Academic and former principle research scientist at CSIRO Dr Mark Diesendorf will talk about how to combat climate change and permaculture co-originator David Holmgren will explore community adaptability to peak oil and climate change.

Keynote speaker Dr Diesendorf said there was strong public support for climate action.

"We already have the technologies to phase out coal and achieve 100 per cent renewable energy by 2030, providing governments implement effective policies now," he said.

Dr Diesendorf said that no Federal Government had implemented policies to make substantial changes to the existing fossil fuelled system.

"The principle hope of changing the current stalemate is the global grassroots climate action movement," he said.

A range of speakers will highlight community initiatives such as grid-connected solar power and food security in the region.

Hepburn Wind executive director Jack Gilding said there would be a presentation on Hepburn Wind's community-scale renewable energy project, which was the first of its kind in Australia.

"We believe these sorts of projects could make a major contribution to our response on climate change," Mr Gilding said.

The forum will be at the Daylesford Inn on Saturday, August 9, 1.30pm to 5pm.

Entry is by donation and proceeds from the event will be used to buy relevant books for Central Highlands Regional Library.

The first 30 people to arrive will receive an energy-saving gift.

This event, which is part of Words In Winter, is hosted by SHARE, Hepburn Wind and Hepburn Relocalisation Network.

Details: email info@hrea.org.au or phone 0401 763 553.