WOMADelaide

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FACILITATOR

Imagine a world where cities are homes to thriving ecosystems of plants, animals and other life, and not just concrete metropolises. Australian cities have the potential to transform into nature wonderlands, but how can nature be better integrated within our towns and cities? What role do individuals, neighbourhoods and communities have to play? We will explore diverse approaches to greening our streets, towns and cities.   

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HOST

Our oceans are in deep trouble, and facing threats and stressors on multiple fronts. From alarming rises in temperature to the tonnes of microplastics, the health and ongoing integrity of our marine environments are under severe threat. In addition noise pollution from seismic exploration and shipping disrupts the ability of marine animals to communicate. A powerhouse panel of marine biologists, who are using new technologies and citizen science to better understand these impacts, will discuss the different ways to advocate for the necessary change.  

SPEAKERS

Facilitator

Can Australia shift its global reputation from climate laggard to climate leader, and fulfill its hopes of co-hosting the 2026 UN Climate Change Conference with the Pacific? Although Australia has committed to net zero by 2050, it continues to approve new coal, oil and gas mines. It is now under increasing pressure from within the Pacific region and its own borders to commit to an end to the expansion of fossil fuels. Are we reaching a pivotal moment for climate action? Join a panel of Torres Strait and Pacific Islanders to hear first-hand about the growing climate movement emerging from our nearest islands.  

SPEAKERS

Facilitator

With protest laws tightening, misinformation campaigns on the rise, and the media landscape changing, what is the future of social and environmental activism? A discussion to explore the myriad ways there are to fight for change, whether it’s in the courtroom, at shareholder AGMs, in online communities or through targeted political and media stunts. 

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HOST

The soundscape of the natural world is rich with the voices of birds, insects and animals. What might these species have to say to us? Can listening to them help us learn not only how to care for them, but how to create a ‘culture of care’ for nature? Can listening help create stronger emotional connections between humans and the natural world?  

Featuring multimedia presentations from one of Australia’s most prolific nature-sound recordists Andrew Skeoch and music duo the Bowerbird Collective. Have you ever heard humans perform a dawn chorus of birdsong? Come along and hear for yourself.   

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HOST

How can our nation transform from being a global leader in species extinction to a global leader in nature regeneration? The term Nature Positive has snuck into the conversation and sounds like a good thing, but what does it really mean? Could it be a game-changer or is it just another buzzword, or worse, yet another form of greenwashing. 

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HOST

With thousands of kilometres of coastline, a tradition of seaweed use going back thousands of years, increasing demand for sustainable foods and products, and the capacity to contribute to regenerating ecosystems, is Australia ready to take advantage of this opportunity?  In the Blue Economy, something as simple as seaweed could provide new opportunities for regional communities as well as climate solutions. Featuring entrepreneur Steve Meller and marine researchers Alice Jones and Catriona Macleod, hosted by ABC 891s breakfast presenter Nikolai Beilharz.

Supported by The Bob Hawke Prime Ministerial Centre

Proudly presented by The Environment Institute

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HOST

Reaching net zero by 2050 is now law of the land for Australia. But how are we going to get there? With policy slowly or totally failing to make change fast enough, some businesses, industries and financial institutions have started to set the path for themselves, or face pressure from stakeholders to do so. So when it comes to government versus industry, who is leading who on the race to net zero?  We speak with Eytan Lenko, CEO of Boundless, the philanthropic organisation funded by Mike-Cannon Brookes Green Fund, Polly Hemming, Climate & Energy Program Director at The Australia Institute and Executive Director of the Australasian Centre for Corporate Social Responsibility Brynn O’Brien.

Proudly presented by The Australia Institute 

Supported by Dr Bronner's 

Planet Talk favourites Fran Kelly and Patricia Karvelas give you the political analysis that matters and explain what it means for you with a live recording of the best political podcast in Australia. 

SPEAKERS

Proudly presented by The Australia Institute

People assign themselves rights over nature all the time.  The right to extract, or the right to protect.  But what happens when you give nature its own rights?   What happens when we extend human rights to the earth?     

When policy fails, can the legal system step in?  What if rivers had human rights? Join Community leader, advocate and scholar Anne Poelina, legal scholars Erinn O’Donnell and Peter Burdon on recognising personhood in the ecology around us.