CLIMATE change and action, or lack thereof is considered by some the single biggest issue facing humanity today.

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EcoNetwork are holding a Forum in November which will focus on the Climate Crisis.

When it comes to climate change and the crisis facing us all there is polarity.

Is it the science or is it fake news?

Some believe that the climate crisis is fact; others mock the science.

What we do know is there are more bushfires earlier each year.

Extreme weather and rising sea levels are a fact.

Hawks Nest and Stockton Beach is a glaring example of coastal erosion on our doorstep that needs more than mitigation.

There is erosion at Corlette Beach, Wanda Beach and in other areas of the Port Stephens estuary.

This generation, ourselves and our children will be the last to see many of the great animals in the wild.

Port Stephens and the Myall Coast have our own species under threat, most notable is the Koala.

There are many community groups in the region that work hard to support the environment from LandCare and Port Stephens Koalas and Irukandji to Econetwork.

EcoNetwork Port Stephens has a new executive team.

New President of EcoNetwork Port Stephens, Iain Watt told News Of The Area, “The new executive of EcoNetwork has a combined experience and expertise that is well equipped to support local community and environmental groups in the Port Stephens area. There are qualifications and experience in Marine Science, Oceanography, Marine Management and Sustainable Development, in marine conservation and resource management, city and regional planning, journalism and public relations, animal rescue and tourism, IT design and renewable energy, teaching, banking, community volunteering and company management, work in National Parks, as well as experience in community engagement with grass roots activism aimed at protecting our precious ecosystems.

“All EcoNetwork executive have a common purpose in supporting and sustaining our environment for future generations.

“They do this through their volunteer work in various community groups as well as the bigger picture areas where they might organise forums on particular issues and invite speakers to help the community to better understand local or national environmental concerns,” he said.

EcoNetwork has 23 affiliated community and environmental groups which benefit from the support and networking provided.

“We need an overarching coastal management plan, for the Port Stephens area,” he said.

Mr Watt sees the World Heritage Listing bid for the region as a distraction at this stage as it will take at least 3 years for the region to be considered for the listing.

You can find out more about Econetwork at www.econetworkps.org.

As we all watch droughts, bush fires, rising sea levels and extinction it is surely time to be informed and to act, and if we are not to act now, the question should be asked, when?

The views expressed in this article are the views of the writer and do not reflect the views of EcoNetwork unless specifically stated.

By Marian SAMPSON