Full house for climate change talk

Circular Economy Huon had a full house at the Huon Valley Hub on 14 May to hear from Malcolm Johnson, recently appointed Climate Change Officer for the Huon Valley Council. The depth of knowledge displayed and the detailed thinking behind the talk, was impressive, with attendees fully engaged with the information provided.

Malcolm first quashed any doubts attendees might have about the reality of climate change, and underlined the cause as being human emissions of greenhouse gases over the past 250 years. He said: “With the world currently on a trajectory for 2°C of warming in near decades, we can expect to see far fewer days of very cold weather, and more days of above average temperatures”. While annual rainfall in the Huon is likely to remain similar to current levels, we will see greater variability – with more droughts and intense rainfall events.

Malcolm emphasised: “While continued reduction in emissions is essential, the most effective action that council and the Huon community can undertake, is to prepare and adapt for the changes already locked-in”. To that end, he is currently working on Council’s Climate Change Adaptation Strategy, which will contain practical steps Council and community can take together, to improve the resiliency of our people, our built infrastructure and natural heritage.

By combining knowledge of the likely climate change effects to be experienced in the Huon, with an understanding of what people most value about our region, Malcolm is well-placed to identify and prioritise projects to help us maintain our lifestyle and liveability into the future. He concluded: “Look out for the draft Climate Adaptation Strategy, which will be going out for consultation”. He also stressed he welcomed enquiries from community at any time.

Notes: Malcolm’s presentation drew from research undertaken by the Southern Tasmanian Council Authority, under the Regional Climate Change Initiative, which can be accessed here: https://www.stca.tas.gov.au/rcci/climate-change-in-southern-tasmania/