After some hectic weeks it is time to reflect on some of the learnings from what was a really fantastic weekend. In Consideration of Trees not only was a great exhibition event for me but an opportunity to share ideas and meet with like minds. So to recap for those who attended and those who could not make the event here is a summary ….
The importance of National Parks with Gary Opit, Todd Brown, Lisa groom and Nadia O’Carroll
We still need access to wild spaces
National Parks are seed banks for the future
National Parks are important/essential for maintenance of biodiversity
We are a part of the natural world not distinct from it. We are interdependent
Nature will regenerate after climate crisis but humans may not
National Parks are increasingly tapping into Indigenous knowledge for care of the parks particularly after bush fire
National parks of different types and sizes is a way of protecting and preserving delicate environments by controlling where people can go
Caring for Country- Kin Walmsley via zoom, Judit Roland, Kuweni Dias Mendis
We are all connected, the natural world is us
We need to take action to reduce our negative impact on the environment
Whatever we do to the natural world we do to ourselves
Plant native trees and shrubs to bring back native wildlife
Make even a small patch of your garden a native plant sanctuary to support biodiversity
Protect the natural environment by containing domestic animals
If we care for our inner river- our inner connection with ourselves, we will be better able to connect with our outer river
Caring for country means we care for community
re need to be mindful of creating a refugia
Environmental activism in our own backyards-Louise Bahnson, Guy Ritani, Martin Bannard, Merinda Davies
Sometimes activism and the scale of the issues and the action required leads to burn out
The arts can also be activism in a more gentle but equally powerful way
Question your political leaders in your electorate on how they stand on environmental issues- how did they vote on issues of protection of the barrier reef, coal seam gas, climate change etc
Work with first nation’s people on land management
The Pacific Islands are in immediate danger through climate change inaction through sea level rising
By turning your own backyard into an organic vegetable garden you are reducing food miles, reducing carbon going into the atmosphere and providing an ecosystem good for your family, your mental health and the environment
Philosophy on the Fly- Michael Bunney and Pietro Agnoletto
Moral and practical responsibilities and solutions to climate change
We need to give up some of our comfortable lifestyles because we can’t keep doing things the way we have always done them as that has lead us to the problems we now face
Climate change inaction is more of a cultural problem than a technological problem.
There are solutions available through technology however it is debatable that we can change fast enough socially and culturally to make a difference
It is still imperative that we take action at an individual, community and national level.
WRAP UP
we need to appreciate we are all connected
Caring for our environment we care for ourselves
Trees are awe inspiring and reminds us of our insignificance
Access to wild spaces is vital to our resilience and mental health and the health of the planet
The time for action at all levels is now
Further resources or provocations
Timothy Morton A reckoning for our species': the philosopher prophet of the Anthropocene
Vanessa Andreotti The World as a living metabolism
Merinda Davies Conversations with the Forest