A renowned environmental policy expert and political scientist will be guest speaker at a presentation hosted by the Baw Baw Sustainability Network's next week.
"The fires next time: Hope and action in the time of climate change" will be presented by associate professor Peter Christoff at the Yarragon Public Hall on Thursday, October 30.
Prof Christoff, editor of the 2023 collection The Fires Next Time, will reflect on the catastrophic Black Summer bushfires of 2019–2020 - a climate-driven disaster that scorchedmore than 24 million hectares, claimed 33 lives directly and caused hundreds of additional fatalities due to smoke exposure, and left a lasting impact on Australia's ecosystems and economy.
More than just a talk about bushfires, the event offers an inspiring opportunity to reflect on the lessons of Black Summer and explore how communities can take action and advocate for meaningful policy change - a call to come together, get informed, and be part of building a more resilient, just, and sustainable future.
Prof Christoff is an associate professor in political science at Melbourne University and served as vice president of the Australian Conservation Foundation from 2005 to 2013. His work focuses on climate change politics, environmental policy, and global environmental governance.
A question and answer session will follow the presentation, offering community members the chance to engage directly with one of Australia's most respected voices in climate change policy.The event will begin at 7pm.
Registration is essential at https://www.bbsn.org.au/events-1/peter-christoff-the-fires-next-time