Michelle Hunt is one of our new interns working on public engagement. She’s been busy organising a series of public talks on climate change lined up for June and July.

I started my internship with Greenpeace six weeks ago wanting to make a real difference by being proactive in the environmental movement. To be honest, my environmental knowledge was beginner at best. After immersing myself in the Greenpeace world and being surrounded by passionate and knowledgeable people, I’ve promoted myself to intermediate. I’m far from an expert but I’m definitely making progress.

In my first week, I was introduced to the Energy [R]evolution. This is an inspiring report that clearly demonstrates how we can achieve a renewable energy future. From this point on, I was hooked.

We’re giving you the chance to get hooked too. Julien Vincent (Greenpeace Climate Campaigner and self-confessed energy geek) will present a free talk on the Energy [R]evolution at the Australian Museum in Sydney. The talk is for everyone (beginners through to experts) to gain insight into the current climate emergency, the practical solutions and key steps to a sustainable future. John Hepburn (Greenpeace Climate Campaigner) will follow up with a talk in July about the practical steps every Australian can take to solve the climate crisis. These talks are in conjunction with the “Climate Change: Our Future, Our Choice” exhibition.

6 JUNE: Energy [R]evolution, with Julien Vincent
Time: 1pm
Venue: Theatre G, Australian Museum, 6 College St, Sydney (Google map directions)
Cost: Free on general admission to the museum

25 JULY: Solving the Climate Crisis, with John Hepburn
Time: 1pm
Venue: Theatre G, Australian Museum, 6 College St, Sydney (Google map directions)
Cost: Free on general admission to the museum

While I have been busy helping to organise the museum talks, my fellow intern has been organising public meetings in Sydney and Melbourne. These meetings are for anyone who cares about the climate and wants to know how they can make a difference. Come along and join a constructive discussion about the latest climate science, government policies and what can be done about climate change. In Melbourne, Greenpeace and The Wilderness Society team up to talk about the importance of the forests to climate. Speakers at the Sydney event include Julien Vincent, along with Jenny Curtis (local resident and climate activist) and Adrian Ferraretto (Managing Director Solar Shop Australia).

9 JUNE: Melbourne Public Meeting
Time: 6.30pm
Venue: Kensington Town Hall, 34 Bellair Street, Kensington (Google map directions)
Cost: Free (light supper provided)

11 JUNE: Sydney Public Meeting
Time: 6pm
Venue: Leichhardt Town Hall, 107 Norton Street, Leichhardt (Google map directions)
Cost: Free (light supper provided)

These events will leave you feeling inspired and ready to take action. And right on time too. On Saturday, 13 June tens of thousands of people around the nation will take part in the National Climate Emergency Rally. It’s a chance for all of us to show our concern for the future and demand that urgent government action is taken. Wear red for urgency and tell your family and friends.

» Check out rally details for each capital city (and Wollongong)

» Visit the Climate Emergency website for the latest news on climate change

» Facebook: Join the Climate Emergency Group to keep informed of other events