Climate Action Show

Bella talks about the Albanese government's new, yet still very weak, 2035 climate goals and why youth participation is so important in climate activism with guest Ivy Sheng, from the Australian Youth Climate Coalition. Recently, the Albanese government introduced their 2035 climate goals, which is a plan to reduce carbon emissions by 65-75% produced during 2005, as part of the bigger plan for net 0 by 2050. The decision has been marked as an incredible and historic decision made by Australia’s government compared to the 43% 2005 decrease set previously. However, once we start to look a little closer at the numbers, it’s easy to see this decrease won’t be nearly enough to stay below 2°C and is below the bare minimum to care for our climate.As a result, many grassroots organisations such as the AYCC, the Nilumbuk Climate Action Team, Extinction Rebellion and many more, held nationwide snap protests outside of Labor MP's offices demanding action for a greater change. We here speeches from Ivy Sheng from AYCC, Mitsy from the Nilumbuk Climate Action Team and a third speaker (Apologies name is unknown, please feel free to let the station know and I will give proper credit!), as well as a performance by the Climate Choir outside of MP Sarah Witty's office in Fitzroy, Melbourne.Additionally, Bella chats to guest speaker Ivy Sheng from AYCC about why youth involvement is super important in the climate action movement.

CLIMATE ACTION SHOWPRODUCED BY  Vivien LangfordSeptember 22nd 2025 THE GREAT KOALA NATIONAL PARKGuests:Mark Graham - Restoration Ecologist Virginia Young - Director at Wilderness Australia and global expert on carbon sequestration. https://www.greenleft.org.au/content/wilderness-australia-we-need-real-emissions-reductions-not-offsets The most joyful news after decades of civic action: logging banned in the forests dedicated to The Great Koala National Park.As NSW Environment Minister Penny Sharpe said  “These amazing old-growth forests are among the world’s top biodiversity hotspots – home to more than 100 threatened species including greater gliders, the powerful owl and yellow-bellied gliders.”At long last we can praise the state government although there is still a lot to do before this is guaranteed in perpetuity.  The Gumbaynggirr and others will be soon weeding and protecting the land around their sacred sites. This park will offer water security for towns along the coast, a safe habitat for countless species and a natural treasure for us all to visit. However, the global Climate, deranged by the fossil fuels we continue to extract for export or burn here, will continue to dry out and threaten these forests. The old growth forest sequesters a lot of carbon but we must not be complacent and think we can use it to offset expanded coal and gas burning through ACCU schemes which are most likely to benefit the biggest carbon emitters in exhuiberant expansions., https://www.environment.nsw.gov.au/news/great-koala-national-park  We speak to Mark Graham who, like so many others, has risked a lot to advocate for these Gondwanaland forests.  He pays tribute to many of the groups and individuals who have worked for this achgievement and firsat among them are the Gumbaynggirr People whose traditional lands are on the mid North Coast, stretching from the Nambucca River in the south to the Clarence River in the north, and inland to the Great Dividing Range. Their country is associated with the area around Coffs Harbour and includes beaches, rivers, estuaries, and mountains.  Then we have a song from Carmen Modjito inspired by Greta Thunberg "Our house is on fire" Virginia Young  says that Carbon Offsets are used to delay real action on Climate Change and Australia is one of the countries most relying on them instead of rapidly moving away from coal oil and gas.https://wilderness.org.au/forest-carbon-explainedShe speaks of her experience with the Mickisaw Cree People in Canada protecting a freshwater delta in Buffalo National Park and the Kaiapo people in  the Amazon who will be  present at the upcoming Climate Conference in Belem this November.She says “We also need more investment in energy infrastructure, so local councils, small businesses and other organisations can easily decarbonise. Everywhere, we need to be thinking, ‘What can we actually do to reduce our real emissions?’.”

Bella discusses the recent amendments from the Melbourne City Council, urging the Victorian and Federal governments to look into new frameworks to limit and restrict "disruptive" mass protests in the city as a result of the ongoing pro-Palestinian protests over the past 2 years. Looking at the discrepancies about councillors' views on the supposed disruption to businesses due to the protests. Additionally, the long and significant history of environmental social justice protests in Melbourne, and Australia as a whole, is explored in relation to why the right to protest here in Australia is so important and the things protesting and demonstrations have achieved. Finally, we highlight two Australian-based, Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander musicians and bands who explore environmental social justice and their connection to the land through this. The first track is titled Nullarbor Dreaming by Dave Norman and the second is Mercy Mercy Me (The Ecology) by Small Island Big Song. Below are a few links mentioned in the show!Submit your say, or opposition, on the Melbourne City's Council amendment to look into restricting disruptive protests in the Melbourne CBD.More information on the history of protest here in Australia & Melbourne: #1, #2Dr Olivia Ball & The Greens Party joint Instagram post.

CLIMATE ACTION SHOW September 1st 2025 - Repeat from 2021"ONCE YOU KNOW"Produced by Vivien Langford What happens "once you know" about climate change? Two film makers from TFF show us the "spear in the chest moment", when a person with a platform becomes an activist.Once you Know - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vxlhoFXc-agEmmanuel Cappelin had such a moment when he  realised we are heading for collapse. It is a  grenade word. When it explodes in your mind you need to find out what to do, to be transformed or to remain stuck.   He visits Joanna Macey in USA and Dr Saleemul Huq in Bangladesh. These people have been bravely facing the challenges for decades. He looks at Transition Towns, Citizens' assemblies and direct Action through Extinction Rebellion. It is an intellectually provocative discussion. Emmanuel talks about preparing for the "long future". When we are reeling from local climate shocks and shortages how will we maintain democractic and civilised behaviour? What must we save on the way down? Beyond Zero - https://beyondzerofilm.com/Nathan Havey film is  Beyond Zero – A feature length documentary from HaveyPro Cinema (beyondzerofilm.com)(link is external) It brings us the story of a carpet company called " Interface" whose CEO, Ray Anderson, had a "spear in the chest moment" after reading a book by Paul Hawken. Ray saw that  industry needs to achieve far more than sustainability. It needs to sequester carbon, and prevent future environmental damage. In 2019, "the company officially announced the completion of Mission Zero and introduced the next mission, called Climate Take Back; an aggressive new strategy to sequester carbon in their products and make their factories perform the same functions as forests, sustaining and replenishing the ecosystem." Nathan says " You can't mandate a change like that. A cultural transition makes an environmental transformation possible."We talk about the Green New Deal, Biden's climate action promises and the caring economy. He says we "have to bring more people in to design solutions" and offers his film as a part of any Business Curriculum.Teach This Story – Beyond Zero (beyondzerofilm.com)(link is external)To build a lasting community of workers with a stake in the future here is an online course from HarvardIntrapreneur Accelerator(link is external)   If there's a tomorrow

Rosie and Bella interview Steve Mintern from OFFICE, critical urban geographer Dr Kate Shaw and designer and activist Cat Macleod about the environmental and social impacts of demolishing the 44 public housing towers in Melbourne. Steve Mintern is a landscape architect and is one of the managing directors of OFFICE, a charitable not-for-profit design and research practice in Melbourne. OFFICE is made up of a group of architects who assist community groups in advocating for better outcomes within their built environment. We talk about the research OFFICE has done into certain public housing communities, such as the Ascot Vale Estate, and their more sustainable solution of Retain, Repair and Reinvest.Critical urban geographer Dr Kate Shaw has a background in urban planning, focusing on the cultures of cities and the political-economic and social processes that shape them. Cat Macleod is a long-time climate and social justice activist and a designer passionate about saving the public housing towers. We speak to both of them together on the current pickets and research surrounding the situation which does not support the demolition of the public housing towers. Resources mentioned includeRAHU: https://rahu.org.au/?srsltid=AfmBOoqLeQJPL0-b596hLCtlDy0Jw7skKV25ZHDnijFEUWbcUnT_-zt_Save Public Housing Collective:https://www.savepublichousing.com/

Climate Action ShowAugust 11th 2025Produced by Vivien Langford THE GREAT TURNINGGuests:John Seed - Tribute to Johanna MacyCo-Author of Thinking like a Mountain https://www.deepecology.org.au/philosophy/john-seed/ Johanna Macy- Co-Author of Active Hopehttps://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Uc42aNYo8vw Peter Sainsbury - Tribute to Sebastiao Salgado and discussion of Marine Heatwaves. Global and local allocations of water plus Ken Henry and reforming the EPBC Act https://fansinaflashbulb.wordpress.com/2014/09/17/sebastiao-salgado-in kuwait/https://fansinaflashbulb.wordpress.com/2014/09/17/sebastiao-salgado-in-kuwait/and https://johnmenadue.com/post/2025/07/environment-ken-henry-and-xi-jinping-agree-nature-is-critical-to-productivity/ Papalotte singing Victor Jarra. Recorded at "Free Speech on Trial" at the Atlas Cultural centre by Mandy King and Fabipo Cavadini and and Cathy Vogan

FRACQUARIE  v  MARKET FORCES in the BEETALOO  BASIN  N.TClimate Action ShowAugust 4th 2025 Produced by Vivien Langford Guests Angelica Mantikas – Market Forces Gas Campaigner Kyle Robertson and  Morgan Picket from Market Forces  Deanna – A nurse and member of Rising Tide Owen – Australian Youth Climate CoalitionMusic – Patrick Harte PIPELINE TO NOWHEREMarket Forces analysis reveals:Australia does not need the gas from Beetaloo fracking for domestic gas power generation needs.Beetaloo fracking plans are costly, highly polluting and unnecessary.The astronomical costs ($2.7 – $4bn) of APA’s planned pipeline would be passed on to consumers on Australia’s east coast.Australia doesn’t have a gas supply problem – it has an LNG export problem.Despite APA Group’s claims that fracking Beetaloo will benefit the domestic market, if fully realised, Beetaloo Energy’s plans would see 83% of the gas it fracks exported overseas.The burning of fracked gas from Beetaloo would worsen the climate crisis and drastically undermine Australia’s climate commitments, when we need to transition to clean energy solutions. Can you take Action ?Tell Macquarie’s CEO and Chair to listen to shareholders and stop funding dangerous fossil fuel expansion! Add your name to the open letter and join thousands of Australians calling on the banks to stop funding the companies working to detonate the Beetaloo carbon bomb!https://www.marketforces.org.au/campaigns/companies/apa-group/pipeline-to-nowhere-apa-groups-dangerous-bet-on-beetaloo-fracking/

CLIMATE ACTION RADIO SHOWMAY 19TH 2025Produced by Vivien Langfordwith  guest producer Bella Jesson NATIVE TITLE TRIBUNAL GREEN LIGHTs  SANTOS GAS WELLS IN GOMEROI COUNTRY At the time this show was broadcast we did not know the decision which will be devastating for all those who continue to stand up to prtect the Pilliga, to protect the Great Artesian Basin and to prevent gas,whether it is burned here or exported,from aggravating climate chaos. This podcast contains the voices of Gomeroi people and their allies who cames down from Narrabri and elsewhere to bring a sacred flame to NSW Parliament. You will hear MC Raymond Bubble Weatherill, MP Jackie Scrubie, Assistant Secretary of Unions NSW Vanessa Seagrave, Assistant Secretary of Nurses and Midwives Association Michael Whaites, A Gomeroi speaker from Teachers Federation. MP Jeremy Buckingham and Gomeroi Woman Kara Kinchella from Lock the Gates Alliance.            *****************************************************Part 2 is an interview with Simon Kerr by Bella Jesson.They are talking about the No Music on a Dead Planet campaign  https://nomusic.au/#signup We're building community & solidarity as part of a global movement committed to collective actionWhether you are a musician or a music fan, join the movement now by signing up. When you sign up, you can: Stay up-to-date with the latest news on music + climate in Australia Be part of collective action as we continue to advocate for a greener futureBecome part of our volunteer team at events across the country           *************************************************************Background for the Native Title Tribunal Decision  quoted from:Native Title Tribunal approves Santos gas field on Gomeroi Country despite objectionsDechlan Brennan - May 20, 2025"A decision by the National Native Title Tribunal to allow the New South Wales government to lease land to Santos for gas extraction has been criticised by Gomeroi Traditional Owners.The Tribunal was asked to decide whether several petroleum production leases to Santos NSW Pty and Santos NSW (Narrabri Gas) Pty Ltd, which largely overlaps with the Pilliga - a significant Gomeroi cultural area - should be allowed to go forward.In the decision handed down on Monday, the Tribunal said the "project offers a net public benefit" when weighing the public interest evidence with the concerns of the Gomeroi people."When considering public interest, the panel placed significant weight on the project providing energy reliability if all the gas produced is made available to the domestic market as intended," the Tribunal said in its findings."The evidence in this matter has shown that if the leases are not granted, there will likely be a gap in the available supply of reliable, secure energy on Australia's east coast, which would have significant short-to-medium-term detrimental impacts upon the wider community, including Gomeroi people."In response, Gomeroi Traditional Owners said they were "disgusted" with the determination, arguing the Tribunal had "disregarded" their voices.Polly Cutmore, a Traditional Owner from Moree who was elected to deal with Santos on behalf of her Nation, said despite the result, "our mob should never be afraid to stand up for Country".Ms Cutmore said the community should never be afraid to do the right thing for future generations."

CLIMATE ACTION SHOWMAY 12TH 2025Produced by Vivien Langford SUCKERED BY GASSpeakers outside NSW ParliamentGomeroi Traditional Custodian Sue Ellen TigheMP Sue HigginsonBREAKING NEWS May 20th : https://www.abc.net.au/news/2025-05-20/national-native-title-tribunal-rules-on-narrabri-gas-project/105272428In the podcast you will hear how strongly people desire the Native Title Tribunal to recognise that the Gomeroi have saidf NO to further extraction of Pilliga Gas. The above news is a terrible setback, so all the more reason to take ACTION,https://www.lockthegate.org.au/narrabri_coal_seam_gas_new_______________________________________________________Freemantle talk by the Australia Institute with permissionProfessor Fiona StanleyWhat did Robert F. Kennedy say about GDP?Yet the gross national product does not allow for the health of our children, the quality of their education or the joy of their play. It does not include the beauty of our poetry or the strength of our marriages, the intelligence of our public debate or the integrity of our public officials.Richard DennissFrom extreme weather to soaring bills, fossil fuels are burning you twice.Australia Institute research has found climate change is increasing the cost of living, and it is fossil fuel companies at fault. Energy, insurance and food are all getting more expensive, and the one group paying none of the costs are the giant fossil fuel exporters who are causing the problem in the first place. Meanwhile, all sides of politics agree that there is no gas shortage in Australia, with the Coalition proposing a tax on gas exports. Richard Denniss, Executive Director at the Australia Institute, breaks down the issues, solutions, and what can be done about it.

THE CLIMATE ACTION SHOWProduced by Vivien Langford and Bella JessonMay 5th 2025THE GREATER GLIDER  Protect our ForestsandNO MUSIC ON A DEAD PLANET While the state  Environment Minister is asleep in her bed at night, forest protectors are out in the dark, on tough terrain, with torches trying to locate greater glider nesting trees. The law says the loggers must avoid parts of the forest where there is evidence that this is glider habitat, but loggers go out in the daytime to find the nocturnal gliders and say they can find none. Should the concerned community really being doing their job for them? While the Federal Environment Minister wants to see no extinctions on her watch and is running for re election, the greater glider is on the endangered list and its habitat is being logged in QLD and NSW. Should she really be allowed to get away with this?https://science.anu.edu.au/news-events/news/new-logging-rules-nsw-put-greater-glider-closer-extinction-when-will-we-startAnd in case you are wondering what saving the glider can do to buffer us against the worst of global heating:At UN Climate Change Conferences (COPs), forest protection is a key focus, with a strong emphasis on halting and reversing deforestation and forest degradation by 2030. These efforts are crucial for both climate mitigation and adaptation, as forests play a vital role in absorbing carbon dioxide and providing numerous ecosystem services.  We go to the Bob Brown Foundation"Protect our forests Rally" in Sydney on March 25th 2025.Speakers:Andrew Wong Forest Ecologist and operations manager from  Wilderness AustraliaIn recognition of his commitment to strategic thinking he has been asked to train campaigners in eight different countries. He was the Chair of the health promotion charity ‘Life. Be in it.’ Australia 2019-2022. Susie Russell - Veteran Forest Campaigner(The Byron Echo October 2024)Veteran forest campaigner Susie Russell was arrested yesterday  in Bulga State Forest. She was the 12th arrest in the local community’s campaign to protect the Bulga forest.Ms Russell had attached herself to the giant logging machinery until she was cut off.‘Every hour those machines don’t work is 50 trees saved,’ she said. ‘Our community will throw itself at the machines for as long as we can. We don’t want to give up any chance to save this precious forest and the Greater Gliders and Koalas that live there.Susie Russell locked on in Bulga State Forest. Photo supplied.‘I have no doubt that our actions are on the right side of history.‘All the science, all the reports, all the experts, say that if we want to repair the damage to our planet, we need to start by not doing more damage. That is the most straightforward and cheapest way to make progress.‘Removing hundreds of thousands of trees from the top of the catchment is insanity,’ said Ms Russell.‘The trees hold the land together. When the intense rain events come and the soil washes downstream, and the rivers silt up and the floods are extreme, no doubt those currently overseeing the destruction will wring their hands and lament.‘I am sickened at the inertia of the environment departments and their ministers, at state and federal level. They have no vision, and no appetite for action. They are keeping their seats warm while their support base evaporates and the damage intensifies.‘Those of us putting ourselves in arrestable situations trying to stop the carnage, would much rather be planting trees or running youth programs or removing weeds. Senator Mehreen Faruquihttps://www.instagram.com/mehreenfaruqi/reel/DHh61mHBAb_/ Coco - Ghanaian poet of Mother Earth and rap singer Sue Higginson - NSW Parliament-  Video:Shocking proof of greater glider bewildered in decimated foresthttps://www.netimes.com.au/2025/04/30/greens-call-for-end-to-logging-as-mogwai-threatened-near-glen-innes/*****************************************************************************Noelani Petero - No Music on a dead planet . Interview by Bella Jessonhttps://www.instagram.com/noelani_thefaceaustralia/?hl=en Headlines FOREST WIN IN HIGH COURThttps://bobbrown.org.au/forest-win-in-high-court/ Activists occupy Forestry Corp buildinghttps://www.echo.net.au/2025/04/activists-occupy-forestry-corp-building/ TAKE ACTION - Can you please write to Premier of NSW?- just fill in the form belowhttps://www.suehigginson.org/logging