18 May, 2016

Second Annual Switched on Schools Summit for Climate Action at Town Hall

Around a hundred students from Adelaide’s senior schools will converge on the Adelaide Town Hall today and Thursday to participate in a two-day sustainability summit aimed at taking action on climate change.

In partnership with the Australian Youth Climate Coalition’s Switched on Schools program, the summit will provide opportunities for young people to look at ways they can effect change within their own schools and communities, and how that can impact positively on the broader community.

Lord Mayor Martin Haese, who hosted last year’s one day event, is pleased to be hosting an expanded summit this year with representation from both city and metropolitan schools in an environment of learning, teaching and inspiring around ways to effect real changes individually, locally and beyond.

“From my experiences with young people, I am convinced more than ever that they are the vehicle through which we can educate and facilitate change when it comes to sustainability,” said Martin.

“As the Capital City Council we are in a unique position to influence and educate and I am glad to be hosting the expanded summit, especially given the important work we have been doing around Carbon Neutral Adelaide since our strategy and partnership with the State Government was announced in November last year.”

Minister for Climate Change, Ian Hunter will welcome the students and discuss South Australia’s word leading actions to tackle climate change as well as the vision to make Adelaide the world’s first carbon neutral city – a showcase for renewables and clean technology.

“It’s important that South Australia transitions to a low-carbon economy and in doing so we are ensuring today’s students have a bright future” Mr Hunter said.

“Unlike some adults, young people understand the dangers that global warming presents and the need for action to limit it. They also understand that the economic opportunities – both now and into the future – of acting on global warming.

“We need to have young people at the table. The decisions we make today will decide the future they inherit.”
Lovisa Muyderman from the Australian Youth Climate Coalition said she was pleased to see the summit grow from a one day event to two days. The Australian Youth Climate Coalition will be launching the ‘Repower Our Schools’ campaign at the summit for students to take back to their schools.

“The demand for action on climate change from young people is clear, and the summit’s growth from one to two days is a demonstration of this,” said Lovisa.

“Last year students gained some valuable insights, came up with some great ideas, and really worked together to find ways they could help influence climate change. This year we’ll be working with the students so they can go back to their schools and lead sustainability and clean energy initiatives in their schools.”

Students will hear from inspiring speakers, learn more about climate change and meet other young people motivated to make changes and build skills so they can develop and run climate change and sustainability campaigns at a school and local community level.

The summit runs from 8.30am until 2.30pm tomorrow and Thursday at the Adelaide Town Hall. For more information on Repower our schools http://www.switchedonschools.org.au/repower .

Rebecca Draysey