By Jenny Ringland

What happens when you put politicians from the left and right, the ex Chief Scientist of Australia, First Nations leaders, a school climate strike activist, an ARIA award nominated singer-songwriter, an author, radio host, elite athletes and other celebrities all in the same room? A night of positive, powerful and engaged discussion focusing on climate change is what.

New Energy was an expert panel and celebrity Q&A dreamt up and curated by ARIA award nominated singer-songwriter and environmental activist Holly Rankin – AKA Jack River. Aimed at creating an inclusive, non-partisan and youth-friendly discussion on climate change, energy and demystifying what “net zero by 2050,” means, it was an evening of passionate, frank discussion. 

“Everyone’s talking about climate change and net zero by 2050, but the majority of us have no idea what it even means. There’s so much spin and confusion, we’re feeling overwhelmed and stuck in the mud. I wanted to bring people with a big platform together with experts in climate and energy to give us straight answers to our burning questions,” Holly says.

With a line-up that included author and activist Sarah Wilson, radio host and author Alex Dyson, pro surfer Ace Buchanan, actor and activist Phoebe Tonkin and Seed Mob national director Amelia Telford, there was passionate and engaging discussion on what we can all do as individuals, to be hopeful that our actions can help affect change.

“Getting out in nature and being connected to Country to understand that we are natural is one of the easiest things anyone can do,’’ Amelia says.

Engaging in the community around us and having conversations with our community is all beneficial.

According to Future Super’s Grace Palos one of the most powerful ways an individual can affect change is via their superannuation fund, their bank and their energy provider.

“The statistic that still blows me away every time I see it is that there’s enough money in Australian superannuation to fund our transition to 100 per cent renewables ten times over,’’ Grace says.

“The other really simple actions we can take, that are easier than remembering a takeaway coffee cup every day, are choosing a fossil-free bank and a renewable power retailer. We can also be active citizens and reach out to our local, state and federal politicians.”

Holly Rankin’s top 5 tips for fighting climate change

1. Switch your super to an eco friendly fund
2. Switch to a fossil-free bank 
3. Switch to a clean energy provider
4. Get out in nature
5. Connect with your community and start up sustainability conversations 

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