On October 23, 2024, the Brunswick Picture House will host “Highway to Hell: Are We Stuck in a Climate Action Cul-de-sac?”, a pivotal event featuring a presentation by renowned climate scientist Dr. Joelle Gergis, lead author of IPCC’s Sixth Assessment Report, The Quarterly Essay ‘Highway to Hell,’ and joined by a panel of local experts and activists to talk about government paralysis, false solutions and the folly of adaptation, rather than curbing fossil fuel use. The threat is real, and it’s the community who are being called to act.
The event aims to energise community action on climate change by presenting practical solutions and empowering attendees to make a tangible difference.
“We have the solutions; we just need to implement them,” says event host Chels Hood Withey. “This event is about translating knowledge into immediate action.”
Key discussion points will include:
- Immediate end to new coal and gas expansions
- Just transition to 100% renewable energy
- Creation of sustainable jobs through electrification
- Challenging and calling out government paralysis
- Where to from here — changing the climate story from despair to possibility
The event will feature a presentation by Dr. Joelle Gergis, author of the Quarterly Essay “Highway to Hell,” followed by a panel discussion with:
Isabelle Reinecke — Grata Fund Founder
Mandy Nolan — Greens Candidate for Richmond
Michelle Lowe — Strike 4 Climate and School Teacher
Royce Kurmelovs — Journalist and Author of Slick: Australia’s Toxic Relationship with Big Oil
Monet Shortland — Young Climate Leader with Ocean Voices
Hosted by Chels Hood Withey, Founder of House You; housing everybody on a liveable planet.
A community forum will allow attendees to contribute their ideas for local climate justice initiatives, with the most popular ideas being put to a vote.
The event is open to the public.
Post-event trauma-informed support will be available, recognising the emotional impact of climate discussions.
