Climate politics and democracy

Trump politics, anti-woke rhetoric and Australian climate policy. Wilderness Society takes on Federal Minister for Environment ahead of election. As Trump shockwaves ricochet around the world, we ask how significant is the President’s election for future global climate change action? And how is the changing world order affecting the political appetite for climate action at home? In this episode of Earth Matters we hear from Professor Robyn Eckersley, an academic working at the intersection of democratic theory and climate justice. Professor Eckersley shares her reflections on the dangerous trajectory of global democracy and its impact on Australian climate policy. We also hear from former NSW Fire & Rescue Commissioner and international firefighting expert Greg Mullins about the effect of anti-woke politics on climate emergency workers ability to speak out about climate change.And if you’re curious as to why the Federal Environment Minister Tania Plibersek has been absent in the Australian election lead-up, our segment on wildlife protection may provide one clue. We speak to Wilderness Society Campaign Director Amelia Young about the Society’s legal challenge to force the Minister to act in relation to the recovery of eleven endangered species.Acknowledgements and notes Thanks to LaTrobe University for sharing the recording of their recent panel discussion Climate Change – where are we now?  The discussion was part of a LaTrobe Ideas and Society event that took place on March 17th.  Professor Eckersley and Greg Mullins’ comments were based on policies current at that time. Some new policy announcements and changes of policy have been announced since then.  Thanks to the Climate Council for permission to air their election advertisement. You can check out the Climate Council’s election report and election scorecard via these links.  Thanks also to Phuong Tran of 3CR for bringing us the story about the Wilderness Society’s legal action. For commentary about Australia's endangered wildlife see The Guardian's special series The Last Chance. This week's show is Episode #1497 and was produced by Claudia Craig on the lands of the Wurundjeri Woi Wurrung in Narrm (Melbourne).