MEDIA ALERT: SACOSS' Building a Climate Resilient Community Sector conference today tackles the critical question of the impacts of climate change.
Climate change is a threat to all of us, and in many ways: to our health, livelihoods, homes, businesses and infrastructure. But while its reach is broad, the effects of climate change are not distributed equally. The greatest burden falls on people who are already facing other challenges.
People experiencing poverty, living with disabilities or chronic physical or mental health conditions, or whose first language is not English, as well as the very young and the elderly, are disproportionately affected.
Health and community service providers, governments, communities and emergency service providers have a shared responsibility to prepare, and keep safe, communities and individuals who may be more at risk from the impacts of climate change.
Today's conference brings together people from across the community sector, government and beyond to look at how we can develop and implement strategies to prepare, adapt and respond to climate emergencies and disasters and create more climate resilient organisations, communities and people.
Among other topics the conference will cover:
- Climate and health - risks, and actions we can take
- Dealing with a climate-driven emergency scenario
- Climate impact for Aboriginal communities
- Insurance implications for organisations and people more at risk
- Perspectives on disaster preparation, response, recovery and resilience
Let us know if you would like to follow up on any discussions or topics from the conference, which provides a forum for important conversations about how to create a safer future for all.