As the reality of climate change and extreme weather bite globally, and our politicians continue to dither and delay, many ordinary Australians are taking matters into their own hands.  Australians are installing rooftop solar at a phenomenal rate, eating less meat and using environmental metrics to decide who to bank and invest their super with. But without strong political leadership, individual actions can seem futile and collective action a far-off dream.  

In his keynote address, musician, activist and former Federal Environment Minister Peter Garrett reminds us that throughout history, momentous change has always relied on people coming together to take action. Perhaps a citizens’ movement, bringing Australians of all stripes together, could be the phenomenon that breaks our political polarisation and results in genuine action.  

This address is part 2 of the 2022 Gandhi Oration. Since 2012, UNSW Sydney has hosted the annual Gandhi Oration celebrating the legacy of Mahatma Gandhi as a champion of human rights. 

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.