Steven Nowakowski | Saving Nature from Net Zero?

Season 2 | Episode 32 — Steven NowakowskiThis week on The JJ Podcast, we sit down with environmentalist and conservationist Steven Nowakowski, whose work protecting Australia’s wilderness and rainforests spans more than 30 years.Steven shares his journey through the conservation movement, including his time as a Greens candidate in Queensland, and his lifelong commitment to preserving Australia’s unique natural landscapes.But this conversation goes deeper.Steven makes it clear: he does believe climate change is real and supports the goal of de-carbonisation. However, after decades working directly in environmental protection, he has serious concerns about whether the current path to “Net Zero” is actually sustainable for the planet.We discuss:·       The environmental impact of large-scale renewable infrastructure·       The vast mineral demand required to build wind turbines, solar panels and batteries·       The challenge of replacing that infrastructure every 15–25 years·       And why the destruction of wilderness may be an overlooked cost of the energy transitionSteven argues that while emissions reduction matters, so does biodiversity — and one of the most precious and diminishing resources on Earth is untouched wilderness.It’s a thoughtful and provocative conversation about conservation, climate policy and the difficult trade-offs facing modern environmentalism.https://www.rainforestreserves.org.au🎧 Listen now to Season 2, Episode 32 of The JJ Podcast.