Climate change to fuel a revolution

By Kath Gannaway
HEALESVILLE restaurateur Antar Firak has been aware of the broader issue of climate change for more than 20 years.
But he says Al Gore’s film An Inconvenient Truth was a real wake-up call.
“It is such an important issue, I can’t not do something about it,” he said at the December launch of “Climate Revolution”.
He and partner Fiona McDonald started the business to put ordinary people in touch with solutions to climate change.
An exhibition of paintings by local artists, including indigenous artist Brendan Murray, was the first initiative of a three-pronged approach of education, awareness and practical solutions.
A huge painting by Murray is the focal point of the exhibition.
“Every single person can do something and the reason I specifically asked Brendan to paint this painting is because I think indigenous Australians have a huge amount to share with us in terms of ways to live more sustainably,” Mr Firak said.
“It invites us to be creative about working together to tackle these problems.
“With the Aboriginal flag and planet in the middle, I see it as a starting point to shift consciousness in a different way.”
Mr Murray applauds the initiative, which he says is overdue.
“Look around now,” he says. “It’s not hard to see this will be the biggest issue on everyone’s lips in two or three years – global warming and the lack of rain.
“We only have one planet. I think our ways can help let people know what’s going on and start to make changes.
“Why should we be so ignorant to leave future generations with the problems we are creating today?”
Climate Revolution’s aim is to provide advice and on-site, common-sense reviews of how everyday households and businesses can make changes to become more climate-friendly.
Signing up for green power, introducing energy efficient lighting, hot-water services and appliances and joining carbon offset programs to compensate for car use are some of the solutions Firak says are achievable for everyone.
“The important thing is that the translation from awareness into real change takes place.
“I believe what we are doing can make a difference,” he says.
“I wouldn’t be doing it if I didn’t think it could make a difference. Whether it is a big enough difference only time will tell.”
Climate Revolution is based in Healesville. Phone 5962 1839.