Aboriginal people are key because they have a different sense of where we belong and how we interact with nature.

What about our children and grandchildren and their children and grandchildren? Do we not want them to live healthy and happy lives?

Planting native species in our gardens and communities is increasingly important, because indigenous insects, birds and wildlife rely on them. Over thousands, and sometimes millions, of years they have co-evolved to live in local climate and soil conditions.

The increasing frequency of extreme weather events, droughts and floods is in line with what climate scientists have been predicting for decades - and evidence is mounting that what's happening is more severe than predicted, and will get far worse still if we fail to act.

The one thing I feel is very hopeful, however, is the overwhelming participation of women in the movement for change.

Aboriginal people are key because they have a different sense of where we belong and how we interact with nature.

What permaculturists are doing is the most important activity that any group is doing on the planet.