IT has been a melancholic week for Warwick business owner, mother and community leader Elizabeth Ure as she explored the realities of climate change at a Melbourne conference this week.

As a delegate to Al Gore's climate change conference Elizabeth has been one of 700 people who have been training to educate others to place a focus on the environment.

Along with learning science behind the situation the group was equipped with skills in media relations and public speaking.

"I didn't think I was going to be chosen, I mean I could win an award for the world's worst public speaker," Elizabeth said hesitant but happy to take on her biggest fear for the cause.

"The confidence will have to develop though but I can't wait to get cracking."

While rubbing shoulders with Al Gore was certainly a highlight for Elizabeth it was the chance to meet people with a similar mindset that really inspired her.

"Al Gore's presentation has been an absolute eye- opener," she said.

"The affects of climate change are far more devastating and wide ranging than I'd realised.

"Thankfully though new technologies are making renewable energy more economically viable than coal, so there's a lot of hope.

"The main point to take away has been to put pressure on decision makers to support these technologies at local, state and federal levels."

Elizabeth emphasised that an ability to influence decision makers was an important part of the fight against climate change.

"We can't fix what we've done but we can prevent further harm with rapid action."