Climate change is not just about average temperatures rising, but variability of extremes

Rural communities must work together to adapt to a varying climate. 

This was the recurring theme delivered by presenters at Building Climate Resilience event held at the Birchip Public Hall on Tuesday 29 October. 

Keynote speakers, researchers, industry experts and farmers presented to a diverse audience of 130 who came together to build on their climate knowledge and resilience. 

The day commenced with keynote speaker, Gabrielle Chan, a political journalist and author, urging the audience to take charge of their own narratives. "If rural communities want to see change, it is important they tell their story otherwise, metropolitan audiences will make their own minds up. 

"Local community voices are fantastic, and we need to encourage a greater range of diversity to help communities be resilient", Ms Chan added. 

Second keynote speaker, Professor Mark Howden, director of the Australian National University Climate Change Institute presented a sobering perspective on the changes to the Australian climate and what to expect if mitigating activities aren't undertaken. 

"Climate change is not just about average temperatures rising, but variability of extremes" Prof Howden said. He pointed to the increase in frequency and intensity of droughts in Australia while rain events can be more significant but less frequent. 

"These extremes are normal everywhere; everywhere in Victoria is experiencing these increases, and there is no escape", Prof Howden said. 

The afternoon continued with sessions offering hands on, practical steps that can be adopted by individuals and communities to build their climate resilience. Speakers such as Dr Alison Kennedy from the National Centre for Farmer Health discussed how individuals can maintain their health in a rural context, and Rob Law from Central Victorian Greenhouse Alliance presenting opportunities for renewable energy in the Wimmera and Mallee. 

Other topics included harnessing solar energy using microgrid technology, the opportunities offered by the GWMWater pipeline and current examples of communities transitioning to zero carbon. 

In the event wrap up, an audience member asked: "what can I do to ensure there is a future for subsequent generations?" Presenter Stuart McAlpine, a farmer from Wide Open Agriculture in Western Australia, suggested "find people who do something and lead by example and get the job done." 

"But focus energy in a positive way, not a negative way" he continued. 

Another audience member provided feedback on the day, "today was a very powerful and realistic summation of where we are at". 

Keep an eye on the BCG website www.bcg.org.aufor a recording of the event presentations. 

The Building Climate Resilience event was a joint initiative of the Buloke Shire Council, Birchip Cropping Group, North Central Catchment Management Authority and Mallee Catchment Management Authority, with funding through the Federal Government's Drought Communities Program. 

Pictured left to right: Pete Mailer – NSW Farmer, Graeme Anderson – Agriculture Victoria, Anthony Judd – Buloke Shire Council, Glen Sutherland – Mallee CMA, Fiona Davis – Farmers for Climate Action, Dr Alison Kennedy – National Centre for Farmer Health, Stuart McAlpine – Wide Open Agriculture, John Ferrier – BCG