100 Climate Conversations

In response to increasing heat extremities in the Northern Territory, physician Simon Quilty is working to understand the impact of extreme heat on health. By investigating holistic solutions across education, housing infrastructure and renewable energy access, Dr Quilty’s research aims to support remote communities to adapt to a changing climate.   Simon Quilty is recorded live in conversation wi...

Economist Frank Jotzo has spent two decades advising national and state governments, international organisations and businesses on climate and energy policy. With the need for action at all levels of government more urgent than ever, Jotzo provides his insight into the current status and trajectory of Australian climate change policy.  Frank Jotzo is recorded live in conversation with Marian Wilki...

More than 12,000 visitors have toured Rowan Reid’s Bambra Agroforestry Farm, a 42-hectare living laboratory and outdoor classroom for farmers, scientists, students and tree lovers. Trees on farms can provide shelter for farm stock and crops, control soil erosion and salinity, enhance property values, and sometimes generate alternative sources of income for farmers.  Rowan Reid is recorded live in...

Catherine Lovelock is a coastal ecologist researching ‘blue carbon’ ― the carbon dioxide removed from the atmosphere by oceanic systems ― and its sequestration potential in coastal mangroves and seagrass ecosystems. Lovelock and her team collaborate with farming communities to restore habitats under threat from industrial and agricultural run-off.  Catherine Lovelock is recorded live in conversati...

Professor Anne Poelina is a Nyikina Warrwa woman leading a battle to safeguard Martuwarra (Fitzroy River) from threats posed by mining, fracking and water extraction in Western Australia's Kimberley region. As chair of the Martuwarra Fitzroy River Council, Poelina wants to ensure the global treasuer is protected for generations to come, providing water security and benefits to surrounding communit...

Robert Furbank is a plant scientist applying genetic and digital technologies to make grain crops photosynthesise more efficiently. Furbank and his team are improving stress resilience and yields to address the need to rapidly increase food production in the face of pressure from population and climate change.   Robert Furbank is recorded live in conversation with Craig Reucassel at Powerhouse Ult...

Innovative design of landscapes can help cities adjust to the impacts of climate change and create more resilient communities. Acclaimed landscape architect Elizabeth Mossop’s research into urban systems urges action to create landscapes that are better prepared for extreme weather. Elizabeth Mossop is recorded live in conversation with Pat Abboud at Powerhouse Ultimo . For more information go to...

With the majority of Australian food waste being generated from households, curbing the country’s household food waste could drastically reduce greenhouse gas emissions. Cornersmith co-founder Alex Elliott-Howery details how to reduce the environmental and climate impact of our diets by embracing sustainable ways of eating.   Alex Elliott-Howery is recorded live in conversation with Pat Abboud at...

Joe Morrison has been a leading figure in the push for better integration of First Nations expertise in northern Australia’s land, sea and climate management for over two decades. Currently, Morrison is the CEO of the Indigenous Land and Sea Corporation, which among a broad portfolio investigates opportunities for carbon farming for Indigenous groups and ways to manage the impact of climate change...

Eco-entrepreneur Brendan Condon blends his passion for environmental restoration with the development of a new type of housing community, including homes set among restored wetlands, community gardens and renewable energy. Winning the Victorian Premier’s Sustainability Award for Climate Action in 2021, The Cape is a new ‘super sustainable’ housing estate at Cape Paterson, Victoria.  Brendan Condon...

Grace Vegesana is determined to help diverse communities care for each other to minimise the impacts of heat and climate change. The climate and racial justice director with the Australian Youth Climate Coalition also has a focus on Western Sydney, where summer temperatures have been recorded at almost 49 °C.   Grace Vegesana is recorded live in conversation with Rachael Hocking at Powerhouse Ulti...

Torres Webb, a proud Indigenous man from Erub in the Torres Strait, is a community leader advocating for traditional knowledge to heal Country and confront climate change. Working on projects addressing climate change across Australia’s north, Webb is also passionate about sharing Indigenous knowledges with students and educators.   Torres Webb is recorded live in conversation with Rachael Hocking...

Activist, journalist and podcaster Clare Press advocates for a more ethical and sustainable fashion industry, the planet’s third largest polluter. Press examines the broad impacts of fashion on people and the climate, spotlighting opportunities in reuse, policy, and workers’ rights.   Clare Press is recorded live in conversation with Craig Reucassel at Powerhouse Ultimo . For more information go t...

Environmental scientist Peter Newman has been championing sustainable visions for more resilient cities since the 80s. For Newman, resilient cities promote quality of life over car use, are more urban, less consumptive and as green as possible. Newman places communities at the forefront of enacting this change and influencing policy.  Peter Newman is recorded live in conversation with Craig Reucas...

Greg Mullins has spent his career fighting increasingly extreme fires and responding to natural disasters, retiring as the second longest serving Fire Chief in the history of New South Wales in 2017. An outspoken advocate, Mullins has since formed Emergency Leaders for Climate Action, aiming to catalyse government into meaningful climate action.  Greg Mullins is recorded live in conversation with...

Arup’s Australasian sustainability leader Roger Swinbourne steers urban development and planning towards climate friendly practices. As advisory on a range of large-scale strategies and designs, Swinbourne’s work serves to ensure our cities are built to promote health and wellbeing under a changing climate.  Roger Swinbourne is recorded live in conversation with Paddy Manning at Powerhouse Ultimo...

Former climate scientist Sophie Lewis is the ACT Commissioner for Sustainability and the Environment, determined to support positive outcomes for the territory in the face of climate change. An independent voice that examines public complaints and undertakes environmental investigations, the Commissioner is a unique statutory role that bridges government and community engagement.  Sophie Lewis is...

Landscape architect Libby Gallagher is employing her expertise in urban and landscape systems to tackle the impacts of climate change and the urban heat island effect in cities. Through community collaboration, Gallagher’s Cool Streets program sees streetscapes transformed to include more trees to keep neighbourhoods cool.  Libby Gallagher is recorded live in conversation with Pat Abboud at Powerh...

Bec Colvin is a social scientist and researcher focused on social and political conflict relating to climate change and the environment. Colvin investigates the complex ways our identities influence our response to these issues, as well as offering insights into effective methods of communicating potentially contentious ideas.   Bec Colvin is recorded live in conversation with Gabrielle Chan at Po...

As many industries turn their attention to more sustainable practices, direct carbon capture could be used to help revolutionise polluting industries. Chemical engineer Torben Daeneke leads a team at RMIT exploring potential new methods. Torben Daeneke is recorded live in conversation with Pat Abboud at Powerhouse Ultimo . For more information go to 100climateconversations.com/torben-daeneke

As cities are developed at a rapid rate, architect and urban designer Philip Vivian is working to ensure their growth prioritises sustainability and public use of space in a changing climate. Vivian is a director at design practice Bates Smart, where his work is centred on creating spaces that focus on human wellbeing.  Philip Vivian is recorded live in conversation with Pat Abboud at Powerhouse U...

The Environmental Defenders Office has led climate change litigation in Australia since 1994. Special counsel Matt Floro conducted some of the office’s most high-profile cases including the breakthrough Rocky Hill case, resulting in a proposed coal mine being rejected due to its potential impact on the climate – an Australian first.  Matt Floro is recorded live in conversation with Benjamin Law at...

Ecological geneticist Madeleine van Oppen believes assisted evolution can help adapt and save the Great Barrier Reef from rising temperatures. From her laboratory at the University of Melbourne, she applies genetic techniques to assess and crossbreed for heat tolerance in the algae symbionts of Australia’s coral.  Madeleine van Oppen is recorded live in conversation with Paddy Manning at Powerhous...

Eco-grief, burn out and climate anxiety: coping with climate change can be a difficult task. Psychologist Dr Susie Burke explains the impact of climate change on mental health – from trauma to the frustration of inaction – and how to bolster community and individual wellbeing. Susie Burke is recorded live in conversation with Benjamin Law at Powerhouse Ultimo . For more information go to 100climat...

A key ingredient of concrete and the foundation of much of modern society, cement production accounts for between 5 to 10 per cent of the world’s total carbon dioxide emissions. Visionary engineer Vivian Tam co-invented Ecobond CO2 concrete, a recycled concrete with the potential to revolutionise building by reducing waste and concrete production emissions. Vivian Tam is recorded live in conversat...