2020 has been designated by the United Nations as the ‘International Year of Plant Health. This week, the return of Thursday Night Live! for 2020 will ask the question: ‘Can Plants Save us?’

At Lismore Regional Gallery this Thursday, February 13, you are invited to join an expert panel exploring the direct impact plants have on human health.

Humans depend on plants for oxygen, much of our nutrition and for our well-being – including the use of plants for medicine. 

In Japan it has been long recognised that forests can have a direct impact on health and well- being practicing shinrin-yoku – literally ‘forest bathing’. 

With the increasing need to rapidly deal with the effects of climate change, carbon sequestration is often seen as one of the quickest methods to remove carbon from the atmosphere. 

However,,o96359 all is not well in the world of plants – with habitat loss causing fragmentation and extinction and the rise of soil borne diseases and pathogens like Phytophthora, our plant communities are showing signs of stress. 

Australia’s recent fires have been so damaging that experts fear that our forests may not be able to re-absorb the toxic carbon dioxide produced by the blazes.

Facilitator Dr Kristin den Exter, will be joined by Southern Cross University Professor of Plant Science Graeme King; rainforest regenerator Mark Dunphy and artist Andrew Rewald whose practice informed by an interest in food anthropology and his background as a trained chef.

The panel will explore the role that plants play in reducing the effects of anthropogenic climate change, and what does a warming climate mean for our plant communities? The panel will explore the deeper need for thinking about biodiversity, developing healthier ecologies, and farming systems.

The free, wheelchair accessible event, on Thursday, February 13, is ticketed for seating purposes only. An Auslan interpreter can be provided on request.

If you would like to attend this event and need an Auslan interpreter please email: claudie.frock@lismore.nsw.gov.au

The Slate Gallery Cafe opens at 5.30pm and the panel conversation begins at 6pm.

Presented by Lismore Regional Gallery and Southern Cross University, Thursday Night Live! is an ongoing talks program which puts thought-provoking and big ideas in the spotlight.

Held in the Gallery’s Event Space on the second Thursday each month, every event will pose a provocation for speakers and audiences to respond to.

Find out more at: www.scu.edu.au/en…/events/thursday-night-live---february.php

For updates and more information follow the event on Facebook https://www.facebook.com/events/533329594181733/