CEO’s Message (Climate Change

Climate Change (CEO’s Message)

On the 6th of May I was given the opportunity to speak at the (SACOSS) South Australian Council of Social service conference held in Adelaide alongside Doctor Victoria Matthews from University Centre for Rural Health. The conference was based around Building Climate Resilient Community Sector. It highlights a major concern on how prepared are we to live under such major changes that are happening right under our noses and nothing is being done about it nor do our mob understand how we are being impacted by the change. The effects of climate change in our community is becoming more evident each year but it’s not talked about as often as it should. When you witness it in your own community it becomes quite significant and frightening. Scientists and Governments worldwide are recognizing that failure to act will result in increased frequency and intensity of weather events and disasters. We shouldn’t be spending money on sending someone to Mars or the moon why? We have planet earth where we should be using our own initiatives to save what we have.

South Australia is expected to experience increased heatwaves, fires and the resultant smoke pollution, drought and dust pollution, more intense storm activity with flooding, and coastal inundation from rising sea levels and storm surges. These events pose risks for health and community service sector organizations, their assets, people, clients and communities. Health and community service providers, governments, communities and emergency service providers have a shared responsibility to prepare, and keep safe, communities and individuals who may be more at risk from the impacts of climate change. Join us to find out more about developing and implementing strategies to prepare, adapt and respond to climate emergencies and disasters and create more climate resilient organizations, communities and people. Climate change is a threat to our health, livelihoods, homes, businesses and infrastructure and most of all our culture. The impacts of climate change are not distributed equally, with the greatest burden being borne by people experiencing poverty, living with disabilities or chronic physical or mental health conditions, whose first language is not English as well as the very young and the elderly. Community sector organizations are not immune, and people need to know they can access services whatever the weather. What are the risks and impacts on organizations, service models, paid and volunteer staff or client groups? How do we prepare? How can we ensure that the best measures are in place to support our organizations, and our Community How can we best work with government, emergency service providers and sector partners to create a safer future for our next generation? As our climate changes and becomes warmer it will have significant impacts on human health. Heat waves, fire and smoke can be deadly. Drought, fire and floods can impact on food and water supplies required to live healthy lives. Anxiety and grief about the climate crisis is becoming increasingly recognized by Health Workers, social workers psychiatrists, psychologists and general practitioners.

Coober Pedy has the desert climate prevailing. The daytime temperature is warm to hot, while it can also be cold at night. You won't have rain here anytime soon. Coober Pedy

Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec

Day temp. (°C) 37 35 32 27 22 18 18 21 25 30 32 34 Night temp. (°C) 26 24 22 18 14 11 10 12 14 18 21 24

Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec

Precipitation (mm) 6 9 5 6 9 4 6 4 7 8 14 15 Days with rain 4 3 3 4 4 2 3 2 3 4 5 5 Dry days 27 25 28 26 27 28 28 29 27 27 25 26

How does Opal mining affect our community and environment?

Mine shafts litter the 4,954 km2 mine fields in Coober Pedy. They vary in depth but are typically 25m-30m deep. The environmental impacts of opal mining on the area are very significant. There are large piles of dirt and dust scattering the landscape and therefore is a constant danger of running into an uncovered mine. This poses threats to the wildlife living in the area and if no actions are taken, the safety of these animals is at risk including lives of humans. Heavy machinery and human activity in the area has cleared away most of the vegetation and has made it difficult for new plants and trees to grow. Due to lack of shelter, native animals are already struggling to survive in Australia’s harsh outback. In years to come, without any actions being taken to prevent this problem, future generations will no longer be able to sustain plant or animal life in Coober Pedy. Therefore, if mining operations continue to affect the environment as they currently are, it is not sustainable.

Few Key Points To Support Environmental Changes

- Get to know about climate change - Educate your children and family - Stop using plastic - Grow trees, - Transform your transport - Rein in your power use - Tweak your diet - Shop local and buy sustainable - Don't waste food - Dress (climate) smart