100 Climate Conversations

Cobargo Bushfire Recovery Fund president Zena Armstrong is dedicated to supporting the recovery of her community after the Black Summer bushfires. Recovery programs are fire-proofing infrastructure and utilities, re-planting forests, memorialising what was lost and investing in healing for their citizens. Zena Armstrong is recorded live in conversation with Yaara Bou Melhem at Powerhouse Ultimo. For more information go to 100climateconversations.com/zena-armstrong

Sustainability is integral to the Powerhouse renewal, which presents a once-in-a-generation opportunity to embed low carbon solutions into Powerhouse infrastructure to reduce its operational environmental impact and improve its responsiveness to climate, season and sustainability.   Following an introduction by Powerhouse chief executive Lisa Havilah, a panel featuring Powerhouse First Nations director Emily McDaniel, First Nations collaborator Terri Janke, and Powerhouse sustainability manager Carmel Reyes discusses the Powerhouse inaugural Climate Action Plan and its commitment of achieving net zero operational carbon emissions by 2025. This panel was recorded live at Powerhouse Ultimo. For more information about the Climate Action Plan go to maas.museum/climate-action 

The outpouring of public support to the Port Macquarie Koala Hospital during the Black Summer bushfires confirmed an Australian truth: koalas are among our most beloved species. As populations dwindle due to deforestation and worsening environmental conditions, dedicated staff at the hospital, including head of the wild koala breeding program, Cheyne Flanagan, are helping these incredible animals persevere. Cheyne Flanagan is recorded live in conversation with Yaara Bou Melhem at Powerhouse Ultimo. For more information go to 100climateconversations.com/cheyne-flanagan 

To offset the impact that our daily emails, web browsing and movie watching have on the environment, computer scientist Michael Fuhrer and his team at ARC are looking for ways to increase the energy efficiency of electronics through nano technology and new materials.    Michael Fuhrer is recorded live in conversation with Craig Reucassel at Powerhouse Ultimo. For more information go to 100climateconversations.com/michael-fuhrer

The Cloud Brightening project is trying to buy time for the Great Barrier Reef, hopeful that carbon emissions will be slashed in the future. By spraying microscopic sea particles above the reef, oceanographer Daniel Harrison and his team aim to thicken the clouds to provide shade for the endangered ecosystem.   Daniel Harrison is recorded live in conversation with Craig Reucassel at Powerhouse Ultimo. For more information go to 100climateconversations.com/daniel-harrison

Renewable energy systems on farms can dramatically reduce carbon emissions as well as alleviate economic pressure for farmers. After the successful installation of a solar-diesel hybrid pump on her own farm, environmental scientist turned farmer Karin Stark is championing the uptake of on-farm renewables.   Karin Stark is recorded live in conversation with Gabrielle Chan at Powerhouse Ultimo. For more information go to 100climateconversations.com/karin-stark

Reducing the carbon emissions of industry and government and ensuring the transition is just for all workers is vital for a net zero future. As chief executive of Climateworks Centre, Anna Skarbek drives critical research and sets ambitious goals to support the transition to a low carbon economy.   Anna Skarbek is recorded live in conversation with Benjamin Law at Powerhouse Ultimo. For more information go to 100climateconversations.com/anna-skarbek

Taryn Lane is dedicated to helping local groups around the country get their clean energy projects up and running. Lane manages Australia’s first community-owned cooperative wind farm, Hepburn Wind, located at Leonards Hill south of Daylesford in Victoria. The 4.1 megawatt wind farm hosts two turbines that produce enough clean energy to power more than 4000 homes.    Taryn Lane is recorded live in conversation with Paddy Manning at Powerhouse Ultimo. For more information go to 100climateconversations.com/taryn-lane

Both a food source and great natural filters of our waterways, Australia’s east coast oysters are vulnerable to today’s warming temperatures and ocean acidification. Dr Laura Parker shares her work on breeding climate change resilient breeds that might one day be able to reseed struggling populations across industry and nature.  Laura Parker is recorded live in conversation with Rachael Hocking at Powerhouse Ultimo. For more information go to 100climateconversations.com/laura-parker

Determined to curb carbon emissions, Citizen Wolf co-founder Zoltan Csaki rejects the relentless fast fashion cycle, which annually sends almost a third of unsold clothing to landfill. Combining an on-demand manufacturing model and proprietary technology that ensure the perfect fit, Csaki is challenging cheap mass production and our shopping habits.    Zoltan Csaki is recorded live in conversation with Yaara Bou Melhem at Powerhouse Ultimo. For more information go to 100climateconversations.com/zoltan-csaki