I looked up, “just how did I find myself in a Grand Ballroom full of women at 7am?”, I wondered. The same thought must have been running through the mind of the gentleman beside me – one of a handful of brave men in the room that morning. The room was a-buzz; there was a subtle undercurrent of empowerment amongst the chatter, a feeling that we women could really make a difference!

Just then Aunty Silvia Scott, a Wiradjeri Woman, climbed onto the podium to welcome us to her country. She told us she knew how to solve climate change: “put a lid on them smoke stacks”, she said. Truly sage advice. It was then that I knew I was in the right place!

The recent (November 2009) series of Women in Climate Change Breakfasts was a resounding success with the Melbourne event sold out prior and the Sydney event filled to the rafters. However, for such a well-attended event I must admit I was quite surprised when a show of hands indicated that not even a third of those attending had actually signed up to the campaign.

The 1 Million Women campaign is about daughters, mothers, sisters and grandmothers leading change for the better and protecting our climate, our communities and our future. Launched in May 2009, Natalie Isaacs leads the campaign to empower and inspire 1 million Australian women to take practical action on climate change.

I had my head completely buried in the sand,” said Natalie. “Although I heard a lot about climate change, it wasn’t connecting. I didn’t really know what I was doing to cause the problem, or what I could do to make an impact on solving it. So like many others I just carried on and did nothing.”

The panel of speakers were equally passionate and generously shared their stories and advice:

- “Every dollar you spend is a vote for how you want the world to be! The trick is to think about how you spend your money.” – Bernie Hobbs, ABC Science Presenter, Event Chairperson

- “If we wait for all those idiots at the international level, we could be stifled, so we need to just get on.” – Genia McCaffery, Mayor North Sydney Council.

- “Know that all you need concentrate on is your sphere of influence – change that and you can change the world!” – Sam Mostyn, Institute for Sustainable Solutions, University of Sydney.

- “We need to demand change! Do what women do: shop… smartly, talk and network: tap into your sphere of influence” – Bernie Hobbs

- “The longer we wait the more it will cost and the harder it will be” – Tanya Plibersek MP, Minister for the Status of Women and Minister for Housing.

So, if you are as tired of reading about climate inaction as I am and if all of this posturing and politicking in Copenhagen is getting you down, then you’re not alone! No need to feel overwhelmed and not sure just what to do any longer. There is something that you can do right now that can make a difference – it’s easy and won’t cost a thing, in fact it will probably save you money!

Join the 1 Million Women campaign and tell all your friends about it!

Oh, and guys, there’s nothing stopping you from joining – while the campaign is aimed at women, its definitely not exclusive!

All images: Caroline McCredie

Written by Suze Chalmers