The SEI Podcast Series

In this episode of the SEI podcast series, the Sydney Environment Institute and the Sydney Policy Lab hosted a panel discussion with leading resilience practitioners and community advocates to explore ways that universities can activate their people, networks, expertise, resources, and infrastructure to strengthen local resilience and launch the Becoming Familiar Faces: How Universities Can Become Allies in Community-Based Responses to Climate Disasters report. Timestamps:00:50 – Opening remarks by Professor David Schlosberg10:22 – Remarks by Alex McAlpin17:39 – Panel introduction50:10 – Introduction to Professor Mike Ryan, Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Research) at the University of Sydney50:57 – Official report Launch by Professor Mike Ryan1:01:34 – Closing remarks Speakers:Professor David Schlosberg (Opening remarks)Dr Kate Harrison Brennan (Chair)Dr Joshua BirdMaddy BraddonLaura MinchellaProfessor Mike Ryan (Report launch) Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this episode of the SEI podcast series, explore the power of storytelling in offering new ways of seeing, feeling, and understanding our relationship with the living planet. This event featured a conversation between Professor Thom van Dooren and fellow experts and collaborators, celebrating Prof van Dooren’s Biophilia Award and delving into the vital role of storytelling in addressing ecological challenges. Timestamps:00:50 – Opening remarks by Professor David Schlosberg13:51 – Remarks by Professor Thom can Dooren16:31 – The role of storytelling18:29 – Panel introduction19:12 – Approaches to storytelling37:12 – What makes good environmental storytelling56:13 – Q&A1:08:52 – Closing remarks Speakers:Professor Thom van DoorenProfessor David Schlosberg (Opening remarks)Associate Professor Zoë SadokierskiDr Sophie ChaoProfessor Dieter HochuliDr Jenny Newell Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

The 2026 Iain McCalman Lecture was delivered by Dr Rebecca McNaught as she shares lessons from the ground-up of communities stepping up in extraordinary ways in response to climate disasters. Dr McNaught explores what it means to move beyond a disaster response mindset toward a vision of proactivity and well-being in the face of compounding disasters.See the presentation here: The 2026 Iain McCalman Lecture presentationTimestamps:00:50 - Welcome from Prof David Schlosberg08:00 - Professor Vicki Flood introduces the keynote speaker12:17 - Dr McNaught introduces herself and the University Centre for Rural Health18:11 - Context of compounding disasters 25:28 - Community action after floods 35:27 - Dr McNaught and her colleagues' embedded research45:35 - Calls to action for policy-makers, donors, universities and disaster practitioners57:08 - Beck Dawson respondsSpeakersDr Rebecca McNaught, Faculty of MedicineProfessor David Schlosberg, Sydney Environment InstituteBeck Dawson, Henry Halloran Urban Regional Research InitiativeProfessor Vicki Flood, Head of Rural Clinical School Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this episode of the SEI podcast series, hear from leading voices on feminist approaches to climate change, Professor Astrida Neimanis and Dr Jennifer Mae Hamilton. This event explored feminist practices for climate change, focusing on weathering, embodied experience, inequality, and collective care.  Timestamps: 00:50 - Welcome by chair Natali Pearson 05:10 – Introduction to Weathering, Climate Change and The Weathering Collective.  08:46 – About the book 10:14 - Starting points for reimagining weather  12:18 - ‘Why we speak about weather in an expanded sense’ 30:23 - Weathering as a framework and practice for climate change.  39:00 - Examples of feminist infrastructures developed to practice weather together 53:08 - Closing remarks  Speakers: Professor Astrida Neimanis Dr Jennifer Mae Hamilton Dr Natali Pearson (Chair)   Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Unpack the growth paradigm and hear from thinkers reimagining economies built around well-being, climate justice, and living within planetary boundaries. This event is part of SEI’s Climate Justice Series. This panel series brings together leading thinkers and practitioners to explore the urgent intersections of climate action, equity, and systemic change.Timestamps:00:50 - Welcome and acknowledgement of Country04:32 – Mengyu Li 14:44 – Julia Steinberger20:16 – Manfred Lenzen24:32 – Annette Cowie32:39 - Sharon Friel40:50 - What is the one benefit you wish people understood about post-growth?45:50 - Q+A beginsSpeakers:Chair: Zoe WhittonMengyu Li, University of Sydney Julia Steinberger, University of LausanneManfred Lenzen, University of SydneyAnnette Cowie, NSW Department of Planning and EnvironmentSharon Friel, Australia National University Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

‘Nature positive’ is everywhere but what does it really mean? In this instalment, hear expert insights on its use in policy, conservation, and finance, and who stands to benefit. This event is part of SEI’s Climate Justice Series. This panel series brings together leading thinkers and practitioners to explore the urgent intersections of climate action, equity, and systemic change.Timestamps:00:50 - Welcome and acknowledgement of Country06:01 – Dwayne Mallard on dignity having currency and value10:34 – Hugh Possingham on the difficulty of measuring nature17:57 – Chloe Fisher on private sector investment in nature23:05 – Jody Gunn on what principles should guide conservation and the finance sector32:00 - Thoughts on 'perfection is the enemy of the good'41:20 - Q+A beginsSpeakers:Chair: Carolyn HoggDwayne Mallard, ArjawayChloe Fisher, sustainability reporting expertHugh Possingham, former QLD Chief ScientistJody Gunn, conservation scientist and leader Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this instalment of the SEI Podcast Series hear from leading environmental figures to explore models of more-than-human governance, drawing from Indigenous knowledges, creative and legal practices, and innovative research. This event is part of SEI’s Climate Justice Series. This panel series brings together leading thinkers and practitioners to explore the urgent intersections of climate action, equity, and systemic change.Timestamps:00:50 - Welcome and introduction07:30 – Patricia Gualingua on the Kawsak Sacha (Living Forest Declaration), translated by Silvia R. Martínez15:219 – Nardi Simpson on music, land and language22:53 – Paul Powlesland on the responsibility and possibility for transforming institutions32:20 – Shrishtee Bajpai on decolonisation and land rights in connection with more-than-human justice40:40 - What makes it possible for you to keep on imagining and embedding these possibilities in the present?46:38 - Q+A beginsSpeakers:Chair: Danielle Celermajer, Sydney Environment InstituteShrishtee Bajpai, Global Tapestry of AlternativesPatricia Gualinga, Sarayaku Indigenous rights advocateNardi Simpson, Yuwaalaraay storyteller, performerPaul Powlesland, Lawyers for NatureSilvia R. Martínez, Certified Conference Translator Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this instalment of the SEI Podcast Series, hear from leading voices as they discuss Australia’s urgent climate, housing and energy challenges, exploring solutions through inclusive decision-making, First Nations leadership, and innovative design to drive sustainable, equitable change for all.This event is part of SEI’s Climate Justice Series. This panel series brings together leading thinkers and practitioners to explore the urgent intersections of climate action, equity, and systemic change.Timestamps:00:50 - Welcome and introduction08:25 - Emma Bacon on how extreme heat is impacting society’s most vulnerable12:20 - Karra Kinchela on how fossil fuel extraction is effecting First Nations people17:30 - Amanda Tattersall on what does meaningful community engagement look like23:05 - Steve Hartley on how the planning system is managing a housing crisis and climate resilience31:00 - What climate justice issue should be prioritised on the federal government agenda? 39:40 - Q+A beginsSpeakersDavid Schlosberg, Director, Sydney Environment InstituteEmma Bacon, Executive Director, Sweltering CitiesSteve Hartley, Executive Director, Department of Planning, Housing & InfrastructureKarra Kinchela, Narrabri Community Coordinator, Lock the Gate AllianceAmanda Tattersall, Associate Professor of Practice in Urban Geography, University of Sydney Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this instalment of the SEI Podcast Series, discover how nature-based solutions can be integrated into urban and coastal planning to build resilience and improve ecological health whilst balancing competing demands for land use. Learn from successful projects, understand the challenges, and explore practical strategies to implement these solutions at scale. This event will be an exclusive preview of a new report that engaged with diverse stakeholders to understand how green and blue infrastructure can transform flood risk management in Greater Sydney.This event was held in partnership with the Sydney Environment Institute, Committee for Sydney, and AECOM at Climate Action Week 2025.Timestamps:00:50 - Welcome and introduction02:11 - Address by Beck Dawson and context of discussion 09:14 - Sam Kernaghan on Sydney's resilience during floods15:39 - Genevieve Wright on international examples of how nature is being used to stop flooding21:37 - Alice Simpson-Young on barriers for implementing nature-based solutions in Sydney 26:36 - How do we shift nature-based solutions to 'business as usual'?31:29 - Panel discussion begins31:52 - What are quick ways to embed nature-based solutions?35:36 - How can we integrate nature-based solutions and Disaster Adaptation Guidelines overview44:18 - The success of the GreenWay project53:07 - The Botany Wetlands system and tackling policy 1:05:11 - Q+A begins1:22:02 - ConclusionSpeakersSam Kernaghan, Director of Resilience Program at the Committee for SydneyNick Chapman, Resilience Specialist at Willoughby City CouncilBeck Dawson, Executive Director - Adaptation and Mitigation at the NSW Reconstruction Authority Dan Penny, Professor in the Faculty of Science at the University of SydneyAlice Simpson-Young, Principal Sustainability and Resilience Consultant at AECOMSarah Tasic, Assistant Director Disaster Risk Management at the NSW Reconstruction AuthorityGenevieve Wright, Senior Project Officer at the Sydney Environment Institute Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

The 2025 Iain McCalman Lecture was delivered by Dr Mitch Gibbs as he reflected on his journey as an Indigenous researcher, exploring how collaboration with First Nations communities can transform environmental research. How can trust, collaboration, and co-designed strategies transform our relationship with the environment, fostering genuine Caring for Country in practice?Timestamps:00:50 - Welcome from Prof David Schlosberg02:48 - Mitch's early life growing up in Willawarrin, learning from the land05:19 - Mitch's journey through Western education, from Honours to PhD11:32 - Post-PhD and journey to incorporating Indigenous knowledge into academia12:55 - Current projects to include Indigenous knowledges26:54 - Fulbright Fellowship and work with Swinomish and Samish nations in North America36:19 - Towards the future37:50 - Prof Maria Byrne respondsSpeakers:Dr Mitch Gibbs, University of SydneyProfessor David Schlosberg, Sydney Environment InstituteProfessor Maria Byrne (respondent), School of Life and Environmental Sciences Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

As climate change accelerates, Pacific Island nations face the twin challenges of increasing climate vulnerability and financial constraints that limit their ability to invest in resilience and recovery. This podcast will explore what a just and effective climate finance system could look like in the next decade and the structural barriers that must be overcome to achieve transformative change. This podcast was recorded as part of the Climate justice and loss and damage in the Pacific conference.Timestamps:00:51 - Introduction05:54 - Loss and damage debates need to engage with a dual debt crisis: the ecological debt owed by the Global North to the Global South and how this is entangled with broader questions of justice18:52 - The Pacific Resilience Facility (PRF) as the first Pacific-led, owned and managed regional resilience financing facility for community climate and disaster resilience31:29 - The dual challenge faced by many developing countries: unsustainable debt and increasing climate vulnerability42:50 - Q+ASpeakers:Associate Professor Kate Owens (Chair), Sydney Law School, University of SydneyFinau Soqo, Manager, Pacific Resilience FacilityMagalie Masamba, law and policy advisorDr Julia Dehm, La Trobe University Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

As climate change intensifies, Pacific Island communities are facing profound losses of land, livelihoods, cultural heritage, and ways of life. How can Pacific-led solutions shape just responses to loss and damage? This podcast was recorded as part of the Climate justice and loss and damage in the Pacific conference.Timestamps:00:50 - Introduction05:14 - Discussion of Pasifika Network Loss and Damage 12:53 - Building resilience and achieving climate justice in the Pacific26:20 - Exploring the gendered dimensions of rural Australian community disaster responses and resilience building, highlighting women’s experiences39:33 - Q+ASpeakers:Professor David Schlosberg (Chair), Sydney Environment Institute, University of SydneyVenaisi Uluilakeba, coordinator for the Pasifika Network Loss and DamageLavetanalagi (Lagi) Seru, climate justice activist Dr Rebecca McNaught, University Centre for Rural Health Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

As climate change intensifies, Pacific Island communities are facing profound losses of land, livelihoods, cultural heritage, and ways of life. How can Pacific-led solutions shape just responses to loss and damage? This podcast was recorded as part of the Climate justice and loss and damage in the Pacific conference.Timestamps:00:50 - Introduction05:15 - Foundational principles of multi-species justice (Dany Celermajer)16:50 - Recognising environmental legal rights in the South Pacific (Ed Couzens)30:30 - How the Paris Agreement fails to acknowledge the more-than-human (Rosemary Lyster)43:40 - Q+ASpeakers:Dr Scott Webster (Chair), Sydney Environment Institute, University of SydneyProfessor Danielle Celermajer, Sydney Environment Institute, University of SydneyAssociate Professor Ed Couzens, Sydney Law School, University of SydneyProfessor Rosemary Lyster, Sydney Law School, University of Sydney Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this instalment of the SEI Podcast Series, UN Special Rapporteur on the Right to Development Professor Surya Deva unveils his Climate Justice: Loss and Damage report, just days after its presentation to the UN General Assembly. Professor Deva presents a climate justice framework with four pillars: mitigation, adaptation, remediation, and transformation, underpinned by 12 human rights principles. Professor Deva proposes a range of actions for states, international financial institutions, and businesses to address loss and damage.  Timestamps: 00:49 - Welcome and introduction by Professor Rosemary Lyster06:39 - Professor Deva's introductory remarks07:00 - Discussion on climate justice frameworks30:59 - Professor David Schlosberg's response38:00 - How do we implement the framework?39:18 - Professor Deva responds42:30 - Closing commentsSpeakers: Professor Surya Deva, UN Special Rapporteur on the Right to Development  Professor Rosemary Lyster, climate justice and disaster law researcher  Professor David Schlosberg, Director of the Sydney Environment Institute   Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this instalment of The SEI Podcast Series, renowned scholar Kyle Whyte will share his experiences serving the Biden administration, environmental justice organisations, and Tribal nations. In one of its earliest moves, the Biden Administration made a historic commitment to advancing environmental justice, significantly increasing federal programs, funding, and public awareness on the issue. This bold approach has been heralded as a "once in a lifetime" investment, creating new pathways for justice, equity, and environmental sustainability. But four years later, what has been the outcome? How have these expansive policies impacted the communities they were designed to serve? What are the successes, challenges, and ongoing barriers in this unprecedented investment?Timestamps00:50 - Introduction and welcome03:57 - Kyle's opening address30:52 - David and Kyle begin their discussion SpeakersProfessor Kyle Whyte, University of MichiganProfessor David Schlosberg, Sydney Environment Institute Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this instalment of The SEI Podcast Series, hear from experts from as they explore if valuing nature economically can lead to responsible environmental stewardship or if it undermines its innate value. Can we balance the financial valuation of nature with ethical stewardship, or do market mechanisms risk commodifying what is inherently invaluable?Timestamps:00:50 - Welcome and introduction6:22 - Are there are mechanisms to protect what’s left of our natural world?10:22 - What role do financial markets in driving positive environmental outcomes?18:06 - How can governments better regulate nature markets to ensure transparency and effectiveness?24:26 - How can the concept of nature markets align with Indigenous and community approaches?30:40 - Heading towards 2040, how do we see a price on nature contributing to the protection of the environment? 38:50 - Q+ASpeakers:Professor Carolyn Hogg, ChairAriadne Gorring, Pollination FoundationProfessor Dieter Hochuli, University of SydneyJoshua Bishop, environmental economistRadha Kuppalli, investment advisor Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this instalment of The SEI Podcast Series, hear from experts as they explore the potential of nature-based solutions, like wetlands and mangroves, in acting as climate buffer infrastructure. They will share new findings from SEI’s project Examining climate buffer projects in the Philippines and feature other case studies from Australia and the Pacific, that address how justice and biodiversity issues can be addressed alongside climate adaptation solutions. Timestamps:00:51 - Welcome and introductions05:22 - How do mangroves function as a climate buffer?09:06 - The effectiveness of nature-based solutions compared with traditional engineering solutions13:00 - The importance of Indigenous and local knowledges on informing the design and implementation of nature-based solutions 17:45 - Overview of the Blue Heart Sunshine Coast Project and how project ownership and responsibility is shared with the local communities24:48 - How do we envision nature-based solutions transforming cities and rural landscapes to enhance climate resilience and biodiversity in the years ahead?33:54 - Q+A section46:03 - ConclusionSpeakers:Dr Justin See, Sydney Environment InstituteJazmin (Minet) Aguisanda-Jerusalem, Filipino disaster risk reduction expertDr Anneke van den Brink, marine ecologist and expert of nature-based solutions for coastal defenceDr Sonia Marshall, managing an adaptive floodplain management projectSuliasi Vunibola, researcher on Indigenous community resilience in the Pacific Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Experiencing a disaster is often the catalyst for communities to realise the importance of being prepared, particularly when people have been forced to rely on each other in the absence of outside help. This vignette highlights how some local communities have since formed grassroots resilience groups to ensure that recovery, climate adaptation and preparation for future disasters occurs at the local community level.   ‘Stories are the Toolkit’ is a vignette series that illuminates community-led action. The stories are based on interviews with 68 individuals who, in their different ways, contributed to community-led response, recovery and adaptation across three regions in New South Wales: the Northern Rivers, the Hawkesbury and the Blue Mountains. Listeners are advised that this vignette describes the aftermath of catastrophic flooding. It may be distressing to some listeners, so please take care. If you need to talk to someone, please contact Lifeline on 13 11 14.  Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

During and after disasters, social media platforms become critical communication tools that enable the sharing of information, linking of donations and volunteers with those who need assistance, and help local groups to coordinate recovery activities. This vignette highlights how social media can aid small or remote communities who find themselves beyond the reach of government, emergency management and social service agencies and in need of external support to bring in what is needed. ‘Stories are the Toolkit’ is a vignette series that illuminates community-led action. The stories are based on interviews with 68 individuals who, in their different ways, contributed to community-led response, recovery and adaptation across three regions in New South Wales: the Northern Rivers, the Hawkesbury and the Blue Mountains. Listeners are advised that this vignette describes flood-affected homes and communities. It may be distressing to some listeners, so please take care. If you need to talk to someone, please contact Lifeline on 13 11 14.  Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Community-led actions are enabled through their ability to draw on local networks, skills and knowledges to respond swiftly and flexibly in times of crisis. This vignette describes how a family drew upon their ‘everyday’ networks around work, school, sports and their neighbourhood to organise response and recovery support across multiple floods.‘Stories are the Toolkit’ is a vignette series that illuminates community-led action. The stories are based on interviews with 68 individuals who, in their different ways, contributed to community-led response, recovery and adaptation across three regions in New South Wales: the Northern Rivers, the Hawkesbury and the Blue Mountains.  Listeners are advised that this vignette mentions flooding and bushfire events. It may be distressing to some listeners, so please take care. If you need to talk to someone, please contact Lifeline on 13 11 14.  Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Disaster-affected communities frequently emphasise the need to ‘know your neighbours’ – know who they are, what their needs and plans may be and what skills and resources they have. This vignette demonstrates how for some communities this takes the form of warden or street facilitator networks; people who understand the lay of the land, can serve as a point of contact for advice and organise street-level disaster preparation and readiness activities.‘Stories are the Toolkit’ is a vignette series that illuminates community-led action. The stories are based on interviews with 68 individuals who, in their different ways, contributed to community-led response, recovery and adaptation across three regions in New South Wales: the Northern Rivers, the Hawkesbury and the Blue Mountains. Listeners are advised that this vignette mentions bushfire events and describes the lead-up to the 2019-20 bushfire crisis. It may be distressing to some listeners, so please take care. If you need to talk to someone, please contact Lifeline on 13 11 14.  Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Flood-affected communities do not remain idle when the need is urgent. This vignette covers one way in which community members organised a system of tracking and coordinating boat rescues to save lives and to minimise the substantial risk taken by those on the water. ‘Stories are the Toolkit’ is a vignette series that illuminates community-led action. The stories are based on interviews with 68 individuals who, in their different ways, contributed to community-led response, recovery and adaptation across three regions in New South Wales: the Northern Rivers, the Hawkesbury and the Blue Mountains. Listeners are advised that this vignette describes people stranded on their roofs due to rising floodwaters. It may be distressing to some listeners, so please take care. If you need to talk to someone, please contact Lifeline on 13 11 14.  Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In recent years, communities across New South Wales have faced catastrophic bushfires and floods. These have been described as ‘unprecedented’ in their scales and as ‘the new normal’ due to climate change. In many respects, these disasters have had compounding impacts as people endure them one after another and concurrently with other crises – an ongoing global pandemic, disruptions to supply chains, inflation, and a housing crisis. ‘Stories are the Toolkit’ is a vignette series that illuminates community-led action. The stories are based on interviews with 68 individuals who, in their different ways, contributed to community-led response, recovery and adaptation across three regions in New South Wales: the Northern Rivers, the Hawkesbury and the Blue Mountains.  Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this instalment of SEI's four-part Climate and Biodiversity Crises Series, in partnership with Henry Halloran Trust, an expert panel will discuss how concepts of multispecies justice can inform planning for nature-based solutions, striving to rebalance the relationship between human development and the environment. Timestamps:00:53 - Welcome and introduction11:49 - How does multispecies justice influence policy in the EU?17:39 - What are the trade-offs between meeting our housing needs in Australia, and preserving nature?24:26 - What is the nature roadmap for the built environment?32:52 - Council strategies38:26 - How would a focus on multispecies justice change how we approached urban planning?45:39 - The black roof ban52:48 - How do developers respond to the focus on nature and biodiversity?1:00:58 - Shifting thinking away from making nature conform to our expectations1:04:44 - Q+A begins Speakers:Nicole Gurran (Chair), urban planning researcherGwilym Griffiths, urban greening expertAdrienne Keane, researcher and urban plannerElham Monavari, Green Building Council of AustraliaChristopher Raymond, University of Helsinki Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this instalment of the SEI podcast series, it is discussed how the biodiversity crisis is inextricably linked to the climate crisis, and we can’t save the climate by destroying nature in the process. In fact, we need to repair nature to help solve climate change. The opening panel of the Sydney Environment Institute’s Climate and Biodiversity Crises Series explored the broader planetary crisis and the interconnections between the climate and biodiversity crises.In partnership with the Australian Conservation Foundation and as part of Sydney’s first Climate Action Week, a panel of leading voices from academia, not-for-profit, business and government discussed the need for a unified approach. Protecting biodiversity serves as both a defence against climate change and a system threatened by it. Embracing this holistic perspective will be crucial for a resilient and thriving future.Timestamps00:56 - Introduction09:41 - Learning from Indigenous knowledges for a positive nature future14:40 - How has the Australian Conservation Foundation's messaging transformed?20:17 - What does science tell us about the interlay of the dual biodiversity and climate challenges?28:50 - How is the business sector responding to climate and biodiversity shifts?40:22 - How can we learn from Indigenous stories as key knowledge?45;24 - How are government departments integrating Indigenous cultural knowledge with western science?52:21 - How can business move from short-term business models to long-term climate solutions?58:30 - Why is it important that we shift the dominant narrative to reflect the larger planetary crisis?1:05:16 - Q+A beginsSpeakersDanielle Celermajer (Chair), Sydney Environment InstituteMitch Gibbs, Indigenous marine biologistBasha Stasak, Australian Conservation FoundationGuy Williams, consultant in nature positive solutionsJane DeGabriel, conservation scientist at the NSW Government Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this instalment of the SEI Podcast Series, writer Dr James Bradley  joins new scholarship that reckons with humanity’s complex relationship to the natural world. Through the lens and narratives of the ocean, it offers vital new ways of understanding and being in the world, and how we anticipate our climate future. Hear James expand on these ideas alongside Maria Byrne, Professor of Marine Biology at the University of Sydney and world expert on echinoderms; Tishiko King, proud Zenadth Kes/Torres Strait Island woman, marine biologist and climate campaigner; with Guardian Australia’s Helen Sullivan, who hosted this event.This event was held in partnership with Sydney Ideas.Timestamps:0:55 - Welcome from Helen Sullivan2:07 - How did you approach such a vast topic like the ocean?4:39 - How has this book changed you?9:20 - Living on an island when waste washes up on your shores20:04 - The importance of sea urchins ecologically27:50 - Massive loss of abundance36:34 - Lived reality of Indigenous people in the Torres Strait Islands Speakers:Dr James Bradley OAM, writer, critic and author of Deep WaterProfessor Maria Byrne, marine biologist at the University of SydneyTishiko King, scientist and climate campaignerHelen Sullivan (Chair), columnist and world news reporter at The Guardian Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

At the 2024 Iain McCalman lecture, Dr Sophie Chao considered how mourning has become a necessary disposition of our times: one that enables us to create and commemorate connections by recognising the vulnerability and finitude of non-human others. Dr Chao drew on philosophies, practices, and protocols of “multispecies mourning” enacted by Indigenous Marind People in the Indonesian-occupied region of West Papua, where mass deforestation and monocrop oil palm expansion are undermining communities’ intimate and ancestral relations to forest landscapes and lifeforms. Learn more about the event here.Timestamps04:43 - Oil palm plantations in West Papua14:05 - Noken weaving as a form of mourning21:23 - Singing for lost kin31:00 Planting to blur the line between suffering and surviving SpeakerDr Sophie Chao, Discovery Early Career Researcher Award Fellow and Lecturer in the Discipline of Anthropology at the University of Sydney Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

How can we balance the need to halt biodiversity loss against human needs for shelter, fuel, and nutrition? Could a more multidisciplinary approach help? This discussion was hosted by Sustainability at Sydney in partnership with the Sydney Environment Institute. Learn more about the event here.Speakers:Associate Professor Ed Couzens, University of Sydney Law SchoolDr. Tristan Salles, Faculty of ScienceDr. Lauren Cole, Taronga Conservation Society AustraliaAssociate Professor Thom van Dooren, Sydney Environment InstituteAssociate Professor Catherine Grueber, Faculty of ScienceDr. Eliza Middleton (Chair), Sustainability at Sydney Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In the final episode of the Unearthing Critical Minerals series, Professor Susan Park sits down with Dr Jewellord (Jojo) Nem Singh, an Assistant Professor in International Development, to understand the role the European Union (EU) is playing to reduce the environmental and social harms of critical mineral mining for renewable energy. The EU’s recently launched Critical Raw Minerals Act seeks to build a resilient critical minerals supply chain, strengthen domestic capacity and capability, and establishes a need to build a circular economy.They emphasise the significance of tracking the EU's role as a key player in the critical minerals race. The EU's pursuit of both higher environmental standards and the success of the clean energy transition in the coming decades adds complexity to this multifaceted challenge, demanding a coordinated approach involving multiple policy instruments.Learn more about the Unearthing Critical Minerals podcast series and read the show notes here.Credits:Featuring: Professor Susan Park, Assistant Professor Jewellord (Jojo) Nem SinghProduced by: Genevieve WrightEdited by: Celine Huynh Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this episode, Professor Susan Parks sits down with political scientist Dr Donald Kingsbury as they delve into the contrasting experiences of mining communities in Canada, Australia, and South America. Explore the influences of mining company dynasties, extractive processes, and citizen engagement. Uncover how governments are actively de-risking the critical minerals industry and incentivising private investment. They’ll discuss how the mining industry is reducing harm thanks to pressure from labour organisations and environmental activism and where there are still areas for improvement.Learn more about the Unearthing Critical Minerals podcast series and read the show notes here.Credits:Featuring: Professor Susan Park, Assistant Professor Donald KingsburyProduced by: Genevieve WrightEdited by: Celine Huynh Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this episode, Professor Susan Parks sits down with geographer Dr Lian Sinclair to understand how critical minerals impact the communities and environments they interact with along their global production networks. They’ll discuss the geo-economic politics, power struggles and conflicts that are arising within these supply chains and the impacts at the local scale where the mines are located.The episode will explore how Australia is positioning itself as a critical minerals powerhouse with state investment in refinement infrastructure and they’ll question why governance standards are failing to reduce social and environmental impacts of critical minerals extraction.Learn more about the Unearthing Critical Minerals podcast series and read the show notes here.Credits:Featuring: Professor Susan Park, Dr. Lian SinclairProduced by: Genevieve WrightEdited by: Celine Huynh Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this episode, Professor Susan Park will unpack what are critical minerals and why they are key in our fight against climate change? Renewable energy is vital for the rapid global decarbonisation needed to reduce global warming. Yet renewable technologies comprise of rare earth elements like copper, cobalt and lithium, whose extraction and refinement process come with many significant environmental and social costs. How can we establish governance mechanisms that ensure just and equitable outcomes in the extraction of critical minerals?We delve into the 'friend-shoring' of supply chains of critical minerals, a practice that is reshaping traditional offshore dependencies and altering the global landscape. With prominent global players like China, USA, Australia, and the European Union taking an avid interest, we examine the strategic underpinnings that underscore the quest for these essential minerals.Learn more about the Unearthing Critical Minerals podcast series and read the show notes here.Credits:Featuring: Professor Susan ParkProduced by: Genevieve WrightEdited by: Celine Huynh Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

University of Sydney researchers discuss the recent United Nations Global Sustainable Development Report and how multidisciplinary research can help achieve a sustainable world. Learn more about the event here.Timestamps:03:00 How the University of Sydney supports researchers in working alongside global partners to meet the SDGs - Amanda Sayan13:20 How is the world performing at the SDGs? - Jamie Miranda42:15 The impacts of a warming world on our health - Ollie Jay54:45 The power of science communication - Alice MotionSpeakers:Professor Jaime Miranda, University of SydneyProfessor Alice Motion, Sydney NanoProfessor Ollie Jay, Heat and Health Research IncubatorAmanda Sayan, University of Sydney Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this instalment of Grounded Conversations, political theorist Alyssa Battistoni joins Sydney Environment Institute researcher Anna Sturman to discuss the practical transformation of unjust systems in relation to climate change and critical scholarship. They will reflect on the role of care and multispecies justice in climate movements, and the different social and political contexts the USA and Australia present for organising towards more just futures. Learn more about the event here.Timestamps:07:40 The politics of nature: how capitalism values nature20:35 Australia vs. US climate movements & Green New Deals32:15 How are people building power and addressing socio-ecological issues42:45 The role of academia in informing and being informed by movementsSpeakers:Dr. Alyssa Battistoni, Barnard CollegeDr. Anna Sturman, Sydney Environment Institute Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In recent years, Australia has been battered by catastrophic bushfires and floods exacerbated by climate change. It is also clear from these shock events that community organised actions fulfil an essential role in disaster preparation, response and recovery. With science warning that the intensity and frequency of fires, floods and other disasters will only increase in future, what lessons can be learnt from communities already impacted by this ‘new normal’? A panel of esteemed community organisers and researchers share crucial new findings from the SEI research project ‘Self-organising Systems to Minimise Future Disaster Risk’ in recognition of the UN’s International Disaster Risk Reduction Day on 13 October. Learn firsthand insights from their collaboration with affected communities in the Northern Rivers, Hawkesbury and Blue Mountains. The research illuminates the essential role of spontaneous community organising in times of disaster underpinned by strong local knowledge and connection. The discussion explores how government and emergency services can effectively support this role and how the most meaningful community actions can often go unnoticed. Learn more about the event here.Timestamps 8.47 Impact of climate-driven disasters on communities 19.29 What would support communities? 24.51 Recognising the role of local knowledge 31.48 What do communities want from government and agencies? Speakers Scott Webster, Researcher, Sydney Environment Institute Mary Lyons-Buckett, Community Fellow, Hawkesbury Rebecca McNaught, Plan C David Schlosberg (Chair), Director, Sydney Environment Institute Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Industrial agriculture is a key contributor to the climate crisis, which threatens the resilience of our food systems. A panel of farmers and researchers explore farming practices that can help restore our ecosystems. This discussion is part of the Sydney Environment Institute’s Climate Adaptation series. As climate disasters increase, all sectors of society – from food supply chains to investment strategies – must adapt. This series, led by SEI Postdoctoral Fellow Justin See, platforms thought leaders across research, business, policy and communities to delve into just and sustainable climate change adaptation. Learn more about the event here.Timestamps 1.01 Acknowledgment of Country 6.47 What is regenerative agriculture? 19.38 Who should drive food system adaptation? 30.06 The real cost of food 34.46 What policy shifts do we need? 43.13 The power of big agriculture Speakers Joshua Gilbert, Worimi man and Indigenous agriculturist William Thorncraft, regenerative farmer Thomas O'Donoghue, University of Sydney International Centre for Crop and Digital Agriculture Rebecca Cross (Chair), University of Sydney School of Geosciences Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In the face of worsening climate disasters, the Sydney Environment Institute's Shoalhaven project seeks to understand the work being done by communities to protect animals during catastrophic fires, and how this can be better supported. As a way of reflecting back the wealth of information community members generously shared, the research team wrote and recorded a series of vignettes incorporating key themes and findings of the project. Each story is a fictionalised representation of real events, and is an amalgamation of community members’ experiences. The characters are made up, but their experiences are based on those of our interview participants. Hear SEI researcher Freya MacDonald read the stories.Read by SEI Researcher Freya MacDonaldLearn more about this project here Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In the face of worsening climate disasters, the Sydney Environment Institute's Shoalhaven project seeks to understand the work being done by communities to protect animals during catastrophic fires, and how this can be better supported. As a way of reflecting back the wealth of information community members generously shared, the research team wrote and recorded a series of vignettes incorporating key themes and findings of the project. Each story is a fictionalised representation of real events, and is an amalgamation of community members’ experiences. The characters are made up, but their experiences are based on those of our interview participants.Read by SEI researcher Freya MacDonaldLearn more about this project here Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In the face of worsening climate disasters, the Sydney Environment Institute's Shoalhaven project seeks to understand the work being done by communities to protect animals during catastrophic fires, and how this can be better supported. As a way of reflecting back the wealth of information community members generously shared, the research team wrote and recorded a series of vignettes incorporating key themes and findings of the project. Each story is a fictionalised representation of real events, and is an amalgamation of community members’ experiences. The characters are made up, but their experiences are based on those of our interview participants. Read by SEI researcher Freya MacDonaldLearn more about this project here Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Professor Steven Chu, a Nobel Prize laureate and former U.S. Secretary of Energy during the Obama administration, presents new data on climate change that indicates that the Earth’s climate is more sensitive than previously thought. How we can transition from where we are heading to where we need to be within 50 years is one the most pressing set of issues that science, invention, and innovations need to address. Professor Chu discusses potential solutions that could provide a path to a sustainable and prosperous future. This event is presented by the Sydney Environment Institute in partnership with the Net Zero Initiative and the United States Studies Centre. Learn more about this event here.Timestamps 1.45 Climate change stresses 6.39 Energy systems 15.51 Don’t recycle. Reuse 23.28 Hydrogen 28.39 Batteries 39.00 Food 51.57 Carbon capture 59.18 Redefining wealth 1.01.35 Responses SpeakersKeynote speaker: Steven Chu, Nobel Prize-winning scientist Respondents: Deanna D'Alessandro, Net Zero Initiative and Meg McDonald, United States Studies Centre Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

What if politics were reoriented to take responsibility for planetary flourishing? Such an orientation has been labelled multispecies justice. While it is ‘new’ to modern Anglo-European philosophical and political traditions, multispecies justice grounds Indigenous approaches to ethical living. Hear from Indigenous scholars and artists as they discuss the potential for multispecies justice to protect the natural world. Learn more about this event here.Timestamps 3.05 Indigenous multispecies justice 9.18 Chamoru creation 18.20 First Nations responses to colonial and imperial destruction 30.28 Maori rules to maintain harmony and sustainability 42.34 Kuruwari: allowing Country to speak Speakers Craig Santos Perez, University of Hawaiʻi Makere Stewart-Harawira, University of Alberta Christine Winter, University of Otago Judith Nangala Crispin, poet and visual artist Danielle Celermajer (Chair), Sydney Environment Institute Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Financial experts discuss the rapidly transitioning landscape of climate finance to explore how a variety of public and private financial actors are responding to climate change risks and opportunities, and what role finance can play in adaptation solutions. This discussion is part of the Sydney Environment Institute’s Climate Adaptation series. As climate disasters increase, all sectors of society - from food supply chains to investment strategies - must adapt. This series, led by SEI Postdoctoral Fellow Justin See, platforms thought leaders across research, business, policy and communities to delve into just and sustainable climate change adaptation. Learn more about this event here.Timestamps 11.05 Roles of financial actors in climate adaptation and mitigation 20.12 Changes needed in the sector to promote climate justice 27.24 Risk vs responsibility Speakers Zoe Whitton, Pollination Group Gareth Bryant, University of Sydney School of Social and Political Sciences Sophie Webber (Chair), University of Sydney School of Geosciences Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

A panel of experts and climate activists discuss Australia’s race to mine critical minerals for renewable technology and the consequences of an unregulated approach. The transition to renewables such as solar, wind and lithium-ion batteries is vital to decarbonise our energy use, systems, and transport. Renewable energy technology relies on an intensification of mining of ‘critical minerals’ for their production such as rare earths, lithium, and copper. This panel explores the implications of accelerating mining for critical minerals for Australia as we seek to meet our international and national climate targets. This event was held in partnership with Jubilee Australia Research Centre and marked the launch of their 'Greenlight or Gaslight' report, which unpacks concerns about how we transition to a more sustainable world. Learn more about this event here.Timestamps 3.52 What are critical minerals? 15.54 Who benefits from the new mining boom? Who bears the costs? 23.00 Governance gaps 37.05 The importance of energy democracy 42.05 Strategies for reducing environmental harms Speakers Luke Fletcher, Jubilee Australia Research Centre Kavita Naidu, Climate Action Network Australia Susan Park, University of Sydney Department of International Relations Lian Sinclair (Chair), University of Sydney School of Geosciences Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

How has capitalism and colonialism rendered multispecies injustice business as usual? A panel of experts unpack this issue and consider what alternative structures could support conditions for justice. To understand the production of multispecies injustices requires widening the frame beyond specific acts of violence, exploitation and marginalisation. To counter such injustices and create alternatives demands an appreciation of how capitalism and colonialism have put in place the meanings, forms of relationship, and institutional arrangements that render multispecies injustice business as usual. To launch the recently published Special Issue of the journal Cultural Politics on Multispecies Justice, the editors and four contributing authors explore the capitalist and colonial roots of injustices that occur at the sites where they work – in the worlds of First Nations Peoples, in Oceans, in the sites of industrialised animal slaughter, and even in contemporary artworks seeking to resist the erasure of more-than-human lives. They speculate on how anti- or post-capitalist and anti- or post-colonial forms of life, meanings, and institutional arrangements might create the conditions for justice for all earth beings. Learn more about this event here.Timestamps 0.51 Acknowledgement of Country 2.14 What is Multispecies Justice? 17.19 Anti-Colonial Multispecies Justice 20.24 Plant Sentience in Art, Science, Religion and Nationalism 28.21 Ocean Justice 37.38 Literary Responses to Industrial Animal Agriculture Speakers Dr Christine Winter, University of Otago Dr Sria Chatterjee and Paul Mellon, Centre for British Art Dr Susan Reid, University of Sydney Department of Gender and Cultural Studies Hayley Singer, University of Melbourne Professor Danielle Celermajer (Chair), Sydney Environment Institute Dr Sophie Chao (Chair), University of Sydney Department of Anthropology Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

SEI Director Professor David Schlosberg sits down with multidisciplinary scholar Professor Farhana Sultana to discuss a broad range of pressing climate topics from political ecology to nature-society relationships. SEI’s Grounded Conversations Series highlights the potential of low-carbon academic networking and creates an environment where early career researchers can meet influential and impactful climate and sustainability scholars. The conversations are quite literally ‘grounded’ with invited scholars remaining in place and limiting travel emissions, but also thematically ‘grounded’ in experienced research. Farhana talks about her intersectional approach to research, the exclusion of minority communities in academia and the steps being taken to address this. Learn more about this event here. Timestamps 01.00 Introduction - David Schlosberg 07.08 A Grounded Approach to Research 13.50 The Critical and the Resconstructive 22.35 Feminist Critiques of Capitalism 33.27 Unequal Authorship in Climate Publications 43.30 Communities and Care EthicsSpeakersProfessor Farhana Sultana, Syracuse University Maxwell School of Citizenship and Public Affairs Professor David Schlosberg (chair), Sydney Environment Institute Dr Anna Sturman, University of Sydney Department of Political Economy Dr Justin See, University of Sydney School of Geosciences Maria Paula Cardoso, Sydney Environment Institute Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

How can we adapt all sectors of society to respond to climate pressures? In the first event of SEI’s Climate Adaptation series, leading political scientist Daniel Aldrich delves into the meaning of climate adaptation and the role of social capital in building resilience. Learn more about this event here.Timestamps 00:50 Introduction: SEI Climate Adaptation series - Justin See 04:15 What is climate adaptation and its necessity? 13:00 The hesitancy towards transformative adaptation 16:15 Why is social capital critical for building resilience especially with mental health? 28:35 Social infrastructure: creating spaces for building community relationships 34:45 Q&A SpeakersProfessor Daniel Aldrich, Northeastern University Dr Jo Longman, University Centre for Rural Health, USYD Professor David Schlosberg (Chair), Sydney Environment Institute Dr Justin See, Sydney Environment Institute Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Many of us understand the gravity of the climate crisis and what needs to be done, so what’s standing in our way? What will it take for our future to be reimagined to enable all life to flourish? In this panel discussion, hear from researchers and communities from across Australia and India who are taking collective action to create real and sustainable futures. Learn more about this event here.Timestamps 00:50 Introduction: what are climate imaginaries? - Danielle Celermajer 06:50 Food security and the need for resilient local food systems - Stuart Whitelaw 13:15 How are Himalayan communities reimagining their survival? - Mayank Shah 20:10 What it means for all of us if glaciers disappear? - Lobzang Wangtak 25:50 The entanglement of climate and social justice - Rohit Nair 31:40 What it means to be connected to the more-than-human world - Deepthi Indukuri 37:20 How imaginaries address converging crises - Gijs Spoor 42:15 Q&A Speakers Professor Danielle Celermajer (Chair), sociologist Deepthi Indukuri, a curious rewilder Rohit Nair, researcher and activist Mayank Shah (PhD), Himalayan researcher Gijs Spoor, social change leader Lobzang Wangtak, glacier and water conservationist Stuart Whitelaw, founder of a community-led food initiative Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

How can Australia successfully transition and adapt its interconnected social and technological systems as the climate crisis intensifies? Environmental law and governance expert, Dr Kate Owens, presents the 2023 Iain McCalman Lecture on how we can effectively harness climate governance to achieve deep coordination and sustained change. Learn more about this event here.SpeakerDr Kate Owens, University of Sydney Law School Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Property and ownership are at the core of global crises so how can we rethink our relationship with property and redistribute it in the interests of justice and the flourishing of life? Learn more about this event here. Timestamps 00:46 Introduction: unpacking property from the perspective of multispecies justice – Dinesh Wadiwel 4:51 Abolition for alternative geographies of abundance - Rosemary-Claire Collard and Jessica Dempsey 15:16 Whenua/Land is freedom, land is servitude – Christine Winter 26:20 The state of agricultural extension labour on biodiverse property - Rebecca Pearse 39:33 Revisiting the problem of animals as property – Dinesh Wadiwel Speakers Associate Professor Rosemary-Claire Collard, Simon Fraser UniversityAssociate Professor Jessica Dempsey, The University of British Columbia Dr Christine Winter, University of Otago Dr Rebecca Pearse, Australian National University Associate Professor Dinesh Wadiwel, University of Sydney Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Hear from a multidisciplinary range of experts as they assess the stability and resilience of our electricity grid in the face of increasing climate disasters. Panel 3: Using the planning framework to build resilience: a national perspective “Will Australia’s current state planning frameworks build resilience in the future grid 2040?” For more information about this event click hereTimestamps 00:48 Introduction and Renewable Energy Zones – Rosemary Lyster 11:42 Resilience planning frameworks in Victoria – Anne Kallies 28:42 Climate resilience and assessment in NSW – Stephanie Vatala 48:30 Planning laws and natural hazards in Queensland - Philippa England 1:05:21 Reflections on community tolerance for risk 1:10:00 Infrastructure and levels of governance 1:16:26 Conclusion Speakers Professor Rosemary Lyster, University of Sydney Dr Anne Kallies, RMIT Dr Philippa England, Griffith Law School Stephanie Vatala, Dentons Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.