A Lennox Head woman is going to tackle one of humankind’s greatest physical challenges next month when she leaves her home at sea level for the heights of the Himalayas on a trek of a lifetime.
Samantha Culver will end her journey at Mount Everest’s base camp as part of Climb-it for Climate, an Australian Youth Climate Coalition (AYCC) project to highlight the effects of climate change in the area and globally.
The AYCC believe that climate change is the single greatest threat facing humanity, and puts young people and future generations at risk. They believe that addressing the climate crisis is the biggest opportunity to create a world that is more sustainable, just and fair.
That’s why since 2007 the AYCC have helped thousands of young Australians take action in their schools, their universities, and their communities, and take part in campaigns that put climate change in the national spotlight.
The AYCC now has more than 80,000 members, 100 local groups, and more than 500 regular volunteers.
Samantha graduated Melbourne University in 2013 with a bachelor of science, majoring in ecology and evolutionary biology. ‘I have always been deeply passionate about the environment and have been involved with various environmental charities from a young age’, she says.
‘Throughout my university education, I learnt about the dramatic changes climate change will have to the environment I care about so much, the functioning of human society and my own life.
‘I feel as though the point of my life is to leave this world in a better state than when I arrived.
Samantha says she is joining the 2015 Climb-it for Climate challenge because she is very keen to see first hand the impact climate change is already having.
‘Nepal is a good example of this issue’, she says. ‘Equally as important is the fundraising for AYCC, which not only provides youth a voice and choice about the future climate, but it will also raise awareness, perhaps educate, and spark conversation about climate change.’
‘Climate change is such an important issue, one that will affect everyone, yet not enough is being done to secure an environmentally safe future. Through this campaign I hope to raise the public profile of this issue and perhaps inspire action.’
The 2015 Climb-it for Climate group will trek for 13 days through forest, across rivers and along narrow mule tracks to Everest Base Camp—the gateway to the highest mountain in the world. They will be accompanied by a local Himalayan Climate Initiative representative, and witness firsthand the toll climate change is taking on the Himalayas and local villages.
With our incredible challenge complete, the climbers will return to Nepal’s capital city, Kathmandu, to volunteer with the AYCC’s sister organisation, the Himalayan Climate Initiative (HCI).Together with locals, the group will work on community sustainability projects and have the opportunity to learn from young leaders in Nepal.
Climbers are encouraged to fundraise for their trek as it helps raise awareness of the issue. To this end, Samantha is hosting a trivia night fundraiser for the AYCC on Thursday evening at the Bangalo Bowlo.
‘It’s going to be a great night of quizzes, live music and a raffle, and there’s a restaurant and bar there for your convenience.’
Tickets are $15 at the door ($10 for concession), and raffle tickets are only $2 each.
All the proceeds from the night will all go to the Australian Youth Climate Coalition.
Bob the Bus Driver will even shuttle your tired selves home at the end of the night with a gold coin donation.
For more information about the trivia night, visit the event’s Facebook Page.
For more information about the Australian Youth Climate Coalition, visit their website at: http://www.aycc.org.au.
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