Think: Sustainability

The end of noise?

Wed, 27 Nov 2024 19:00:00 -0000

Noise is killing us... literally. But we have a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to change that. Join us as we imagine how a beautiful city might sound.

Guest:

• Dr Ian Stevenson, Senior Lecturer Music & Sound Design Program at the University of Technology Sydney

Production staff:

• Producer and co-host: Lawrence Bull

• Co-host: Regina Botros

• Editorial consultant: Sharon Davis

• Sound designer & mix engineer: Martin Peralta

Talking about climate change with Chinese grandmas

Wed, 06 Nov 2024 19:00:00 -0000

Half of Australians have a parent born overseas. How can complex issues like climate change be communicated to such a diverse audience? To find out reporter Wing Kuang embeds herself among Chinese-Australian grandmas.

Guests:

Dr Kim Loo, Chair of Asian Australians for Climate Action
Joey Chan, President of Eastwood Chinese Senior Citizens Club
Dr Zozan Balci, University of Technology Sydney
Mrs Lam, event participant

Production staff:

Producer and co-host: Wing Kuang
Executive producer and co-host: Lawrence Bull
Editorial consultant: Sharon Davis
Sound designer & mix engineer: Martin Peralta

How to solve the problem of waste

Wed, 23 Oct 2024 19:00:00 -0000

The amount of waste we create is out of control. When it comes to tyres, we dump two Harbour Bridge’s worth into the Australian environment each year.

But there is something we can do.

Guests:

Paul Randell, Director Randell Environmental Consulting
Dr. Linda Mitchell, Science, Research and Innovation Manager, Tyre Stewardship
Australia
John Gertsakis, Director, Product Stewardship Centre of Excellence, and Adjunct
Professor, Institute for Sustainable Futures UTS

Audio:

Producer and co-host: Sam Loy
Executive producer and co-host: Lawrence Bull
Editorial consultant: Sharon Davis
Sound designer and mix engineer: Martin Peralta

The case for making housing a human right

Wed, 09 Oct 2024 19:00:00 -0000

Every Australian has the right to housing under international law. But despite being a signatory to this, the Australian government hasn’t made it the law of the land.

Here’s the case for why they should.

Guests:

Kate Colvin, CEO of Homelessness Australia
Daney Faddoul, Campaign Manager at the Human Rights Law Centre
Professor Jessie Hohmann, Professor at the Faculty of Law, University of Technology Sydney
Tyler, Lived Experience Advisor
Raghav Motani, International Student Ambassador for the City of Sydney
Amy Persson, Interim Pro Vice-Chancellor for the Centre for Social Justice and Inclusion, University of Technology Sydney

Audio edit:

Executive producer and episode host: Lawrence Bull
Editorial consultant: Sharon Davis
Sound designer & mix engineer: Martin Peralta

Watch the full talk here: https://www.uts.edu.au/partners-and-community/initiatives/social-justice-uts/centre-social-justice-inclusion/news/recording-right-housing

How to clean your lungs

Wed, 25 Sep 2024 20:00:00 -0000

The air inside your home and workplace is probably more polluted than the air outside. Fortunately there’s a cheap and (somewhat) easy solution.

Guests:

Dr Fraser Torpy, Director of the Plants and Environmental Research Group, Faculty of Science UTS
Dr Brian Oliver, Distinguished Professor, Faculty of Science UTS
Johan Hodgson, Managing Director for the Pacific Region, Ambius

Audio:

Producer and co-host: Laura Corrigan
Executive producer and co-host: Lawrence Bull
Editorial consultant: Sharon Davis
Sound designer & mix engineer: Martin Peralta

The big carbon rethink

Wed, 11 Sep 2024 20:00:00 -0000

What if your kitchen sink was a carbon sink? Your corner store, stored carbon? And your shoes reduced your carbon footprint?

In this discussion, our experts explain how this is already underway.

Panelists:

Craig Reucassel, Australian writer, comedian, and TV presenter, best known for his work on the Australian TV programs, The Chaser and The War on Waste, televised on the Australian Broadcasting Corporation
Alex Thomson, Marine ecologist, Science and Technology Australia ‘Superstar of STEM’, leading science communicator and industry engagement manager in the UTS Faculty of Science, and a big fan of algae and how it can change our planet!
Julia Reisser, co-founder of innovative climate-positive Australian company – Uluu – leading production of a natural material derived from oceans able to replace plastics at scale
Peter Ralph, Leading international researcher in the fields of algae bio-systems and biotechnology, seagrasses, and the adaption of aquatic plants to warming and acidifying oceans; and Executive Director of the UTS Climate Change Cluster in the Faculty of Science
Amy Low, Director of brand and marketing for iconic Australian surf-wear company, Piping Hot, delivering sustainable and affordable material and product production for clothing, swimwear, footwear, and accessories

Audio edit:

Executive producer and episode host: Lawrence Bull
Editorial consultant: Sharon Davis
Sound designer & mix engineer: Martin Peralta

How to die sustainably

Wed, 28 Aug 2024 20:00:00 -0000

Plastic-filled funerals… spacious burials… gas-fired cremations – the ways we die are unsustainable. Here are some alternatives.

Guests

Jewelz Hansons, Performer and death doula
Dr Maiken Ueland, Deputy director, AFTER
John Humphries, CEO and founder of Aquamation
Hartley, Rock and Tug

Production staff

Producer and co-host: Regina Botros
Executive producer and co-host: Lawrence Bull
Editorial consultant: Sharon Davis
Sound designer & mix engineer: Martin Peralta

How rich is too rich?

Wed, 14 Aug 2024 20:00:00 -0000

Economic inequality is at a record high. And many economists say political inequality is a likely consequence. Is there a point where "rich" becomes "too rich"?

In this episode we hear from a money coach who gave her wealth away, and an ethicist who says we shouldn't raise taxes on billionaires.

Guests

Morgan Curtis, Ancestors & Money Coach
Carl Rhodes, Dean of UTS Business School, University of Technology Sydney
Jessica Flanigan, Professor of Leadership Studies and Philosophy, Politics, Economics and Law, Richard L. Morrill Chair in Ethics & Democratic Values

Production staff

Producer and co-host: Lawrence Bull
Co-host: Laura Corrigan
Editorial consultant: Sharon Davis
Sound designer & mix engineer: Martin Peralta

A critique of the circular economy

Wed, 17 Jul 2024 20:00:00 -0000

Reduce, reuse, recycle. How might this actually cause more waste and social inequity?

Guests:

Trevor Zink, Assistant Professor of Management from Loyola Marymount University
Melissa Edwards, Senior Lecturer in the University of Technology Sydney Business School

Producer: Jake Morcom

Host: Lawrence Bull

This episode originally aired in 2018.

The green infrastructure revolution

Wed, 03 Jul 2024 20:00:00 -0000

Cities are home to the vast bulk of humanity. We live, work, and play in these densely packed places. Urban environments are also responsible for 75% of global emissions. In this discussion, experts explore the transformative power of green infrastructure in urban landscapes and examine innovative ways to make cities smarter, greener, and more communal – places where people can live for generations to come.

Panelists:

Anthony Burke, Professor of Architecture at the University of Technology Sydney and TV Presenter; Australian host of the popular TV series Grand Designs Transformations, Restoration Australia, and Grand Designs Australia (all on ABC TV)
Remy Sietchiping, Internationally recognised expert and UN strategist on Urban Planning & Geographic Information Systems; Chief of Policy at UN-HABITAT, the United Nations Human Settlements Programme, Nairobi, Kenya.
Germain Briand, Owner and director of the internationally acclaimed company, The Urban Canopee, on a bold mission to accelerate our cities’ greening through innovation to fight climate change and re-connect people with nature.
Jua Cilliers, Recognised global leader in urban planning and green infrastructure solutions, 'A Defender of the Future', Head of the School of the Built Environment, University of Technology Sydney.
Rob Stokes, Leading Australian spokesperson on city planning and the importance of Net Zero Cities; former New South Wales Minister for Planning and Public Spaces.

Audio edit:

Executive producer and episode host: Lawrence Bull
Editorial consultant: Sharon Davis
Sound designer & mix engineer: Martin Peralta

Watch the full talk here: https://www.uts.edu.au/partners-and-community/events/global-game-changers

What does free parking really cost?

Wed, 19 Jun 2024 20:00:00 -0000

Car-centric design has congested our cities. So how do we beat the traffic?

Guests: Dr Kasun Wijayaratna, Senior Lecturer, UTS School of Civil & Environmental Engineering; Dr David Mepham, Urban Planner; Dr Elizabeth Taylor, Senior Lecturer in Urban Planning & Design at Monash University; Peter Casimaty, Managing Director & Co-owner Future Village; John Bui, owner of The Bay Bakehouse

Producer and co-host: Laura Corrigan

Executive producer and co-host: Lawrence Bull

Editorial consultant: Sharon Davis

Sound designer & mix engineer: Laura Corrigan

Eco homes aren’t the only answer to sustainable housing

Wed, 05 Jun 2024 20:00:00 -0000

Do we need more green homes? Or is sustainable housing more about the communities we live in rather than the homes we build?

Guests: Gordon Noble and Caitlin McGee, research directors at the UTS Institute for Sustainable Futures

Producer and co-host: Wendy Frew

Executive producer and co-host: Lawrence Bull

Editorial consultant: Sharon Davis

Sound designer & mix engineer: Martin Peralta

Why we let the rich pay less tax

Wed, 22 May 2024 20:00:00 -0000

Is greed fundamental to human nature? Or can we have a society where it doesn’t pose a threat?

Guest: Dr Nathan Kettlewell, Senior Lecturer in Economics, University of Technology Sydney

Producer and co-host: Lawrence Bull

Co-host: Laura Corrigan

Editorial consultant: Sharon Davis

Sound designer & mix engineer: Martin Peralta

Genocide in the suburbs

Wed, 31 Jan 2024 19:00:00 -0000

As a child, Shannon’s dad told her that her great-grandfather was supposed to be among the first to cross the Sydney Harbour Bridge in the opening ceremony, but was robbed of the honour at the last minute by a white man in a suit.

When she became a professional researcher, she searched for years and years to verify the story, but couldn’t. However, she did uncover some other parts of her family history. And what she found shocked her.

Guest: Shannon Foster, D'harawal Saltwater Knowledge Keeper and artist

Producer & presenter: Lawrence Bull

The inner lives of wild animals: Conservation’s new frontier

Wed, 24 Jan 2024 19:00:00 -0000

Traditionally, attempts to save animals in the wild have focused on their population numbers and reproductive success. But new research exploring the mental quality of life experienced by wild animals could revolutionise conservation efforts.

Featuring:

Dr Andrea Harvey, UTS Chancellor’s Postdoctoral Research Fellow

Morgan Philpott, WIRES Volunteer Koala Carer

Executive producer & post production: Lawrence Bull

Producer & presenter: Wendy Frew

Rewilding the city

Wed, 06 Dec 2023 19:00:00 -0000

When we think of the city, “nature” might be the furthest thing from our minds. But we’ve found a hidden army of people bringing our cities back to life.

Featuring:

Dr Judy Friedlander, Founder and Director of PlantingSeeds Projects and Adjunct Fellow at the Institute for Sustainable Futures, University of Technology Sydney

The Mudcrabs and the Mudlarks – Hans Beg, Russel Cail, Jennifer Kent and Jo

Abbie Galvin, NSW Government Architect

Produced by Tom Melville and Laura Corrigan

Why we let corporations act like monsters

Wed, 22 Nov 2023 19:00:00 -0000

A pharmaceutical company profits from legions of addicted customers; a gambling company knowingly markets to people in debt; a hospital kills its patients.

People who do far less damage are locked up for life, yet corporations act like horror villains and get away with no criminal penalty.

Why do we let them get away with it? And how do we stop them?

Featuring: Penny Crofts, Professor at the Faculty of Law, University of Technology Sydney

Producer and presenter: Lawrence Bull

How to make a new carbon tax that sticks

Wed, 01 Nov 2023 19:00:00 -0000

At least forty countries and the European Union now have a price on carbon. Australia tried, and failed in 2012. What do we need to do to make it work this time around?

Featuring: Mona Mashhad Rajabi - Post-doctoral Research Associate, UTS School of Business Centre for Climate Risk and Resilience.

Executive producer and post production: Lawrence Bull

Producer and presenter: Annamarie Reyes

Dark cloud: The true cost of data

Wed, 25 Oct 2023 19:00:00 -0000

Our online lives and the massive digital infrastructure that supports them are eating up our carbon budgets. But who's paying attention?

Featuring:

Jessica McLean, Associate Professor in the School of Social Sciences at Macquarie University

Gordon Noble, Research Director at the Institute for Sustainable Futures at the University of Technology Sydney

Executive producer & post production: Lawrence Bull

Producer & presenter: Wendy Frew

We make a pro-climate ad campaign

Thu, 19 Oct 2023 03:51:00 -0000

It seems like every product has an ad campaign. Cars, cereal, chewing gum, in-soles… What about the most important issue of our time?

Featuring:

Aimee Smith, Graduate Research Student and Sessional Academic in the Marketing Discipline Group at the University of Technology Sydney

Sam Saunders, Chief Creative Officer at Sam Saunders Creative Nyoosa, and International Entrepreneur

Producer & presenter: Lawrence Bull

The best (and worst) ads of the decade

Wed, 20 Sep 2023 20:00:00 -0000

A good ad campaign can change your behaviour for life. A bad one can hurt a good cause. But both can be very entertaining! We rate and review some of our favourites.

Featuring: Aimee Smith, Graduate Research Student and Sessional Academic in the Marketing Discipline Group at the University of Technology Sydney

Producer & presenter: Lawrence Bull

The race to impregnate male seahorses

Wed, 13 Sep 2023 20:00:00 -0000

How do you repopulate a native species in steep decline? Join us on a dive into the front lines of our marine ecosystem to peek through the curtains on Australia’s most romantic animal.

Featuring:

Mitchell Brennan, Project Manager of the Sydney Seahorse Project & PhD student at the University of Technology Sydney

Mentioned:

Faithful pair bonds in wild seahorses, Hippocampus whitei - Amanda C. J. Vincent

A seahorse father makes a good mother - Amanda C. J. Vincent

iNaturalist: Sydney Seahorse Project

Instagram: Sydney Seahorse Project

Producer & presenter: Lawrence Bull

Forever chemicals: The poison in everyday items

Wed, 06 Sep 2023 20:00:00 -0000

They’re in pizza boxes, toilet paper and dozens of other common household items, but chemicals such as PFAS are likely making us very sick.

Featuring:

Joanna Pickford

Dr Rachael Wakefield-Rann, Senior Research Consultant at the Institute for Sustainable Futures, University of Technology Sydney

Executive producer: Lawrence Bull

Producer & presenter: Wendy Frew

Eco-anxiety: My two years in Sydney off the grid

Wed, 09 Aug 2023 20:00:00 -0000

After reading an online rant about energy use, I took immediate action to radically reduce my carbon emissions. But after two years of chaos, I became worried about my wellbeing. Was I destroying my mind to save my soul?

Featuring:

Dr Tania Leimbach, Research Assistant at the School of Communication, University of Technology Sydney.

Christina Brauer, Postgraduate Professional Development Learning Designer, University of Technology Sydney

Producer & presenter: Annamarie Reyes

Executive producer: Lawrence Bull

Emotions let us make better decisions

Wed, 02 Aug 2023 20:00:00 -0000

When Elliot returned to the office after a brain injury, his colleagues struggled to understand his bizarre behaviour.

His experience could help us ignite widespread action on the climate crisis.

Featuring Professor Chris Riedy, Associate Director of Learning And Development at the Institute for Sustainable Futures, University of Technology Sydney

Mentioned:

Antonio Damasio, Professor of Psychology Philosophy and Neurology, University of Southern California

Martha C. Nussbaum, Distinguished Service Professor of Law and Ethics, University of Chicago

Marshall Ganz, Senior Lecturer in Leadership Organizing and Civil Society, Harvard University

Imagining Transformation: Change agent narratives of sustainable futures by Chris Riedy and Sandra Waddock

Good Energy: A playbook for screenwriting in the age of climate change

The Ministry for the Future by Kim Stanley Robinson

This episode was produced and presented by Lawrence Bull

#173 - Should we protect feral animals?

Mon, 06 Mar 2023 02:38:00 -0000

We kill millions of animals at a cost of tens of billions of dollars a year. What would happen if we stopped?

Featuring: Dr Eamonn Wooster, Postdoctoral Research Associate at the University of Technology Sydney

Host: Lawrence Bull

Music: Epidemic Sound

#172 - Algae and the human right to clean air

Mon, 06 Mar 2023 02:21:00 -0000

With most of us breathing air that is causing us harm is Algae the key to a world of clean air?

Dr Alex Thomson is an Industry Engagement Manager for the Climate Change Cluster (C3), UTS

Professor Sara Wilkinson, School of Built Environment at UTS

Professor Andrew Tovey, TULIP Program Manager, Senior Research Consultant, Urban Systems, UTS

#171 - Trees? Not in my backyard

Tue, 24 Jan 2023 21:00:00 -0000

There has been a great amount of focus on planting trees in public spaces but what about in the private realm, in your very own backyard? Is there space for you to plant a tree? If developments do not include space for vegetation within their designs, what happens to the future of our cities? Join us as we explore the opportunities and challenges of increasing the urban forestry within private properties.

Featuring:

Associate Professor Abby Mellick Lopes, design researcher in the School of Design, and Course Director of Postgraduate Design Studies, University of Technology Sydney.

Associate Professor Joe Hurley, Center for Urban Research at the RMIT University

Host: Marlene Even

Music: Epidemic Sound

#170 - Is capitalism incompatible with a healthy climate?

Sun, 22 Jan 2023 13:00:00 -0000

In this episode we ask a big question – can capitalism work alongside a sustainable environment?

Featuring: Dr Jonathan Marshall

Host: Lawrence Bull

#169 - Microgrids

Tue, 17 Jan 2023 21:00:00 -0000

With the ever presenting threat of climate change looming, and the increasing severity of natural disasters it will bring, concerns on the reliability of Australia’s regional power grid during times of crisis. Due to Australia’s low population density particularly in rural and regional communities, electricity travel great distances from power stations to these communities. This makes them particularly vulnerable to failure during natural disasters, cutting off residents’ access to basic necessities and hindering rescue efforts.

Research into microgrids shows promising results that the implementation of small, local electricity grids powered using renewables can provide a stable source of electricity when mainlines fail during times of crisis.

Featuring: Dr. Sarah Niklas; Senior Research Consultant at the Institute for Sustainable Futures University of Technology Sydney.

Host: Cameron M. Furlong

Music: Web Building Serge Quadrado, LASERS Porto

#168 - Watch out! Seasons are shifting

Sat, 31 Dec 2022 08:21:00 -0000

Have you noticed a change in the weather seasons? Is there such thing as a normal summer or a normal spring anymore? In this episode, we discuss how the shifting seasons are impacting plant behaviour and entire ecosystems. Meet two researchers investigating phenology shifts and predicting how plants could react to future climate scenarios.

Featuring:

Professor Alfredo Huete, School of Life Sciences, University of Technology Sydney

Dr Nathan Emery, research scientist at the Australia Royal Botanic Gardens and Domain Trust

Host: Marlene Even

Music: Epidemic Sound

#167 - Tracking sustainable development goals in our boardrooms and classrooms

Sun, 18 Dec 2022 20:00:00 -0000

Will we meet the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) by 2030? This episode focuses on how the United Nation's 17 Sustainable Development Goals are being used and measured within the education and business sector.

Featuring:

Associate Professor Melissa Edwards, Director of the Executive MBA program at the University of Technology Sydney Business School

Dr Rosemary Sainty, founding Australian representative to the UN Global Compact

Alex Fransen, Sustainable Development Goals Project Manager, University of Technology Sydney

Host: Marlene Even

Music: Epidemic Sound

#166 - How vibrations change living things

Fri, 18 Nov 2022 04:39:00 -0000

It turns out there really are “good vibes”! Scientists and engineers are decoding the vibrational languages of plants, insects, and other animals. If they succeed, we could reduce the need to water crops and poison insects; we could tell plants to grow quicker and stronger, and even help heal broken bones.

Featuring:

Dr Sebastian Oberst, Associate Professor at the School of Mechanical and Mechatronic Engineering, University of Technology Sydney

Producer & Presenter: Lawrence Bull

Music: Epidemic Sound

#165 - Who pays the bill for the climate crisis?

Fri, 11 Nov 2022 05:51:00 -0000

Climate change doesn’t impact all countries equally, often it is the countries that have contributed the least to the climate crisis that are the most vulnerable to it. In this episode, we focus on one of the main topics on the COP27 Climate Summit agenda- loss and damage.

In this special edition of Think: Sustainability, you will also hear from a campaigner attending COP27 about a separate campaign led by Vanuatu advocating for an advisory opinion from the International Court of Justice on human rights and climate change.

Featuring:

Vishal Prasad, Campaigner, Pacific Islands Students Fighting Climate Change PISFCC

Professor James Goodman, a Professor in Social and Political Sciences, University of Technology Sydney

Dr Melanie Pill, a Research Fellow at the Institute for Climate, Energy and Disaster Solutions, Australian National University

Host: Marlene Even

Music: Epidemic Sound

#164 - Carbon capture – viewing CO2 as a resource

Thu, 03 Nov 2022 05:12:00 -0000

To meet global net zero 2050 targets we need to not only reduce carbon emissions but capture the carbon already within our atmosphere. So, how do we go about this? In this episode, find out about the myriad of ways that carbon can be captured, stored, and repurposed. While it's not a simple task that can be pulled out of thin air, are we on the right track to meet 2050 goals?

Featuring:

Dr Alex Thomson, marine ecologist, Climate Change Cluster (C3), Faculty of Science, University of Technology Sydney

Professor Peter Ralph, executive director of the Climate Change Cluster (C3), Faculty of Science, University of Technology Sydney

Host: Marlene Even

Production Assistant: Jessie Kay

Music: Epidemic Sound

#163 - Building resilience into our homes

Wed, 26 Oct 2022 03:14:00 -0000

Current climate change predictions means we will see an increase in extreme weather patterns. So what does the inevitable rise in temperature, increase in flooding, hail, and other extreme weather events mean for the future of our houses?

In this episode, we look at why you should, and how you can, build resilience into your home. Whether you’re a tenant or a homeowner, building resilience is more about planning for the future or as the scout motto goes; be prepared!

Featuring:

Simon Anderson, Director of Anderson Architects

Caitlin McGee, Research Director at the Institute for Sustainable Futures University of Technology Sydney

Producer: Melanie Scott

Host: Marlene Even

Music: Epidemic Sound

#162 - The scientist meets the tourism operator

Tue, 20 Sep 2022 22:30:00 -0000

Many of us want to see the Great Barrier Reef before it’s too late. There’s something about the experience of seeing its vast coral shelves in real life that makes it more real to us. And once we’ve experienced it, we might be more likely to care about it.

In this episode of Think: Sustainability, we take a look at how tourism can create advocates, or sometimes citizen scientists, out of tourists. Tourism operators and scientists are working together to achieve common goals, and we see just what makes that relationship successful.

Featuring:

Gemma Gillette, PhD Candidate, Climate Change Cluster, University of Technology Sydney

Lorna Howlett, PhD Candidate, Climate Change Cluster, University of Technology Sydney and Crew Member, Wavelength Cruises

Hanne Nielsen, Lecturer in Antarctic Law and Governance, Institute for Marine and Antarctic Studies, University of Tasmania

Producer: Josh Green

Presenter: Marlene Even

Music: Epidemic Sound

#161 - Is Australian Law Protecting Threatened Species?

Fri, 02 Sep 2022 05:01:00 -0000

The State of the Environment 2021 report paints a grim picture of Australia’s biodiversity, including an increase in the number of listed threatened species. Experts have continuously pointed to legislation as a major hurdle to improving conservation. So, with the Australian government recently pledging to reform environmental legislation- could we close the legal loopholes and save our threatened species? In this special edition of Think: Sustainability a panel of experts tells us about the law reforms needed to conserve and protect threatened species.

Featuring:

Dr Ian Cresswell, Co-chair of the 2021 State of the Environment Report

Rachel Walmsley, Head of Policy and Law Reform, Environmental Defenders Office

Dr Leigh Martin, Ecologist and Environmental Sciences Program Director at the University of Technology Sydney.

Producer/Presenter: Marlene Even

Music: Epidemic Sound

#160 - Farming Better For Phosphorus’s Sake

Fri, 26 Aug 2022 00:20:00 -0000

How do we sustainably use phosphorus fertiliser? A large amount of phosphate rock-a finite resource used for fertiliser- is being wasted across the supply chain, with very little being recycled or recovered.

In this episode, we investigate the methods to manage phosphorus supply sustainably from using fertiliser efficiently to changing our diets.

Featuring:

Professor Stuart White, Director of the Institute for Sustainable Futures, University of Technology, Sydney.

Chris Hall, Regenerative Farmer and cherry grower.

Stephen Annells, Chief Executive of Fertilizer Australia.

Producer/Presenter: Marlene Even

Music: Epidemic Sound

#159 - Celebrating Sustainability in 2021

Sun, 19 Dec 2021 23:26:00 -0000

2021 has been another challenging year for the planet. But it hasn’t all been doom and gloom. In this episode we look at some success stories; from coral restoration in the Great Barrier Reef to promising emission reduction targets. We speak to a Victorian community fighting against a mine in their midst and track an exciting new hope for Aussie icon, the Tasmanian Devil.

Featuring:

Professor David Suggett, Director of the Future Reefs Program at the University of Technology Sydney
Lise Walbom, CEO of Food Nation Denmark
Kelly Davis, Supervisor at Aussie Ark
Debbie Carruthers, Campaigner at Mine Free Glenaladale

Producer/ Host: Sophie Ellis

Music: Epidemic Sound

#158 - Listening To Our Environments

Thu, 16 Dec 2021 03:36:00 -0000

What are five sounds you liked today?

A lot of the time, we get through the day without listening much to the world around us. But if we pay a little more attention, what can we learn?

In this episode, we look at acoustic ecology, and how listening can be a tool to get us to care more about our planet.

Featuring:

Ingrid Neilson, musician

Dr Brent Keogh, Lecturer, School of Music and Sound Design, University of Technology Sydney

Producer/presenter: Josh Green

Music: Ingrid Neilson

#157 - Ecological Linguistics

Fri, 10 Dec 2021 05:00:00 -0000

What is ecological linguistics? How does the English language shape our perceptions of the environment? In this episode we discuss the different terms used to describe climate change and then highlight some more subtle ways language can shape our perceptions of the world around us.

Featuring:

Lee Joachim, Yorta Yorta man, Board Member of Living Languages Australia.

Professor Arran Stibbe, Professor of Ecological Linguistics, University of Gloucestershire

Dr Helen Bromhead, Linguist, Postdoctoral Research Fellow at the Griffith Research Centre for Social and Cultural Research and Project Lead at the Griffith Climate Action Beacon, Griffith University

Dr Jeremy Walker, Co-director of the Climate Justice Research Centre, and Senior Lecturer in Social and Political Sciences Program, Faculty of Arts and Social Sciences University of Technology Sydney

Producer/Presenter: Marlene Even

Music: Epidemic Sound

‘If It’s Flooded, Forget it’, public safety advertisement, 2021, ACT Emergency Services Agency

#156 - Listening To Coral Reefs

Wed, 01 Dec 2021 23:45:00 -0000

Coral reefs are under serious threat, an IPCC report predicts that even if global warming is limited to 1.5 degrees celsius above pre-industrial levels it would result in a 70-90 percent decline of tropical coral reefs. In this episode we open our eyes, nose and ears to discuss the innovative ways coral reefs can be conserved. In the first half of this episode we learn about the sounds of coral reefs and in the second half the ‘smell’ of coral reefs.

Featuring:

Dr Miles Parsons, research scientist, Australian Institute of Marine Science

Dr Caitlin Lawson, research associate at the Climate Change Cluster (C3), University of Technology Sydney and School of Environmental and Life Sciences, University of Newcastle

Producer/Presenter: Marlene Even

Music: Epidemic Sound

Ningaloo Reef lagoon area recording (credit: Reef Song Project, AIMS)

North West Australia Fish Choruses recording (credit: Curtin University)

#155 - Weighing up Glasgow

Wed, 24 Nov 2021 23:00:00 -0000

With the most anticipated international cooperation on climate change this decade now over, in this episode we reflect on what the COP26 conference has achieved, Australia's contributions, and consider its impact on those most vulnerable to the climate crisis.

Featuring:

Dr Sven Teske, Research Director at the Institute for Sustainable Futures at the University of Technology Sydney
Dr Cameron Tonkinwise, Research Director at the Design Innovation Research Centre at the University of Technology Sydney

Producer/Host: Sophie Ellis

Music: Epidemic Sound

#154 - Protecting Our Swamps

Wed, 10 Nov 2021 23:00:00 -0000

What do you think of when you imagine a swamp?

They may not be regarded as postcard-perfect environments but swamps play really mportant roles ecologically, regulating water and storing carbon. But they’re at risk, and the problems mostly boil down to human causes. This episode looks at swamps, what’s threatening them, and what’s being done to keep them safe.

Featuring:

Grant Hose, Faculty of Science and Engineering, Macquarie University
John Merson, Executive Director, Blue Mountains World Heritage Institute
Heather Goodall, Professor Emerita, University of Technology Sydney

Producer/presenter: Josh Green

Music: Epidemic Sound

#153 - Why Biodiversity Offsets Aren't Working

Thu, 04 Nov 2021 10:48:00 -0000

Shanes Park is destined to be western Sydney’s new national park. The project aims to attract tourists to western Sydney, with visitor facilities and an education centre planned for 2023. But those developments and others, have ecologists concerned about the health of the site going forward.

Featuring:

Wayne Olling, Manager of Flora and Fauna, Blacktown and District Environment Group

Leigh Martin, School of Life Sciences, University of Technology Sydney

Producer/presenter: Julia Carr-Catzel

Assistant producer: Eamonn Culhane

Music: Epidemic Sound

#152 - Kids and Climate Change

Thu, 28 Oct 2021 23:43:00 -0000

Kids have come to represent the face of the environmental justice movement and for good reason. In this episode, we examine the work of young people fighting for a stable climate future, their ability to motivate change, and how they reckon with the pressure of being held as beacons of hope.

Featuring:

Anna Thieben, Co-convenor of Envio collective at The University of Technology Sydney
Damien Nguyen, Co-convenor of Envio collective at The University of Technology Sydney
Ashjayeen Sharif, Student activist Greenpeace campaigner

Thanks to the expertise of Dr. Laura Schuijers, research fellow at Melbourne University Law School for her substantial contribution to the analysis of the Sharma v Environment Minister case featured in this episode (15:30 - 18:15)

Producer/ Presenter: Sophie Ellis

Music: Epidemic Sound

#151 - Green Roofs Boost Solar Power

Thu, 21 Oct 2021 23:30:00 -0000

Green roofs have a myriad of benefits including attracting biodiversity, reducing air pollution, storm water management and reducing the impact of the urban heat island effect. Did you know that green roofs can also improve the efficiency of solar panels? In this episode we explore how integrating a green roof with a solar photovoltaic system (known as a biosolar green roof) can boost the solar energy output. In the second half of this episode we look into some incentives that could increase the uptake of green roofs.

Featuring:

Dr. Peter Irga, Environmental Engineer at the University of Technology Sydney.

Robert Fleck, Research Engineer for the Faculty of Engineering and Information Technology and PhD Candidate at the University of Technology Sydney,

Jorge Chapa, Head of Market Transformation at the Green Building Council of Australia.

Producer/Presenter: Marlene Even

Music: Epidemic Sound

#150 - Building Resilient Food Systems

Fri, 15 Oct 2021 22:30:00 -0000

In a special World Food Day episode of Think: Sustainability we invite three guests to discuss what role short food supply chains have in supporting sustainable resilient food systems. How do we create contingency plans to build resilience to vulnerabilities, shocks and stress in our food systems? In this #WorldFoodDay discussion we hear about the resilience of food systems from Solomon Islands to Tropical North Queensland to North-East Victoria.

Featured:

Dr Federico Davila, Research Director & Senior Research Fellow (Food Systems) at the Institute for Sustainable Futures, University of Technology Sydney.

Dr Kimberley Reis, Environmental & Social Planning Lecturer, Griffith University.

Serenity Hill, farmer, co-founder of the Open Food Network, and a Director of both Open Food Foundation and Open Food Network Australia.

Producer/Presenter: Marlene Even

Music: Epidemic Sound

#149 - The Promise of Bioplastics

Wed, 13 Oct 2021 23:06:00 -0000

Plastic pollution is an undeniable problem. One solution proposed to help solve our plastic woes is bioplastics. In this episode, we look at what bioplastics actually are, how algae is changing the industry, and whether they can deliver on the environmentally sound promises they make.

Featuring:

Dr Unnikrishnan Kuzhiumparambil Lead Chemist as The Climate Change Cluster at The University of Technology Sydney
Professor Leonie Barner, Director of the Centre for Waste Free World at the Queensland University of Technology.

Producer/Host: Sophie Ellis

Music: Epidemic Sound

#148 - Sustainable Fashion

Thu, 23 Sep 2021 00:00:00 -0000

How are fashion designers using digital technology to reduce textile waste? In this episode we discuss how digital technologies such as 3D pattern making software and body scanning are key to a sustainable fashion industry.

Featuring:

Dr Timo Rissanen, Associate Professor in Fashion and Textiles, University of Technology, Sydney

Nat Stratos, Circular Design Practitioner and Facilitator, Co-Director of 3D and Circular Design.

Annie Tran, fourth year honours student studying Fashion at the University of Technology, Sydney.

Producer/Presenter: Marlene Even

Music: Epidemic Sound

#147 - Not-So-Digital Workforce

Thu, 16 Sep 2021 01:08:00 -0000

Digital labour and remote working trends have seen incredible uptake due to the pandemic. Though we may think these changes to our lives exist only in the ephemeral online world, in this episode we explore whether the digital workforce could help us build more sustainable cities.

Featuring:

Andrew Butt, Associate Professor in Sustainability and Urban Planning at RMIT University
David Bissell, Associate Professor in the School of Geography at University of Melbourne
Shanaka Herath, Lecturer in the School of Built Environment at The University of Technology Sydney

Producer/Host: Sophie Ellis

Music: Epidemic Sound

#146 - Art and Climate Fatigue

Thu, 09 Sep 2021 00:38:00 -0000

Climate Fatigue is one of the many terms used to describe a sense of apathy or dread caused by the constant exposure to images of climate change. We explore how Art can help disrupt this feeling and revitalize how we relate to the climate crisis.

Featuring:

Dr Zoë Sadokierski, Senior Lecturer in the School of Design at The University of Technology Sydney.
Kate Scardifield, Artist and Co-Director of the Material Ecologies Design Lab The University of Technology Sydney.
Alankrita Narayan, Author of ‘Urban Sunbirds in Delhi- Modern Problems Require Modern Solutions’ and Participant in the Urban Field Naturalist Project.

Producer/Host: Sophie Ellis

Music: Epidemic Sound

#145 - Tackling Energy Poverty

Thu, 02 Sep 2021 00:30:00 -0000

Energy poverty is a complex socioeconomic issue. Many people are experiencing the health, social, and economic disadvantages of living in energy inefficient homes. In this episode, we discuss minimum energy efficiency standards for renters and access to renewable energy.

Featured:

Riley Brooke, renter, policy and campaigns officer at the Tenants’ Union of NSW.

Caroline Valente, PhD candidate, School of the Built Environment, University of Technology Sydney.

Aliya Uteuova, visual reporter covering environmental justice for The Guardian US

Bryan Tran, community organiser at the Sydney Alliance

Producer/presenter: Marlene Even

Music: Epidemic Sound

#144 - Australia's Honeybee Industry

Thu, 26 Aug 2021 00:07:00 -0000

What are the threats to honeybees and what wider impact could this have for us? We discuss the impact Australia’s recent bushfires and floods had on beekeepers and the issues facing Australia’s apiary industry.

Featuring:

Dr Nural Cokcetin, postdoctoral researcher at the University of Technology Sydney’s ithree institute
Bruce White OAM, beekeeper, bio-security officer and a former President of the NSW Amateur Beekeepers’ Association

Producer/Host: Marlene Even

Music: Epidemic Sound

#143 - Could Climate Change Make Australia Uninsurable?

Tue, 27 Jul 2021 04:30:00 -0000

Increasingly severe and frequent natural disasters are a part of our reality as a result of climate change. But how will this affect global economies? This episode explores how climate change is affecting the insurance industry. How this influences where and how we live. The industry’s response to climate risk and What we need to change to make sure Australia remains insurable in the face of a changing climate.

Featuring:

Tom Davies, Climate Change Special Advisor at The Insurance Council of Australia
Gordon Noble, Partnerships Manager at the Institute for Sustainable Futures, University of Technology Sydney.
Sue Falkenhagen, Townsville Resident.

Music: Blue Dot Sessions, Epidemic Sound, Solecism by Scott Buckley

#142 - Electric Buses roll into Sydney

Fri, 16 Jul 2021 10:03:00 -0000

Globally countries are striving towards a transition from diesel and petrol vehicles to electric ones. In this episode we explore the electrification of New South Wales’ public transport, specifically buses.

Featuring:

Mathew Hounsell, senior researcher at the Transport Research Centre, School of Civil and Environmental Engineering, University of Technology Sydney
Katelyn Purnell, Phd researcher, Centre for Energy and Environmental Markets, University of New South Wales
Robyn Preston MP, local member for Hawkesbury, member of the Liberal Party, Chair of the Legislative Assembly Committee on Transport and Infrastructure

Producer/Host: Marlene Even

Music: Epidemic Sound

#141- How Algae is Changing the Future of Food

Thu, 08 Jul 2021 06:53:00 -0000

The way we produce our food needs to change. Our current practices will not meet the demands of a growing population and a warming climate. Algae, that slimy green stuff you find at the beach, might just help us more sustainably produce our food.

This episode looks at how Algae biotechnologies are revolutionising the agriculture and aquaculture industry.

Featuring

Professor Peter Ralph, Executive Director of Climate Change Cluster at The University of Technology Sydney
Dr Graeme Barnett, CEO and Managing Director of Qponics Limited
Bastien Finet, Operations Manager at Pacific Reef Fisheries

Music: Epidemic Sound

#140 - The Limits of Rights of Nature Laws

Thu, 24 Dec 2020 01:26:00 -0000

Legal personhood or ‘rights of nature’ laws have been around since as early as the 1970s and have attracted lawmakers in jurisdictions all over the world. But what do these legal concepts offer? How do they interact with current environmental laws? And what are their limits?

Producer: Marlene Even

Producer/Presenter: Julia Carr-Catzel

Featured:

Michelle Maloney, co-founder and national convener, Australian Earth Laws Alliance

Dr Virginia Marshall, Wiradjuri Nyemba woman, lawyer and Indigenous postdoctoral fellow at the Australian National University

Music: Epidemic Sound

#139 - Protecting Our Pacific Neighbours

Tue, 01 Dec 2020 10:34:00 -0000

In this episode of Think: Sustainability, is Australia doing its best to care for our Pacific neighbours as they confront the effects of a changing climate? How can we improve current labour programs and pathways?

Producer/Presenter: Julia Carr-Catzel

Featured:

Mesulame Ratukadreu, Pacific Labour Scheme worker

Jonathan Pryke, Director, Pacific Islands Program, Lowy Institute

Amanda Moors-Mailei, Student Equity Project Officer, Centre for Social Justice and Inclusion, University of Technology

Music: Epidemic Sound

#138 - Celebrating Sustainability in 2020

Sun, 15 Nov 2020 02:22:00 -0000

In this episode of Think: Sustainability, we spotlight some exciting new developments in the sustainability sector. What projects have been underway while we’ve been glued to our TVs, following COVID and the US election?

We talk to three experts in environmental fields to celebrate innovative renewable energy projects, the circular economy and what a Joe Biden election victory means for Australia’s climate policy.

Producer: Marlene Even

Producer/Presenter: Julia Carr-Catzel

Featured:

Dr Nick Florin, Research Director, Institute for Sustainable Futures (ISF), University of Technology Sydney. Manager of the Resource Futures research group and directs and undertakes collaborative research projects with industry and government partners on resource conservation, recovery and recycling.

Professor Veena Sahajwalla, Director of the Circular Economy Innovation Network and founding Director of the Centre for Sustainable Materials Research and Technology (SMaRT) UNSW.

Dr Chris Briggs, Research Principal, Institute for Sustainable Futures, University of Technology and Technical Director, Business Renewables Centre-Australia.

Music: Epidemic Sound

#137 - The Psychology of Climate Change

Fri, 06 Nov 2020 00:47:00 -0000

In this episode, we explore the psychology of climate change. With the help of Carl Jung’s analytical psychology, we look at how our internal disorder may be hindering efforts to solve external problems. What is holding us back from effective climate action, individually and collectively?

Producer/presenter: Julia Carr-Catzel

Featured:

Jonathan Marshall, Future Fellow and member of the Climate Justice Research Centre, University of Technology Sydney

Music: Epidemic Sound

#136 - Precarious Housing Part Two, International Students

Sat, 26 Sep 2020 05:59:00 -0000

This is the second-part of a two-part series of Think: Sustainability, where we speak to those living in precarious housing situations. In part one, we spoke to public housing tenants. In this episode, we hear from some of the half a million international students trapped in Australia.

Producer/Presenter: Julia Carr-Catzel

Featured:

Mon Mon Myo Myint, Rajendra Kumar, Rojal L. Shrestha, international students

Adam Loftus, School Breakfast 4 Health and Agencies Team Leader, Foodbank

Kylie Ebert, Director, Student Life, Macquarie University

Alan Morris, professor, Institute for Public Policy and Governance, University of Technology Sydney

Music: Epidemic Sound, Blue Dot Sessions

#135 - Precarious Housing Part One, Public Housing Tenants

Fri, 18 Sep 2020 08:47:00 -0000

In this two-part series of Think: Sustainability, we speak to those living in precarious housing situations in Australia. In part one, tens of thousands sit on public housing waiting lists, and a severe lack of funding in the sector means that those who make it in, are some of the most vulnerable in society.

Producer/Presenter: Julia Carr-Catzel

Featured:

Alan Morris, professor, Institute for Public Policy and Governance, University of Technology Sydney

Fiona Ross, public housing tenant, co-founder Friends of Public Housing

Sara Wilkinson, building surveyor, professor, School of Built Environment, University of Technology Sydney

Music: Epidemic Sound, Blue Dot Sessions

#134 - The New Age Of Sustainable Air Travel

Fri, 11 Sep 2020 07:15:00 -0000

In this episode, we take a closer look at whether COVID19 has shone a harsh light on aviation’s carbon footprint, or whether despite the crisis; the big players in aviation will be unwilling to turn-off auto-pilot.

Producer/Presenter: Max Tillman

Featured:

Audrey Quicke, researcher, the Australia Institute Climate

Jonothan O'Neill, manager, UTS Protospace

Dr Ben Hankamer, Queensland Sustainable Aviation Fuel Initiative

Music:

Epidemic Sound

#133 - Sustainability In The Stars

Fri, 04 Sep 2020 05:51:00 -0000

In this episode, we examine space debris, what is it and why is there more of it? We examine current and emerging space junk removal technology. And what laws and measures are in place to hold those who litter, to account?

Presenter/Producer: Marlene Even

Featured:

Dr. Martin Bell, astrophysicist, and lecturer at the University of Technology Sydney School of Mathematical and Physical Sciences.

Dr. Cassandra Steer, a lecturer at the Australian National University College of Law and a mission specialist at the Australian National University Institute for Space.

Mike Lindsay, Chief Technology Officer, Astroscale.

Music: Epidemic Sound

Sound:

‘Starlink mission’, 18th August 2020 (credit: SpaceX) https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jTMJK7wb0rM

Interview with Peter Meiklejohn, from the documentary ‘Searching for Skylab' 2019 (credit: ‘Searching for Skylab’, Dwight Steven-Boniecki) www.searchingforskylab.com

‘Flight Controllers Activity During Skylab Reentry On 12.7.1979’, (credit: NASA)

‘Sounds of Saturn: Hear Radio Emissions of the Planet and its Moon Enceladus’, 2017, licence under a Creative Common Licence (Credit: NASA/JPL-Caltech/University of Iowa) https://soundcloud.com/nasa/enceladus-hiss-audio

‘Dinks and Donks: from InSight’s seismometer’, 2019 (credit: NASA) https://www.nasa.gov/connect/sounds/index.html

#132 - Garden Cities

Fri, 28 Aug 2020 06:13:00 -0000

In this guest episode from Think: Digital Futures, producer Caitlin McHugh examines how climate breakdown is changing the way people live. In cities, already soaring temperatures are compounded by the concrete, treeless layouts of most urban centres, while extreme weather decimates crops and disrupts our food supply chains. But what are the possibilities of green walls and vertical agriculture in our urban centres, how can technology help us adapt to a worsening climate?

Producer/presenter: Caitlin McHugh

Featured:

Sarah Wilkinson, Professor, School of Built Environment, UTS

Tim Schork, Associate Professor, School of Architecture, UTS

Marc Carmichael, Senior Lecturer, School of Mechanical and Mechatronic Engineering, UTS

Mel Fyfe, CEO and Co-founder of Blakthumb

Music: Epidemic Sound, Tomas Skyldeberg

#131 - Repairing The Economy And The Planet

Tue, 14 Jul 2020 10:46:00 -0000

In this episode we look at how a post-COVID economy can serve the interests of the planet and how to take lessons learnt from one crisis and apply them to the next.

Featured:

Honourable Bob Carr, Industry Professor at Institute for Sustainable Futures, UTS. Former Premier of NSW and former Foreign Minister of Australia.

Dr Deborah Cotton, Senior Lecture, Finance Discipline Group, Business School, UTS

Sarah Fumei, Project Manager, ClimateWorks Australia

Producer/presenter: Julia Carr-Catzel

Music: Epidemic Sound

#130 - The Search For Koalas

Mon, 06 Jul 2020 02:54:00 -0000

In this episode, we take a look at the world of conservation after two major blows: the Black Summer bushfires and COVID-19. How have these crises affected the work of conservationists? And what are their demands of government, heading into the future?

Producer/Presenter: Julia Carr-Catzel

Producer: Marlene Even

Featured:

Dr Kellie Leigh, Executive Director, Science for Wildlife

Jonathan Webb, Associate Professor and Wildlife Ecologist, School of Life Sciences, University of Technology Sydney

Reannan Honey, PhD student, School of Life Sciences, University of Technology Sydney

Music: Epidemic Sound

#129 - The Hidden Casualties Of Australia's Black Summer Bushfires

Sun, 28 Jun 2020 07:08:00 -0000

In this episode, we assess the real impacts of bushfire smoke on our health, why it may be crucial health practitioners and environmental scientists collaborate in anticipation of worse bushfire seasons in the future.

Producer/Presenter: Julia Carr-Catzel

Featured:

Benjamin Herder, asthma sufferer

David Bowman, co-author of the University of Tasmania study, professor of pyrogeography and fire science

Dr. Arnagretta Hunter, cardiologist and clinical senior lecturer, Australian National University Medical School

Dr. Alex Baumber, senior lecturer at the Faculty of Transdisciplinary Innovation, University of Technology Sydney

Music: Epidemic Sound

#128 - Gardening On The Mind

Sun, 21 Jun 2020 04:33:00 -0000

The coronavirus pandemic saw a boom in gardening with many people taking up the hobby during their time in isolation. We know scientifically that being in nature can decrease stress as well as a myriad of other health benefits. In this episode we look at why nature is good for our mental health and the inequitable access to green spaces.

Presenter/Producer: Marlene Even

Featured:

Phil Pettitt, Community Greening Coordinator, Royal Botanic Gardens Sydney

Professor Tonia Gray, centre for educational research, Western Sydney University

Dr Peter Irga, research fellow, Civil and Environmental Engineering, Business School, University of Technology Sydney

Professor Sara Wilkinson, professor of sustainable property, school of built environment, University of Technology Sydney

Dr Fiona Orr, senior lecturer in mental health nursing, University of Technology Sydney

Music: Epidemic Sound

#127 - Climate Futures With Dr Ian McGregor

Fri, 22 May 2020 04:42:00 -0000

It’s safe to say Dr Ian McGregor has committed his entire career to tackling this century’s biggest challenge, global warming.

Ian has attended every United Nations Climate Summit since 2009. He earned a place on Afghanistan’s delegation for six of those summits, in the lead-up to the Paris Agreement in 2015. Ian spent time in the country himself, consulting with the Afghan government on climate change policy. He has worked with some 35 other Least Developed Countries.

Ian and I spoke about climate refugees and the political systems best suited to tackling global warming.

Produced and presented by: Julia Carr-Catzel

Featured: Dr Ian McGregor, Business School, University of Technology Sydney

Music: Epidemic Sound

#126 - The Promises Of Big Business

Fri, 08 May 2020 01:57:00 -0000

As we confront one of the biggest challenges of the 21st century - the climate crisis - people around the world are becoming increasingly frustrated with the lack of guidance from governments. Leading some to seek solutions elsewhere. Big business has been hailed both the most obvious obstacle and obvious opportunity for saving the environment. But, can we trust the promises of big business to meet sustainability targets? What’s genuine and what’s just a bit of greenwashing?

Presenter/Producer: Julia Carr-Catzel

Producer: Marlene Even

Featured:

Peter Fleming, Professor, Business School, University of Technology Sydney

Daye Moffit, Executive Strategy Director, Landor

Music: Epidemic Sound

#125 - How Bushfires Affect Your Drinking Water

Sun, 19 Apr 2020 01:52:00 -0000

In this episode we’re looking at how Australia’s disastrous bushfire season affected our water systems. How drinking water can become so easily compromised. And how experts are working to make sure our system is resilient for next time.

Producer/presenter: Julia Carr-Catzel

Featuring:

Stuart Khan, Professor, School of Civil and Environmental Engineering, University of New South Wales

Stuart White, Director, Institute for Sustainable Futures, University of Technology Sydney

Music: Epidemic sound

#124 - Preparing For The Next Fire

Sat, 14 Mar 2020 02:47:00 -0000

How do we heal an ecosystem traumatised by fire? How will climate change result in more intense fires? And why aren't we listening to Indigenous fire management recommendations from past inquiries?

Producer/Presenter: Julia Carr-Catzel

Production Assistant: Marlene Even

Featured:

Oliver Costello, CEO, Firesticks Alliance Indigenous Corporation

Kevin Tolhurst, Associate Professor, Fire Ecology and Management, University of Melbourne

Brad Murray, Senior Lecturer, School of Life Sciences, University of Technology Sydney

More information on cultural burning: #116 Rekindling Cultural Burning

#123 - The Rise Of Ecofascism, Part Two

Thu, 16 Jan 2020 08:41:00 -0000

In part two, we examine how the climate crisis is fuelling ecofascist ideology, how the ideology may be taken up by more mainstream politicians and how ideas spread online.

Featured:

Andrew Jakubowicz, emeritus professor, sociology, University of Technology Sydney

Betsy Hartmann, emeritus professor, development studies, Hampshire College, Massachusetts, USA

Producer/Presenter: Julia Carr-Catzel

#122 - The Rise Of Ecofascism, Part One

Tue, 31 Dec 2019 05:00:00 -0000

In part one, we unpack the history of ecofascism. The ideology written in the manifestos of terrorists. We trace back the movement to its beginnings in German philosophy, Eugenics, Hitler's 'blood and soil' slogans and Norse mythology. We also examine how overpopulation has changed meaning over the past few decades - and how all of this is linked to environmentalism.

Featured:

Andrew Jakubowicz, emeritus professor, sociology, University of Technology Sydney

Betsy Hartmann, emeritus professor, development studies, Hampshire College, Massachusetts, USA

Producer/Presenter: Julia Carr-Catzel

#121 - The River

Sat, 14 Dec 2019 17:43:00 -0000

Through the heart of Inner-Sydney runs a river pushed to the environmental brink. The Cooks River has bared the burden of urban development in Sydney from the time colonisers settled in Australia. But the river, once dubbed Australia's most polluted, is on the mend. In this episode, we meet the people who want to bring the Cooks River back to life.

Featuring:

Jennifer Newman, Lecturer at the University of Technology Sydney

Ian Tyrell, Emeritus Professor of History at the University of New South Wales

Sue Burton, Executive Officer of the Cooks River Alliance

Dr Ian Wright, Senior Lecturer in Natural Science at the University of Western Sydney

Anne Leahy, President of the Cooks River Valley Association

Peter Monroe, Co-Founder of the Mudcrabs

Ranjit, Mudcrabs Coordinator

Producer/Presenter: Victor Petrovic

#120 - Climate Conflict And Mass Migrations

Thu, 24 Oct 2019 12:45:00 -0000

In this episode: as the most vulnerable citizens bear the brunt of the climate crisis, confronted with civil conflict and forced to migrate as climate refugees - will the international community come to their aid?

Featured:

Christopher Odeyemi, PhD student, University of Technology Sydney

Dr Ian McGregor, Business School, University of Technology Sydney and member, Climate Action Research Group, UTS.

Dr Julian Bolleter, Deputy Director, Australian Urban Design Research Centre, University of Western Australia

Producer/Presenter: Julia Carr-Catzel

#119 - Fighting Climate Change Fatigue

Mon, 14 Oct 2019 06:44:00 -0000

On this episode, we question how journalists have been covering the climate crisis. We look at whether they are numbing audiences with never-ending urgent messaging.

And, we examine a new wave of young activists campaigning for climate action, assessing to what extent they can make a difference.

Featured:

Tom Morton, Professor in Journalism, researcher at Centre for Climate Change, University of Technology Sydney

Tooba Farooqui, student and climate change activist

Nathaniel Geiger, Associate Professor, Communication Sciences, Indiana State University

Producer/presenter: Julia Carr-Catzel

#118 - Why Australia Insists On Nuclear

Thu, 03 Oct 2019 10:41:00 -0000

In this episode, we look at why Australia is reviving the nuclear energy debate after more than a decade of silence.

And why some are dubbing nuclear as our climate salvation.

Featured:

Sue Coleman-Haseldine, nuclear test survivor and anti-nuclear campaigner

Robert Parker, Vice President, Australian Nuclear Association

Heiko Timmers, Associate Professor of Physics, UNSW Canberra

Kerrie-Ann Garlick, nuclear free community campaigner, Conservation Council of Western Australia.

Dani Alexander, Research Principle, Institute for Sustainable Futures, University of Technology Sydney

Music:

Fuzzy Logic – Nihoni

Subconscious – Nihoni

Olsted Harten – The Fence

In passage – Migration

Algea Trio – Algea Fields

Closing Shop - Crabshack

Kirkus - Architect

Producer/Presenter: Julia Carr-Catzel

#117 - Periods And The Environment

Wed, 25 Sep 2019 09:46:00 -0000

What is the real waste from sanitary products? And why is no one talking about eco-friendly alternatives?

This episode explores how a culture valuing discretion and secrecy around periods can be harmful to the environment.

Featuring:

Juliette Kidston-Lattari, graduate student of Environmental Biology and Creative Intelligence and Innovation, University of Technology Sydney

Rosie Sheba, Founder, Sustainable Menstruation Australia

Music:

Popism - Banana Cream

Neon Drip - Radio Pink

Producer/Presenter: Julia Carr-Catzel

#116 - Rekindling Cultural Burning

Wed, 18 Sep 2019 06:30:00 -0000

Bushfire season in Australia is starting earlier every year, going for longer, and bringing more destructive fires. Fire authorities do their best to prevent and limit this destruction, as climate change makes their jobs ever more difficult. But are we looking at Australia’s relationship the right way? Aboriginal people have been managing the landscape with fire for thousands of years, and still do. We look at how Aboriginal fire knowledge is being revived, and what it means for fire management in Australia.

Featuring:

Oliver Costello, founding director of the Firesticks Alliance Indigenous Corporation

Peta-Marie Standley, cultural burning researcher at James Cook University

Jacqueline Gothe, associate professor at the University of Technology Sydney

School of Design

#115 - Museum of Futures

Fri, 02 Aug 2019 07:20:00 -0000

It's the year 2031. The temperature is rising, as is the price of electricity. But the government has banned renewable energy. Will you go underground to survive? Or join the Solarnauts in their rebellion?

Featuring:

Claire Marshall - Creator, Museum of Futures

Tania Leimbach - Research Assistant, Faculty of Transdisciplinary Innovation, University of Technology Sydney

#114 - Climate Election

Fri, 26 Jul 2019 06:30:00 -0000

It was supposed to be a climate election, but nothing went according to plan. With the benefit of hindsight, we look back to before the May 18 federal election result, to see who went wrong, who went right and who paid the price in the campaign for the climate.

Featuring:

Nicky Ison - Research Associate, Institute for Sustainable Futures, University of Technology Sydney and Co-Founder, Community Power Agency

#113 - Starting from Scratch

Fri, 19 Jul 2019 07:51:00 -0000

If you could start our society again from scratch, how sustainable would you make it? Would you build a new city at sea? Or develop a village in a valley? In this episode we look at two different ways some people are trying to start again. And how starting afresh doesn't always mean leaving old problems behind.

Featuring:

Matthew Daly - Research Consultant, Institute for Sustainable Futures, University of Technology Sydney

John Talbott, - Project Director, Narara Ecovillage

Jazz Mozzi - Admin Officer, Narara Ecovillage

Karina Czapiewska - Co-founder Blue 21

Raymond B. Craib - Associate Professor in the Department of History, Cornell University

Scilla Sayer - Community member, Narara Ecovillage

#112 - Selling New Cities

Wed, 26 Jun 2019 06:30:00 -0000

Dozens of countries around the world are devising plans to build new cities from scratch. They're pitched as an opportunity to start fresh and make our urban environments more sustainable and equitable. But are these new cities just an excuse to abandon the problems of existing ones?

Featuring:

Dr Sarah Moser - Director of the Urban Studies Program, McGill University.

Kerryn Wilmot - Research Principal and Core Member of the Institute for Sustainable Futures, University of Technology Sydney.

Producer/Presenter: Daniel Butler.

#111 - Why Banning Plastic Straws Sucks

Wed, 19 Jun 2019 03:49:00 -0000

The war on plastic straws has picked up so much speed some countries are looking to ban them altogether. But what these bans completely fail to recognise is some people need and use plastic straws everyday. This episode we look at how straw bans discriminate against disability.

Featuring:

Micaela Evans.

Simon Darcy - University of Technology Sydney Business School.

Full episode transcript available here https://bit.ly/2KYkF6J

Introducing Uniform - A new season of All Things Equal

Thu, 09 May 2019 07:12:00 -0000

Waiting for your next Think: Sustainability fix? We’ve got something else for you in the meantime. Introducing a new season of All Things Equal. This series will take you into the school yard and beyond, where kids learn that things aren't always fair. Through the stories of real students and staff, Uniform will change the way you think about education; because when it comes to learning, one size does not fit all.

Subscribe to All Things Equal in your favourite podcast app, or listen to the show here:

https://www.whooshkaa.com/shows/after-metoo-stories-of-social-change

#110 - Queer Farmers

Wed, 17 Apr 2019 23:11:00 -0000

There's a strong image that lives in many peoples minds when you say the word farmer. A burly, middle-aged white male dressed in flannel and denim. While many farmers still fit this mould, this image is also a damaging one. It excludes the hard work and contribution of farmers who fall outside of this imagining.

This episode, we're pulling this image apart. You'll hear from queer farmers Marita (Milton Mushrooms) and Perri (Hey Cobber!) who share their experiences of farming in regional Australia. Hazel Blunden (University of Technology Sydney) explores the push and pull factors of queer living in the city, while sociologist Jaclyn Wypler (University of Wisconsin) unpacks what it means to be queer in the country.

#109 - Life After Coal

Wed, 10 Apr 2019 07:03:00 -0000

When it comes to sustainability, shifting away from coal generated power makes complete sense. But what does the transition mean for communities who depend on 'dirty' industries for their survival? This episode is all about the journey to renewables, and how we can make sure no one gets left behind.

Features:

Danny Boothman - Former Hazelwood worker and musician

Professor Peter Sheldon - Director of the Industrial Relations Research Centre at the University of New South Wales

Dr Sven Teske - Research Director at Institute for Sustainable Futures, University of Technology, Sydney

Dan Musil - Secretary of Earthworker Cooperative

#108 - Talking To Termites

Wed, 03 Apr 2019 06:01:00 -0000

Termites are often written off as a pest, but there is more to the little creatures than meets the eye. This episode is all about termites; what they destroy, but also what they build. And all the things we could learn from them, if only they could talk.

Featuring:

Dr Sebastian Oberst - Senior Lecturer, Centre for Audio Acoustics and Vibration at the University of Technology Sydney

Carolyn - Artist

Therese - Artist

Lyn - Artist

Kat - Artist

Rob Adams - Director of City Design at the City of Melbourne

#107 - Babies

Wed, 27 Mar 2019 05:28:00 -0000

Deciding to have a baby can be one of the most important personal choices you will make in your lifetime. And yet, bringing new life into the world won’t just impact you and your family. This episode is all about Australians who are choosing to think differently, and see their personal family planning as a type of environmental action plan in an overpopulated world. But can individual action really make a difference?

Featuring:

Phoebe

Mark

Graham Pyke - Adjunct Professor in the School of Life Sciences at the University of Technology Sydney

Katie

#106 - Green Colonialism

Wed, 20 Mar 2019 05:30:00 -0000

The environmental movement in Australia has a race problem. White led governments continue to form policies based off research rooted in western science. Western science will often position itself as the only answer, actively excluding knowledge belonging to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples. In this episode we ask, is western environmentalism racist?

Featuring:

Bradley Moggridge - PhD Candidate at the University of Canberra.

Tania Searle - PhD Candidate at Flinders University.

Natalie Stoianoff - Director of the Intellectual Property Program at the University of Technology Sydney.

#105 - A Critique Of The Circular Economy

Mon, 10 Dec 2018 05:30:00 -0000

As we continue to trash our oceans and terrestrial environments, many are pitching the model of the circular economy as an answer to our problem with waste. Building on the reduce, reuse, recycle model, the circular economy promises an end to overflowing dumps where products are continually repurposed. While the promise of circularity sounds so good, this episode we unpack how a circular economy universe might see us produce even more waste and cause greater social inequity.

Featuring:

Trevor Zink - Assistant Professor of Management from Loyola Marymount University.

Melissa Edwards - Senior Lecturer in the University of Technology Sydney Business School.

#104 - Why Climate Change Is A Mental Health Crisis

Thu, 29 Nov 2018 05:30:00 -0000

Where we've typically ascribed trauma to the individual, climate change now sees large groups of people sharing the same damaging experience in what's being called 'collective trauma'. But as post-disaster care continues to prioritise physical safety, the mental health of survivors often falls to the wayside. This episode we explore the global implications of climate change on mental health and why our mental health services aren't ready for what's to come.

Featuring:

Lucy Chen - Student at the University of Technology Sydney and Climate Activist.

Helen Berry - Professor of Climate Change and Mental Health at the University of Sydney.

Jennifer First - Program Manager at the Disaster and Community Crisis Centre at the University of Missouri-Columbia.

Producer/Presenter: Jake Morcom.

#103 - Why Australia Could Get Sued for Protecting the Environment

Mon, 26 Nov 2018 05:30:00 -0000

When tobacco company Philip Morris sued Australia over our plain packaging laws, it's fair to say we were taken by surprise. How can a foreign company take a nation's government to tribunal for protecting its citizens health? The answer is Investor State Dispute Settlement, an obscure clause in free trade agreements allowing corporations to sue foreign governments for what it perceives be unfair discrimination. In practice, this tends to end up happening over regulations in two area: health and the environment. This episode unpacks how ISDS could put a stranglehold on regulations and policies that put people ahead of profit.

Producer/Presenter: Cheyne Anderson.

Featuring:

Dr Patricia Ranald - Convenor of Australian Fair Trade and Investment Network.

Dr Carl Rhodes - Professor of Organisational Studies at the University of Technology Sydney.

Matthew Rimmer - Professor of Intellectual Property and Innovation Law at the Queensland University of Technology.

Max Bonnell - Partner, White and Case.

#102 - Above Sound

Mon, 12 Nov 2018 05:30:00 -0000

What can the sounds of the stratosphere tell us about the nature of noise on the ground?

Featuring:

Julius Ambroisine - PhD Student at the University of Technology Sydney.

#101 - Colonial Green Spaces

Mon, 05 Nov 2018 05:30:00 -0000

There are over 400 parks and open spaces in the City of Sydney. Some are lush, vast open spaces while others small pockets of green hidden among suburban streets. But are these treasured environments just another reminder that we've buried our histories?

This is part two of a series exploring the classism of the environmental movement.

Featuring:

Professor Jaky Troy - Director, Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Research at the University of Sydney.

Peter McNeil - Distinguished Professor in Design History, School of Design at the University of Technology Sydney.

Penny Allan - Professor of Landscape Architecture, School of Architecture at the University of Technology Sydney.

#100 - Food Classism

Mon, 29 Oct 2018 05:30:00 -0000

While many fret over their calorie intake or whether or not their food is certified organic, others are struggling get dinner on the table. There are many barriers to food, but it's the motivations behind food distribution pushing vulnerable communities even further into food distress. In this episode, we unpack what these motivations are and why Australia as a nation is failing to address food security.

This is part one of a series exploring the classism of the environmental movement.

Featuring:

Teresa Davis - Associate Professor of Marketing at the University of Sydney.

Sara Wilkinson - Associate Professor in the School of the Built Environment at the University of Technology Sydney.

Tanya Lawlis - Assistant Professor in the Discipline of Nutrition and Dietetics at the University of Canberra.

Matt Daly - Research Consultant from the Institute for Sustainable Futures at the University of Technology Sydney.

#99 - Can Virtual Environments Help Us Save The Real One?

Mon, 22 Oct 2018 05:30:00 -0000

Virtual reality immerses us in artificial experiences of the real world with research also showing VR can create empathy with the environment you're experiencing. But how far does this empathy go?

Featuring:

Ryan Watson - Head of Community Engagement at New Horizons.

Catherine Maree Smith - Ambassador for Parallel Parks.

Glenn Albrecht - Retireds Lecturer in Sustainability at Murdoch University.

Jeremy Walker - Lecturer in Environment, Culture and Society at the University of Technology Sydney.

Producer: Cheyne Anderson.

This program originally aired on Think: Digital Futures.

#98 - Emailing A Tree

Mon, 15 Oct 2018 05:30:00 -0000

When City of Melbourne launched the Urban Forest Visual strategy to gather data on the city's 77,000 trees, something happened they didn't plan for. In an attempt to engage the community in the data collection process, they added an email function so residents could notify the council if a tree needed help. Instead, the council received an outpouring of love letters, drawings and tributes to the urban environment. So they decided to write back...

Featuring:

Councillor Cathy Oke, City of Melbourne.

Jeremy Walker - Lecturer in Environment, Culture and Society at the University of Technology Sydney.

Producers: Cheyne Anderson, Miles Herbert.

This program originally aired on Think: Digital Futures.

EXTRA: The Future Of The Sydney Marine Park

Thu, 27 Sep 2018 06:26:00 -0000

With the public consultation period for the Sydney Marine Park ending today, Marine Ecologist Dave Booth discusses the future of the park and how the scrapping of sanctuary zones could endanger fragile marine ecosystems.

You can have your last minute say by following this link to the Marine NSW website.

#97 - The Environmental Impact Of The Refugee Crisis

Mon, 24 Sep 2018 06:30:00 -0000

There are currently more than 10 million refugees worldwide and approximately every minute 24 people around the world are forced to flee their homes. Living conditions within the refugee camps displaced people settle are often characterised by limited resources. But typically, the environmental considerations are put aside while refugees deal with the healthcare deficiencies caused by this global refugee crisis. Even though these humanitarian concerns are linked to the environmental ones.

Featuring:

Professor Abbas El-Zein - University of Sydney.

Professor Roberta Ryan - Institute for Public Policy and Governance at the University of Technology Sydney.

#96 - How Your Retirement Savings Could Fund A Green Future

Mon, 17 Sep 2018 06:30:00 -0000

The superannuation scheme was introduced in Australia to ensure people have the money they need when they reach retirement. But some 26 years after the scheme was sworn in, at what point did your retirement savings become a means to fund a renewable energy future?

Featuring:

Michael Bones - Head of Engagement at Future Super.

Glen Klatovsky - Deputy CEO of 350 Australia.

Stuart Palmer - Head of Ethics at Australian Ethical.

Dr Scott Dwyer and Dr Yohan Kim from the Institute for Sustainable Futures at the University of Technology Sydney.

#95 - Automating Inequality

Mon, 10 Sep 2018 06:30:00 -0000

The rise of artificial intelligence has as many anxious as it does excited, with people concerned that autonomous technologies could automate them out of a job. But as technology continues to make huge leaps forward, there's very little in the way of policy to ensure these innovations don't disrupt people's working lives and contribute to a more unequal society.

Featuring:

Nicholas Davis - Head of Society and Innovation, Member of the Executive Committee, World Economic Forum.

Nik Dawson - PhD Student in the Faculty of Engineering and Information Technologies at the University of Technology Sydney.

#94 - Opening Up The Ocean Floor

Mon, 03 Sep 2018 06:30:00 -0000

The International Seabed Authority has issued 29 exploration licenses for deep sea mining. But with the deep sea falling under the protections of outdated international agreements and largely remaining a mystery, how can we be sure mining the ocean floor won't bring about ecological destruction?

Featuring:

Ngenge Sasa - Local Level Government President in Balopa LLG, Manus Province, Papua New Guinea and Member of the Alliance of Solwara Warriors.

Elsa Dominish - Senior Research Consultant at the Institute for Sustainable Futures at the University of Technology Sydney.

Duncan Currie - Legal and Policy Advisor to the Deep Sea Conservation Coalition.

#93 - Climate Busting

Mon, 27 Aug 2018 06:30:00 -0000

Two climate engineering technologies have been inscribed into the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change's Fifth Assessment Report outlining they'll be crucial in ensuring we don't exceed 2 degrees of global warming. However, with little evidence as to how these technologies work in the field, is this just another attempt to stall more proactive climate action?

Featuring:

Jonathan Marshall - Future Fellow in the Faculty of Arts and Social Sciences at the University of Technology Sydney.

Kerryn Brent - Law Lecturer at the University of Tasmania.

Steven Siems - Professor in the School of Earth Atmosphere and Environment at Monash University.

#92 - Explosive Remnants of War

Mon, 30 Jul 2018 06:30:00 -0000

Warfare is destructive and absolute, but when conflict ends there is often surplus of weaponry. However, in burying or dumping these munitions when they're no longer needed, we've threatened the fabric of fragile ecosystems.

Featuring:

Stephen Billings - Geophysicist with GapEOD (Gap Explosive Ordnance Detection Pty Ltd).

Julie Konzuk - Principal Environment Engineer with Geosyntec Consultants.

Dr Megan Phillips - Lecturer in the School of Life Sciences at Head of PhytoLab at the University of Technology Sydney.

#91 - Future Foods

Mon, 23 Jul 2018 06:30:00 -0000

Thanks to overpopulation and man made climate change, global food stocks are running low. Enter ‘future foods’ - the gross, weird and wonderful things clickbait articles tell us will be on our dinner plate in ten years time. But as Think: Digital Futures host Cheyne Anderson finds out, there’s more to this debate than just eating worms.

Featuring:

Jacqui Newling - Colonial Gastronomer at Sydney Living Museums.

Dr Janice McCauley - Research Fellow in the Climate Change Cluster at the University of Technology Sydney.

Judy Friedlander - Researcher at the Institute for Sustainable Futures at the University of Technology Sydney.

Olympia Yarger - Insect Farmer with Go Terra.

#90 - The Success of the Commons

Mon, 16 Jul 2018 06:30:00 -0000

The practice of pastoralism in Mongolia is unlike any other agricultural practice around the globe. But as pastoralists face growing climatic uncertainty, and ongoing socio-political pressures, are the mobile herders of Mongolia at their end of days?

Featuring:

Enkh-Amgalan (Enkhie) - Manager of the “Green Gold” Pasture Ecosystem Management Project.

Dr Jane Addison - Research Fellow and Social-Ecological Systems Scientist from James Cook University.

Bronwen Dalton - Associate Professor in the Management Discipline Group at the University of Technology Sydney Business School.

#89 - Filter Feeders

Mon, 09 Jul 2018 06:30:00 -0000

We have entered the age of personalisation where algorithms filter and feed you your digital experience. But as the power of the algorithm has grown, why are they filtering out the environment?

Featuring:

Dr Jonathan Marshall - Future Fellow in the Faculty of Arts and Social Sciences at the University of Technology Sydney.

Cheyne Anderson - Host of Think: Digital Futures

#88 - Open Space

Mon, 02 Jul 2018 06:30:00 -0000

The data we collect via satellite informs almost all climate research today. So why do half of the earth monitoring satellites currently in orbit restrict the use of climate data?

Featuring:

Alfredo Huete - Distinguished Professor in the School of Life Sciences at the University of Technology Sydney.

Mariel Borowitz - Assistant Professor at the Sam Nunn School of International Affairs at Georgia Institute of Technology and author of Open Space.

Rachel Licker - Senior Climate Scientist at the Union of Concerned Scientists.

#87 - The Belt and Road Initiative

Mon, 04 Jun 2018 07:00:00 -0000

It’s being called the biggest infrastructure project in human history, the likes of which Planet Earth has never seen before. And up until now, the disastrous environmental implications of the Belt and Road Initiative have gone unrecognised and underreported. In a special Think: Sustainability update, you’ll hear exactly what this environmental damage looks like and the forces pressing infrastructure over ecology.

Featuring:

Bill Laurance - Distinguished Research Professor and Director for Tropical Environmental and Sustainability Science at James Cook University.

Producer: Jake Morcom.

#86 - Taking Back The Power

Mon, 28 May 2018 08:55:00 -0000

How a community in regional Australia has distanced itself from the electricity grid and powered the town through its own energy system.

Featuring:

Matt Charles-Jones - President of Totally Renewable Yackandandah (TRY)

Geoff James - Research Principal from the Institute for Sustainable Futures at the University of Technology Sydney.

Donna - Resident from Yackandandah.

Producer: Emma Rapaport.

#85 - The Push For Pumped Hydro

Mon, 21 May 2018 05:41:00 -0000

How would pumped hydro storage help us transition to 100% renewable energy?

Featuring:

Tom Morris - Senior Research Consultant at the Institute for Sustainable Futures at the University of Technology Sydney.

Andrew Blakers - Professor of Engineering at the Australian National University.

Giles Parkinson - Editor of Renew Economy.

Producer: Jake Morcom.

#84 - The Rising Tides of Tourism

Mon, 14 May 2018 05:55:00 -0000

Will the political crisis in the Maldives unravel their tourism industry and bring about climate disaster?

Featuring:

Azim Zahir - PhD Candidate in the Centre for Muslim States and Societies at the University of Western Australia.

Stephen Schweinsberg - Lecturer in Sustainable Management at the University of Technology Sydney Business School.

David Beirman - Senior Lecturer in the Management Discipline Group at the University of Technology Sydney.

Producer: Jake Morcom.

#83 - When The Levee Breaks

Mon, 07 May 2018 06:15:00 -0000

Will insurance companies ever offer cover for those living in a high risk flood zone?

Featuring:

Lance Leslie - Professor of Climatology in the School of Mathematical and Physical Sciences at the University of Technology Sydney.

Elizabeth Mossop - Professor of Landscape Architecture and Dean of the Design, Architecture and Building Faculty at the University of Technology Sydney.

Tim Andrews - Principal at Finity Consulting.

Gera and Cherina - Business Owners from Lismore, New South Wales.

Producer: Jake Morcom.

#82 - How We’re Failing to Regulate Air Pollution

Mon, 09 Apr 2018 07:30:00 -0000

Free public transport, road space rationing, banning diesel cars; there are plenty of efforts to control levels of air pollution, but with more than 3.5 million premature deaths each year because of it, we’re failing to act quickly enough. This episode we unpick how the framework regulating air pollution in Australia is doing little to reduce toxic emissions, and how a small town in the Hunter region has been devastated at the hands of the coal industry.

Featuring:

Nic Surawksi - Lecturer in the School of Civil and Environmental Engineering in the Faculty of Engineering and Information Technology at the University of Technology Sydney.

Bev Smiles - Secretary of the Wollar Progress Association.

James Whelan - Researcher and Networker from Environmental Justice Australia.

Producer: Jake Morcom.

#81 - Why Photosynthesis Is Our Genesis

Tue, 03 Apr 2018 01:17:00 -0000

As humanity continues to ponder its existence, ‘where did we all come from? Why are we here?’, researchers have suggested we may be asking the wrong questions in trying to uncover the answers. This episode we explore our evolving understanding of photosynthesis, and why the answers to some of our biggest philosophical questions could be locked in the process that enabled life to inhabit the planet, rather than what birthed us.

Speakers:

David Suggett - Associate Professor in the Climate Change Cluster at the University of Technology Sydney.

Tim Gibson - PhD Candidate in the Department of Earth and Planetary Sciences at McGill University, Canada.

Dr Robin Purchase from the Research School of Chemistry at the Australian National University.

Producer: Jake Morcom.

#80 - What Are We Doing to Our Water?

Mon, 26 Mar 2018 06:31:00 -0000

Australia's long history with drought and fire has cemented a strong dependence to the water around us, so why do we continue to contaminate our finite supply? This episode we uncover what we’re doing to our water in ways you may not know about, and look at the efforts trying to appease the damage before it’s too late.

Featuring:

Simon Mitrovic - Associate Professor in the School of Life Sciences at the University of Technology Sydney.

Maurizio Labbate - Associate Professor in the School of Life Sciences at the University of Technology Sydney.

Lee Blaney - Associate Professor at the University of Baltimore County, US.

Producer: Jake Morcom.

#79 - The Slippery Slope of Environmental Offsetting

Mon, 19 Mar 2018 08:06:00 -0000

When booking your last plane trip, you may have noticed the option to offset the carbon cost of your flight. Paying an additional fee to render your flight carbon neutral some say makes more aware of what they’re doing to the environment, but others criticise the idea calling it baseless and not as transparent as it may seem. This episode we explore how environmental offsetting goes way beyond the world of air travel and how these offsets could in fact devastate some of our most crucial forest and bushland.

Featuring:

Dr Leigh Martin - Scholarly Teaching Fellow in the School of Life Sciences at the University of Technology Sydney.

Daisy Barham - Campaigns Director at the Nature Conservation Council.

Dr Simon Kilbane - Senior Lecturer in the School of Architecture in the Faculty of Design, Building and Architecture at the University of Technology Sydney.

Producer: Jake Morcom.

#78 - Should We Capture and Store Our Carbon Emissions?

Mon, 12 Mar 2018 07:21:00 -0000

As global carbon emissions rise year in year out, many are brainstorming creative ways to reduce how much we’re spitting out into the environment. However, there’s one technology that’s raising just as many eyebrows as it is has others hopeful. This episode we explore the potential of carbon capture and storage, and why around the globe we’re seeing a lack of political will and investment into the technology.

Featuring:

Rebecca Cunningham - Institute for Sustainable Futures at the University of Technology Sydney.

DETAIL UPDATE

The UK government, not Drax, pulled out of the CCS Project at both White Rose and Peterhead. More information here.

#77 - The Hunt For Coral Superheroes

Mon, 04 Dec 2017 00:54:00 -0000

As global sea temperatures continue to rise, our coral reefs are turning from thriving marine ecosystems into underwater graveyards. But scientists have discovered a set of coral superheroes who might save the day. Speakers: David Suggett: Associate Professor The University of Technology Sydney Martina Doblin: Associate Professor The University of Technology Sydney Producer/Presenter: Miles Herbert

#76 - The Age Of Citizen Science

Sun, 26 Nov 2017 22:07:00 -0000

Citizen scientists and members of the public have done everything from discovering species, to documenting sea temperature changes. Just this year in Australia, an amateur astronomer named Andrew Grey, a mechanic from Darwin, helped scientists discover a whole set of new planets. But why are people like you, donating their time, to help scientists document and discover. And is crowdfunding the scientific method really trustworthy? Producer/Presenter: Miles P Herbert Speakers: Annette Scanlon: Lecturer School of Natural and Built Environments John Turnbull: Marine Ecologist and Social Scientist, University of New South Wales Shuanna Murray: Associate Professor, Climate Change Cluster Core Member, Climate Change Cluster

#75 - Why We Shouldn't Chop Down Our Logging Laws

Mon, 20 Nov 2017 00:15:00 -0000

Illegal logging is an immensely profitable global activity, linked to corruption, human rights abuses, criminal networks, and environmental destruction. So why is the federal government currently considering significantly weakening regulation that prevents the import of illegal timber? Speakers: Beatriz Garcia: Lecturer, Western Sydney University Lance Leslie: Professor, School of Mathematical and Physical Sciences at the University of Technology Sydney Producer/Presenter: Miles P Herbert

#74 - What Happens When A Species Goes Extinct?

Mon, 13 Nov 2017 00:05:00 -0000

Scientists have warned we are facing another mass extinction event. The last one occurred over 65 million years ago, but due to global warming and human caused habitat loss, the next one is just around the corner. So what do we do when a species goes extinct? Are our efforts helping or making things worse? Speakers: David Bader, Communications Officer for Vaquita CPR Professor Michael Archer, School of Biological, Earth, and Environmental Sciences, The University of New South Wales Peter Banks, Conservation Biologist at The University of Sydney Erick Lundgren, PHD Canidate at The University of Technology Sydney Producer/Presenter: Miles P Herbert

#73 - Turning Cane Toads Into Sausages

Sun, 05 Nov 2017 22:33:00 -0000

Naomi has spent the last two years living in a tent in regional New South Wales. But she's not a backpacker, she's not doing a roundhouse trip of the Australian countryside. Naomi is capturing cane toads and turning them into sausages. Presenter: Jake Morcom. Producer: Jake Morcom and Miles Herbert.

#72 - Should We Put A Price On The Environment?

Sun, 29 Oct 2017 22:28:00 -0000

In April 2010, the largest environmental disaster in US history struck the Gulf of Mexico - the explosion of oil rig Deepwater Horizon. After burning for more than a day, Deepwater Horizon sunk taking with it 11 lives, costing oil major BP more than $40 billion and an onslaught of environmental damage still being felt today. Over the last seven years the blame game for who was responsible and liable jumped back and forth with payouts being made to certain bodies who brought claims against BP for financial losses. But the blowout of a disaster to this scale goes far beyond a slump in tourism or trade in the region. Speakers: Jesse Fallon - PHD Student at Virginia Tech. Dr Stan Palassis - Senior Lecturer in the Faculty of Law at the University of Technology Sydney. Ana Bugnot - Research Associate at the University of New South Wales. Presenter: Jake Morcom. Producer: Jake Morcom and Miles Herbert. Editorial guidance from Miles Herbert and Ellen Leabeater.

#71 - What's A Future Without Phosphorus?

Sun, 22 Oct 2017 23:24:00 -0000

It's one of the biggest environmental challenges of our time, but no ones seems to be talking about it. And that's because a lot of us don't know that much about it. Dana Cordell from the Institute for Sustainable Futures at the University of Technology Sydney has spent the past decade researching phosphorus, what it is, what it does, why it's so important and how quickly we're running out of it. Producer/Presenter: Jake Morcom.

ENCORE - Australia's War On Feral Cats

Sun, 15 Oct 2017 22:50:00 -0000

We're on break this week while 2SER is in the middle of Supporter Drive. 2SER Radio is the station that makes Think: Sustainability and our two sister programs Think: Health and Digital Futures possible, however running a radio station doesn't come cheap. You can support the Think programs, 2SER and make a tax deductible donation by heading to 2ser.com/donate.

ENCORE - A Legal Regime To Save Aboriginal Knowledge

Sun, 08 Oct 2017 22:39:00 -0000

#70 - The Carbon Footprint Of Your Facebook Posts

Mon, 02 Oct 2017 23:43:00 -0000

Today on the show, the carbon footprint of data. On paper that sounds like a contradiction - how can a photo I post to Facebook be affecting the health of the planet? Well, it's not the post itself that's doing the harm, it's the technology that makes it possible. And it's these tech that live in places known as data centres. Speakers: Ella Barclay - Artist and Graduate Student in the Faculty of Arts and Social Sciences at the University of Technology Sydney. Rodney Gedda - Senior Analyst at Telsyte. Tanya Notley - Lecturer in the Institute for Culture and Society at Western Sydney University. Producer/Presenter: Jake Morcom.

#69 - Gassy Corals

Sun, 24 Sep 2017 23:46:00 -0000

The Great Barrier Reef has taught us much about marine ecology, but there's still so much we don't know. Do we have enough time to learn everything we can before the natural landmark is lost forever? Presenter: Jake Morcom. Producers: Miles Herbert and Jake Morcom.

#68 - Noise Pollution

Tue, 19 Sep 2017 05:47:00 -0000

Noise pollution is the only cardiovascular risk that can't be resolved by doctors or medications, it's purely up to the politicians. Speakers: Kirsten Parris - Associate Professor of Urban Ecology at the University of Melbourne. Thomas Muenzel - Chief in Caridology in the University Hospital in Mainz, Germany. Dino Pisaniello - Professor of Occupational and Environmental Health at the School of Public Health at University of Adelaide. Xiaojun Qiu - Director of the Centre for Audio-acoustics and Vibration at the University of Technology Sydney. Producer: Miles Herbert, Jake Morcom. Presenter: Jake Morcom.

#67 - What Ever Happened To Acid Rain?

Sun, 10 Sep 2017 23:27:00 -0000

The first recorded acid rain events date back to the 17th century, but it wasn't until the early 1970s that it became a huge problem. Today, while the global community seems focused on dealing with climate change, what's important about the story of acid rain is not only can it teach us how we can tackle global climate issues but also why we're so bad at doing it. Speakers: Derek Eamus - Professor of Environmental Sciences at the University of Technology Sydney. Charles Driscoll - Professor in the Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering at Syracuse University, New York. Producer/Presenter: Jake Morcom.

#66 - When Algae Turned The Water At Bondi Beach Blood Red

Sun, 03 Sep 2017 23:36:00 -0000

On 26 November 2012, Australia's iconic Bondi Beach was closed as the crisp, blue coastline turned red. And although many likened the newly blood red waters to that written in scripture, it was in fact algae that was responsible for the beaches temporary pigmentation. Although not necessarily life threatening algal blooms as they're known can be harmful, as dangerous toxins can reside in the water where the bloom occurs and damage important marine life and ecosystems. Presenter: Jake Morcom. Producer: Jake Morcom and Lia Tsamoglou.

#65 - Clean Coal And The History Of Climate Denial

Sun, 27 Aug 2017 23:54:00 -0000

Australia is in the middle of a debate about coal. The Queensland government is determined to expand its coal production. Indian billionaire Gautam Adani continues to gather support from politicians for his Carmichael Coal Mine in the Galilee Basin. There has been significant push back from scientists and citizens who know that coal production is the leading cause of CO2 emissions and a huge contribute to global climate change. Despite this fact, politicians and resource companies either are convinced the science is wrong, or are choosing to deny the overwhelming evidence in favor of their commercial interests. Did climate change denial start with coal, or is it a historical and systemic issue tied to the resource industry and conservative ideologies? Producer/Presenter: Miles Herbert Speakers: Tom Morton: Associate Professor, University of Technology Sydney David Schlosberg: Professor of Environmental Politics at the University of Sydney, and Co-Director of the Sydney Environment Institute. Nick Enfield: Professor of Lingustics, and Co-Director of the Post Truth Initiate at the University of Sydney

#64 - Australia's War On Feral Cats

Sun, 20 Aug 2017 23:45:00 -0000

In 2015 Australia's Threatened Species Commissioner Gregory Andrews announced a plan to kill 2 million 'feral' cats in an effort to save the countries native species from extinction. More than two years on the feral cat population has not decreased. So are culling techniques an effective and humane way of population control? Producer/Presenter: Miles Herbert Speakers: Alex Vince: Animal Liberation Kristina Vesk: Cat Protection Society Dr Daniel Ramp: Associate Professor and Director, Centre for Compassionate Conservation at University of Technology Sydney Dr Megan Phillips: Lecturer, School of Life Sciences at University of Technology Sydney Eamonn Wooster: PHD Candidate at Centre for Compassionate Conservation at University of Technology Sydney

#63 - Algae And All It Can Be Used For

Mon, 14 Aug 2017 01:16:00 -0000

You might already eat algae when you pick up a sushi roll. But it turns out algae may be a sustianable substitute for everything from Legos to surfboards to health products. Presenter/Producer: Miles Herbert Speakers: Dr Janice McCauley: Research Fellow, Climate Change Cluster at the University of Technology Sydney Judy Friedlander: Research Assistant, Institute for Sustainable Futures at the Univeristy of Technology Sydney Ross Thompson - Chair of Water Science and Director of the institute for applied ecology at the University of Canberra

#62 - Are Our Sewerage Systems Ready For Climate Change?

Sun, 06 Aug 2017 17:41:11 -0000

We don't think about our waste once we flush the toilet. But will climate change and rising sea levels bring it back to our attention? Presenter/Producer: Miles Herbert

#61 - Can Co-housing Solve Australia's Housing Affordability Crisis?

Sun, 30 Jul 2017 23:16:00 -0000

Where will you live when you're 65? Or perhaps you're retiring now, and you're thinking about your options? Cooperative living has come a long way since the hippy communes of the 1960s. It's a choice that's not only good for social wellbeing, but could be helping the environment too. Presenter: Jake Morcom. Producer: Jake Morcom, Lia Tsamoglou, Cheyne Anderson.

#60 - Why Lake Chad Is Shrinking

Mon, 24 Jul 2017 01:02:00 -0000

Between the 1960s and early 2000s, over 90% of Lake Chad has shrunk. Today, the lake provides water to over 68 million people in both Chad and Nigeria, and to the surrounding countries of Cameroon and Niger. But as water resources continue to dwindle, how long until Lake Chad is lost for good? Speakers: Danladi Yunana - Research Teaching Assistant at the Federal University Wukari, Nigeria. Dr Leigh Martin - Scholarly Teaching Fellow in the School of Life Sciences at the University of Technology Sydney. Dr Maryam Esfandbod - Post-Doctoral Research Fellow in the School of Natural Sciences at Griffith University. Producer/Presenter: Jake Morcom.

#59 - Bill Gates Really Loves Chickens

Sun, 16 Jul 2017 23:33:00 -0000

Last year, billionaire philanthropist Bill Gates announced his foundation would donate 100,000 chickens to impoverished nations in an effort to help bring them above the poverty line. But with the Bolivian government already slamming the gesture calling it 'offensive', is the plan as feasible as Gates says it is? Producers: Miles Herbert, Jake Morcom, Lia Tsamoglou. Presenter: Jake Morcom.

#58 - Pour Yourself A Sustainably Sourced Cocktail

Sun, 09 Jul 2017 23:56:00 -0000

Straws and plastic cups aside, how else might your beverage carry a carbon footprint? This week we meet up with the guys from Trolley'd, a bar venture hire with a sustainability ethos to talk how they make a good drink using only organic produce. Presenter: Jake Morcom. Producers: Cheyne Anderson and Lia Tsamoglou.

#57 - How Can We Escape Plastic?

Sun, 02 Jul 2017 13:26:25 -0000

They're tailored to the bottom of your shoes, they line the coffee cup you drink from, they're even fixed to the outside walls of your home - how can we possibly escape a world that's dominated by plastic? Presenter: Jake Morcom. Producers: Jake Morcom, Lia Tsamoglou and Cheyne Anderson.

#56 - The Dread Of Environmental Change

Sun, 25 Jun 2017 23:30:00 -0000

When Jason was living in New York, he knew the city inside out. Which 24 hour diners were the best for a 3am feed, which cafes had the best lattes. But due to rapid urbanisation, the city he once knew quickly began to change, which brought other complications along with it. Speakers: Jason Twill - Innovation Fellow in the Department of Design, Architecture and Building at the University of Technology Sydney. Producer/Presenter: Jake Morcom.

#55 - How Drone Technology Is Engaging With Conservation

Sat, 17 Jun 2017 03:20:00 -0000

Where many Australians have strong ties with the beach and coast, too comes the love-hate relationship we have with what lies beneath the water's surface. A new research project involving two researchers from the University of Technology Sydney could help identify sharks before they reach close to shore using an artificial intelligence drone technology. Producers and Presenters: Jake Morcom and Lia Tsamoglou.

REBROADCAST - Why They Named A Fly After Beyoncé

Mon, 12 Jun 2017 02:31:00 -0000

As 2SER heads over to New York for the New York Radio Awards, we bring you the episode of Think: Sustainability that was nominated in the Environment and Ecology category. Why'd they name a fly after singing megastar Beyoncé? What do the sounds of small sea creatures say about the wellness of the ocean? And what does a sustainable house look like? Presenters: Jake Morcom and Ellen Leabeater. Producer: Jake Morcom.

#54 - Is Being A Vegan Sustainable?

Sun, 04 Jun 2017 09:43:00 -0000

Does steering off meat and turning to a leafy green diet lower the impact of our global carbon footprint? Hosted by Jake Morcom. Produced by Lia Tsamoglou.

#53 - Everyone Loves The Weedy Seadragon!

Sun, 28 May 2017 23:27:00 -0000

They're cute, they're charismatic, but they're also on the cusp of dying out - can we save the Weedy Seadragon before it's too late? Hosted by Jake Morcom and Cheyne Anderson. Produced by Jake Morcom.

#52 - Rethinking The Built Environment

Sun, 21 May 2017 03:41:00 -0000

What is the social sustainability of the built environment? How are we using architectural design to cater for the growing and changing needs of the population? Speakers: William Feuerman - Senior Lecturer from the University of Technology Sydney. Phillippa Carnemolla - Postdoctoral Research Fellow in the School of the Built Environment at the University of Technology Sydney. Tim Schork - Associate Professor in the Faculty of Design, Building and Architecture at the University of Technology Sydney. Hosted and produced by Jake Morcom.

#51 - What Too Much Salt Does To Our Freshwater

Sun, 14 May 2017 10:47:00 -0000

Agriculture, mining and climate change are three factors driving up the salinity levels in our freshwater basins. What implications might this mean for the biological diversity of these ecosystems? Hosted by Jake Morcom and Lia Tsamoglou.

#50 - The Other Purpose Of Mistletoe

Sun, 07 May 2017 23:09:00 -0000

Aside from picking off a berry and kissing your significant other in the doorway, what is the ecological significance of mistletoe? Speakers: Melinda Cook - Masters Candidate at the University of Technology Sydney. Samira Aili - PHD Candidate from the University of Technology Sydney. Adrian Merrick - Founder of Energy Locals. Hosted by Jake Morcom and Lia Tsamoglou.

#49 - A Legal Regime To Save Aboriginal Knowledge

Sun, 30 Apr 2017 07:53:00 -0000

The Garuwanga Project is working to build a legal framework that would protect Aboriginal traditional knowledge of biodiversity. Historically, corporations have taken Aboriginal knowledge from communities and patented those practices, leaving the community without financial reward or even barring them from practicing their own knowledge. Hosted and produced by Cheyne Anderson and Jake Morcom.

#48 - The Space Race

Sun, 23 Apr 2017 04:54:00 -0000

What are our goals when it comes to space exploration? Are we still searching for sentient life beyond Earth? How far away are we from colonising on another planet or celestial body? Speakers: Dr Alice Gorman - Senior Lecturer in the Department of Archaeology at Flinders University. Steven Freeland - Professor in International Law at Western Sydney University Emily Bathgate - Casual Academic at the University of Technology Sydney. Hosted by Jake Morcom.

#47 - What Do We Do With All Our E-waste?

Mon, 17 Apr 2017 07:48:00 -0000

Think about all the electrical devices in your home. Your phone, kettle, computer, washing machine... the list goes on. It's estimated that each household in Australia has 350 kilos of electrical material, and we chuck out 35 kilos of the stuff per person per year. And the worst part? Australia only recycles 10% of our e-waste. So what do we do with all those cables and devices? In a special collaboration with Think: Digital Futures, we delve deep into the e-waste problem to try and find some solutions. Producers/Presenters: Jake Morcom Ellen Leabeater Speakers: Spyro Kalos - Manager, Mobile Muster Ashleigh Morris- Researcher, University of New South Wales Damien Giurco - Professor in Resource Futures, University of Technology Sydney Dr Neil Gordon - Lecturer in Computer Science, University of Hull, England Benjamin Gaulon - Media artist and Associate Professor, New School Parsons Paris Erin Lewis Fitzgerald - Founder and Managing Director of Bright Sparks For more info visit 2ser.com/thinksustainability To hear more from Ellen Leabeater, subscribe to Think: Digital Futures in your podcast app. Think: Digital Futures and Think: Sustainability are supported by 2SER and the University of Technology Sydney.

#46 - Powering The Car Of The Future

Sun, 09 Apr 2017 05:08:00 -0000

Your typical car will emit near 5 metric tonnes of carbon dioxide per year. Multiply that by the number of drivers in the world and the figure becomes scarily high. Electric or hybrid cars are one way to put a plug in greenhouse gas emissions but how do they work? And will they ever come down in price? Hosted by Jake Morcom and Cheyne Anderson.

#45 - The Health And Environmental Cost Of Pesticides

Sun, 02 Apr 2017 21:59:00 -0000

Chemical pesticide use in Sri Lanka is widespread and subsidised by the government, but are they doing more harm than good? This week Think: Sustainability addresses some of the global concerns around pesticide use and why organic farming is often thrown to the wayside. Hosted by Jake Morcom and Lia Tsamoglou. Produced by Jake Morcom and Cheyne Anderson.

#44 - The Mite That's Killing Our Bees

Sun, 26 Mar 2017 08:38:00 -0000

Bee populations around the globe are in crisis, what can we do to save them? Also, what is thunderstorm asthma and how will it get worse with climate change? Hosted by Jake Morcom and Lia Tsamoglou.

#43 - Is There Hope For Antarctica?

Sun, 19 Mar 2017 09:14:00 -0000

This week we look at two different angles of how we need to work to preserve Antarctica - the international law and policy in place to protect it, and the science telling us what's happening now, and what's going to happen in the future.

#42 - Weaving Traditions In Kullu And Crazy Turbulence

Sun, 12 Mar 2017 22:35:00 -0000

The weaving practices of Kullu are one of their oldest traditions, but how can a hand-made crafting industry compete with big business? Think: Sustainability takes a trip to the bottom of The Himalayas to look at sustaining an old, regional culture and we look at how climate change is making turbulence worse on international flights. Hosted by Jake Morcom and Lia Tsamoglou.

#41 - Climate Change Adaptation, Can We Do It?

Sun, 05 Mar 2017 06:11:00 -0000

Predictions from climate scientists are indicating more frequent climate events like flash flooding, drought and heatwaves are on the way. How will not only we deal with these climate events, but the towns, cities and systems we've built around us? Hosted by Jake Morcom and Lia Tsamoglou.

#40 - Greening Up Your Xmas

Sun, 18 Dec 2016 08:34:00 -0000

Get a little nutty with your spending around Christmas time? This week we take a hard look at consumption and spending during the festive season and even through in some tips to green up your holiday break. Also, a new tracking technology that could help us detect sharks before they swim too close into shore.

#39 - My First Trip To Antarctica

Mon, 12 Dec 2016 00:31:00 -0000

Ever wondered what a trip to Antarctica would be like? This week we speak to Jess Melbourne-Thomas, a research scientist with the Australian Antarctic Division about her trip and tumbles down to the most challenging continent on Earth. Also, what will America's policy towards climate change look like under a Trump presidency?

#38 - The Erosion Of Australia's Marine Parks

Sat, 03 Dec 2016 20:07:03 -0000

A governmental review is re-evaluating the protection zones of Australia's marine parks. This has flagged concerns for marine scientists and ecologists across the country who are worried economic and social interests will take precedence over environmental conservation.

#37 - Bugging Out

Sat, 26 Nov 2016 22:01:47 -0000

What kind of creepers and crawlers does summer time bring out? This week we dissect exactly what will be causing you grief in the insect department coming into the hot months, and it's not pretty. Hosted and produced by Jake Morcom.

#36 - A Conversation About Climate Change

Sat, 19 Nov 2016 21:04:56 -0000

Why are we so scared of climate change? Who are the climate change deniers? What happened at the UN Climate Conference this year? Think: Sustainability takes a hard look at some of the conversations around climate change and addresses why it's an issue that has the world rattled. Speakers: - Joseph Sikulu from 350 Pacific. - Research Director Dena Fam from the Institute for Sustainable Futures at the University of Technology Sydney - Senior Lecturer Brad Murray from the School of Life Sciences at the University of Technology Sydney. - Chancellor's Post-Doctoral Research Fellow Penelope Ajani from the University of Technology Sydney. - Carol Ride, Convenor of Psychology for a Safe Climate. - Dr Ian McGregor from the UTS Business School. Hosted and produced by Jake Morcom.

#35 - The Feasibility Of Renewable Energy In Australia

Sun, 13 Nov 2016 10:42:29 -0000

What are the do's and don'ts of sustainable clothes shopping? How feasible is a 100% renewable energy system here in Australia? And how might dehydration help decrease food waste going to landfill? Hosted by Jake Morcom and Ellen Leabeater. Produced by Jake Morcom.

#34 - Revitalising Murrin Bridge

Sun, 06 Nov 2016 11:24:41 -0000

Located in Wiradjuri country, Murrin Bridge started as a 'mission'. It was a place the government of the time set up to accomodate Aboriginal Australians driven out of their lands. Murrin Bridge is no longer a mission today, but with a population of just over 1400 and a 13km walk separating the community from the main town, facilities and services have become run down and displaced. A brief from the Prime Ministers Cabinet has issued a 'revitalisation project' for Murrin Bridge with specific outlines to develop a community centre, the refurbishment of other local buildings and programs for the community. Allan Teale and Campbell Drake are part of a design team working on the revitalisation of Murrin Bridge. And as a surprise to Allan, a recent revisiting down his family tree linked his ancestors to Wiradjuri country in which Murrin Bridge resides. Hosted by Jake Morcom and Ellen Leabeater. Produced by Jake Morcom.

#33 - A Dingo Probably Won't Take Your Baby

Sat, 29 Oct 2016 14:29:30 -0000

Why should we mend the relationship between farmers and dingoes? How are eBooks revolutionising the practice of libraries? And what is phytoremediation? Hosted by Jake Morcom and Ellen Leabeater. Produced by Jake Morcom.

ENCORE - Life With Plastic, Ain't Fantastic

Sun, 23 Oct 2016 14:25:55 -0000

ENCORE - Life with plastic, ain't fantastic by Think: Sustainability

ENCORE - What Do You Know About Renewable Energy?

Sat, 15 Oct 2016 22:17:58 -0000

ENCORE - What do you know about renewable energy? by Think: Sustainability

#32 - Get Off The Road!

Sat, 08 Oct 2016 19:37:15 -0000

How can we make Sydney's roads more cyclist friendly? And how long until algae takes over the coal industry? Presenters: Ellen Leabeater and Jake Morcom. Producers: Jake Morcom.

#31 - Bushfire Season Ignites

Sat, 01 Oct 2016 16:20:08 -0000

#31 - Bushfire season ignites by Think: Sustainability

#30 - Life With Plastic, Ain't Fantastic

Sun, 25 Sep 2016 14:06:53 -0000

Guest: Dr Sherri Mason. Presenter and Producer: Jake Morcom.

#29 - The Virtual Courtroom

Sun, 18 Sep 2016 12:34:49 -0000

How long until we're rid of the courtroom and holding trials online? How are some corals recovering from bleaching? And how can chemistry help us reduce global waste?

#28 - Why They Named A Fly After Beyoncé

Sat, 10 Sep 2016 21:42:59 -0000

Why'd they name a fly after singing megastar Beyoncé? What do the sounds of small sea creatures say about the wellness of the ocean? And what does a sustainable house look like? Presenters: Jake Morcom and Ellen Leabeater. Producer: Jake Morcom.

#27 - How We Can Stop The Cane Toad Menace

Sat, 03 Sep 2016 16:24:59 -0000

They're the most successful feral species to invade the landscape of Australia, but have we finally found a way to stop them once and for all? Also, are we consuming too much seafood? And how is bamboo more sustainable than timber?

#26 - Us Against Them

Sat, 27 Aug 2016 22:22:13 -0000

Why are we scared of sharks? What is permaculture? And how can fashion be environmentally conscious?

#25 - Mind Control Mushrooms

Sun, 21 Aug 2016 15:26:30 -0000

What mushroom can mind control insects? What do you want to do with your body when you die? And what is the Anthropocene?

#24 - The Science Behind Sustainability

Sun, 14 Aug 2016 15:11:17 -0000

For National Science Week we look at biohacking, science communication and women in STEM.

#23 - How Is Hair A Sustainable Resource?

Sun, 07 Aug 2016 00:47:59 -0000

#23 - How is hair a sustainable resource? by Think: Sustainability

#22 - What Do You Know About Renewable Energy?

Sat, 30 Jul 2016 22:11:32 -0000

#22 - What do you know about renewable energy? by Think: Sustainability

#21 - The Future Of Batteries

Sat, 23 Jul 2016 22:27:22 -0000

How far can battery technology go? This week we look at advancing battery storage technologies as well as take a Tesla test drive!

#20 - We Have A Friend In Phytoplankton

Sat, 16 Jul 2016 17:49:06 -0000

What are phytoplankton and why are they so crucial to everyday planetary stability?

#19 - What To Do With Too Many People

Sat, 09 Jul 2016 23:45:42 -0000

Can population growth and the notion of sustainability really go together?

#18 - Dealing With Disaster And NAIDOC Week Begins

Sat, 02 Jul 2016 16:45:23 -0000

Disasters are hard to forget, but what happens to those who are forgotten when disaster strikes? This week we look at groups who are left on the fringes of care in times of natural disaster crises and also address why these crises are a sustainability issue. Also, we hear about some of the oldest Indigenous rock art formations in Australia and why they're on the brink of destruction.

#17 - Breathing Walls And Revolutionizing Indonesia's Sanitation

Sun, 26 Jun 2016 13:08:56 -0000

How different is Indonesia's sanitation system from the rest of the world? What are breathing walls and are they as ominous as they sound? And how would a 'cash for containers' scheme work in Sydney?

#16 - Under The Sea

Fri, 17 Jun 2016 23:42:48 -0000

Why is Nemo opening up his home for other clownfish? Is it a strength in numbers game when more of their homes are being destroyed? We answer these questions this week as well as look at the potential hazards in the current federal governments plan to cull 95% of the carp in our river systems.

#15 - Trees, Or Light Rail?

Sun, 12 Jun 2016 22:13:34 -0000

Sydney is in the middle of a light rail uprising, but how many trees have to be cut down in the process? This week we're talking light rail logistics, as well as discussing the finest new delicacy on everyones plate... cane toad sausage!

#14 - Putting An End To Animal Trafficking And Chlamydia Ridden Koalas

Thu, 02 Jun 2016 22:24:36 -0000

Today is World Environment Day, so we take a closer look into the dark and depressing world of animal trafficking. Also, we look at why chlamydia is on the rise in koala populations around the country and how treatments are falling short.

#13 - Can Festivals Be Sustainable?

Sun, 29 May 2016 14:33:14 -0000

Imagine you're at a festival. There's food stalls, heaps of bands to go see and people swarming in masses. Now think about when you're leaving, what do you see? Probably all the rubbish that festival goers have left behind.. Vivid kicked off in Sydney over the weekend, so this week we're looking at what makes a festival sustainable and why the arts is so important in this space. Also, we find out which weeds in the garden you can throw into your dinner and visit a greening small business seminar.

#12 - The Sustainable Tourist And A Poor Students Breakfast

Fri, 20 May 2016 23:30:49 -0000

When you're planning a holiday, the first thing on your mind is enjoying time off to relax. But have you ever thought about how your travels can contribute to your carbon foot print? We look at planning your travels with a sustainable motive in mind and how exactly your can green up your holidays. Also, we visit a brekkie bar that's offering a helping hand for the struggling student and a roof technology that can make our buildings and the surrounding areas much cooler.

#11 - Let's Talk About Money, And Sustainable Finance

Sat, 14 May 2016 14:44:34 -0000

How are your investments affecting the planet? This week we look at the ethics of our superannuation and trace what unsustainable industries our super can be invested into such as coal mining and fossil fuels. Also, have you ever been approached by a charity chugger on your way to work? We hear some interesting insight into the functions of charity and look at why impact investment is becoming more and more pertinent in this space.

#10 - Wandering Through A Worm Farm And Wearing Sustainable Fashions

Sat, 07 May 2016 19:04:41 -0000

Last week we found out some strange degradable's that you can put into your compost, but what about into your worm farm? This week we're focusing on our squiggly little friends and how they can help in the management of our food waste around the home. Also, we pinpoint some of the most ethical and unethical fashion labels as well as look at some of our most pertinent regenerative sustainability practices.

#9 - A 'how To' On Composting And Dealing With Food Waste

Sun, 01 May 2016 15:15:59 -0000

Want to start a compost at home? It's not as hard as you might think. This week we look at the do's and don't of composting and learn about some degradable's that might surprise you. Also, $8-10 billion of food is wasted each year in Australia with the global number reaching into the trillions. We look at some sustainable food waste solutions as well as look at what affect culling kangaroos could have on our ecological biodiversity.

#8 - The Carbon Cost Of Your Commute And Composting Toilets In Cameroon

Mon, 25 Apr 2016 15:36:05 -0000

How do you get to work? Train, bus, car, bike? This week we look at the carbon cost of your commute and which modes of transport are the best and worst in terms of emissions. Also, three engineering students from UTS tell us about their plans for implementing composting toilets in Cameroon, Africa and could community energy help us reach 100% renewable energy?

#7 - How To Deal With Human Waste

Fri, 15 Apr 2016 22:16:28 -0000

Where does your poo go when you press the flush button? Who around the world doesn't use a toilet? Am I a bad person for using disposable nappies? These are some of the questions begging answers this week on our sustainability episode dedicated to human waste. We visit a wastewater treatment facility, hear about sanitation in rural, desolate Alaska and quest for the most eco-friendly nappy.

#6 - Ethical Supply Chains And The Most Sustainable Pet

Sun, 10 Apr 2016 01:53:53 -0000

Why are ethical supply chains are sustainability issue? On the show this week we attempt to answer this question by looking back up through the supply chains, as well as hear stories about the inequities faced by Vietnamese migrant workers. Also, the age old question - cats versus dogs. We all love pets, but how sustainable are they really?

#5 - Addressing Antibiotic Resistance And Australia's First Living Algae Building

Sun, 03 Apr 2016 14:51:00 -0000

It's being called a global epidemic on par with climate change, so what are we trying to do to stop it? This week we look at antibiotic resistance from a number of angles, looking at potential medicinal alternatives and even how Manuka honey can help prevent the spread of infection. Also, Hamburg in Germany is home to the world's first Living Algae Building, but how long before we see one here in Australia?

#4 - The Coffee Pod Menace, Reducing Consumption And Our First Sustainability Champion

Sat, 26 Mar 2016 10:08:17 -0000

It seems like we're in the age of the coffee pod - they're quick to use, convenient and tasty. Australians consume more than 3 million pods a day, and with so many ending up in landfill, ridiculous amounts of plastic could sit under the ground for hundreds of years. Also, we re-evaluate if the reduce, reuse, recycle model is still an effective motto and we meet our first sustainability champion.

#3 - Protecting Our Most Vital Natural Resource, Water

Fri, 18 Mar 2016 19:09:21 -0000

Ahead of World Water Day on Tuesday March 22, this episode we're looking at current approaches to water conservation and what needs to change to protect the finite resource. We look back at Australia's 'Milennium Drought' and what we're doing to help California in their current drought crisis, as well as expand on the practice of groundwater extraction and reassess how many people today are using rainwater tanks.

#2 - Rethinking Earth Hour And Extreme Coral Ecosystems

Sun, 13 Mar 2016 12:18:38 -0000

Earth Hour is coming into its tenth year, but with more and more people thinking about energy conservation, is it time to switch things up? Also we dive into some of the coral ecosystems which are adapting to climate change pressures; and look at how we're going to keep growing produce in the declining Sydney basin.

#1 - What Is Sustainability?

Sun, 06 Mar 2016 13:06:21 -0000

What is sustainability? What does it mean for me? How can I live sustainably? On Episode 1 we look at answering these questions as well as look back at how sustainability has transformed over time.