University of Western Sydney

UWS hosts Australia's first national Youth Climate Summit - Budding climate change activists are set to gather at the University of Western Sydney for Australia's first national youth climate summit, Power Shift 2009.

The summit will bring thousands of youth from every state and territory together to learn "Camp Obama" tactics used by activists in the US election and to hear from a number of high profile speakers including: scientist Tim Flannery, actor Brooke Satchwell, the Premiers of NSW and South Australia as well as federal Senators Christine Milne and Nick Xenophon. Youth climate leaders from the USA, India and the Pacific islands will also be attending.

Co-Directors of the Australian Youth Climate Coalition (AYCC), Amanda McKenzie and Anna Rose, say Power Shift 2009 will focus Australia's attention on the most compelling reasons to cut carbon pollution - the future of young people.

"If there is any time when our generation must come together and make our voices heard for stronger climate change solutions, it is now. Governments will only aim as high as their people demand; so we are building a movement of young people who will act - and vote - on climate change."

Several University of Western Sydney academics are speaking at Power Shift, including:

*Dr James Arvanitakis, from the School of Humanities and Languages who will explore community activism

*Maryella Hatfield, from the School of Communication Arts who will screen and discuss her television documentary about Australians researching and implementing renewable energy and sustainability solutions

*Professor Bill Bellotti, from the School of Natural Sciences who will explore food security in a world facing climate change

*Professor Peter Phibbs, from the UWS Urban Research Centre who will discuss the implications of climate change on the design and function of cities

WHAT: Power Shift 2009, organised by the Australian Youth Climate Coalition in partnership with University of Western Sydney.
WHEN: 11 July and 12 July (13 July Sydney CBD location)