South Australians are encouraged to get involved in Community Climate Conversations and have their say on how South Australia achieves its target to reach net zero emissions by 2050.

The Conservation Council of South Australia (Conservation SA) and South Australians for Climate Action (SACA) are launching the Community Climate Conversations to involve the community in conversations about South Australia’s net zero emissions future.

It’s the largest conversation of its kind on climate in the country.

Between now and 30 November 2023, everyone in South Australia is encouraged to host or participate in a Community Climate Conversation and submit their feedback.

Community Climate Conversations can be held between family and friends, colleagues, school groups, sporting clubs or any other community group.

DemocracyCo has been engaged by Conservation SA and SACA to coordinate conversations, with additional resources and support from the Department for Environment and Water.

Conservation SA and SACA will provide all feedback gathered to the state government to help inform how government, industry and community can work together to achieve net zero emissions.

Earlier this year an independently selected Community Climate Panel was formed and met on several occasions to discuss their emission reduction ideas.

DemocracyCo has developed a Conversation Guide based on the panel’s ideas that Community Climate Conversation participants can use in their conversations.

To find out more or to participate in a Community Climate Conversation visit www.democracyco.com.au

Quotes

Attributable to Dr Susan Close

This is the largest conversation on climate change that Australia has ever seen.

We have already engaged with businesses and industries on how we reduce our emissions and, through the Community Climate Conversations, the community has the opportunity to join that conversation. I would strongly encourage everyone to get involved.

The Malinauskas Labor Government has started preparing the groundwork to achieve net zero emissions by 2050 and we’re now encouraging everyday South Australians to help the state pursue a clean, green and renewable future.

Attributable to the Chief Executive of the Conservation Council of SA, Craig Wilkins

South Australia, like the rest of the world, is facing an enormous challenge to rapidly reduce our climate impact. We will only succeed if we all work together, and tap into the knowledge, passion and expertise of everyday South Australians.

This innovative, state-wide process will help build support for bold action as decision-makers better understand the priorities and concerns of communities.

Attributable to South Australians for Climate Action co-convenor, Professor Judith Dwyer

The Conservation Council of SA and South Australians for Climate Action are undertaking a comprehensive two-stage process that aims to give everyone in South Australia a chance to help shape how our state takes action to address climate change.

Insights and participation of everyday people can make climate policy more robust, give political leaders the confidence and willingness to take bold action and increase public confidence and support for challenging decisions.