(To be posted on the University of Western Sydney Communication Arts homepage)
July 2009 paved the way for Powershift, Australia’s first national youth climate summit. The three day event which commenced on the 11th of July saw thousands of young Australians flock from all over Australia and New Zealand to the University of Western Sydney’s Parramatta campus to experience, and most of all be a part of this revolutionary event. “Its the moment where our fast growing youth movement for a safe climate future comes together”.
- The “Powershifter” Tent. Photo by Daryl Orillaza
Tasmanian Greens senator Christine Milne, said at a Powershift press conference that “Australia should have a 40% (carbon emissions reduction) target in Copenhagen”. Milne continued to say that “Nuclear energy is no longer an option”. The government should be looking to support and fund alternatives that would consists of implementing renewable power sources that produce low emissions, such as wind and solar power.
John Hepburn from Greenpeace discussed prior human accomplishments, and drew a comparison between difficulty levels “if we can put people on the moon, we can power our homes with renewable energy” said Hepburn. “Its madness that in 2009 we are digging up some of the best agricultural farmland in Australia to build coal mines” he added.
Despite government officials using “loss of jobs” in the coal industry as a reason against pushing the use of renewable energy sources, Hepburn argues that “the coal industry employs only a fraction of the people who are employed in other areas” and that “studies have shown it is in Australia’s economic interest to take action on climate change”.
- John Hepburn; Greenpeace. Photo by Marley Cook
When the Hon. Mike Rann was elected seven years ago as South Australia’s premier, SA had no wind towers. He shared with the audience present at Powershift his state-wide environmental campaign that has seen South Australia with 56% of the country’s wind power. He warned that “climate change isn’t a future issue, it is a clear and present danger”.
In addition to the speakers named above, a number of other keynote individuals made their “carbon free” mark on the Powershift audience. Such included NSW Premier Nathan Rees, independent South Australian Senator Nick Xenophon, actress Brooke Satchwell, scientist and environmentalist Tim Flannery, Alana Smith from World Vision, young Victorian of the year Dan Adam, Australian UN youth representative Chris Varney and even the ABC Chaser man himself Charles Firth.
- Green Lunch; Rob Purves, Nick Xenophon, Anna Rose, Tim Flannery, Christine Milne. Photo by Pinar Cildiroglu
Day two saw an official press conference, further presentations, training, workshops, band performances and even a green job fair. With the event meticulously planned it sought to truly inspire an informed behavioural change across the country. As many young people see their future imperilled by the policies of their elders, they view the best hope for change being brought about by their own actions.
- Put Your Hands Up! Powershift dance workshop. Photo by Daryl Orillaza
The last and final day of the conference had “Powershifters” in one of the most recognised locations – the Sydney Opera House steps, enact a mass dance routine to highlight the power, energy and creativity of young people. The routine entitled “Flash Dance” was choreographed by the crew from A-live, including dancers from Tap Dogs and top 20 dancers from the last three seasons of “So You Think You Can Dance”. It featured dancing polar bears and koalas, planet costumes, hundreds of kites all to classic tunes such as “Forever Young”, “What is Love” and “Sweet Dreams are Made of This”.
- Powershift! Powershift! Dancers on the Opera House steps. Photo by Pinar Cildiroglu
As a whole, Powershift 2009 brought the youth climate movement together and was a historic event for Australian youth to share best practices, build community, learn skills and solutions, set clear and ambitious plans for action, and pressure our political leaders for stronger climate solutions. It also provided young students from the University of Western Sydney’s School of Communication Arts, undertaking a Bachelor of Communication and Bachelor of Visual Communication an excellent opportunity to implement theoretical skills they have gained in a real life environment.
- UWS Media Team. Photo by Pinar Cildiroglu
For more information about Powershift and AYCC activities see:http://www.youthclimatecoalition.org/about-us/
To view more UWS Communication Arts student work see:
http://www.flickr.com/photos/uwscommartsstudents/
http://uwscommartsstudents.wordpress.com/
http://www.youtube.com/user/UWSCommArtsStudents
http://www.twitter.com/uwscommstudents
Words by Melanie Brodie
