In recent years, Australia has been battered by catastrophic bushfires and floods exacerbated by climate change. It is also clear from these shock events that community organised actions fulfil an essential role in disaster preparation, response and recovery. With science warning that the intensity and frequency of fires, floods and other disasters will only increase in future, what lessons can be learnt from communities already impacted by this ‘new normal’? 

A panel of esteemed community organisers and researchers share crucial new findings from the SEI research project ‘Self-organising Systems to Minimise Future Disaster Risk’ in recognition of the UN’s International Disaster Risk Reduction Day on 13 October. Learn firsthand insights from their collaboration with affected communities in the Northern Rivers, Hawkesbury and Blue Mountains. The research illuminates the essential role of spontaneous community organising in times of disaster underpinned by strong local knowledge and connection. The discussion explores how government and emergency services can effectively support this role and how the most meaningful community actions can often go unnoticed.

Timestamps

8.47 Impact of climate-driven disasters on communities
19.29 What would support communities?
24.51 Recognising the role of local knowledge
31.48 What do communities want from government and agencies?

Speakers
Scott Webster, Researcher, Sydney Environment Institute
Mary Lyons-Buckett, Community Fellow, Hawkesbury
Rebecca McNaught, Plan C 
David Schlosberg (Chair), Director, Sydney Environment Institute

Preparing for the unpredictable: communities reducing disaster risk

Rising temperatures and heatwaves; drought and interruptions to food supply; rising infectious diseases; air pollution; and extreme weather events all have a very real impact on one’s physical and mental health.

With these extreme events occurring more frequently, what effect will they have on our population?

THE SPEAKERS
- Professor Joel Negin, Head of School, Sydney School of Public Health
- Associate Professor Geoffrey Morgan, School of Public Health
- Jo Longman, Research Fellow, University Centre for Rural Health
- Dr Veronica Matthews, University Centre for Rural Health

For more information and further resources, visit our website: https://bit.ly/3iFWTKt

Why climate change and unsustainable development are health hazards

The Sydney Environment Institute, based at the University of Sydney, brings together leading thinkers from across disciplines to address key environmental issues.

Preparing for the unpredictable: communities reducing disaster risk

Sydney Environment Institute

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