The Northern Territory’s ‘Young Australian of the Year’ is known for his dedication to saving lives through medicine. Now he’s also looking to save the planet. 17 year-old Peter Susanto has been selected for the emerging climate leaders program, and is heading to Azerbaijan to take part in the United Nations’ Climate Conference.
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00:00In 17 short years, Peter Cisanto's built an impressive resume.
00:08From starting med school at 15 to becoming the NT Young Australian of the Year, he's
00:13adding Emerging Climate Leader to his list of accolades.
00:17The entire health system can actually take an active role in fighting against climate
00:23change and in promoting sustainability rather than just a reactive role.
00:28Peter is studying to save lives in the medical field, but also when it comes to the impacts
00:33of climate change.
00:34The increase in temperatures will result in further spread of infectious diseases.
00:41There's also the increase in natural disasters and extreme weather events, which as we know
00:46cause significant loss of life and damages as well.
00:50He's preparing to join hundreds of global climate leaders in Azerbaijan for the next
00:54UN climate conference, COP29.
00:57COPs are where the world makes up its mind about what we're going to do about climate
01:01change and climate change is a vital issue for everyone.
01:05Australia's got a very important role to play.
01:07If we can play a leading role, others will follow.
01:10Peter's the only delegate from the Northern Territory and he says representation matters
01:15as the NT is Australia's frontier when it comes to feeling the effects of climate change.
01:21In the NT we have a lot of natural resources and we have a lot of potential for renewable
01:27energy and that's something that I'm really excited to be talking about.
01:31But recent controversial decisions, including the investments into gas and fracking, have
01:37climate leaders worried about Australia's reputation.
01:40There's a fair bit of cynicism out there when Australia's speaking out of one side of its
01:44mouth saying we're going to do all this and then the other side, but we're going to have
01:47our fossil fuels as well.
01:48That is just not possible.
01:51Heading to the global stage with the eyes of the world watching on.
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