Around 50 young people from local high schools met at the Encounter Bay Oval on Tuesday 28 May to consider how to tackle climate change in the Fleurieu region. 

The Youth Climate Summit is an initiative of the City of Victor Harbor, with support from Alexandrina Council and the District Council of Yankalilla. 

The aim of the Summit is for young people across the Fleurieu Peninsula to share knowledge, explore ideas and develop skills for conserving our environment. 

This year, students had the opportunity to hear from a range of guest speakers including Ngarrindjeri artist and language teacher, Kyla McHughes, and a representative from the Coorong, Lower Lakes and Murray Mouth Research Centre, Tiffany Nay. 

They attended several workshops, with students participating in activities based on their personal interests and preferences, including: 

• ‘Ngarrindjeri Language, Storytelling and Weaving Nunga Bands’ with Kyla McHughes .
• ‘Climate Justice 101’ with The Australian Youth Climate Coalition.
• ‘The Role of Food in Climate Change’ with Liz Sanders from The Food Embassy.
• ‘Growing Groups in Schools’ with The Australian Youth Climate Coalition. 

City of Victor Harbor Mayor Dr Moira Jenkins says she was inspired by the passion and enthusiasm of local young people to protect our natural surrounds. 

“Fleurieu Peninsula councils have been delivering this event for three consecutive years, and each year I am surprised and delighted by the wisdom of our young people,” she says. 

“Events like the Youth Climate Summit give students an opportunity to explore what climate change is and how they feel about it, as well as what we can do about it as a community. 

“Hosting this event feeds into Council’s broader strategies for climate action and environmental conservation. 

“By sharing knowledge with our young people, we are equipping the next generation with the tools they’ll need to address the impacts of climate change.” 

“Thank you to all the students who came along during the day – I hope you are still feeling inspired, as I am certainly inspired by you!” 

Director of She Is Seen, Libby Tozer, was the creative mastermind behind an aerial image depicting a fish that was shot on the day by South Coast Aerial Images. 

“This fish image is an example of using art for activism. It is intended to be a reminder that there is plenty going on below the surface,” Ms Tozer says. 

“Micro plastics found in fish are also being found in humans and climate change is affecting nature, which includes us.” 

To conclude the day, students created their own personal Climate Action Plan to take home and implement in their daily lives.