Climate change forum held

Wanaka climate change forum discussing local community initiatives to address global warming attracted about 50 people on Thursday evening.

The Southern Alps Climate forum featured five Wanaka-based speakers with specialist backgrounds in economics and investment, sustainability, recycling, and education.

Wanaka Wastebusters general manager Sue Coutts spoke about the community benefits derived from recycling and environmental waste management.

She told the Otago Daily Times yesterday discussions at the forum centred on the community contributions individuals could make towards more sustainable means of living.

The forum had split into four groups to discuss how food production, energy, businesses, and community and social connections could contribute towards sustainability.

Different strategies could be implemented to help reduce carbon emissions and take small steps to address climate change, Ms Coutts said.

The Wanaka forum was timed to coincide with the Copenhagen summit.