Earthed: Australian climate + nature news

Murray Griffin and Franziska Curran
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News and chat for people who like Australia's native plants and animals and who don't like climate pollution. From zoos breeding Lord Howe 'tree lobsters', to farmers hosting wind, solar and carbon farms - from Tasmanian rangers getting rid of feral cats on Little Dog Island, to Wollongong scientists inventing a better way to make hydrogen - we talk about it here. Hosted by Murray Griffin and Dr Franziska Curran. (Want more Australian sustainability news and conversations? Listen to our 'Track Changes' podcast, featuring chats with climate change and sustainability experts.)

  1. 3d ago

    Turning a big mine into a lake; Saving our rarest marsupial

    This week, we talk about saving one of Australia's most critically endangered animals – which lives on a diet of truffle-like fungus. And speaking of critically endangered fussy eaters, we've got some good news on dugongs, which feed off seagrass. Plus, we find out why a dairy farmer in Victoria's western district is one of many business owners who is very happy about the expansion of a major clean energy scheme. And we talk about plans to turn a coal mine that's six kilometres long and 3.5 kilometres wide into a big lake.  Earthed is a quick, weekly round-up of climate of climate, nature and sustainability news from around Australia. It's hosted by Murray Griffin and Franziska Curran. If you enjoy this episode please follow the show, and rate it! Links this episode: Can Ningaloo Reef cope with extreme marine heat waves? https://wamsi.org.au/news/innovative-regeneration-program-launches-to-protect-was-coral-reefs/ Recycling solar panels: https://www.nsw.gov.au/ministerial-releases/nsw-leads-australia-new-solar-panel-recycling-mandate Turning a huge coal mine into a lake:  https://engage.vic.gov.au/Hazelwood-Rehabilitation-Project-IAC So much plastic waste: https://www.dcceew.gov.au/environment/protection/waste/publications/australian-plastics-flows-fates-report-2024-25#recycled How plastic waste affects seabirds:  https://www.nhm.ac.uk/discover/flesh-footed-shearwaters-toxic-ocean-plastic-diet.html  Doing more to protect NSW renters from high energy bills:  https://renew.org.au/advocacy/fit-to-rent-report/  A huge coal mine expansion:  https://www.ipcn.nsw.gov.au/news/hunter-valley-operations-coal-mine-approved-conditions Saving the Noisy Scrub-bird:  https://www.facebook.com/watch/?v=830114569446555

    Turning a big mine into a lake; Saving our rarest marsupial

  2. Sep 29

    Footy fever! AFL and NRL bird and animal mascots

    Game on! In this special episode we celebrate the AFL and NRL grand finals. Which team mascot is classified as a threatened species? And which team mascots are feral pests? Which team mascot is the most abundant in Australia? And which team mascot makes the longest migratory journey (regenerating several times along the way)?  Plus, which player in Saturday's AFL grand final is a climate change activist? Find out the answers to all these questions and more in this special episode. Follow the Earthed podcast for a weekly roundup of climate change and nature news from around Australia. Links this episode: Earless dragons: https://earlessdragonalliance.com.au/about-the-dragons/ Alex Pearce calls for climate action: https://www.smh.com.au/national/athletes-turn-up-the-heat-on-politicians-over-climate-change-20250217-p5lcui.html  Global Citizen Now summit: https://www.globalcitizen.org/en/now/perth/  Frontrunners (protecting the future of sport, protecting the future of all of us): https://www.frontrunners.org.au Footy for climate (protecting the future of grassroots footy): https://footyforclimate.org.au Artist Cheryl Davison and the story of the black swan:  https://www.facebook.com/reel/1139381119914018

    Footy fever! AFL and NRL bird and animal mascots

  3. Sep 22

    It's electrifying! A new push to get Australia off gas and diesel

    Plus, why did eyes roll when Australia's environment ministers agreed  to urgently reduce packaging waste? And what does a soon to be rat-free island in the Timor Sea have in common with an Antarctic penguin? Also this week, choosing which parts of Australia to prioritise for nature restoration, and inventing a better way to make green hydrogen. Earthed is a news and chat pod for people who like Australia's native plants and animals and who don't like climate pollution. Hosted by Murray Griffin and Dr Franziska Curran. Links this issue: The Electrifying Australia website - https://electrifyaustralia.org.au/case-studies Jenny Edwards from Rewiring Australia talking about Tradies Day - https://www.linkedin.com/posts/jenergy27_electrifyaustralia-activity-7506603755468152832-wAX0 David Pocock talking about a new home electrification scheme - https://www.instagram.com/reels/DdYHQBPBYDG/ A new national renewable energy scorecard - https://ieefa.org/articles/ieefa-launches-australian-renewable-energy-scorecard An Australian Conservation Foundation expose report on deforestation for beef production - https://canopy.acf.org.au/asset/333bfb8f-5189-4818-b5f9-d83af92e8db2/Bulldozers-and-broken-promises.pdf  In-cray-dible news on spiny crayfish - https://www.environment.nsw.gov.au/news/in-cray-dible-news-freshwater-biodiversity  'I've got chills, there multiplying ...' - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RYk0_U7kf3g

    It's electrifying! A new push to get Australia off gas and diesel

  4. Sep 15

    A massive new koala park is coming!

    Also this week, there's good news about a tiny native animal called the red-tailed phascogale. And there's some welcome progress on a NSW solar farm project that can power 119,000 homes. We also learn how renewable energy has saved the City of Sydney $8 million dollars. And we find out why snakes and giant snails went to Parliament House last week!  Earthed is a quick, weekly round-up of climate of climate, nature and sustainability news from around Australia. It's hosted by climate and sustainability communications consultant Murray Griffin and sustainability consultant Franziska Curran. If you enjoy this episode please follow the show, and rate it! Links this issue: Frank Jotzo's suggestions for reforming how we manage carbon pollution from big emitters - https://theenergy.co/articles/how-to-create-stronger-signals-for-decarbonisation-investment  Waste plastic and packaging -  https://boomerangalliance.org.au/media-release/industry-recycling-and-environmental-leaders-unite-in-call-for-national-packaging-reform/ The cost of abandoning transmission projects in Victoria -  https://nexaadvisory.com.au/web/wp-content/uploads/2026/09/Nexa-Advisory-Delay-is-putting-Victorias-energy-security-at-risk.pdf The City of Sydney saves $8 million thanks to renewable energy - https://news.cityofsydney.nsw.gov.au/articles/renewable-energy-deal-saved-us-8-million  Mt Gibson sanctuary webinar - reintroducing native animals https://www.australianwildlife.org/news-and-resources/webinars/ten-species-in-ten-years-restoring-wildlife-to-the-wheatbelt

    A massive new koala park is coming!

  5. Sep 8

    Two legendary marine species under threat

    This week, we've got an update on two extraordinary marine species found in Australian waters. We talk about some amazing industrial projects that aim to cut carbon pollution. Also in this episode: How renewable energy is helping the NSW town of Mudgee improve local wetlands; New records for solar energy; Plans to bring the platypus back to an urban river; And a new inquiry into data centre water use. Earthed is a quick, weekly round-up of climate of climate, nature and sustainability news from around Australia. It's hosted by climate and sustainability communications consultant Murray Griffin and sustainability consultant Franziska Curran. If you enjoy this episode please follow the show, and rate it! Links this issue: Overshooting 1.5 degrees: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bneWeHu2UkU How hosting renewable energy is making it possible for Mudgee to improve a local wetland:  https://www.energyco.nsw.gov.au/news/landfill-legacy-putta-bucca-wetlands-expansion-gets-underway Chris Bowen on EV sales:  https://www.facebook.com/reel/2340178603422287

    Two legendary marine species under threat

  6. Sep 1

    A big moment for offshore wind; Using a high-tech camera to monitor for bird flu

    Victoria's plans to generate huge amounts of electricity offshore. How a helicopter fitted with a special camera is being used to monitor for bird flu outbreaks. An exciting event in the small Western Australian town of Hyden. Plus, we hear about some brave bilbies that are striking out on their own. And we ask: can koalas change the colour of their ears? Plus, we've got a new segment we're trying out on the show - let us know what you think! Earthed is a quick, weekly round-up of climate of climate, nature and sustainability news from around Australia. It's hosted by climate and sustainability communications consultant Murray Griffin and sustainability consultant Franziska Curran. If you enjoy this episode please follow the show, and rate it! Links this issue: Greenhouse gas emissions quarterly update https://www.dcceew.gov.au/climate-change/publications/national-greenhouse-gas-inventory-quarterly-updates Kev Bradley from the Save the Bilby Fund: https://national-bilby-day-2026.raiselysite.com/  'What's in my bag ?'clip: https://www.dcceew.gov.au/about/news/national-science-week-2026#transcript Grazier and carbon farmer Mac Drysdale: https://www.linkedin.com/posts/ganeaustralia_agribusiness-carbonprojects-australianfarming-activity-7498138995294355457-SZ7L  A very big turbine blade!: https://www.facebook.com/reel/838529242400197 https://www.tiktok.com/@qube.holdings/video/7644045230576094481 Hay's mayor Carol Oataway: https://www.linkedin.com/posts/the-next-economy_haynsw-regionaldevelopment-economictransition-activity-7495703550854086656-NTvP

    A big moment for offshore wind; Using a high-tech camera to monitor for bird flu

  7. Aug 24

    Renewables to the rescue; Bird flu jabs for penguins

    In this episode: Why thousands of penguins are being vaccinated and microchipped, and how a renewable energy deal will keep a big smelter that employs 1,000 people open for business.    Plus, we look at government efforts to cut carbon pollution by substituting biofuels for diesel and jet fuel, and substituting biogas for fossil gas.     And we talk about an exciting wind and solar project in Queensland!   Also in this episode we chat about a record season for Turtlewatch, and an attempt to fix the housing crisis affecting a threatened species of possum.    And find out what makes Nullarbor cave spiders so unusual!   Earthed is a quick, weekly round-up of climate of climate, nature and sustainability news from around Australia. It's hosted by climate and sustainability communications consultant Murray Griffin and sustainability consultant Franziska Curran. If you enjoy this episode please follow the show, and rate it!   Links this issue: New EPBC Act environmental standards: https://www.dcceew.gov.au/environment/epbc/epbc-act-reform/standards     Turtle hatchlings head out to sea: https://www.facebook.com/reel/9095412460585836    New government discussion papers: The Safeguard Mechanism - 2026-27 Safeguard Mechanism Review   Biofuels - https://consult.dcceew.gov.au/securing-australias-cleaner-fuels-industry-consultation    Renewable gas - National Renewable Gas Policy

    Renewables to the rescue; Bird flu jabs for penguins

  8. Aug 10

    Celebrating Landcare Week, Benefits of Environmental Flows and ACT Consulting on Phasing out Fossil Gas

    This week we celebrate National Landcare week – and the community benefits of being involved while also highlighting some of the pressure groups are under. Also, more concerning updates on bird flu, but there are other things we can and should be doing now to protect Australia's wildlife. Plus, ACT consults on how to manage the shift away from fossil fuels in a recent consultation paper. And we also look at what's actually involved in releasing environmental flows into our river systems – with the example of the Lower Lachlan River in NSW. Follow Earthed if you like this episode and want a quick, weekly round-up of climate of climate, nature and sustainability news from around Australia. Earthed is hosted by climate and sustainability communications consultant Murray Griffin and sustainability consultant Franziska Curran, and the Earthed team also includes Chris Dansie and Sophie Sideris. Links we mention in this episode - Peter Garrett talking about Landcare: https://www.facebook.com/reel/2478192176018497  Landcare survey results: https://landcareaustralia.org.au/media-release/new-survey-reveals-australians-are-finding-purpose-through-landcare-but-local-groups-are-under-pressure/  The head of the Invasive Species Council, Jack Gough, on risk from bird flu: https://invasives.org.au/media-releases/shocking-government-list-reveals-1-in-5-australian-birds-and-mammals-face-high-to-extreme-bird-flu-risk/ Paul Cavanagh on the benefits of hosting wind farms: https://www.theland.com.au/video/agricultural-news/xatktly/how-wind-turbines-saved-this-farmers-country/ Sundown solar farm's recent approval by the NSW Independent Planning Commission: https://www.ipcn.nsw.gov.au/news/sundown-solar-farm-approved-subject-conditions https://sundownsolarfarm.com.au https://www.planningportal.nsw.gov.au/major-projects/projects/sundown-solar-farm The ACT government consultation paper on how to phase out fossil gas use by 2045 https://www.cmtedd.act.gov.au/open_government/inform/act_government_media_releases/suzanne-orr-mla-media-releases/2026/consultation-begins-to-support-electrification Environmental flows and the example of the Lower Lachlan River in NSW where Winter environmental watering is underway! https://www.dcceew.gov.au/cewh/resources-media/news/lachlan-environmental-flow-targets-key-floodplains Clean Energy Finance Corporation data showing energy efficiency loans have helped Australian households slash energy bills by up to 80 per cent. https://www.cefc.com.au/media/media-release/two-years-on-heuf-households-are-saving-up-to-80-on-energy-bills/ Australian Energy Market Commission (AEMC) advice on data centres including the need to match their energy consumption with renewables: https://www.aemc.gov.au/news-centre/media-releases/data-centres-bring-clean-firm-energy-be-flexible-and-pay-their-way-aemc-advises-ministers

    Celebrating Landcare Week, Benefits of Environmental Flows and ACT Consulting on Phasing out Fossil Gas
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News and chat for people who like Australia's native plants and animals and who don't like climate pollution. From zoos breeding Lord Howe 'tree lobsters', to farmers hosting wind, solar and carbon farms - from Tasmanian rangers getting rid of feral cats on Little Dog Island, to Wollongong scientists inventing a better way to make hydrogen - we talk about it here. Hosted by Murray Griffin and Dr Franziska Curran. (Want more Australian sustainability news and conversations? Listen to our 'Track Changes' podcast, featuring chats with climate change and sustainability experts.)

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