Climate change poses one of the biggest threats to nature. The Paris accord states that to limit global warming to 1.5 degrees and prevent catastrophic climate events and mass extinction we must reduce emissions by 43% by 2030.
A fast rollout of renewable energy developments across NSW is a crucial step in reducing our emissions and also achieving the state’s target of net-zero by 2050. However, as environmentalists we know that a fast rollout of developments can be a risk for nature, threatening to harm species and their homes.
So how can we ensure nature is protected in the renewable energy rollout? Can NSW be a leader in nature positive renewable developments? What role can we play as environmental and conservation groups?
Join Nature Conservation Council of NSW’s upcoming webinar where we will explore these issue and questions, hear from experts in the field, and discuss what needs to change in NSW to see a renewable energy transition that is good for climate and good for nature.
When: Wednesday 28 August, 6:30-7:30pm
Where: Online (Zoom). RSVP for the Zoom link.
Speakers
Heidi McElnea, Regional Coordinator, Community Power Agency
As a Regional Coordinator for Community Power Agency, Heidi McElnea brings stakeholders together to proactively address the potential social and environmental impacts of a renewable energy zone (REZ) context and identify regional opportunities in the shift to clean energy. In her most recent collaboration, Building Better Biodiversity on Solar Farms, Heidi worked with farmers, developers, ecologists, researchers, Landcare and Cultural Knowledge Holders to explore and document shared land-use opportunities in the New England REZ, and which has broader applicability for any region where solar developments are planned.
Clare Silcock, Energy Strategist, Queensland Conservation Council
Clare is the Queensland Conservation Council's Energy Strategist, working to replace coal fired power stations with clean energy. She is a renewable energy engineer, with ten years experience in electricity market modelling, zero carbon transition planning and community energy development in London and Brisbane. Clare has been working with communities around Queensland to push for better planning, development and operation of renewable energy which would protect both our climate and nature.
Jacqui Mills, Senior Climate Campaigner, Nature Conservation Council NSW
