Neighbourhood Night Studio - Climate Science Explained: What the Evidence Shows

What does the science actually tell us about climate change?

Join us for an evidence-based workshop exploring the latest climate science and the data behind some of the world's most important environmental trends. Drawing on information from the Bureau of Meteorology, CSIRO, the 2024 State of the Climate report, and the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC), this session will unpack what scientists know, how they know it, and what the evidence shows.

We'll examine the dramatic rise in greenhouse gas concentrations despite international agreements such as the Paris Accord and Kyoto Protocol, increasing land and sea temperatures, and rising sea levels, including impacts observed locally in Hervey Bay.

The presentation will explore:
• Changes in atmospheric greenhouse gas concentrations
• Australian, regional, and global sea level trends
• Temperature changes across Australia since 1850
• Land and ocean warming patterns
• What the scientific consensus says about current climate trends
• How climate data is collected, analysed, and interpreted

Whether you're curious, concerned, sceptical, or simply interested in understanding the evidence for yourself, this session offers an accessible opportunity to engage with the science behind one of the most significant issues of our time.

Suitable for people with an interest in science, the environment, community planning, or understanding the latest climate research. No prior scientific knowledge is required.

About your facilitator:

James Irish is a scientist, engineer, and educator with a lifelong interest in understanding and communicating complex scientific issues. Before retiring, James worked as an engineer and university lecturer, including ten years teaching and working in China.

He holds a Bachelor of Science, Bachelor of Engineering (Honours), Master of Engineering, and a Graduate Certificate in Environmental Policy. James is also a Fellow of the Australian and New Zealand Institute of Insurance and Finance (FANZIIF).

Drawing on his broad scientific and technical background, James is passionate about helping people understand the evidence behind important environmental issues. His presentations combine scientific research, historical data, and practical explanations to make climate science accessible to everyday audiences.

Neighbourhood Night Studio is a relaxed, welcoming after-hours creative space where adults can explore art, learn new skills, and connect with others in a supportive, no-pressure environment. Running weekly in the early evening, the program is designed for beginners and non-artists, with an emphasis on process over perfection and people over performance. To remove barriers and make participation easy, sessions are low-cost, wheelchair accessible, and supported with clear, encouraging guidance. To further support inclusion, free dinner and $5 on-site supervised children's activities will be provided, making it easier for parents and carers to attend, slow down, and enjoy time for creativity, connection, and wellbeing., slow down, and enjoy time for creativity, connection, and wellbeing.

This event is part of the HBNC’s Local Learning Network, a series of courses and workshops aimed at introducing Fraser Coast residents to new ideas, skills and friends. This event is Supported by the Australian Government Department of Social Services