×
Outrage + Optimism logo

Behind the scenes on the politics, investments and actions meeting the climate crisis head on

Arrow
Global Optimism logo

Stubborn optimism is a choice. Join us in tackling the climate crisis with conviction, scale and speed

Arrow

294: Beyond the ‘Climate Wars’?: Australia heads to the polls

With Australia heading to the polls this weekend, we’re asking: What role does Australia have to play in reigniting regional and global climate momentum?

Watermark of logo

About this episode

Australia heads to the polls this weekend - with climate firmly on the ballot. Is the country ready to lose its reputation as the battleground of the climate wars? And are we about to see a lasting shift in a nation that has for years been torn between its sunlight and its coal?

As a pivotal election looms, Christiana Figueres, Tom Rivett-Carnac and Paul Dickinson examine what’s at stake for one of the world’s highest per-capita emitters. After months of polling ahead, the opposition Coalition now faces a late surge from the governing Labor Party, with the Greens, Teals and independents all likely to play a crucial role. The result could reinforce, roll-back or reshape domestic climate policy, and determine whether Australia emerges as a global climate leader at a time when others are stepping away from the stage.

To understand what’s going on, the team calls up friend of the show Dean Bialek, Founder and Managing Director of The Pacific Project. Together, they explore the opportunities for Australia in the energy transition, the narratives and dynamics driving this election, and the country’s potential role as a regional leader as it hopes to host 2026’s COP31 with other Pacific nations.

So, does Australia have a role to play in reigniting regional and global climate momentum? And how will this election shape the climate fight - both within and beyond its borders.





Learn more 



🌿 Philip Levin’s opinion piece in the New York Times, ‘Trump Tried to Derail Our Work. We Banded Together and Moved Forward.


🦅 The Economist’s US cover this week, reported by Yahoo


🔬 Hungry Beast’s ‘I’m A Climate Scientist’ video


ABC News Australia’s graphic, illustrating the shift in Australia’s energy mix



Follow us on social media for behind the scenes moments and to watch our videos:


Instagram @outrageoptimism
LinkedIn @outrageoptimism

Or get in touch with us via this form

Producer: Ben Weaver-Hincks

Video Producer: Caitlin Hanrahan

Exec Producer: Dino Sofos

Commissioning Editor: Sarah Thomas 


This is a Persephonica production for Global Optimism and is part of the Acast Creator Network.

Share

Latest Insights