Close to 50 students heard from guest speakers regarding climate change and were encouraged to brainstorm their own ideas for climate action at the summit recently held in Victor Harbor.

The City of Victor Harbor was joined by Alexandrina Council and the District Council of Yankalilla as hosts for the summit.

Victor Harbor Mayor Moira Jenkins said the Youth Climate Summit is a chance for local students to be inspired, informed and empowered to do something about climate change.

“Council has been working directly with schools across the Fleurieu Peninsula to bring this event together for our young people,” Jenkins said.

“It’s all about equipping our next generation with the knowledge they need to be climate warriors and lead a sustainable future.”

Jenkins said it was fantastic to see so many local youths interested in taking climate action.

“There’s no doubt our younger generations are aware of climate change and [are] eager to make a difference,” she said.

Year 12 student Astrid De Rosa attended the summit and left feeling hopeful that young voices will be projected.

De Rosa also attended last year’s summit and plans to attend the upcoming field trip.

“I think it’s very important for not only the young people in Victor Harbor, but young people everywhere to have a voice and be able to learn and feel heard by their local councils to know they can make a difference,” De Rosa said.

“[The Summit] allowed me to learn more about how we can get involved locally and in our own lives to make positive changes to better our impacts on the environment.”

During the afternoon, students participated in brainstorming sessions with representatives from local community groups that are responding to the changing climate.

“I found the Seeds for Snappers talk quite interesting because it is a new way that I can get involved with the community and help the environment in a way that is local to Victor Harbor,” De Rosa said.

Seeds for Snappers is a program run by OzFish to restore seagrass meadows along Adelaide’s metropolitan coastline.

De Rosa has plans to become involved with already established organisations such as the Friends of Granite Island where she has previously volunteered to help revegetate the island.

“I’m worried that we’re not going to change our ways soon enough to make a positive difference,” she said.

“I’m worried about global warming and the effects it’s going to have on people and the environment, and how that will change the way we live.”