Envirohub has unveiled plans for a Climate Action Festival set to sweep across the Western Bay of Plenty this week in a wave of green enthusiasm.

With an inspiring line-up of renowned speakers, thought-provoking webinars, captivating movies and a delectable array of locally-sourced cuisine, this festival promises to be a pivotal inspirational moment in the ongoing global and local effort to combat climate change.

From September 10-17, the spotlight on climate action will shine in a way that’s full of hope and optimism – and anyone can dive in, says festival coordinator Milly McHardie.

“We believe that by bringing people together under the banner of climate action, we can create a ripple effect of positive change that extends far beyond the Bay of Plenty,” says Milly.

There are a collection of events running throughout the week that highlight and celebrate some of the climate action currently taking place in the world, and more specifically in the Bay of Plenty.  

Speakers Forum

Waikato University will host a speakers’ forum from 6pm -9pm on September 15. Rina Te Rehina Walker from Ngapeke Permaculture, Youth Climate Forum & FutureFit ambassador Karlia Taylor and Laura Robichaux from Beca will share information and perspectives. Tickets, which includes vegan canapes, are $5 and are available here

Webinars

Daily webinars with Te Whatu Ora, Tauranga City Council, Western Bay of Plenty District Council and Bay of Plenty Regional Council will address the connection between climate change, human health and wellbeing, and how to take part in building a more low-carbon, resilient future.

"Climate Change & Health" is the topic of a webinar being run by Te Whatu Ora from 11.58am - 12.30pm on September 11. Join Vicktoria Blake and Sarah Macfarlane for a lunchtime webinar discussing the connection between climate change and human health and wellbeing. Vicktoria is the Interim Head of Sustainability for Te Whatu Ora and has invited Sarah from the public health service in Canterbury to share her knowledge.

Sarah is experienced in engaging communities on climate issues, aiming to not only reduce the negative impacts of climate change on health, but to enhance community wellbeing through participation in responses. Sarah is particularly interested in climate change as a health and equity issue and believes that human - and non-human - wellbeing depends on the global ecosystem, and that the impacts of climate change disproportionately affect populations that have contributed the least to its decline.

'Creating a Resilient, Low-Carbon Tomorrow' is the topic of a webinar being run by WBOPDC, TCC and BOPRC from 12pm - 12.45pm on September 12. This is a free online event and included a 30 minute presentation followed by a 15 minute Q&A time.

The three councils will shoare how your or your business can have a lighter impact on the planet and consider the challenges and opportunities of our changing climate. To reserve your spot for this webinar click here.

A webinar on 'How to communicate your sustainability message' is being held from 12pm - 12.45pm on September 13 with Meg Jones from The Shine Collective sharing her tips and tricks on telling your story to grow your brand.

Movie: 2040

In Waihi and Katikati the movie ‘2040’ by award-winning director and filmmaker Damon Gameau will screen. Damon travels the world in search of new approaches and solutions to climate change, offering an optimistic view.

Damon Gameau embarks on a journey to explore what the future could look like by the year 2040 if we simply embraced the best solutions already available to us to improve our planet and shifted them rapidly into the mainstream. Structured as a visual letter to his four-year-old daughter, Damon blends traditional documentary with dramatised sequences and high-end visual effects to create a vision board of how these solutions could regenerate the world for future generations.

At Waihi Beach, come down to the Waihi Beach Lifeguard Services building for a screening of '2040' from 5pm - 7pm onSeptember 10. Tickets are $5 and include vegan canapes through out the film. Click here for more information and tickets

In Katikati head to The Arts Junction Theatre for a screening of the film '2040' from 6pm - 8pm on September 11. This is a free event, with drinks and popcorn available. Reserve your spot here

Local Eateries

Keen to eat and drink green for the planet? Head to local eateries for a delicious menu that supports climate action, whether it is plant-based, locally-sourced, organic or seasonal.

Participating eateries include Soul Boul and The Nourished Eatery in Tauranga, Squeeze Cafe in Katikati and The Daily in Te Puke.

Dishes included are either plant-based, organic, made with local and/or seasonal ingredients.

What else is happening?

On Tuesday, September 12, Beca will be running a Circular Design Framework workshop for Mount Maunganui College Students. This workshop incorporates CE principles, climate resilience, socioeconomic benefits and a Te Ao Māori perspective.

Envirohub will also have a stall at the Te Puke Sustainability Expo on Sunday, September 17, with information about climate change in the Bay of Plenty as well as free rat traps for the community as part of the Predator Free programme.

Get ready to be inspired, educated and entertained at this intersection of eco-consciousness and community spirit!

The Climate Action Festival is all about celebration, inspiration, and collaboration. It’s an opportunity to celebrate those doing their bit to fight climate change while inspiring the rest of the community to do the same with activities and events throughout the week.  

For more information, go to: envirohub.org.nz