Climate360° : a changing climate's impact & brilliant people making a difference

Climate360° by Andrew Mackenzie and Sam Redston

Climate360° is a fortnightly podcast that will take a broad view of how climate change impacts our whole world, and the brilliant people making a difference. Over the weeks and months ahead we will explore how climate impacts health, economics, politics, science, farming, manufacturing and everything else. We will explore the challenges of a changing climate, while throwing a light on a rich community of innovators and activists, professionals and academics, makers and motivators, who are leading the way in how we might respond to our changing climate. Climate360° is an initiative of Sam Redston and Andrew Mackenzie. Join them fortnightly for fresh ideas and bold propositions for a changing world. climate360.substack.com

  1. The Roadblocks Aren't Technical. They're Political.

    7 MAY

    The Roadblocks Aren't Technical. They're Political.

    A warming planet will impact our lives in unpredictable and far-reaching ways. The actions we take, to both mitigate and adapt, are equally diverse and complex. Yet no territory is more central to the task at hand than the urgent need to transition away from the polluting, carbon-intensive technologies of the fossil fuel age toward clean energy. That is the focus of our third series of conversations on Climate 360. Our first guest is a powerful and uncompromising voice for that transition. Saul Griffith is an MIT-trained engineer, founder of Rewiring Australia and Rewiring America, recipient of the MacArthur "Genius Grant", and the author of The Big Switch — a blueprint for electrifying Australia from the power grid to the family car. He is, in short, a force of nature.  Notably, Griffith now spends less time in the lab than he once did. While there is important work still to be done, improving clean energy technologies, driving down costs, expanding their reach, Griffith argues that the big challenges are no longer primarily technical. Policy is the battleground now, not the lab. Which may be a good thing, because politics is ultimately answerable to the electorate. To you and me. Without underestimating the scale of what lies ahead, Griffith is clear about how much agency ordinary people hold. How we spend our money, who we vote for, what products we support, and what we choose to be informed by — all of it has the potential to move the dial on climate action, and on how quickly we can complete the transition to clean energy. Learn more about Saul's work by subscribing to https://energyandstuff.substack.com , or his podcast The Shameless Plug or visit his website rewiringaustralia.org . This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit climate360.substack.com

    1 hr
  2. Climate and You, a conversation with Bronwyn Gresham, CEO of Psychology for a Safe Climate

    14 MAR

    Climate and You, a conversation with Bronwyn Gresham, CEO of Psychology for a Safe Climate

    There is a growing connection between anxiety and an increased engagement with the changing climate. In this episode of Climate360°, hosts Andrew Mackenzie and Sam Redston sit down with Bronwyn Gresham — clinical psychologist and CEO of Psychology for a Safe Climate — to explore what’s really going on beneath the surface when we engage with the climate crisis. Bronwyn unpacks the full spectrum of climate emotions: anxiety, ecological grief, guilt, and burnout — and explains why the familiar advice of “just take action” isn’t enough on its own. She shares a three-part framework for climate mental health (regenerative action, self-care, and emotional engagement) and makes the case for Climate Cafés as a thoughtful and transformative capacity-building tool for the community.If you've ever felt the weight of the climate news cycle — or wondered how to hold hope and despair at the same time — this one's for you.Visit https://www.psychologyforasafeclimate.org to learn more about their work, how to join a Climate Cafe and a growing library of resources that are available to support your mental wellbeing. See you at a Climate Cafe near you soon! This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit climate360.substack.com

    1hr 13min
  3. Putting Research to Work

    18/12/2025

    Putting Research to Work

    In the most recent Climate Change Performance Index (2025), Australia has dropped two ranks to 52nd place. But a recent emboldening of Federal government may see that negative trend reverse. This interview unpacks Australia’s current climate policy platform, and while being a long way from perfect, the positive changes occurring in Australia’s performance. We will look at how research can help inform good policy, and what policy levers look likely to deliver best outcomes Climateworks is taking on the transition to net zero emissions. They guide decisions from government, companies and institutions that can reduce emissions at the scale and pace needed during this critical decade. Anna heads the Australian Country Context team which takes an outward facing approach to enhance Climateworks’ understanding of the political and economic landscape. Anna focuses on influencing policy and investment, and managing relationships with senior stakeholders. Her role includes building our ability to partner with stakeholders and funders, supporting external partners to engage across the full range of our work and ensuring our teams make the most of opportunities to create systems change. Prior to Climateworks, Anna was Assistant Director at the Climate Change Authority. She also worked on climate policy, including as Director of the Climate Action Network Australia and in the Victorian Government. Anna’s climate policy expertise builds on her policy roles in the UK government on environment and sustainable development. She also has experience in international development – including working in Latin America – and in urban conservation. Anna holds a Masters in Forestry and Land Use from Oxford University and a Bachelor in Ecological Science (Ecology Hons) from Edinburgh University. She also completed post-graduate modules in Urban Regeneration at the University of London. Find Anna’s work in The Conversation Find Anna’s work on Researchgate About Climate360  Climate360 is a podcast series that will take a broad view of how climate impacts our whole world. It is an initiative of Sam Redston and Andrew Mackenzie.  Over the weeks and months ahead we will explore how climate impacts health, economics, politics, science, farming, manufacturing and everything else. We will explore the challenges of a changing climate, while throwing a light on a rich community of innovators and activists, professionals and academics, makers and motivators, who are leading the way in how we might respond to our changing climate.  We acknowledge that we work and create on the lands of the Wurundjeri Woi-Wurrung and Boon Wurrung People of the Eastern Kulin Nation, and we pay our respects to their Elders, past and present. Always was. Always will be.  www.climate360.com.au This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit climate360.substack.com

    50 min
  4. Local Heros

    25/11/2025

    Local Heros

    All across Australia there are communities taking climate action into their own hands. One example is in rural Victoria, where Totally Renewable Yakandanah (TRY) is a 100% volunteer run community group with “the lofty goal of powering this small Victorian town with 100% renewable energy, giving resilience, savings, lower emissions and showing that it can be done”. We talk to Juliette Milbank and Matthew Charles-Jones of TRY, about the challenges involved in the energy transition, the scale of the opportunity, and where they are on their journey. About Climate360º Climate360º is a podcast series that will take a broad view of how climate impacts our whole world. It is an initiative of Sam Redston and Andrew Mackenzie. www.climate360.com.au This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit climate360.substack.com

    1hr 12min
  5. Cleaning up the market.

    31/10/2025

    Cleaning up the market.

    In the blame game of who is doing most, or least, corporations are not typically showered in climate glory. While some large companies are taking meaningful steps to decarbonise, there is also growing criticisms of greenwashing and climate tokenism. The Australian Centre for Corporate Responsibility (ACCR) is a major player in shining a spotlight on the good and the bad. We speak to ACCR executive director Brynn O’Brien about the important (and tireless) job of share activism and holding business to account. Brynn O’Brien is Executive Director of the Australian Centre for Corporate Responsibility (ACCR), a research and shareholder advocacy organisation. The ACCR uses their expertise in shareholder strategy to enable institutional investors to escalate their engagements with major, heavy-emitting listed companies in their portfolios. Brynn has deep expertise in corporate governance, active ownership and international law, combining a sharp understanding of markets with a commitment to systemic change. An experienced lawyer and strategist, Brynn has led the ACCR since 2017, growing the organisation from a small advocacy initiative into a respected and globally connected force for corporate accountability and investor action on climate. The ACCR research team undertakes in-depth research into the climate transition plans of companies in our portfolio, contextualised with the latest climate science, to assist institutional capital to understand investment risks and opportunities during the energy transition. Brynn holds degrees in Medical Science and Law from the University of Technology Sydney, a Master of Laws from Columbia University, and is a graduate of the Australian Institute of Company Directors. Visit their website www.accr.org.au About Climate360º Climate360º is a podcast series that will take a broad view of how climate impacts our whole world. It is an initiative of Sam Redston and Andrew Mackenzie. www.climate360.com.au This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit climate360.substack.com

    1 hr
  6. After the climate wars...

    19/10/2025

    After the climate wars...

    For much of the recent two decades Australia’s big emitters have done a great job pushing the politics of climate denial. But we have, surely, now crossed the Rubicon. It’s real, and we need to do our bit. We talk to Ross Garnaut AC about his life work making the case that Australia must do its fair share. That means understanding the economic impacts and opportunities of the changing world we must now face. For Ross, Australia is sitting on an almost unique combination of climate positive resources, green-hungry trading partners and ever cheaper green technology. This has the potential to turn Australia into an energy superpower. Join us as we travel from the contested climate wars of recent years to the new economic possibilities of a low-carbon world. Ross Garnaut AC is one of Australia’s most influential economic thinkers on climate change and the energy transition. An economist by training, Garnaut has worked at the highest levels of public policy — including as Principal Economic Adviser to Prime Minister Bob Hawke and as Australia’s Ambassador to China — and later became known globally for leading the landmark Garnaut Climate Change Review, commissioned by Australian governments to set out the economic case for climate action and adaptation He is a Professor Emeritus at both the University of Melbourne and the Australian National University, and serves on the boards of ZEN Energy and the Superpower Institute, helping shape Australia’s path to a zero-carbon future Garnaut is the author of widely read books such as Superpower and Superpower Transformation, which argue that Australia could become a renewable-energy “superpower” — cutting emissions while strengthening the economy. Recognised with Australia’s highest honours for his service to climate, economics and public life, Garnaut has spent decades showing that climate change is not just an environmental issue but a profound economic and national opportunity — if we choose to act. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit climate360.substack.com

    1hr 2min
  7. Rethinking and Reusing Big Buildings

    02/10/2025

    Rethinking and Reusing Big Buildings

    What does it mean to be committed to sustainability, while working in an industry responsible for 40% of the world’s carbon emissions? Firstly, it means trying hard to adapt and retain old buildings, rather than bulldoze and start again. That’s about one third of those building emissions. Secondly, it means making buildings that are super efficient to run, with ‘operational carbon emissions’ accounting for the other two thirds. These issues are particularly important when working on large buildings, which are notoriously carbon intensive, to both build and operate. Sam Peart brings her engineering background to these challenges, while reflecting on the different attitudes and behaviour of engineers and architects, when faced with complex, multi-dimensional challenges. About Sam Samantha Peart is the Global Head of Sustainability at Hassell, an international design firm. With extensive experience in sustainability leadership, she has held senior roles at Development Victoria and Arup, driving transformative environmental strategies across various sectors. Peart has led Hassell’s integration of sustainability into architectural practice. Her work encompasses promoting material and product provenance, advocating for certified sustainable timber and mass timber, and emphasising adaptive reuse of buildings. She leads initiatives to embed sustainability frameworks within large organisations, enhancing environmental performance and fostering regenerative design practices. Read Hassell Studios From Office to Home: new research explores the case for ‘Radical Reuse’ and other research reports here. About Climate360  Climate360 is a podcast series that will take a broad view of how climate impacts our whole world. It is an initiative of Sam Redston and Andrew Mackenzie.  Over the weeks and months ahead we will explore how climate impacts health, economics, politics, science, farming, manufacturing and everything else. We will explore the challenges of a changing climate, while throwing a light on a rich community of innovators and activists, professionals and academics, makers and motivators, who are leading the way in how we might respond to our changing climate.  We acknowledge that we work and create on the lands of the Wurundjeri Woi-Wurrung and Boon Wurrung People of the Eastern Kulin Nation, and we pay our respects to their Elders, past and present. Always was. Always will be.  www.climate360.com.au This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit climate360.substack.com

    1hr 11min
  8. Climate and the housing insurance crisis

    18/09/2025

    Climate and the housing insurance crisis

    Professor Paula Jarzabkowski talks to us about how housing in high-risk areas is bad policy and leads to an increase in what she calls the insurance protection gap. Our building codes are also not adapting to new climate conditions. As is so often the case in considering climate impacts, those at greatest risk are those least able to afford those impacts. About Paula Professor Paula Jarzabkowski is a strategic management expert at the University of Queensland, specialising in the intersection of insurance, risk, and climate change. Her research reveals how climate-induced disasters impact insurance markets and the broader implications for society, and in particular those parts of society that are at greatest risk. Published books include Making a Market for Acts of God and Disaster insurance Re-imagined, and most recently Organizing beyond Organizations for the Common Good: Confronting Societal Challenges through Process Studies . You can follow her work on her website paulajarzabkowski.com Our thanks to Professor Paula Jarzabkowski, and the University of Queensland, for joining us to share her insights into the disaster insurance protection gap, and the complex systemic challenges we face in adapting financial and insurance systems to meet changing climate conditions. Read the recent reports from the Climate Council referenced, including the 2025 Climate Risk Map here. About Climate360° Climate360° is a podcast series that will take a broad view of how climate impacts our whole world. It is an initiative of Sam Redston and Andrew Mackenzie. Over the weeks and months ahead we will explore how climate impacts health, economics, politics, science, farming, manufacturing and everything else. We will explore the challenges of a changing climate, while throwing a light on a rich community of innovators and activists, professionals and academics, makers and motivators, who are leading the way in how we might respond to our changing climate. We acknowledge that we work and create on the lands of the Wurundjeri Woi-Wurrung and Boon Wurrung People of the Eastern Kulin Nation, and we pay our respects to their Elders, past and present. Always was. Always will be. www.climate360.com.au This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit climate360.substack.com

    1 hr
See All (13)

Ratings & Reviews

5
out of 5
2 Ratings

About

Climate360° is a fortnightly podcast that will take a broad view of how climate change impacts our whole world, and the brilliant people making a difference. Over the weeks and months ahead we will explore how climate impacts health, economics, politics, science, farming, manufacturing and everything else. We will explore the challenges of a changing climate, while throwing a light on a rich community of innovators and activists, professionals and academics, makers and motivators, who are leading the way in how we might respond to our changing climate. Climate360° is an initiative of Sam Redston and Andrew Mackenzie. Join them fortnightly for fresh ideas and bold propositions for a changing world. climate360.substack.com

Information

You Might Also Like