talk
february 2009
Young People, Media & the Environment
'Young People, Media and the Environment' is a look at how young people can effect change and promote sustainability through the use of the media. Presented by the team who create and present SYN's environmental program Greenlight, this presentation aims to demonstrate how young people can get involved in taking sustainability to the streets. We'll be looking at various forms of media - the internet, community, radio, print, etc - and how to get involved and use them for a good cause. This presentation aims to show young people practical ways they can promote sustainable living in their houses, in their schools and universities and in their communities. We will discuss how you can use media such as the internet and radio to promote sustainable living - and how to get involved in wider environmental movements. There will be examples of successes and how you can help either as an individual or part of a team. This is about young people taking sustainability to the streets - come along and you can learn how!
Register for this
This presentation has been developed for 15-28 year olds. If you are bringing a school group, please Register Here. Members of the general public are most welcome to attend, and do not need to register.
Hilary Bowman is the executive producer of the Student Youth Network's environmental radio program Greenlight. She is a 17 year old student at Mac Robertson Girls High and created Greenlight in 2006. Since then, Greenlight has become a flagship program for the prominent youth organisation's radio station (90.7FM) and is going into its third year. Hilary presented the program until late 2007, when she became the executive producer. She has interviewed a great many guests over the years including Frank de Jong of the Ontario Greens, David Spratt, co-author of 'Climate Code Red' and climate change skeptic Ray Evans. Her aim in creating Greenlight was to help promote sustainability and environmental awareness, particularly among young people. Now no longer just a radio program, Greenline has extended into online content with videos, blogs and podcasts. Hilary has also been involved with other environmental groups and initiatives, being a part of the trial 'Living in 2030' environmental curriculum in 2005, and was also involved in the filming of an environmental documentary about Anglesea.
At 22 years of age, Ben Buchanan has a broad interest in environmental issues. He is currently hosting the weekly environmental radio program Greenlight on SYN FM. The show aims to promote environmental awareness amongst young people. Ben also works as a motivational speaker in schools, giving students the tools they need to succeed academically. "Environmental issues are a bit like doing your homework," Ben says, "everyone at school understands the value of education and doing their homework, it's just a matter of actually doing it. Most people also have impeccable intentions in regard to environmental issues, but for many people there is a massive disconnect between what they do, and what they believe needs doing." Ben's degrees in Behavioural Studies and Psychology give him a focus on positive environmental behavioural change. Young people having input into environmental issues, through media and education, not only encourages awareness about these issues, but also gives young people the 'green light' to take action.