Young Australians are coming of age in a time defined by uncertainty—climate disruption, environmental change, and a constant stream of complex global challenges. These pressures are not just abstract; they are shaping how young people think, feel, and plan for the future.

This event creates space for young people to pause, reflect, and engage.

Join us for an evening centred on the connection between climate, nature, and wellbeing.

Hear from Dr Emma Adams, psychiatrist, who will explore how climate change is affecting both mental and physical health, and why reconnecting with the natural world is a critical part of resilience and recovery.

Following the keynote, a panel of local young leaders working in the climate action and advocacy space will extend the conversation—sharing their perspectives, experiences, and practical ways forward. The session will conclude with an opportunity to connect informally with others who are thinking, questioning, and acting in this space.

This is not a lecture. It is a conversation.

If you are navigating uncertainty, feeling the weight of environmental change, or looking for grounded ways to respond—this event offers a place to listen, contribute, and connect.

Come to hear. Come to speak. Come to be part of what comes next.

5.30pm for 6pm start

Keynote speaker: Dr Emma Adams

Panel members:

Hannah Vardy – A Duty of Care,
Lucinda Adams – Labor Environment Action Network
Mijica Lus – 2024 ACT Young Woman of the Year

Panel chaired by Gopika Indu

Free pizza dinner following panel

All ages welcome

Event hosted by
Sally Holliday Landcare ACT
Assoc Prof Ro McFarlane Healthy Environments and Lives (ACT)

Panellists:

Hannah Vardy

Hannah Vardy is a final-year ANU student studying law and science. Since mid-2023, she has volunteered on the Duty of Care campaign, advocating for climate legislation that addresses the threats that climate change poses to the health of children and future generations. Hannah also ran as Senator David Pocock’s running mate in the 2025 federal election and has been working in his office for the past two years, focusing on climate and environmental policy issues as well as intergenerational equity in housing and higher education.

Lucinda Adams

Lucinda Adams is an ANU student and a member of the Labor Environment Action Network (LEAN) in the ACT. LEAN is a movement of Labor members and supporters that campaigns for strong climate and environmental outcomes in Labor policy. Lucinda is passionate about involving young people in political action on the environment, climate, and Australia's transition to renewable energy. At this event, she is interested in sharing her perspectives on youth involvement in environmental and climate action campaigns and how this connects to social and mental wellbeing.

Mijica Lus

Mijica Lus is a communications and community engagement professional with experience across government, higher education, advocacy, and grassroots community sectors. With a background in HR, operations, and strategic communications, Mijica is passionate about climate resilience, Pacific-led development, and youth empowerment, particularly in relation to the impacts of climate change on Pacific communities.

She has contributed to community initiatives across Australia and the Pacific, with a strong focus on cultural identity, social impact, and inclusive leadership. Mijica brings both professional and lived perspectives to conversations around climate justice, community resilience, and the future of young people navigating a rapidly changing world.

Gopika Indu

Gopika Indu is a Research Fellow at the HEAL Global Research Centre, University of Canberra, where she works on climate change, air quality, and public health. Her research explores how environmental challenges such as air pollution, wildfire smoke, and access to clean energy impact health and wellbeing. Having worked across projects in Australia and Asia, she is passionate about sustainable environmental solutions and practical approaches that support healthier communities. Her work focuses on understanding the links between environment, health, and wellbeing in a changing climate.

Contact the host of Climate.Nature.Us: youth voices & wellbeing