As we hit the critical decade, the reality of climate change is starting to sink in, and while we’ve heard much on the facts and what we should do, it’s high time we addressed the emotional toll of this onslaught of distressing news.  For those in the unique position of providing care to animals both domestic and wild, burnout – our own or our colleagues – is a very real risk. 

So how do we find courage when climate change overwhelms?  

Veterinarians for Climate Action are excited to welcome master storyteller, veterinarian turned ABC TV science reporter Dr Jonica Newby, who will join VfCA’s Corinna Klupiec for an open conversation on her new book Beyond Climate Grief; a journey of love, snow, fire, and an enchanted beer can.  

With guaranteed laughs, a few tears, and plenty of food for the soul, Dr Newby will share stories from her own plunge into climate grief, and her exploration of how to navigate the emotional toll of climate change during the apocalypse-tinged summer of 2019/2020. 

Informed by a host of psychological and evolutionary biology experts, as well as surprising conversations with the likes of Missy Higgins, Charlie Pickering and Mike Cannon Brookes, Dr Newby takes us on a personal journey that nonetheless canvasses the best strategies for fostering resilience and active hope.   

For the last part of the webinar, Dr Newby will answer questions and provide strategies; essential for caring for oneself, colleagues, and members of the public. 

Submitting Questions:

If you have a question on coping strategies for climate grief for Dr Newby, please submit it beforehand to [email protected]. As we are expecting a high turnout for this unique webinar we won’t be able to host an open Q&A at the end of the session.

Who should attend:

While Dr Newby comes from a veterinary background her story and message are for anyone feeling the emotional weight of climate change.

There are no limits on attendees per organisation and we would like to encourage as many people as possible to join live to take part in this unique event.

Webinar Date: Tuesday 25th May 2021

Webinar Start Time: 19:00 AEST (VIC/NSW/TAS/ACT/QLD) / 18:30 ACST (SA/NT) / 17:00 AWST (WA)

Webinar Recording:

This webinar will be recorded and shared after the event so anyone who is unable to attend can watch at a time convenient to them.

Agenda (AEST - Melbourne/Sydney/Brisbane time):

• 19:00 AEST - VfCA Welcome & Acknowledgement
• 19:05 AEST – In Conversation with Dr Jonica Newby
• 19:35 AEST – Climate grief and coping strategies Q&A with Dr Newby
• 20:00 AEST – Webinar Ends

About Dr Jonica Newby:

Jonica Newby is a TV producer, writer and director. She has twice won Australia's most prestigious science journalism prize, the Eureka Award, and is best known as a presenter/reporter on the long-running ABC TV science program Catalyst. She grew up in Perth, WA, where phase one of her professional career was a degree in Veterinary Medicine and Surgery followed by a few years in a veterinary practice. Jonica is author of The Animal Attraction about how the domestication of animals created human civilisation.