
The catastrophic floods of 2022 were a wake-up call for our region. While Bangalow wasn’t as severely impacted as some of our neighbouring towns, we saw firsthand how devastating the floods were for many. For many of us, it underscored a sobering truth: climate change is no longer a distant threat. It’s already here—and it’s reshaping our world in real-time.
This reality is at the heart of an upcoming community conversation, Climate Change and Our Region’s Future, hosted this month by the Bangalow Country Women’s Association (CWA). Here, Dr Joëlle Gergis, a leading climate scientist and lead author for the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC), will share her insights on the global and local impacts of climate change—and offer solutions for building resilience in our communities.
Dr Gergis has spent 30 years studying climate science, but it was her personal experience in the Northern Rivers that truly brought the issue home. “Watching rainforests burn in the Nightcap and Lamington National Parks during the Black Summer fires of 2019–2020 was the turning point for me,” she recalls. “I was working on the UN climate report at the time and knew that what we were witnessing in Australia was a clear sign of how quickly our climate can change. Things really hit home when I had family displaced by the devastating floods in 2022. Driving through town after the floods broke my heart. Since then, I’ve been doing everything I can to warn the public.”
Her deep connection to the region makes her message even more powerful. The Northern Rivers, with its delicate ecosystems, is already feeling the effects of more frequent and intense weather events—floods, fires, and storms. These are not isolated incidents; they are part of a larger, global pattern. As Dr Gergis points out, the situation is becoming increasingly urgent.
The IPCC reports, to which Dr Gergis has contributed as a lead author, are the world’s most authoritative sources on climate change. These reports synthesise decades of research from thousands of scientists globally and provide the data used by governments to shape policy and international climate treaties.
As a lead author, Dr Gergis plays a key role in distilling this complex scientific data into accessible insights. This careful, collaborative process ensures that the findings are both accurate and actionable. As she says: “The most important thing you can do is vote for political leaders that are genuinely committed to addressing climate change. That means stopping fossil fuel production and the subsidies that are blocking the clean energy transition. We also need policies to protect our native forests, which store carbon and protect biodiversity.”
These actions, both large and small, can help shift the course of the climate crisis – and Dr Gergis’ work is a reminder of just how critical it is to act now.
Despite the overwhelming scale of the climate crisis, Dr Gergis remains hopeful about local action. She believes we each have a role to play, whether through voting for climateconscious leaders, supporting renewable energy initiatives, or making sustainable choices in our own lives. “The next best thing to do is try and install solar power on your home or business. Not only does it save you money, but you become a part of the renewable energy revolution that’s sweeping the world. I’m amazed how good it made me feel!”
Dr Gergis’ message is clear: even small steps can contribute to a broader shift. The more we embrace renewable energy and advocate for systemic change, the more we’ll build momentum toward a sustainable future.
As we mark the five-year anniversary of the Black Summer bushfires, the scars from those fires remain. The fires were a grim reminder of the escalating risks posed by a changing climate. The impacts of climate change, though, are not confined to Australia. As Dr Gergis points out, the entire globe is experiencing similar challenges.
As this article goes to print, Dr Gergis is also working on a piece for The Saturday Paper about the ongoing wildfires in Los Angeles—a devastating example of the far-reaching consequences of climate change.
In times of crisis, local communities often provide the first line of support. When the 2022 floods ravaged nearby towns, Bangalow, though not as severely impacted, mobilised in remarkable ways. Our town’s response was a powerful reminder that resilience is not just about rebuilding homes and infrastructure—it’s about strengthening the social fabric that holds us together.
This is where organisations like the Bangalow CWA play a vital role. While the CWA is known for its afternoon teas and community events, its real strength lies in its ability to unite people during times of need. Bangalow Branch President, Ruth Kirby, reflects on how the CWA adapted after the 2022 floods.
“The floods were a real wake-up call for us in the CWA,” she says. “Yes, we could donate money, make meals, and offer cuppas and kindness—but we sort of felt at a loss, that we were in a silo. Since then, we’ve been making a real effort to link up with community groups like the Men’s Shed and Lions, to combine our efforts. We’re now part of a grassroots resilience movement across the Northern Rivers.”
For Ruth, the CWA’s efforts are about more than immediate relief—they’re about fostering long-term resilience and compassion. The group’s focus on building a compassionate, connected community ensures that we are better equipped to face future challenges together.
“The real strength of groups like ours is the ability to unite people in times of need. Beyond the famous scones and afternoon teas, it’s about building a compassionate, resilient community that can face difficult times together and come out stronger.”
Dr Gergis is hopeful about what we can accomplish if we continue to push for change. “What gives me hope is that there’s a new generation of leadership emerging, from all sides of politics, that really wants to make a difference on this issue,” she says. “We’re building a critical mass that will push us toward an environmentally sustainable society. As we saw during the floods, local communities have a crucial role to play in disaster recovery and resilience building. There will be dark days ahead, but we’re always stronger when we face challenges together.”
Zoë Tuckwell
In Conversation with Joëlle Gergis – Climate Change and Our Region’s Future
When Wednesday 12 February, 5–6.30pm Where Heritage House, Bangalow Hosted by Bangalow CWA
Tickets Available via Humanitix https://events.humanitix.com/climate-change-and-our-regions-future-with-joelle-gergis-hosted-by-bangalow-cwa
Seats are free but limited, so be sure to grab yours soon.