Concerned about the future of our planet?

Concerned about the planet you will leave to your children?

Already making changes in your lifestyle but not too sure about the climate impact of your actions?

Well...this is for you!

By now, most of us know we're dealing with climate chaos. Enough of the gloom and doom!

Now let's embark on a beautiful collective journey of doing something about it to remedy this in the most effective ways possible. There are only 24 hours in a day and we no longer have the luxury of time. Prioritising top-effective actions is more important than ever.

We are brewing a large and stellar line-up of experts on all ways you can lower your footprint at home, at work, in New Zealand, and exactly by how much. Be prepared for a *positive* and empowering evening full of surprises and learning!

===== SPEAKER PANEL, BIOS & TOPICS ====

INTRODUCTION: CLIMATE ACTION, AN INCLUSIVE ENDEAVOUR

⭐ Māori: Donna Awatere Huata, Māori Climate Commissioner

Donna was appointed by The Māori Carbon Foundation as New Zealand's first Māori Climate Commissioner in 2018. Her job will be to provide independent Māori-focused research and advice that will contribute to Aotearoa meeting its obligations under the 2015 Paris Agreement, to reduce greenhouse gas emissions by 30 per cent below 2005 levels by 2030.

⭐ Youth: Elliot Blyth, School Strike 4 Climate (Content and communications team)

Originally from Dunedin, Elliot is studying a BSc Environmental Studies at Victoria University. He is involved in School Strike for Climate, helping with the Wellington organising team and national media. Elliot passionately believes that without a stable climate, nothing else matters. Because the youth will bear future climate the most, he feels it’s essential youth take part in the conversation.

WHAT WE CAN DO TO REDUCE OUR EMISSIONS

⛽️ Minimising The Footprint of Fossil transport: Kathy Dunphy – Government Sustainability Network Transport Representative.

Kathy Dunphy has been campaigning for environmental rights and social equity for many years, going right back to her working class Irish roots. She has brought her insights to several organisations and cultures, using empathy and passion to connect with others. In recent years she has taken an interest in transport and environmental policy, and is a vocal participant in a government sustainability network.

🚲 Transitioning to Cycling: Mark Johnston, Co-chair at Cycle Wellington

Mark Johnston is the co-Chair of Cycle Wellington, which empowers more Wellingtonians to get on their bikes more often for everyday journeys. Going by bike reduces the demand for fossil fuels and one's carbon footprint, but taking that first pedal into biking can be challenging. He wants to help the people of Wellington make that switch with some practical advice.

🔌 Electric Cars: Sigurd Magnussen – Trustee of the Better NZ Trust (an EV advocacy organisation)

Sigurd is a champion for electric vehicle uptake in Aotearoa. Over the past four years to help us shift transport from fossil fuels to clean electricity, he has organised countless community showcase and test-drive events, helped arrange Bluff to Cape Reinga EV road trips, is supporting the installation of over 100 public charging stations, written a comprehensive buyer’s guide, and racked up over 75,000kms in his own electric Nissan Leaf.

🏠 Reducing Emissions at Home – Christian Hoerning – Energy Efficiency and Conservation Authority (EECA) (Senior Sector Technology Analyst)

Christian Hoerning is a technical expert for household and building energy efficiency. He currently works at the Energy Efficiency and Conservation Authority (EECA) on government initiatives to improve building performance, energy efficiency and sustainability. This includes regulations, subsidy programmes, NZ standards, research projects and building sustainability rating tools.

🍍 Eating and Farming for the Planet: Youcef Banouni , Nutritionist and Founder of The Phase In Project

Youcef serves as a plant-based-certified nutritionist. He coaches clients and supports communities in their transition from various health conditions towards sustainable thriving health. To also nurture the health of life on Earth as we know it, he recently founded The Phase In Project, a collaborative effort to build a pilot program helping Aotearoa farmers transition to livestock-free land uses.

💰 Banking & Climate Change: Claudia Palmer – 350 Aoteaora (Campaigner and Community Organiser)

Claudia Palmer is a campaigner and community organiser for 350 Aotearoa. She's passionate about climate justice and believes in the power of collective action to create transformative change. 350 Aotearoa is best known for their divestment movement which has inspired thousands of institutions worldwide to cut social and economic ties with those most responsible for the climate crisis.

🛠 Tools, Resources & Miscellaneous