The climate crisis isn’t slowing down anytime soon, and our world leaders aren’t taking initiative to ensure our environment is protected.  This information is discouraging, to say the least, it is essential that while we think globally we must act locally. Here in regional NSW, we are disproportionately affected by climate change. As we’ve seen with the increase in big weather events such as floods, bushfires and recently hailstorms, Coffs Harbour is put at risk because of the inaction of our government towards climate change. 

However, there is so much we can do on a community-based level to create change. The most effective way to create change on an issue is to start off with your local community. BDC is a great example of this. Our school has implemented a number of key initiatives in their business operations to strive for ‘Zero Co2’ by reducing power, paper and carbon emissions, and the installation of solar panel technology. 

What can BDC Families do?

There are so many small changes families can make a big contribution to the ongoing fight for a sustainable future. While yes, A more compelling argument is that the focus belongs on altering the systems (economic and political) that pose barriers to personal changes. I agree! But it’s not a zero-sum game and transformations must happen on both fronts.

For example, we can shop locally! Because produce from your nearest market is likely to come from farms near your home, the cost of transporting it from the garden to your fridge comes at a much lower price for the environment. Often, when buying locally it's also a lot cheaper for your wallet so it wouldn’t be a hasty change. 

In conclusion, whilst the climate crisis is disheartening, we as a collective, can create change for us and our future generations!

Rataj Abdullah 
Year 9 student, BDC  

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