The forum co-hosted by Community Energy for Goulburn will discuss a report entitled Hot, Dry and Deadly: Impacts of climate change on nature in NSW.

This is a new new report by the NSW Nature Conservation Council that draws together the latest research to highlight the effects of global warming on species and landscapes. 

A spokesperson from that council said the night would go into how ecosystems Southern Tablelands could be affected by climate change. A campaign to repower NSW with renewable energy will also be discussed. 

“Climate change is not only one of the greatest challenges facing humanity, it is seriously threatening the survival of the unique wildlife and ecosystems in NSW,” the spokesperson said. 

“This new report draws together the latest research to highlight the harm that global warming is doing to nature across the state.

“Come along and hear how ecosystems and species in the Southern Tablelands and across the state will be affected by climate change, and learn how you can be part of the solution,” Nature Conservation Council campaigns director Daisy Barham said.

“Species and ecosystems in NSW have suffered many blows over the past 200 years, with land clearing, invasive species, and changed fire regimes taking a terrible toll.

“Now climate change is a significant new threat that could push species like the koala and Regent Honeyeater and ecosystems like grassy box woodlands over the brink if we don’t act quickly to reduce carbon emissions.”

This theme was echoed by Cranky Koala (Mark Selmes), who is attending the event. 

“It is estimated that abut 80 per cent of koala habitat has already disappeared and most of our remaining koala populations in NSW are in severe decline due to a combination of factors,” Cranky said.

“Unpredictable weather events and changes to climate in our region will impact further on koalas, as well as a range of our unique native plants and animals. Koalas only eat certain gum leaves and we rely on them for most of our moisture, so it will be of great interest to hear some of the predictions for our region.

“Healthy ecosystems are needed to underpin healthy communities and healthy people. As Cranky Koala, I encourage all who have an interest in an ecologically sustainable future or concerns about water resources and changing land management decisions, to come along and listen to ways we can ensure a future with clean air and water into the future “   

At the forum, people will be invited to join the #Repower campaign, a national movement of communities who want to accelerate the transition to renewable energy to protect the climate, nature, and farm productivity. It is on at 6pm, July 20, at the Goulburn Workers Club. Free, with refreshments.