Young people Rising Up for climate solutions

Published on 20 November 2024

In November, Lane Cove welcomed some inspiring young leaders to understand their unique experience of climate change and consider the path forward for our planet. Six young people from the small Pacific Island nations of Kiribati and Tuvalu visited our part of the world, participating in a panel discussion and documentary screening for young Australian Kal Glanznig’s film “Rising Up”. The events provided our community with an opportunity to think more deeply about the impact of climate change on the Pacific Islands and the rest of the world, also learning about all the great work these young climate leaders are doing to raise awareness.

Youth Panel

Co-hosted with the Edmund Rice Centre and moderated by local Alex Vaccher, over 80 people gathered to listen to Asuela O’Brien, Gitty Yee, Robert Karoro, Marion Fuasou Mono, Miriam Moriati, and Rabwena Ieete share how their island homes are growing increasingly vulnerable to the effects of climate change. With issues such as saltwater intrusion, sea level rise and coastal erosion, the discussion was robust and varied. Stories of resilience through these challenges inspired the audience, with locals asking questions such as “How does climate change have an impact on your wellbeing and how can we learn from your resilience?”

Lane Cove Councillors present included Mayor Merri Southwood, Deputy Mayor Bridget Kennedy, Councillor David Roenfeldt, Councillor Rochelle Flood, Councillor Helena Greenwell.

The audience also included Senator Abigail Boyd and an unexpected delegation from the Kiribati Parliament, including Hon Ruth Cross Kwansing, Hon Tessie Lambourne, and Hon Tauanei Marea, as well as Willie Kwansing, David Lambourne, Tekaura Tauanei, Tierii Tokintekai and Kauae Been.

Rising Up screening and panel Q&A

At Council’s premier outdoor venue, The Canopy, we hosted an incredible documentary screening and Q&A panel for Rising Up, a documentary by 2020 Sutherland Shire Young Australian of the Year, climate change leader, and Sutherland Shire Councillor Kal Glanznig. Rising Up investigates the impacts of the climate crisis and plastic pollution on different communties and showcases the voices of young leaders who are creating much needed change.

The event was MC’d by Jo Taranto and was attended by Jerome Laxale, MP for Bennelong. The panel discussion included Kal Glanznig, Sophia Skarparis as well as the Kiribati and Tuvalu Fellows, Asuela O’Brien, Gitty Yee and Robert Karoro.