsham and Geelong.

All five classes across regional Victoria will be co-facilitated by the Euroa-based Strathbogie Voices.

Sustainability Victoria says, “This is a unique opportunity for community groups and members to further develop their skills in community engagement on climate change.

“At these half-day sessions, you will review current community engagement activities, be introduced to fresh ideas to reinvigorate your group and help build your skills in having a climate change conversation.

“This is also a chance network and share ideas, learn how to add some pizazz to meeting and bolster your group’s reach,” it said.

People eager to attend should RSVP seven days before the event they prefer.

Entries sought for Victorian Sustainability Award

Victorians should consider entering the 2016 Premier’s Stainability Awards.

The awards, which have just opened, celebrate and recognise outstanding achievements by Victorian businesses, institutes, community groups, government and individuals leading the way in sustainable innovation and practices.

Two new award categories introduced in 2015, the Health Award and the Environmental Justice Award, will continue as part of the 10 award categories in 2016.

Sustainability Victoria, the Victorian Government and the Premier of Victoria, Daniel Andrews MP say they are proud to recognise and reward Victorian’s who are leading the way in sustainable innovation and practices across all sectors within Victoria.

Foundation Paper helps us assess climate change

Sustainability Victoria has issued its “Foundation Paper/One - Climate Change Victoria: the science, our people and our state of play”.

In introducing the paper, Victoria’s Commissioner for Sustainability, Prof Kate Auty, said: “I have set myself the task of examining some of the hazards and vulnerabilities associated with climate change for our state and how we might consider addressing them.

 

It’s a comprehensive document, but important and certainly one that warrants reading if we are to better understand how climate change will impact on Victoria.