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Ward off Climate Change

About the author


Gary Warden was raised in the Perth Hills. After graduating from the University of Western Australia with a degree in Geology, Gary joined BHP Billiton where he spent 18 years working in a variety of roles in a number of locations around the world. Prior to leaving BHP Billiton in December 2006, Gary was Global Manager for the company's US$1Billion business improvement program.

While he was originally sceptical about the claims relating to climate change, he became convinced of the urgency of the issue in early 2006. He left BHP Billiton primarily to spend more time with his young family, but also to dedicate himself to helping to ward off climate change.

In September 2007 he was trained by Al Gore and has delivered the "Inconvenient Truth" lectures to thousands of west australians since then. In November 2007 Gary ran for the senate in the Federal Election representing the Climate Change Coalition.

In addition to his climate change lectures, he is now facilitating Living Smart workshops across Perth and in September 2008 was elected to the Executive Committee of the Conservation Council of WA.

Friends of the Environment

Friends of the Environment (FOTE) is a not-for-profit multidisciplinary organisation dedicated to supporting the teaching of environmental, cultural and social sustainability. FOTE began in 2005 to supply an opportunity for teachers to network with environmentally minded educators. The result is cross-polination from science, heritage and industry that benefits the education of children across ever expanding and diverse geographic regions.

The organisation provides access to information, resources and programs to support teachers, schools and local sustainability projects. 

Its main goal is to help schools enhance their local and community environments. It supports sustainable living, indigenous heritage and envrionmental stewardship.

I became aware of the work that FOTE is doing late last year and I have been impressed by the enthusiasm of the people who make up the organisation.

I have been helping them on a number of levels including:

  • Development of their website;
  • Development of a geology short-course curriculum for primary schools;
  • Support in the organisation of the inaugural Carmel Community Agricultural Open Day.


If you are interested in knowing more about FOTE, then check out their website www.fote.org.au

If you know of any teachers who might be looking for resources and materials to deliver classes and activities associated with sustainability, then please let them know about FOTE.



Primary School children planting at Yongar Reserve