Global Climate Change Week is an important event to raise awareness, inspire behaviour change and drive transformation in relation to climate policy.
The University of Wollongong has helped to support this event through its Global Climate Change Week (GCCW) Day.
Held on October 18 on campus, the event hosted multiple stores and workshops to inspire and educate people of climate issues.
Alumni bookshop volunteer Kevin O’Gorman said that having awareness is a key part of getting involved with GCCW.
“People need to keep in touch with the community news and what’s going on in our local area,” Mr O’Gorman said.
“There are so many places where you can get information now.
“People need to look for more proper data-driven, well-sourced information to make decisions.”
In a survey conducted in 2021, 75.6 per cent of Australians aged 35-44 were more likely to be concerned with climate change, as opposed to 58.4 per cent of 18-24-year-olds.
Harbour Cities Jessica Rich said that it is more important then ever to ensure young individuals are becoming involved with environmentally friendly practices.
“We, as young people, are the future of the community,” Miss Rich said.
“We need to know how to recycle correctly, how to look after the environment and the future that we will be a part of.”
Ms Rich said that in order for individuals to learn more, resources need to be made more readily available.
“Students at the University don’t get a chance to find out more about this stuff,” she said.
“They’re not at the shopping centres or at primary schools where we go and visit.
“So, it’s very important to have more opportunities to come and talk to university students.”
The University will continue to hold more events for GGCW including Ride2UOW and the OP Shop Ball for the remainder of the week.