The most common causes of death in Australia are lifestyle-related chronic diseases such as diabetes, liver, heart and kidney disease. Unfortunately our sedentary lifestyles and poor diets are major contributors to these debilitating conditions and are also causing rising levels of obesity across the population.

At the same time, we are witnessing the mounting impacts of climate change. For example, Canberra’s average maximum temperature in 2018 was 2.2°C above the long term average maximum and this has been the warmest summer on record for Australia.

But what if we could extend our lives and tackle climate change at the same time? More active transport such as walking or cycling, spending less time in our cars and growing and consuming food locally not only improve our wellbeing but also help reduce our greenhouse gas emissions.

Dr Arnagretta Hunter will kick off discussion with a short presentation, followed by small group discussion of the following questions:

• How would you design your suburb to maximise activity and nutrition?
• If we were to take petrol out of Canberra by 2030, how would you sell this vision to the community?
• What are the barriers to this vision for Canberra and how can we overcome them?

About the speaker

Dr Arnagretta Hunter is a physician and cardiologist with an interest in preventative health and public policy. She works in Canberra and regional NSW and is an honorary senior clinical lecturer at the ANU Medical School.

A low carbon footprint lunch will be provided by Canberra Magic Kitchen.

Please note that it is very difficult to find parking at ANU at this time of day - we advise using public transport, taxi, cycling or walking. If you have to drive, allow plenty of time to find a park and log into the online parking system which can be downloaded here. View visitor parking map