Radford student speaks at Climate and Nature Community Forum
By Emily Begbie, Assistant Head of Junior School & Sustainability Committee member
Last Friday evening Emily Passlow, one of Radford’s Year 12 Sustainability Captains, was invited to participate in a Climate and Nature Community Forum in Canberra’s inner north. She joined experts and members of the community to discuss the state of our climate and nature, and participated in a panel focusing on intergenerational aspects of the dual climate and biodiversity crises.
Emily was the youngest panellist present. She discussed the fact that young people’s understanding and knowledge about issues relating to climate and nature are regularly underestimated, and their voices often dismissed. She expressed the fact that young people can often experience more fear than hope in relation to climate, and emphasised the importance of young people’s voices being heard by decision makers.
The panel was asked to discuss what keeps them going as they contend with the challenging issues surrounding climate and the environment. Emily shared several things that bring her encouragement: seeing how passionate other people are about making things happen and getting things done; engaging with peers at school, both those with similar views and differing views; watching a happy news blog that shares climate wins. And coming together in community and celebrating the little things.
Earlier this week Emily and a group of seven Radford Secondary School students, led by our Sustainability Captains and supported by staff from the College’s Sustainability Committee - Mr Spencer Edwards, Ms Emily Begbie, and Ms Kath Notley - proudly represented the College at the Schools Climate Action Conference at the University of Canberra this past Tuesday. Joining peers from high schools and colleges across the city, our delegates shared their passion and commitment to sustainability.
The conference provided an invaluable opportunity for students to collaborate on real-world sustainability challenges. Through hands-on workshops, they explored solutions to key environmental issues within our school, while also gaining insights from local change-makers, including the ACT Commissioner for Sustainability and the Environment, as well as academics, business leaders, and community representatives from a range of organisations.
The day concluded with each school presenting their action plans and priorities for the year ahead. It was an inspiring and empowering experience, amplifying student voices and fostering meaningful change. The College’s Sustainability Committee looks forward to working closely with our delegates to turn their action plans into reality.
