Outrage + Optimism: The Climate Podcast

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

May 1, 2025

44:22

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Quick takeaways

Australia's upcoming election could significantly impact its climate policies and global leadership role amidst rising geopolitical tensions.

The rising cost of living is overshadowing climate discussions, complicating electoral decisions and threatening existing climate initiatives.

Deep dives

Australia's Role in Climate Leadership

Australia plays a pivotal role in global climate leadership, especially with its upcoming elections, which have the potential to significantly impact climate policies. The current government led by Anthony Albanese has made strides toward progressive climate initiatives, aiming for net-zero emissions by 2050. However, the opposition coalition poses a threat to these advancements, with indications that they may roll back existing policies if elected. As Australia prepares for potential leadership in hosting COP31, the outcome of the elections could either reinforce or undermine its position as a global climate advocate.

Intro

2min

Examining Educational Reform and Energy Policy Dynamics

2min

Economic Perspectives on Climate and Nature

2min

Australia's Climate Politics Ahead of Elections

14min

Nuclear Energy Debate in Australia

3min

Balancing Immediate Costs with Long-term Climate Goals

3min

Australia's Solar Revolution and Energy Challenges

2min

Australia's Climate Leadership in a Changing World

17min

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

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Producer: Ben Weaver-Hincks

Video Producer: Caitlin Hanrahan

Exec Producer: Dino Sofos

Commissioning Editor: Sarah Thomas