The Hunter's biggest climate meeting was held at the University of Newcastle's Wollotuka Institute on Friday.
More than one hundred community members met alongside local scientific, policy and activist experts to discuss the effects of climate change and explore possible solutions.
The summit offered a chance for local voices that are not usually represented to be heard, with leaders from community groups like local businesses, First Nations, emergency services, LGBTQIA groups, the media and many more.
Keynote speaker for the event, Greg Mullins, said the focus of the summit was taking local action.
"We're working out what can be done about climate change and not taking 'no' as an answer from our national government."
Mr Mullins, the former NSW Commissioner for Fire and Rescue, said he has firsthand experience with the effect of global warming.
"I've been fighting fires since 1972," said Mr Mullins, who has worked in Newcastle, California, Spain and France.
"Look, worldwide the bush-fire problem is getting worse, but particularly here in Australia. We're getting longer fire seasons, and overlapping fire seasons with other states that's stopping us sharing resources." Mr Mullins noted.
"It's all driven by climate change so we must take action now."
The summit addressed the impacts of climate change on vulnerable people in the Hunter and members discussed a short term plan for climate action moving forward.
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