Australian National Botanic Gardens Canberra

Climate change and the workplace

Crosbie Morrison Building, Australian National Botanic Gardens

This workshop will offer an opportunity to express and process our responses to the reality of climate change and to explore what actions and strategies can be taken in our work environments. Major scientific reports of the past year predict increasing temperatures, rising sea levels, storms of increasing frequency and intensity, and the risk of social, economic and ecological catastrophe. The gravity of the situation is overwhelming – it is easy to slip into denial or despair. The workshop will provide a safe environment for sharing feelings and working through responses appropriate to the workplace. It will take full advantage of the beautiful environs of the Gardens. Participants should gain a sense of empowerment, new skills to take back to the workplace and clarity about strategies for positive steps forward.

This will be a half day workshop, aimed at those working in government and the community sectors. It will run from 9am to 1pm. Participants are invited to stay on for an optional lunch, to enable further networking and discussion.

It is expected, but not essential, that participants will already be informed about climate change. The workshop will be especially relevant to those working in areas that include health, housing, planning, environment, industry and agriculture, as well as all policy makers.

The cost per person is $105, plus the cost of lunch for those who wish to stay for it. Potential participants are welcome to contact Marie Jamieson for more information or to help determine if this workshop is for you. Phone 62817010 or email mjamieson@netspeed.com.au

The facilitators

Marie Jamieson is a facilitator and social work consultant who has trained extensively with Joanna Macy, whose ‘despair and empowerment’ work inspires this workshop. Her special interest is the interrelationship between the social and ecological; she is currently researching aspects of the process of change towards sustainable futures.

Meg Switzer has an environmental science background and worked as a senior executive in natural and cultural resource conservation and management for over 20 years. She has worked closely with Indigenous peoples facilitating community business development. Meg has also trained in the work of Joanna Macy.