Shannon Jade is an author and environmental scientist. She shares her connection to Point Cook with Jaidyn Kennedy.
Tell us a little about yourself and what you do?
I’m an author and environmental scientist, working to create stories that celebrate the natural world and promote positive, empowering climate action. I hold a Bachelor of Arts in creative writing and publishing, alongside a master’s in environmental science, where my thesis focused on the power of plants to address pollution issues. As an author, I love connecting with readers and facilitating hopeful climate communication. When I’m not writing or researching, I spend a lot of time making music and exploring new places with family and friends.
What is your connection to Point Cook?
I grew up in Perth, Western Australia, but I now call Point Cook home. The local community is wonderful, and the area has so much to offer, for those who have always lived here and for newcomers too.
Where do you like to spend your time in Point Cook?
One of my favourite places in the area has to be the Point Cook Coastal Park. The bay offers a sweeping view of Melbourne’s city skyline, and it’s a great spot to soak up the sunshine and spot some local wildlife. Beautiful!
Which local landmarks or natural features inspire your work most?
As an environmental writer, I’m inspired by the natural beauty of the area we live in. I love exploring all the local wetlands and discovering new botanicals. Wyndham is rich in biodiversity, with multiple distinct plant communities, from the wildflowers of our local grasslands to the floodplain shrubs and grasses. That’s inspiring to me.
How do you blend fiction and science?
I believe art and science are much more closely linked than people often think. Both fields require innovation, experimentation, and the ability to tell a compelling story. For me, writing science-based environmental fiction is about finding the emotional core of climate issues and crafting stories that encourage readers to care about the planet and take action towards protecting it. The natural world is full of stories. It’s my job to put those on paper.
What is something people might be surprised to know about you?
I’ve always wanted an author and a scientist! I wrote my first (very, very poor) book when I was five years old and convinced I would grow up to be an astronaut. My career has taken some turns since then, but if you believe in fate, I think science-driven storytelling was always supposed to be my path.
Is there anything you would change or fix about Point Cook?
I love Point Cook! If I could change anything at all about the area, I think it would be to introduce more local opportunities for sustainability. I’d love to see more edible and native landscaping in public areas, along with green architecture that could help to mitigate climate risks, improving energy efficiency and air quality and reducing our suburb’s carbon footprint.
