World Community is hosting a series of four special events on the theme ‘Addressing the Climate Crisis: Activism, Adaptation & Resilience’. The series of films, panel discussions, and presentations will highlight some of the positive actions taking place in our community. The goal is to provide inspiration for individuals, organizations, candidates and elected officials to take meaningful actions to mitigate the impacts of the climate crisis and to create a more resilient community. The series opens with the new documentary, The Human Element (80 min.), on Tuesday, Sept. 10 at 7pm in the Upper Native Sons’ Hall. In this compelling and visually stunning documentary, National Geographic environmental photographer James Balog (featured in Chasing Ice) captures the lives of everyday North Americans on the front lines of climate change. Ancient Greeks considered the elements of earth, air, fire and water to explain the nature and complexity of all matter. But there is another element to consider, the human element.
“We’re a force of nature too. People are changing the elements, and the elements are
changing us,” Balog says in the film. “Today, truth and evidence matter more than ever. The visual evidence shows that people are changing the other elements fast. …It’s up to us to make the right choices.”
The film will be followed by speakers Arzeena Hamir and Helen Boyd who will offer some positive responses to address the climate crisis. Admission is by donation. Everyone is welcome. FMI: John (250-650-8694) or Bridget (250 871-1424)
About Guest Speaker: Arzeena Hamir
Arzeena earned a Bachelor’s degree in Crop Science from the University of Guelph and a Master’s in Sustainable Agriculture from the University of London, England. She worked as a CUSO volunteer in Thailand and as a researcher in Jamaica, India, and Bangladesh. She also served as the Coordinator of the Richmond Food Security Society from 2008-2012, and in 2010 helped launch the Richmond Farm School. In 2018, Arzeena was elected to the Board of the Comox Valley Regional District where she serves as both Vice Chair and Director, Area B. She and her husband run Amara Farm, a 25-acre certified organic farm in Courtenay, BC.
About Guest Speaker: Helen Boyd
Helen Boyd is the Coordinator of the Comox Valley Nurses for Health & the Environment and a member of the Canadian Association of Nurses for the Environment (CANE). She has a dual background as a registered nurse and holds a Masters in Counselling. This evening, she will speak to the Eco-Anxiety that is experienced in the face of the current Climate Crisis and share practical strategies that can be applied both on individual basis and collectively.
About Guest Speaker: Nalan Goosen
Nalan Goosen is a grade 10 student at Mark R. Isfeld Secondary School. Nalan instigated the first Student Strike for Climate Change in the Comox Valley. Following in footsteps of GretaThunberg, Nalan is co-leading the same initiative here at home.
Mark your calendars for the following Tuesdays for subsequent events in the series:
Tues. Sept. 17 – Panel discussion – Climate Communications – ‘Let’s Talk about the Climate Crisis’ with Betty Tate, Will Cole-Hamilton, and Kai Nagata.
Tues. Sept. 24 – The Climate Crisis: Place-based Adaptation and Resilience with Tim Ennis (Conservation Partnerships), Meaghan Cursons (Cumberland Community Forest Society), and Jennifer Sutherst (Project Watershed, Kus-kus-sum).
Tues. Oct. 1 – Sharing Opportunities for Personal and Community Action with over a dozen community leaders and activists.
All events: 7pm – Upper Native Sons’ Hall. Admission by Donation. Everyone welcome.