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EarthChat
EarthChat episodes
- What will be the real cost of data centres? S26 Ep27
This week, EarthChat hosts Mark and Jacqui are talking about the environment impact of data centres. It is generally accepted that they will use significant amounts of energy and water. There will be costs and impacts.
AI will require multi-gigawatt power and millions of specialized GPUs. Tech giants are building facilities that stretch over a million square metres. However, what will be the actual costs and benefits to humanity, our environment and social structures with all these developments.44 min - An ode to trees: losing trees means losing our lifeline, S26 Ep26
Ruth is joined by Dr Greg Moore OAM, a Senior Research Associate from the University of Melbourne, and EarthChat regular, Cath Olive from the Euroa Arboretum. They join her to talk about the latest data collected from this year’s bush fires in Victoria with a focus on the dire consequences of tree loss, particularly old growth trees whose important tree hollows provide much needed habitat for native wild mammals, birds, insects, reptiles and amphibians….
Trees are major keystone species - a single tree is an eco system in its own right. Take tree hollows as just one aspect of the system, for example. We now know we’ve lost 50% of these vital life giving hollows in these latest fires. Such a loss is extremely critical because trees take anywhere from 100 to 300 years to form hollows in their trunks, making them a largely irreplaceable resource.How can we help? Cath talks about the work "The Arb" is doing not only producing hollow replacements with nesting boxes, but other ways to counteract such losses along with prevention education, like the ‘Trees on Farms’ project.Dr Moore will talk about fire-wise gardening, and explain why removing vegetation has a huge impact, citing examples of increased heatwave and wind affects, along with doubling storm damage generally. He will clear up any misinformation about planting exotics in place of eucalyptus, citing Oaks as an example, which burn vigorously if exposed to fire.Dr Moore is concerned that we are trying so hard to control our natural environment and explains how this is contributing to heatwaves becoming a bigger killer than any of the other natural phenomena except for pandemics. We must acknowledge that we are creating an environment that’s allowing global warming, and act to mitigate the causes where we can, including reducing the heat island effect to keep our cities and towns cooler to lower the instances of heat-related illness and associated medical costs.Greg Moore is a Senior Research Associate, University of Melbourne, Burnley, was Principal of Burnley (1988-2007) and Head of the School of Resource Management (2002-007). Interested in horticultural science, revegetation and ecology, Greg specializes in arboriculture. He was inaugural president of the ISA Australian Chapter, and has been a member of the National Trust’s Register of Significant Trees since 1988 and chair since 1996. He served on the Boards of Greening Australia (1988-2012), Trust for Nature (2009-2017) and is on the board of Sustainable Gardening Australia and TREENET (Chair 2005-2019). He has written three books, seven book chapters and 200 scientific papers and articles. He was awarded an OAM in 2017 for services to the environment, particularly arboriculture.And a reminder about Cath Olive, She is the Development Manager (and much more) of the Euroa Arboretum …. Cath has worked in environmental education and landscape restoration in the Goulburn Broken catchment for the past 28 years. She is passionate about plants, people and wildlife – working to balance the needs of community and farmers with positive environmental outcomes. She is inspired by biodiverse landscape restoration and working alongside Traditional Owners in managing country. camping and my dad and I would go plant hunting. The natural world is where I am happiest and content. I have been lucky to have been able to share this love of plants for the last 30 years through my various jobs, generally on Taungurung country – currently at the Arb.Important links:
Dr Greg Moore recommends having a good look around the many free resources on the not for profit TreeNet website which supports Urban Forest Research & Education for Communities:- treenet.org
Dr Moore will be speaking at an event in Euroa on July 22 from 9.30 - 12.30 venue to be announced - please check the Euroa Arboretum website closer to the date to find out its location: - euroaarboretum.com.au/. And take a good look around at their many offerings while you’re there.
52 min - Serrated Tussock - a very nasty weed, S26 Ep25
This week on EarthChat Marie chats with Ivan Carter on the detection and control of Serrated Tussock, the working party tasked with its detection and control and the impacts of it.
How do we dispose of Serrated Tussock, what are suitable herbicides for controlling it?What help is available to farmers who detect it on their property?Check out the Working Party website for more information https://serratedtussock.com/49 min - Australia’s energy future – progress, practical solutions and possibilities, S26 Ep24
This week on EarthChat we want to focus on some of the key issues facing Australia’s energy future including excellent progress being made towards sustainable transport options and the policy developments and behavioural changes needed to meet our future energy needs and climate change challenges.
Our first guest is Mr Stuart Locke, General Manager, Seymour Coaches and President of the Bus Association of Victoria who has been responsible for the successful implementation of the Zero Emissions Electric Bus Trial here in Seymour over the last 3 years. Stuart will discuss the findings of the program and how this is influencing future decisions and purchases that will reduce emissions and provide cost effective options in regional areas.Our second guest is Mr Thom Woodroofe, a Senior International Fellow with the Smart Energy Council and author of the recently released book “Power, Prosperity and Planet: Climate and Energy Policy for All”. With an extensive background in policy development, diplomacy and international climate change negotiations, Thom is well placed to recommend practical solutions for an optimistic energy future that addresses the economic and climate related concerns of all Australians.SHOW NOTES
Seymour Coaches – Seymour Passenger Services https://seymourcoaches.com.au/
Seymour Bus officially unveils first Victorian all-electric bus network - Australasian Bus and Coach
https://www.busnews.com.au/seymour-bus-officially-unveils-first-victorian-all-electric-bus-network/Seymour leads the way with first regional Victorian ZEB network - Australasian Bus and Coach
https://www.busnews.com.au/seymour-leads-the-way-with-first-regional-victorian-zeb-network/Why electric buses are the future of public transport https://www.commbank.com.au/business/brighter-perspectives/why-electric-buses-are-the-future-of-public-transport.html
The environmental and public health benefits of electric buses https://www.innovationnewsnetwork.com/the-environmental-and-public-health-benefits-of-electric-buses/50046/
Why Australian Cities Are Betting on Electric Buses (And What It Means for You) - Sustainable living guide
https://www.sustainablelivingguide.com.au/why-australian-cities-are-betting-on-electric-buses-and-what-it-means-for-you/Thom Woodroofe - Monash University Publishing https://publishing.monash.edu/authors/thom-woodroofe/
Power, Prosperity and Planet: Climate and Energy Policy for All” , 2026
Smart Energy Council https://smartenergy.org.au
An independent body accelerating Australia’s clean energy future by promoting smart energy solutions in national policy and promoting investment and secure jobs in the transition from fossil fuels to widespread deployment of renewable energy souces, improved battery technology and industry led stewardship programs that recover valuable materials like copper, aluminium and silver for future infrastructure and significantly cut landfill waste
United Nations 2015 Paris Agreement Https://unfccc.int
A legally binding international treaty on climate change aiming to limit global warming to well below 2 degrees Celsius above pre-industrial levels and pursue efforts to limit the increase to 1.5 degrees Celsius to avoid more severe climate change impacts including more frequent and sev ere, droughts, heatwaves and storms.
In January 2026 there were 194 Parties to the Agreement who submit National Climate Action Plans (known as Nationally Determined Contributions). Each successive NDC is meant to reflect an increasing level of ambition in their 2030 targets compared to the previous version.
Australia’s current 2035 target is 62-70 percent reduction below 2005 levels, and this aligns with Australia’s net zero plan of Net Zero by 2050 https://www.dcceew.gov.au
Sun Cable/Australian Renewable Energy Hub, www.solardirectory.com.au
The A$30 billion Sun Cable crash is a setback but doesn't spell the end of Australia's renewable energy export dreams https://www.thetimes.com.au/world/19603-the-a$30-billion-sun-cable-crash-is-a-setback-but-doesn-t-spell-the-end-of-australia-s-renewable-energy-export-dreams
Australian Renewable Energy Hub https://research.csiro.au/hyresource/australian-renewable-energy-hub/
Beyond Zero Emissions www.bze.org.au
Australian based climate change think tank creating solutions for a prosperous, zero emissions future including regional Action Plans and promoting Australian clean technologies that can accelerate progress.
The Superpower Institute www.superpowerinstitute.com.au
A not for profit organisation, founded in 2023 by Ross Garnaut and Rod Sims dedicated to helping Australia seize the huge economic opportunities for Australia to become a major exporter of renewable energy and green industrial products. By demonstrating the comparative advantage of this approach they seek to influence policy and industry to ensure that Australia capitalises on the global energy transition.
Australian Climate Service www.acs.gov.au
Established to provide improved data and expert advice on climate risks and impacts to support preparedness and decision making including Climate services for Agriculture and a Drought Resilience Assessment Tool.
46 min - Australia’s First Treaty is now six months in, S26 Ep23
Treaties between First Peoples and governments have been signed in many other countries, like New Zealand and Canada, but until October 2025, Australia was the only Commonwealth country without a treaty with its First Peoples. Now, at last, Australia’s first Treaty is legislated, and on November 13, 2025, the Victorian Statewide Treaty Bill 2025 was officially given Royal Assent by the Governor of Victoria.
What followed was the creation of Gellung Warl, the formalized, permanent umbrella name for the Assembly and its expanded structures under Victoria’s historic Statewide Treaty.While the Assembly operates as the negotiating body for Traditional Owners, Gellung Warl, (which means "tip of the spear" in the Gunaikurnai language), is the ongoing institution established by law to action the practical outcomes of the Treaty.Gellung Warl also provides independent oversight and accountability for Government on behalf of First Peoples. It continues the truth-telling and healing process so all of us who call Victoria home can understand our shared past, heal and move forward together.The First Peoples' Assembly continues to exist as the central, democratically elected decision-making arm within Gellung Warl, and in the recent (2026) Assembly elections, EarthChat regular, Levi Power, was re-elected as one of four North East Regional Representatives of the Assembly.Levi Power joins Ruth Yeatman and Phil Bourne on EarthChat to explain more about the different aspects of Gellung Warl, and to fill us in on Victoria’s Statewide Treaty journey over its first six months since being legislated, other exciting developments, and what’s planned for the next six months.Thanks to FPAV for giving us permission to use this Photograph The First People’s Assembly of Victoria in front of Victoria’s State Parliament building with outgoing Co-Chairs centre front: Ngarra Murray and Rueben Berg (term: 2023 - 2026)Footnote: The 2026 newly elected Assembly members of all five regions Victoria chose their new leadership team at the Assembly’s inaugural meeting in early May this year - Meriki Onus and Djaran Murray-Jackson were elected to serve as the next Assembly Co-chairs.For the latest news and speeches by the outgoing Chairs of FPAV, Ngarra Murray and Rueben Berg: https://gellungwarl.org/news/You can explore the elected representatives on the First Peoples' Assembly of Victoria website.For the latest updates on current negotiations, upcoming treaties, and official resources, you can also visit Victoria's Treaty portal.And for ANTAR’s Treaty Fact Sheet: https://antar.org.au/wp-content/uploads/2022/04/Treaty-in-Vic-Factsheet-V5_March-2026.pdf45 min - Why Gaza Matters: Violet Coco on Courage, Climate, and Conscience, S26 Ep22
Would you risk physical injury, sexual assault and more from a foreign militia just to get baby food and emergency supplies to people cut off from humanitarian aid?
Violet Coco did and was prepared to take on these risks because she knows the people of Gaza have endured and continue to endure so much greater hardships and suffering. Why?Violet is a previous guest on EarthChat (one of our most popular conversations) when she talked about her motivation and actions to highlight the climate crisis and her determination to speak truth to power and to those who want to sweep the world's problems under the mat. She is back on our program this week, having recently returned to Australia after her participation in the global flotilla, an international effort to highlight the appalling conditions faced by people in Gaza and the impact of Israel's war on their land. In the last 2.5 years, 72,900 Gazans have been killed with over 173,000 injuries. Lifesaving medicines, food and emergency supplies continue to be blocked by Israel from getting to the Gaza Strip.Violet and other people on the boats were abducted in international waters, taken to Israel, assaulted and expelled. Since their return to Australia, their stories have been met with silence and no real interest from government. Violet's involvement in the flotilla is part of her commitment to environmental and social justice. She sees that issues of global heating, geopolitical alliances and irreparable climate damage are all linked and that all Australia and the whole global population are suffering because of empires, companies and institutions which are colluding to prevent real justice.Violet is a passionate, eloquent and convincing exponent of non-violent protest and she walks the talk. Listen in to EarthChat this week when she talks about the experience of the flotilla, her commitment to social and environmental justice and the importance of connecting local actions to global issues.SHOW NOTES:
https://www.theage.com.au/environment/climate-change/there-s-no-bridge-too-far-for-this-climate-activist-s-cause-20250415-p5lruf.htmlhttps://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Violet_CoCo
https://www.patreon.com/u77513512
https://linktr.ee/FreeGazaAustralia
50 min - Environmental issues we need to follow S26 Ep21
This week on EarthChat, we discus a range of environmental issues that affect us here in Mitchell shire as well as those that affect our wider lives.
Forecasts of very high humidity in our warming world causing health problems.
How fungi contribution to a healthy soil and healthy forests
What we mean by tipping points in nature and why they are important.
Wallan wallan Regional Parkland improving development in the south of Mitchell Shire.
The limiting of the inland rail. It will not reach into Queensland as planned.
Beverage internodal freight Transport and the effects on road transport.
52 min - Cows, Carbon & Change — Inside the Impossible Dairy S26 Ep20
This week, Tim chats with Ellen Hunt from the “Impossible Dairy”, which is showing an "udder" approach to dairy farming. What if a small, regenerative dairy could not only produce milk, but also restore soils, retain water, and even help tackle climate change? And what if this little dairy could attract digital dairy devotees from across the world?
Tim and Ellen explore how this bold experiment works in practice. From cows as ecological allies to the science of soil health and carbon, the discussion digs into how farming can shift from extractive to regenerative. It’s a look at both the promise and the challenges of building a system that aims to be environmentally positive, not just sustainable, and to get interest from across the internet with fascinating and thought provoking reels, videos and posts.Whether you’re passionate about food systems, climate solutions, or simply curious about where your milk comes from, tune in to discover how one small dairy is asking big questions—and why its answers might matter far beyond the farm gate.Want to learn more and join the thousands of the Impossible Dairy's followers? Check out their Facebook and Instagram feeds.Some links from the show:https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=bnWoqxMTh_M&ra=mhttps://www.groundbreakingpress.com/https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=vpTHi7O66pI&ra=mhttps://m.youtube.com/watch?v=lGJoNXBLfQ0&ra=mhttps://m.youtube.com/watch?v=vHDXWgzeplA&pp=iggCQAE%3D&ra=m49 min - Treaties are Essential for Countries that have been Colonized S26 Ep19
Many Australians do not know what a treaty is or could involve. To help answer this question and explore other major issues surrounding Indigenous-State treaty-making, Ruth is joined by Uncle Charles Pakana who is the founder and editor of Victorian Aboriginal News, which focuses primarily on Treaty, Reconciliation, Truth-telling and the sharing of positive First Nations stories from across Victoria. (See fuller bio below)
Commonwealth countries with treaties, like New Zealand and Canada, report that all members of society benefit. Treaties move a nation from a foundation of conflict to one of mutual recognition, respect, stability, partnership and equity. By formalizing rights, acknowledging past injustices, and providing a framework for self-determination, treaties offer economic, social, and symbolic advantages for both Indigenous and non-Indigenous populations, and most importantly, lay the ground for unity and a shared cultural interchange which inevitably enriches the society.Until November, 2025, Australia was the only Commonwealth country without a treaty with its First Peoples, who as we know have lived on this continent and cared for country for 65,000 years, long before the British invaded and colonized Australia, without consent. Australia was therefore built on the denial and exclusion of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples with tragic consequences, including 438 (known) massacres which severely depleted the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander populations; and the late 1800s saw the beginning of the forcible removal of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander children, with large scale removals continuing until the 1970s.Join us to hear the facts about how Treaty will work to benefit all Victorians, and ultimately the whole country as other States investigate Treaties with indigenous people living in their regions. Uncle Charles will clear up any misinformation to help us sort fact from fiction and become better informed.BioCharles Pakana (born Keir Wells) is an Aboriginal man of Tasmanian descent, yet identifying strongly as an Aboriginal Victorian. He is the second of three successive generations of Aboriginal journalists - his father, Fred Wells, having been the Industrial Correspondent at the Sydney Morning Herald up until his death (the result of his active service during WWII), and his daughter Karina Wells, a trainee journalist at Victorian Aboriginal News: https://vicaboriginalnews.com.au/Charles is the founder of and editor at Victorian Aboriginal News, which focuses primarily on Treaty, Reconciliation, Truth-telling and the sharing of positive First Nations stories from across Victoria. He is an ex-infantry soldier (nine years) and, along with his journalistic work, which is carried across numerous Victorian community radio stations such as 3KND, Triple R and Phoenix FM, and the VAN Talks podcast, is a high-profile public speaker across the state, advocating for Treaty and Reconciliation.49 min - What's the truth about renewables? S26 Ep18
Listen to EarthChat this week. Jacqui Fulton and Mark Lyons are exploring the truth about renewables, working their way through quite a few interesting topics of huge relevance to our times, including:
The gap in availability of solar and other renewable power, which are being directly affected by wars.
The reasons behind the drop in solar and battery prices, why are they collapsing.
The misinformation that is in the community surrounding renewable energy.
Why e-bikes are the latest thing to be disliked.
43 min
About EarthChat
From the publisher's feed
EarthChat presents in-depth conversations and views on the many environment issues affecting our community. EarthChat is brought to you by BEAM Mitchell Environment Group. You can listen live each…
Tuesday on Seymour FM at 12noon AEST, with hosts Ruth, Peter, Marie and Tim. Time to tune in, listen up and get active. Don’t forget to like and follow.